If a candidate is running for political office, should his religion of choice matter? Most certainly, for a man or woman's religious beliefs will influence the decisions they make. To suggest otherwise is to suggest that religion has nothing to say about policy issues such as how to help the poor and whether abortion should be legal, or that these beliefs will somehow be set aside for all decisions of national concern.
The Lord instructs us to seek out "honest and wise men" for our leaders. A man or woman's religion, and more especially the extent to which he or she lives that religion are thus very important factors to consider.