When pundits talk about religion and politics they usually include obligatory references to Republican ties to the “religious right.” Based on recent history, there’s some justification for the connection. John McCain won “born again” white voters 74%-24% in 2008, and George W. Bush prevailed with this group by similar margins in 2000 and 2004.

But another motive fuels the near-obsessive emphasis on Republican success with people of faith–particularly among commentators on the political left. Closely linking the GOP to the religiously observant potentially drives away those whose faith plays a less central role in their lives. Republicans are so tight with Jesus — detractors say — that doubting Thomases need not apply.