Washington (CNN) -- Controversial remarks by the pastor of a Dallas church stole the spotlight from several Republican White House contenders Friday during the first day of the Values Voter Summit, an annual gathering of evangelicals and other social conservatives. After introducing Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Robert Jeffress, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Dallas, told reporters that Republicans shouldn't vote for White House hopeful Mitt Romney because he's a Mormon and described the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a "cult." Speaking live on CNN's "The Situation Room," Jeffress told CNN Political Correspondent Jim Acosta, "I think Mitt Romney's a good, moral man, but I think those of us who are born-again followers of Christ should always prefer a competent Christian to a competent non-Christian like Mitt Romney. So that's why I'm enthusiastic about Rick Perry."
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Rick Perry supporter says don't vote for Mitt Romney because he's a Mormon
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Robert Jeffress describes Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as 'cult'
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Perry distanced himself from comments on Friday
Contacted by CNN, the Romney campaign had no comment on @placeholder' remarks.