QUAERITUR: Catholics For Romney?

48 Responses to QUAERITUR: Catholics For Romney?

1. Sissy says:

   13 October 2012 at 12:11 pm

   I’ve received a few emails from them, but I haven’t seen any evidence of activity in my state (we’re about 3% Catholic, or so I’ve heard).
2. Sissy says:

   13 October 2012 at 12:13 pm

   sorry, that was a typo…should read 13%.
3. Geoffrey says:

   13 October 2012 at 12:23 pm

   Nope. Though I am in California. Silly electoral college!
4. rob_p says:

   13 October 2012 at 12:24 pm

   Got a phone call asking me to volunteer and help the campaign connect with local parishes…
5. wanda says:

   13 October 2012 at 12:26 pm

   I can’t think of anything recently from them. I initially saw the Catholics for Romney on Catholic Vote Action site and signed on.
6. Lisa Graas says:

   13 October 2012 at 12:29 pm

   I had no idea such a group existed.
7. iPadre says:

   13 October 2012 at 1:35 pm

   Nothing, and this is Rhode Island. The now, 2nd (formerly the first, but Mass has taken that distinction) most Catholic state.
8. Frances M says:

   13 October 2012 at 3:58 pm

   Today I was parked in our parish parking lot next to a van with a “Catholics for Romney & Ryan” bumpersticker.
9. joan ellen says:

   13 October 2012 at 4:40 pm

   Nobody has sent an email as yet. Perhaps I’ll send out an inquiry.
10. Philip Gerard Johnson says:

    13 October 2012 at 4:54 pm

    In NC they are hosting debate watching parties, panel discussions about voting with an informed conscience, etc. Tonight they are hosting a BBQ to discuss the VP debate.
11. Sissy says:

    13 October 2012 at 5:20 pm

    That is a great report, PGJ! That’s encouraging.
12. Eric says:

    13 October 2012 at 6:38 pm

    Yes. They’re also known as “normal people.” I talk with them all the time.
13. dbqcatholic says:

    13 October 2012 at 6:53 pm

    It looks like an official part of the Romney campaign (www.MittRomney.com/Catholics). They had signs with the “Catholics for Romney” slogan avaliable to hold at the Paul Ryan speaking event last week at (Catholic) Loras College in Dubuque IA.
14. Sissy says:

    13 October 2012 at 7:03 pm

    dbqcatholic said : “It looks like an official part of the Romney campaign”

    I’m pretty sure it is….my emails from that group have come from the Romney campaign, as far as I can tell. I get a lot more email from Lawyers for Romney, though, and I’m signed up with both. Lawyers for Romney put me to work right away. I haven’t heard much from Catholics for Romney.
15. Monica says:

    13 October 2012 at 7:08 pm

    Philip G. Johnson, seminarian from NC, I’m so happy to see your post! My prayers for your improved health and vocation, continue.
    Never heard of Catholics for Romney here in Virginia, though I get lots of robocalls from the RNC.
16. DD says:

    13 October 2012 at 7:27 pm

    I didn’t think this was a serious question — after all, which other candidate could Catholics possibly be for.
17. JKnott says:

    13 October 2012 at 8:22 pm

    Catholics for Romney Ryan can be purchased here:
    http://www.zazzle.com/catholic_for_romney_ryan_bumper_sticker-128699080423000606

    Nice graphics with the crucifix over the flag
18. Chris Garton-Zavesky says:

    13 October 2012 at 9:37 pm

    Father,

    Since I live in California, where it is a foregone conclusion that Mr. Obama will win, would it be a proper, moral choice to vote for a ticket which was 100% pro life, instead of for Mr. Romney, whose position is “except for rape, incest and the life of the mother”? If I lived in Ohio, I could see that it would be compelling to vote for Mr. Romney, because my vote could make the difference, and because there are no other choices, if I understand correctly.

    I know that we have (as per then Cardinal Ratzinger) moral grounds to vote for Mr. Romney even though he is not 100% pro life, in an attempt to help defeat a greater evil by settling for a lesser evil. This is why I raise the question, since our Electoral College means that 50%+1 and 99% of the popular vote in California amount to the same thing.

    God bless,

    Chris
19. Marine Mom says:

    14 October 2012 at 9:11 am

    I did view a bumper sticker in Tampa FL, stating OBAMA CATHOLIC.
    Not good. St Michael pray for us
20. dcs says:

    14 October 2012 at 9:24 am

    I didn’t think this was a serious question — after all, which other candidate could Catholics possibly be for.

    A third-party candidate or none of the above.
21. wmeyer says:

    14 October 2012 at 10:11 am

    A third-party candidate or none of the above.

    Thus failing to exercise your obligation to citizenship through removal of the very demonstrable evil of Obama.
22. Mary Ann says:

    14 October 2012 at 12:43 pm

    I ‘liked’ the Facebook page “Catholics for Romney” some number of weeks ago. For their FB statement: “Gov. Romney is committed to repealing ObamaCare and the HHS Mandates. These policies are a direct threat to the conscience of Catholics across America.” I recommend the page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Catholics-for-Romney/309626799085392
23. ckdexterhaven says:

    14 October 2012 at 2:04 pm

    Went to a Catholics for Romney get together in Raleigh last night. About 50-75 ppl there. They showed clip of Biden/Ryan speaking about how abortion relates to Catholicism. A LOT of groans when Biden was speaking.

