Romney embraces Jones endorsement despite anti-Mormon views

MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney embraced his association with Christian conservative Bob Jones III today despite Jones’ sharp criticism of the Mormon faith central to Romney’s life.

The former Massachusetts governor told a New Hampshire crowd he’s proud to have the support of people who don’t agree with his faith, but think he’s the right person to be president.

Bob Jones University, a Greenville school named for Jones’s grandfather that is influential with some conservative Christians, teaches its students that Mormonism is a cult.

Jones, the university’s chancellor, said last week he was backing Romney because he believes the GOP presidential contender embraces conservative values.

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