LDS Church Member seeks seat in Congress

Rob Cornilles (R), a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has begun his campaign for congress in 2010.  

Cornilles, a small business owner and life-long member of the Church, launched his campaign for Congress in August. Cornilles is running in Oregon’s first congressional district.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks in his devotional address last Tuesday, called for people like Cornilles to get involved in the “public square.”

“I have relied on an old military maxim that when there is a battle underway, persons who desire to join the fray should, ‘March to the sound of the guns.’ So it is that I invite you to march,” Elder Oaks said.

Elder Oaks also discussed religious affiliation in obtaining a political office. The constitution states, “No religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public trust under the United states (article VI).”

Cornilles does not see any issues with his religion hurting his political campaign.

“Why would religious affiliation hurt a republican candidate who shares the same religion as the democratic Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid? It hasn’t hurt him, so why should it hurt me? If someone who opposes me because of my religious faith doesn’t at the same time oppose him, they are demonstrating it’s not about religion, it’s about politics,” Cornilles said.

Cornilles hopes to help individuals and communities within his district to “achieve their full potential” according to his website,cornillesforcongress.com.

“We need representatives in Congress who are of the people,” Cornilles said .