In Our Opinion: A candidate's true mettle lies beyond the lines of religion

When considering qualifications of candidates for elected office, how much weight should be put on personal matters not directly related to the job?

It's a question many voters are asked and sometimes told to consider virtually every election cycle and at least when national or state offices are up for grabs. And there are plenty of examples of campaigns and outside interest groups using aspects of candidates personal lives to cast doubt on their qualifications for office.

One personal attribute that seems to always raise its head, sometimes an ugly one, is that of a candidate's religious beli...