I'm guessing the Main Street wing of the Republican Party likes Romney and his solid business background just fine. A majority of social conservatives would find him generally acceptable. He would have a hard time with the evangelical Christians who consider Mormonism a non-Christian cult. But Romney would be in good company because those folks also don't like John McCain, George Pataki, or Rudy Giuliani.

Can a Mormon become president? Can a woman become president? Can an African-American become president? Can a Jew become president? The answer to all is yes, under the right circumstances.

Pignanelli: Prior to his assassination, President John F. Kennedy was musing with friends about the upcoming 1964 elections. Of the prospective opponents, JFK feared Michigan Gov. George Romney the most. He believed Romney possessed a wholesomeness and honesty that would be endearing to voters. The man who broke the religious barrier in American politics did not view Romney's LDS Church affiliation as an obstacle.

I have participated in numerous discussions with LDS friends and colleagues concerning the topic of whether a Mormon can be elected president. Without exception, these associates explain to me that many generations will pass before a Mormon candidate is acceptable to the American electorate. As the token heathen in these conversations, I argue that our fellow countrymen can support an LDS candidate at any time. My devout friends respond that the LDS Church is hated or severely questioned in many parts of the country, with references to the slamming of doors during missionary activities. Others quote the 30 years of consistent polling that almost 20 percent of Americans will never vote for a Mormon. Further, larger Protestant denominations, especially Southern Baptists and Methodists, do not even consider Mormons Christians.

Mitt Romney must overcome the stranglehold Southern Christians have on the GOP. Furthermore, Romney's shift in positions on social issues is sure to be exploited by hard rock conservatives. Other influential Republicans are concerned with Mitt not because of religious faith but his political theology that is too flexible for many party loyalists.

Romney's dilemma is the brand of conservatism he and fellow Republican LDS politicians espouse — with a flavoring from LDS doctrine — is relatively practical and reasonable. On hot social issues including abortion policy (which provides for exceptions), stem cell research, teaching of evolution and others, Mormons are fairly moderate. Therefore, it may be impossible for a Mormon to receive the nomination from the Republican Party anytime soon.