On June 9, the Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan released a national survey on religion and public life. The study gauged the political attitudes and preferences of mainline Protestants, Roman Catholics, evangelicals, and religiously unaffiliated voters. It found that for the first time in polling history, more mainline Protestants identify with the Democratic Party than the Republican Party. According to the study, 46 percent of mainline Protestants call themselves Democrats, compared to 37 percent who describe themselves as Republican. Nonetheless, John McCain has an edge with mainline Protestants voters over presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama (44 percent versus 38 percent). Eighteen percent of mainline Protestants say they are undecided.
