However, the distaste that some Republicans have for Mormons is the reason the alternate political structure in the United States would accept an LDS candidate. In a soon to be reconstituted post-Dean Democratic Party, candidates who espouse opinions on social issues that are moderate and acceptable to a majority of Americans will be welcomed.

The concerns regarding attacks on Mormon doctrine and beliefs are overrated because no religion is free from traditions that are strange to many. While many far right Republicans may feel comfortable in attacking Mormons inside their party enclaves, they will be blasted as bigots for similar activities in a general election. LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley, through his travels and media exposure, clearly demonstrates that Americans will embrace a thoughtful and compassionate Mormon. Sometime in the next 30 years, a member of the LDS Church will occupy the Oval Office and he/she will be a Democrat.

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Republican LaVarr Webb was policy deputy to Gov. Mike Leavitt and Deseret News managing editor. He now is a political consultant and lobbyist. E-mail: lwebb@exoro.com. Democrat Frank Pignanelli is Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser. A former candidate for Salt Lake mayor, Pignanelli served 10 years in the Utah House of Representatives, six years as House minority leader. Pignanelli's spouse, D'Arcy Dixon Pignanelli, is executive director of the state Department of Administrative Services in the Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. administration. E-mail: frankp@xmission.com.