What does RELIGION have to do with the Presidency?

OK, I've been quiet for a year or so. I'm sure my conservative friends can rejoice in that. This debacle called the Republican Primary Race just has my blood boiling (aside from the occasional belly laugh). Besides the inability for our political system to come up with intelligent leaders as choices for our electorate, the whole thing of religion in government is probably the biggest problem I'm having with this "race". Santorum, and Romney seem to think it is a prerequisite to parade their religious beliefs along with their race to Tampa. To me that is just pandering to a people's emotional, religious and other cultural beliefs just to get votes. The last time I looked we had a very strong principle of CHURCH-STATE separation. And for a good reason. Our forefathers knew that their European forefathers had escaped from State run religions which forced you to attend church, tithe your money, pretend in beliefs you didn't believe in, suffer persecution when you disobeyed the state favored religion and a host of other indignities. They wanted a variety of religious beliefs to be tolerated. I thought we still did. For example. This weekend, Santorum is quoted as saying: Obama's agenda is "not about you. It's not about your quality of life. It's not about your jobs. It's about some phony ideal. Some phony theology. Oh, not a theology based on the Bible. A different theology," I'm sure he was referring to the administrations suggestion that church affiliated health organizations to provide government funds for abortions. Well, first of all, what makes Santorums religion better than Obama's and what makes him think the abortion issue has anything to do with religion? Abortions are generally done to protect the health and well-being of a mother, not to praise the devil or spit in God's face. The phrase "phony theology" is a laughable term. What theology is not phoney, or better said, what theology has been proven not to be phoney or any other level of honesty? I believe that anyone should be able to believe what they want about the creation of the world, or of humans or whatever, as long as they leave me and others alone. ..and especially that they don't impose their beliefs on the government or on laws that others have to observe. There are several conflicting sects of religions in this country. Many different Christians, Mormon, Jewish, Moslems, Islams, Buddhists, atheists and more! Any candidate that talks about their religious beliefs as a central part of their platform raises the issue of State mandated religious beliefs or religious influenced laws. I do understand that a devout religious zealot is supposed to incorporate his beliefs into his daily life and actions. That's what should make us afraid of their candidacy! Do you want someone that is fervent about a specific religion to make it to the most powerful office in the world and potentially make his decisions based on those beliefs?