Some Republican figures urge candidates not to focus on Ground Zero mosque issue

By Karen Tumulty
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 18, 2010

As Republican candidates across the country seize on the proposed construction of a mosque near New York's Ground Zero as a campaign issue, some influential figures in the GOP are growing concerned that it could backfire.

Although public opinion is running overwhelmingly against the construction of the Islamic center, Republican strategists said there are dangers in pushing the issue too forcefully.

Pollster David Winston, who advises GOP congressional leaders, worries that the mosque controversy could overshadow the issues voters care about most. "While this is certainly an issue that has generated a lot of emotion, when it comes to voting, the election is going to be about the economy and jobs," he said.

Others fear that the party risks appearing intolerant of religious differences.

(More here.)