Connecticut voters oppose mixing religion and politics.

Religious talk on the presidential campaign trail may be popular in some parts of the nation, but Connecticut apparently isn't part of that landscape.

A poll conducted by the Center for Survey Research and Analysis at the University of Connecticut and reported on in late August by The Courant shows that 68 percent of respondents "don't like it when politicians rely on their religious beliefs" in forming public policy.

Fifty-four percent said their religious convictions play no role in which candidates they'll support on Election Day. The poll showed also that even voters who described their religious beliefs as "extremely important" said religious leaders should stay out of politics.

Monika McDermott, the center's research director, told the Hartford newspaper, "One of the things that makes Connecticut distinct is that even the most religious residents believe religious leaders shouldn't get involved in politics."

The Connecticut survey also differed from a national one regarding the role of religion in politics. The Connecticut poll showed that 44 percent of residents said religion played too much of a role in politics. A poll released by Newsweek in the spring revealed that only 32 percent said religion had too much influence.