Laurie Goodstein has an interesting piece in today’s NYT noting that Mitt Romney’s bid for the presidency has Mormons both proud of one of their own and wary of the renewed attention of a religion viewed by many as a cult. Romney’s hamhanded handling of questions about some of Mormonisms more controversial practices hasn’t helped.

My suspicion is that, despite large cash reserves and leading in the polls in New Hampshire, Romney’s campaign will be short-lived. I don’t see him emerging as the chief alternative to Rudy Giuliani, especially with Fred Thompson and possibly Newt Gingrich waiting in the wings.

If I’m wrong, though, Romney’s religion will be front-and-center of the media’s scrutiny of his candidacy.