In an interview with MSNBC, Sen. Jim DeMint says Mitt Romney's Mormon faith won't be a political liability in 2012, arguing that Americans are looking for a candidate with "principle" and "courage" rather than focusing on religion.

Romney's Mormon faith had been thought to be somewhat of a political liability with socially conservative and evangelical Christian voters in the Republican primary. Romney tried to address those worries about his religion in a highly touted speech shortly before the Iowa caucuses last cycle.

This time, with the economy as a point of emphasis, Romney is facing fewer questions about his religion, though it's impossible to pinpoint just how much, if at all, it has diminished support for his campaign. Right now, he's the tentative front-runner for the GOP nomination, and he's not the only Mormon in the race: former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman (R) is also a Mormon.

As for DeMint's support, he's still keeping his powder dry when it comes to Romney or any other candidate. The South Carolina conservative said Romney "could" still win his endorsement, but that he's keeping a close eye on how the presidential candidates handle the upcoming fight over raising the debt limit.

(See also related Ramesh Ponnuru blog post.)