WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney ventured to Capitol Hill Thursday to meet with a group of about 40 House Republicans.

The former Massachusetts governor was invited to address the House GOP "theme team," chaired by Rep. Jack Kingston of Georgia. Romney addressed a range of issues, including how he will handle questions about his membership in the Mormon Church on the campaign trail.

On the issue of his religion, Romney "said that people of America want a person who's going to be a person of faith, regardless of their religion," Rep. Tom Price of Georgia told CNN. Romney cited several conservative religious leaders who agreed that faith would be an important issue in 2008, including Franklin Graham, Pat Robertson and Gary Bauer, he added.

Price, who has not formally endorsed a candidate yet, said he was impressed by Romney.

"He brings a kind of optimism and enthusiasm that our party needs," Price said.

A Romney campaign aide said that the former governor is in Washington for a series of meetings with Republican Members of Congress and party leaders around the Republican National Committee's winter meeting.