Yesterday a few press outlets got excited when also-ran 2008 presidential candidate and Colorado congressman Tom Tancredo proposed a bet with rival hopeful and Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney: Tancredo would withdraw from the race if the Rockies lose the World Series. Romney would pull out if the Red Sox loose.
Romney didn't take the bait, but we imagine longshot Tancredo enjoying a few moments in the spotlight that he otherwise avoids. But was the whole thing a subtle jab at Romney's Mormonism? It wouldn't be the first time Tancredo has used the religion for a headline or two. Last time, he challenged Romney to a loser-drops-out trap shooting contest.
Romney's religion strictly prohibits him from betting.
According to Mormon doctrine: "The Church has been and now is unalterably opposed to gambling in any form whatever. It is opposed to any game of chance, occupation, or so-called business, which takes money from the person who may be possessed of it without giving value received in return. It is opposed to all practices the tendency of which is to encourage the spirit of reckless speculation, and particularly to that which tends to degrade or weaken the high moral standard which members of the Church, and our community at large, have always maintained.... We therefore advise and urge all members of the Church to refrain from participation in any activity which is contrary to the view herein set forth."
Investing $17 million of one's own money in a presidential bid must constitute an exception.