Dr. Weinberg's recent column on Mormonism was well-written, informative, and timely. Though their history is interesting, a critical analysis of Mormonism, however, shows it to be riddled with contradictions. For the sake of space, we'll only consider two at this time.
First, Weinberg noted that the Mormon church derives their doctrines from four sources: the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. The problem here is simple: the Bible and the Book of Mormon cannot be harmonized, so how can they use them both? For instance, the apostle Paul teaches in Galatians 1:8,9 of the Bible that even if an angel from heaven preached a different gospel than the one the apostles revealed in the first century, that angel would be under God's curse! Yet Joseph Smith claims an angel did bring a new message to him (a message far different than the one Jesus and the apostles preached), telling him where to find the alleged golden plates. Even if Smith were telling the truth about the angel and the plates, his actions are condemned by the Bible! Smith brought a different gospel into the world than what the Holy Spirit and the apostles delivered. According to the Bible, Smith's actions have brought him under God's curse.
So, who will we believe and which holy book will we accept? Will I go with the apostle Paul and the Bible or with Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon? I cannot consistently embrace both since the Bible condemns the very existence of the Book of Mormon! Mormons, let me kindly say that you can't have it both ways. If the Book of Mormon is true and approved of God, then the Bible is false. If the Bible is true (and I believe there is plenty of evidence to establish this), then the Book of Mormon is false. I can only think of one reason why Mormons attempt to embrace both--that is, to try to gain the respect of Bible believers. Truly, they prefer their book over the Bible, which becomes apparent when you sit down and study with them.
Second, as Weinberg noted, Mormons believe that when two devout Mormons are married, they "are consecrated 'for time and all eternity'." This doctrine contradicts the Bible also. Jesus plainly taught in Matthew 22:29,30 that marriage does not exist in the afterlife. One who is joined to a mate by God here on Earth will not be joined to that person in the hereafter. Marriage is intended to last until death separates the two, and death most certainly separates the two! Again, we kindly ask, who is right: Jesus or Joseph Smith? Mormonism contradicts the Bible in many places and is false.
Lest I be misunderstood, though I believe there are numerous fatal flaws with Mormon theology, I have no ill will against Mormons personally. When they knock on my door, I invite them in and treat them politely. However, it's been my experience that when they are confronted with the matters discussed above (and other challenges), they have no good answers. They soon look for the door, affirming that they will come back with answers! But, they never come back.
All that being said, if a candidate for a political office was a Mormon and seemed to be the best available choice for the job, I would cast my vote for such a one without fear (cf. Rom. 13:1). For me, moral issues are the primary determining factor in whom I vote for, but that's a topic for another day (cf. Prov. 14:34).