    Also had an awesome homily this morning. Our priest informed us of the 5 intrinsic evils a Catholic could never vote for. Oorah!
24. Chris Garton-Zavesky says:

    14 October 2012 at 7:36 pm

    WMeyer:

    “Thus failing to exercise your obligation to citizenship through removal of the very demonstrable evil of Obama.”

    Few on this blog are going to dispute the “very demonstrable evil of Obama”. [Please note that I said few, since trolls aside there are some here who appear to be sympathetic to his work]. If we live in a state which could go either way, there’s no question that voting for Mr. Romney is choosing a lesser evil to prevent a greater one. That sidesteps the point: if there is on our ballot the chance to vote for an actual prolife candidate, aren’t we obligated to take that choice?
25. Sissy says:

    15 October 2012 at 10:02 am

    For anyone considering voting 3rd party, please watch this presentation. It makes some good points.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKOem7wiVIQ&feature=youtu.be
26. marissa.farrell says:

    15 October 2012 at 10:20 am

    Yes! I am the NC Catholics for Romney Director. I work to engage, educate and activate Catholics in NC . Catholics in NC have stepped up and hosted “Life and Liberty” house parties and debate watch parties. We have Catholic Call Nights every Tuesday night at Victory Offices across the state. Our prayer warriors participate in various novena’s for the upcoming elections. We also started 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting at the end of September. Catholics in NC are engaged and participating in the swing state/battle ground fight as well as the spiritual battle.

    There are “Catholics for Romney” directors in most swing states. If you want to join the national coalition go to http://www.mittromney.com/coalitions/catholics-for-romney

    I’m sure we all know that Obama won 54% of the Catholic vote in ’08. Since 1972, whoever won the Catholic vote, won the election. It is vital that we educate Catholics on the non-negotiable/intrinsic evil issues and get them to the polls! The Catholic vote is the swing vote in this election.
27. wmeyer says:

    15 October 2012 at 10:29 am

    Excellent video, Sissy.
28. Sissy says:

    15 October 2012 at 10:43 am

    wmeyer: I hope some who are on the fence will watch it. It summarizes nicely, and helps crystalize why we have to vote for Romney regardless of our ideals of political perfection.
29. Texana says:

    15 October 2012 at 9:12 pm

    What about voting for [?] the intrinsic evil of legal abortion in the case of rape, incest, health of the mother, or if the doctor states that the infant will probably die soon after birth from defects (acceptable according to the official Mormon website)? Voting for the lesser evil still means you are voting for evil, right? Are we to vote to save our nation without regard to our souls?

    [Who among the readers here would be likely to be voting for intrinsic evils? I can't imagine that many of the readers of this blog would be in favor of those things. Were we to vote for a candidate precisely because he promotes those evil things, we would be cooperating with evil and would commit a mortal sin. We can, however, and I think we must choose the better among candidates. But no one here, I am sure, would vote "FOR" those things you mention. At least I hope no one here would do that.]
30. Texana says:

    16 October 2012 at 4:32 pm

    Thank you Fr for your comment. Now I understand how 54% of Catholics voted for Obama in 2008. They were voting “FOR” social and economic justice in concern for the poor. They ignored his advocacy for abortion. Can a reader vote for Romney as a pragmatic decision and pretend that Romney does not advocate same-sex marriage and abortion? Can a Catholic vote for any candidate who would permit the murder of innocent children for the sins of adults? Whatever the outcome of the election, each one of us will be held accountable for our vote before God Almighty!
31. Sissy says:

    16 October 2012 at 4:51 pm

    Texana, can you really vote for someone who thinks infanticide is ok? Do you really not see the value in voting for someone who is more likely to appoint a pro-life Justice than someone who will definitely appoint a pro-abortion Justice? Your question is a strawman; Obama’s policies are not “for social and economic justice in concern for the poor”. So, there is NO choice in this election. Our leaders have told us repeatedly and without equivocation: no faithful Catholic can vote for a pro-abort candidate.

    For those who are interested, Catholics for Romney is having a conference call on Friday to talk about upcoming events/plans. If anyone is interested, I’ll send the details to Fr. Z.
32. Texana says:

    16 October 2012 at 5:13 pm

    Sissy
    Yes, I agree with you–no faithful Catholic can vote for a pro-abort candidate! Romney is for legal abortion in the case of rape, incest, “health” of the mother.
33. Texana says:

    16 October 2012 at 10:31 pm

    Just to be clear, not to vote is to vote. As Sissy stated, our Church teaches that no faithful Catholic can vote for a pro-abortion candidate; therefore, no Catholic can vote for Pres. Obama and no Catholic can vote for Romney. They both advocate abortion, an intrinsic evil. Vote as if your soul depends on it–because it does!
34. Sissy says:

