Does religion have too much influence in American Politics today?

Yes, from Article Six of the US Constitution ">no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.".

I would argue that there is too much influence, but not nearly as much as the fringe right is trying for. However, I would say religion is waning in influence.

The GOP is trying to force religious issues such as the current "fight" over contraception, but polls show that out of GOP, Independent, and Democratic male and female voters, the only group that says insurance companies should not cover contraception is GOP males -- and even that is by only a bare majority.

9/10 Americans believe in God so yes I would say that influences personal characteristics therefore determining who some voters vote for.

An atheist president would have a very hard time getting elected no matter how good their policies are for the particular reason that they are an atheist.

Speaking as a non American I would say yes. If the politicians in Europe started saying that they would run a country along religious lines they would have no chance of being elected to office.

You just have to look at the worldwide reaction to George Bush saying the war in Iraq was a "crusade". That instantly put the entire world on standby for a total religious backlash that is still going on today.

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=george%20...

http://www.csmonitor.com/2001/0919/p12s2-woeu.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/1563722.stm

Depends on how you mean that. I would say we want to be as far away from theocracy as possible. But I dont think its inappropriate to examine the religious beliefs of political candidates. If a candidate is crazy, I want to know.

Yes, to a very sickening degree.

I believe we should keep our law and principals based on religion. But the Constitution does let you choose your own religion so Santorum shouldn't be trying to force catholicismsm on other people.

yes.