We regularly hear from liberals how Catholic politicians (among others) need to put aside their personal morality and the teachings of their Church when it comes to the issue of abortion. Indeed, those who do are painted as heroes in the battle against sectarian theocratic impulses. Something similar happens with regards to the homosexual marriage issue. And yet somehow, liberal media outlets paint politicians like this one as heroic as they look for ways to impose their religious views on other public policy issues -- with results that are acceptable to liberals, even as those beliefs are opposed by the majority of Americans.

Sen. Alex X. Mooney (R-Frederick) is proud of his conservative record in the Maryland legislature.

But as a devout Catholic, he is also guided by his religious beliefs.

Today, as Maryland begins to debate the death penalty, Mooney finds himself wrestling with how to deal with a bill that calls for abolishing capital punishment and replacing it with life without parole.

"I am conflicted," said Mooney, a member of the Senate Judicial Proceedings committee, which is scheduled to hear testimony on the bill today. "I try to look at it from a moral and philosophical point of view. Is it right to use the death penalty when there is another option, life in jail?"

It is a wonderful piece, and raises all sorts of arguments -- pro and con -- about the death penalty/life without parole debate. But could you imagine the Washington Post running an article like this about a liberal legislator going against the grain on abortion or gay rights, and seeking to bring their Catholic religious values into the legislative process? There would be howls of outrage!

And interestingly enough, I'm not going to condemn Mooney. He is acting well-within the framework intended by our Founders, who expected legislators to consider a whole range of beliefs and values, including religious ones, as they evaluate public policy choices. Mooney is acting in the best tradition of those same Founders. It's a pity that actions such as his are not respected by the Left when it might lead to policy decisions they oppose.