Faith has always played a role in politics, from the founding fathers’ inclusion of God in many of the country’s original documents to modern day where President Barack Obama has had to defend his stance as a Protestant and deflect theories that he is Muslim.

While it may not be as historic as electing the first black president in 2008, Mitt Romney has a chance to break new ground when it comes to faith in the White House by becoming the first Mormon president.

The 2012 race has launched the generally overlooked religion into the national spotlight and with that an opportunity to educate the public and address misconceptions, said local Mormon leader Michael Evans.