Utah Democrats rethink issue of Palin's religion

Team CoverageUtah Democrats are hoping to move past a misguided attack on Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin's supposed "anti-Mormon" religion.

A news release from the Utah Democratic Party refers to, "Sarah Palin, a devout member of an anti-Mormon denomination."

That denomination is an Assembly of God congregation in Alaska. It says it doesn't have an official stance on Mormons and Palin hasn't been a member since 2002.

Democratic State Sen. Pat Jones says enough of these attacks, from either side. "I think we need to step up a notch and start saying the things we need to do and be positive," she said.

The state party's executive director says it was a mistake, and they should have looked into that a little more. The party chair says there are no plans to make Palin's religion an issue.

In St. Paul, Utah Republicans were impressed with Palin.

The packed house at the Xcel Energy Center was having a great time listening to Romney, Huckabee and Giuliani. But when Sarah Palin took the stage, the crowd noise was like being at a Utah Jazz playoff game.

"I thought it was great. It was really encouraging and she really took off her gloves and showed America that she is very determined," one delegate said.

"I've been looking for a long time for America's Margaret Thatcher, and I found her tonight," another delegate said.

Those comments came from the Utah delegation just moments after Palin's speech. They obviously were very impressed.

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