"I am relatively philosophical about my life, and I try to be consistent in whatever I do," Cannon said. "I question all the time what I believe and why I believe and how it relates to the legislation at hand. Religion covers a large part of what we do as human beings. I am a Mormon and those ideas extend into every aspect of my life."

Cannon has also seen the increased religious overtones in recent years. He attributes it to an awakening among the public generally that believes "there is a God and there is a judgment. More people are thinking of ultimate responsibility as they stand before their Creator and be held responsible for what they do in this life."

Rep. Jim Matheson, Utah's only Democrat in the delegation, said he casts his votes based on the merits of each issue and "what is best for the people of Utah. The values that guide me in this job are Utah values — faith, family, hard work and duty to community."

Bennett said there is no question that his faith factors in. "But there's no doubt in my mind that all my colleagues with religious convictions feel the importance of those convictions when they make political decisions."

Hatch agrees, saying religious convictions are part of "what and who you are," and that his own faith "guides my decisions to do what is right and let the consequences follow."

Bishop said he hears from people from time to time who accuse him of casting votes to please the LDS Church hierarchy, something "that has never been the case," not that the church has ever asked them to vote a certain way, they say.

"But religion is an important part of my mind-set and philosophy," Bishop said. "And it plays into my decisions just as it does with anyone with convictions."

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