I have a story up this week about the fact that Mitt Romney’s Mormonism – a major hurdle in his challenge to win over the GOP’s base – is at the same time winning him a little extra sympathy from some Jewish Republicans. (Jews know what it’s like to face questions about one’s religion, after all.)

But one other point worth noticing here: As much as the press has picked up on the Mormon-As-Underdog theme, Romney faces tough questions about his faith not only because evangelical Christians and others have some irrational, unfair prejudice against Mormons. He also faces tough questions because of the history of Mormonism itself, including the faith’s longtime exclusion of African-Americans from its priesthood.

As he continues to mull whether to make a big JFK-esque speech, Romney’s also no doubt praying he won’t eventually be forced to speak on his faith’s more troubling history.

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