Gentlemen, I am a Catholic.
As far as possible, I go to Mass every day. This is a rosary. As far as possible, I kneel down and tell these beads, every day. If you reject me on account of my religion, I shall thank God that He has spared me the indignity of being your representative!" Hilaire Belloc, Liberal candidate for Parliament, in his maiden campaign speech before a largely Protestant crowd, Salford, England, 1906. He was elected.
Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgment; and he betrays, instead of serving you, if he sacrifices it to your opinion. Edmund Burke, Speech to the Electors of Bristol, Nov. 3, 1774
Now compare to Leon Panetta.