    16 October 2012 at 10:35 pm

    Texana, I’m sorry; you aren’t making any sense. The Holy Father has said that if neither candidate is 100% pro-life, you vote for the one who is most pro-life. He addressed this issue directly. So, your claim that a good Catholic can’t vote for Governor Romney is incorrect, according to Pope Benedict XVI. I’ll take his advice over yours.
35. Texana says:

    17 October 2012 at 8:56 am

    Sissy
    Please give the document, date you cite as Pope Benedict XVI’s direct reference to this election. Thank you.
36. wmeyer says:

    17 October 2012 at 9:01 am

    Texana, if you vote for a 3rd party candidate, or abstain altogether, you do two things: first, you fail in your responsibility as a citizen and Catholic by refusing to help evict the current officeholder, whose pro-abortion stance is objectively evil, and second, you very likely reduce the likelihood that Romney can win.

    History shows that splinter votes most often favor the incumbent. And this late in the election cycle, there is simply no 3rd party option which would be able to get any votes in the Electoral College.
37. Sissy says:

    17 October 2012 at 10:58 am

    Texana, google is your friend, or in this case not your friend. The Holy Father’s statement on proportionate causes is well known. I’ve already linked to it a number of times on this blog. You must do as you think is best based on a well-formed conscience.
38. Texana says:

    17 October 2012 at 11:20 am

    Sissy
    Are you referring to Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger’s confidential memorandun entitiled “Worthiness to Receive Holy Communion: General Principles”?
39. Sissy says:

    17 October 2012 at 11:31 am

    Texana, I think you will find this helpful; I believe it will answer all your concerns:

    http://www.priestsforlife.org/vote/votingwithclearconscience.htm#choosing
40. wmeyer says:

    17 October 2012 at 11:36 am

    Sissy, one essential point from that article: One of the two of them will be elected; there is no question about that. … But by your vote, you can keep the worse person out. And trying to do that is not only legitimate, but good.

    It may not be obvious to all, out of context, but the article does an excellent job of framing the issues, and our responsibilities.
41. Sissy says:

    17 October 2012 at 11:55 am

    wmeyer, you’re so right. That is the key issue. I wish all Catholics would read Fr. Pavone’s guide…he addresses all the issues very clearly. I liked the quote from Cardinal O’Conner also:
    “Suppose all candidates support ‘abortion rights’? … One could try to determine whether the position of one candidate is less supportive of abortion than that of another. Other things being equal, one might then morally vote for a less supportive position. If all candidates support “abortion rights” equally, one might vote for the candidate who seems best in regard to other issues” (1990, “Abortion: Questions and Answers”).
42. Texana says:

    17 October 2012 at 3:23 pm

    The Devil’s best trick is to persuade millions of Catholics that they can vote for a candidate who advocates legal abortion, an intrinsic evil, without losing their souls.
43. wmeyer says:

    17 October 2012 at 3:25 pm

    No, Texana, the Devil’s best trick is to secure a second term for the most pro-abortion president in our history by persuading millions of Catholics to squander their votes.
44. Sissy says:

    17 October 2012 at 3:35 pm

    Texana said: The Devil’s best trick is to persuade millions of Catholics that they can vote for a candidate who advocates legal abortion, an intrinsic evil, without losing their souls.”

    I’m not quite following your argument. Are you saying that our Holy Father, Fr. Frank Pavone, and Cardinal O’Conner are the devil? That seems unlikely to me. Maybe you should rethink that theory. By the way, your quote is way off. The devil’s best trick is convincing people he doesn’t exist.
45. Texana says:

    17 October 2012 at 7:05 pm

    “The devil’s best trick is to persuade you that he doesn’t exist.” Quote by Charles Pierre Baudelaire (1821-1867)
    From the movie, “The Usual Suspects”, 1995: Verbal Kent: “The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist. And like that, poof. He’s gone.”
46. Sissy says:

    17 October 2012 at 7:30 pm

    Texana, ummm, yeah, that’s what I said. Glad we agree on something!
47. acardnal says:

    20 October 2012 at 1:32 pm

    Texana, to help you understand why we can sometimes vote for someone who may/may not be 100 percent pro-life, I would like to quote this section from Blessed John Paul II’s encyclical Evangelicum Vitae:

    ” . . . when it is not possible to overturn or completely abrogate a pro-abortion law, an elected official, whose absolute personal opposition to procured abortion was well known, could licitly support proposals aimed at limiting the harm done by such a law and at lessening its negative consequences at the level of general opinion and morality. This does not in fact represent an illicit cooperation with an unjust law, but rather a legitimate and proper attempt to limit its evil aspects.”

    So, with respect to the above, Fr. Stephen F. Torraco, Ph.D. says “Logically, it follows from these words of the Pope that a voter may likewise vote for that candidate who will most likely limit the evils of abortion and any other moral evil at issue.”
    -from “A Brief Catechism for Catholic Voters”, Leaflet Missal Co., +Imprimatur AB Nienstedt
48. acardnal says:

    20 October 2012 at 1:33 pm

    sic Evangelium Vitae