Philadelphia, Pa., Mar 28, 2008 / 23:25 pm
As the last major primary state for the Democratic Party presidential contest and a contested state in the general election, Pennsylvania Catholics could play a key role in determining the presidential race.
The Bulletin reports that there are nearly 3.8 million Catholics in the state, 31 percent of the total population.
"While a candidate cannot win on the Catholic vote alone, there is no doubt Pennsylvania Catholics are a key swing vote candidates must understand," said Kathy Coll, a Catholic who is president of the Pro-Life Coalition. "No politician can win if they have upset the Catholic apple cart."
Some observers see an internal struggle taking place in American Catholicism as believers try to reconcile their religious and moral duties with their involvement in both political parties.