Several Iowa Republicans told the Register Monday they are skeptical of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, but Carson’s affiliation with the church isn’t a reason to disqualify him for the White House.

“I do see Seventh-day as a cult, and I see it as outside of Christian orthodoxy,” said Dave Garlich, a 42-year-old Winterset Republican who works as an underwriter.

However, Garlich said, there’s a strong Seventh-day Adventist church in Winterset, and its members are good people who are earnest in their beliefs. He said he appreciates Carson’s political views, and Carson’s religion has nothing to do with why he doesn’t intend to caucus for him on Feb. 1. Garlich just thinks Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz is the better candidate.

“Even though (Cruz) is in Washington, I see him as combating the establishment thinking,” Garlich said.

Carson’s Seventh-day Adventist connection concerns Cedar Rapids retiree Barbara Nuechterlein.