"Whatever happens, the white Catholic vote has proven to be one that has been most in play during this election. Where they finally land could determine the election." I doubt that is accurate, I rather think it is arrogant to give white Catholics voters (a group that includes the author) such importance in the election. More relevant, I belief that when the cleric looks at Catholics as a voting block, they are hoping to influence politics. The separation of state and church does not only protect our democracy, it also protects our faith - we are allowed to vote in consciousness. Not following the Catholic political agenda (like opposing gay marriage and the legal right to abortion) does not make us less catholic. It makes us more civil, in the literal sense of the word.