NEW YORK (AP) - Forget the Mormon moment. The religious group that seems to be figuring most prominently in the presidential election right now is the Roman Catholic Church.
With Mitt Romney's recent choice of Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan as running mate, this campaign is the first in which Catholics are on both major party tickets. Vice President Joe Biden and Ryan are lifelong Catholics who attend Mass regularly and credit the church with shaping their views.
At the same time, New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan plans a prime-time appearance next week, giving the benediction at the Republican National Convention.
With little over two months until the election, both Romney and Obama are working to court these traditional swing voters given that polls show the race is tight and anything can tip the balance.
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