Megachurches Prove Mega-Influential in GOP Primaries

[DonViejo]

The influence of religious conservatives might be waning nationwide, but the movement only stands to grow in Congress.

Already this year, three candidates with close ties to massive churches won decisive Republican primaries. A fourth — Pastor Jody Hice — could win a Tuesday GOP primary runoff in Georgia and come to Congress in November.

Their victories come as public opinion has shifted dramatically on some social issues, notably same-sex marriage, denounced by most religious conservatives. The rise of the tea party and libertarian factions in the Republican Party has also diluted the influence of social conservative activists in the GOP.

But in the case of these faith-figures-turned-pols, the candidates’ close relationships to their churches played a factor — perhaps the deciding one — in their victories.

“People generally like their pastor, and in politics it’s always good to be liked by voters,” said National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Greg Walden of Oregon.

more
http://atr.rollcall.com/religious-right-congress-jody-hice-georgia-2014/?dcz=emailalert

[yeoman6987]

1. The voters determine who is elected to Congress

Vote!!!!!

[Thinkingabout]

2. There is a big mix up in the churches with politics. A preacher preaches politics and a

Politician preaches God. People are leaving the churches because the main reason for attending was to hear about God and religious matters. When you attend a political rally you hear about how religious the candidate is instead of where they stand on the issues. I'm looking for the politicians to pass the collection plate and the churches to develop a database to solicit donations. Churches are becoming corrupt and the politicians are becoming more corrupt.

[AlinPA]

4. I've read a fair amount about fewer people going to church, and the increase in "nones",

but it seems the religious conservatives keep coming and IMO are taking over the GOP.

[FSogol]

3. LOL: Grifters gotta grift!

[Initech]

5. Time to start revoking some tax exempt status here.

If churches want to preach politics they pay. End of debate.