At GOP convention, Idaho priest prays for Obama's defeat

by Tom Gallagher

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As the tea party-esque Fortnight for Freedom rolls on, an Idaho priest asked God to find President Barack Obama a new job on Nov. 7 at the kickoff of the state GOP convention.

When asked for a reaction, the spokesman for the Boise diocese, headed by Bishop Michael Driscoll, punted. This appears to be just another example of the bishops' circle of protection around Republicans in advance of the November presidential election.

According to the Boise Weekly:

The Roman Catholic Diocese had no official comment when Boise Weekly asked about Father Michael St. Marie's choice of words June 22. But St. Marie wasn't simply commenting on the presidential election; he was praying in a very public setting.

"Dear Lord, I ask that on Tuesday, Nov. 7, you find a new job for President Obama," prayed St. Marie, faith leader of the St. Edward Parish in Twin Falls.

"The Diocese has no comment, but I can tell you that the Diocese does not condone or support any candidate for public office," Diocese spokesman Michael Brown told Citydesk.

St. Marie's prayer was greeted by cheers by nearly 400 Idaho Republicans June 22. His invocation opened the Idaho State GOP Convention.

When asked if the Diocese was aware of St. Marie's remarks, Brown gave another "no comment."

St. Marie's remarks, and the events leading up to the convention's election of delegates to support presumptive GOP nominee Mitt Romney are all profiled in the Wednesday, June 27, edition of Boise Weekly.

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