But the suspicion about Mormons does not just come from evangelical Christians but also from many who are more politically liberal. The same Hotline poll found that 38 percent of Democrats also had an unfavorable view of Mormons. Why? To some extent, it could be the perception that the church and its members hold only politically conservative views and are closely associated with the Republican Party.

Yet, that perception is not quite correct either. The church has a history of sharing common ground with political liberals and Democrats in doctrine and policy. For example, like environmentalists, church leaders have emphasized stewardship principles over the natural environment that require us to act wisely in preserving the world God has given us.

Similarly, the church has taken a midpoint on the abortion debate that does not match the position of the Republican Party. The church allows exceptions to an abortion ban in cases of serious effects on the health of the mother or the presence in the fetus of fatal deformities. These exceptions are anathema to most Republicans and suggest the church believes in giving women more choice in abortion decisions than would Republicans.

In order for a Mormon to become president, Mormons will have to achieve a high level of acceptance of others who are not LDS. And the church and its members will have to be perceived as not tied to one political party but sharing values with a broad swath of Americans. Similarly, the religious bigotry some hold will have to be driven out, much as our nation is doing with racial discrimination and gender bias.

Mitt Romney's campaign will illuminate some of the deep prejudices of both LDS people and their critics. Hopefully, it also will help diminish anti-Mormon prejudices and help LDS people find common ground with the "world" around us.

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Richard Davis is a professor of political science at Brigham Young University.