Governor John Rowland, R-Connecticut, who is under criminal investigation and impeachment proceedings for robbing the state blind, praised "The Passion of the Christ" on Sunday.

" "I think there is an explosion of faith taking place in our country," he told reporters. "And it is an explosion of faith because evil is everywhere."

"It is unbelievable. It is breathtaking," Rowland said at a groundbreaking ceremony for a Hartford church. "It shakes you to the core of your soul.

"But it is the Gospel, and people need to recognize and realize that we need to reach out to faith. We need to reach out to each other and, most importantly, we need to reach out to the power above us."

Rowland said he saw the movie Thursday with the Rev. William Marotti of the New Life Church in Meriden and a member of the governor's faith-based council." "

Like Bill Clinton before him, Rowland has embraced God as the gods are closing in on him.

Nothing is more amusing than watching beleaguered politicians develop a sudden affection for religion. In Rowland's case, it is particularly egregious because he has savagely cut benefits for the state's poorest citizens and, in his private life, has set a standard of behavior that makes Clinton look saintly.

We can expect more politicians to flock to "The Passion" to save their souls---and hides.