Pignanelli: "The decline of frontier Mormonism" was the explanation offered by my late friend James Noble Kimball as to why colorful characters like his great-uncle, J. Golden Kimball, are a rarity in Utah. He mourned the decline of hardscrabble, outspoken characteristics of the men and women who crossed the Plains and developed this desert.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, an active LDS member, demonstrated this uncommon demeanor in his bold but endearing speech at Brigham Young University 12 days ago. The father of three missionaries praised Franklin Delano Roosevelt, honored labor unions and declared the social responsibility of Democrats in harmony with LDS principles. In the heart of Utah County, the ridiculous presumption that Democrats could not be devout LDS was obliterated.

Reminiscent of frontier Mormonism, Reid observed "some very prominent members of the church, like Ezra Taft Benson, who are really right-wing people ... have taken members of the church down the path that is the wrong path." Reid incurred severe criticism from fellow members. Yet he never questioned doctrine or prophets, just individual members. President Benson was a kind, warm father figure beloved by members and nonmembers. However, Benson as a younger church leader expressed troubling declarations, including disparaging the civil rights movement with accusations of communism, open support of the John Birch Society and the desire to form a national third-party with Alabama Gov. George Wallace (as detailed in "David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism" authored by former Republican Party Chairman Robert Wright and LDS scholar Gregory Prince). Reid's honest illustration that ultraconservative activities by some church leaders were harmful to members was cathartic for many Utahns.

Today, the second most powerful individual in the U.S. government is an LDS Democrat. Reid openly quotes from the Book of Mormon, is open with his temple recommend and expresses pride in the elements of his faith, including missionary work, family prayer and admiration of Joseph Smith. The contrast with his LDS brother, Mitt Romney, is striking. Since January, Romney has obfuscated the 10th Article of Faith (gathering of Zion in America and Jerusalem), blasted polygamous practices of early church leaders and recently distanced himself from baptism for the dead. Reid's faith is not an issue in national politics because it is a source of pride for him. Romney ought to take a lesson.

In a brief speech, the tough, proud "frontier Mormon" Harry Reid provided inspiration to Utah Democrats, enlightenment to Republicans and furthered the cause and reputation of his church on the national scene. All of us should be grateful for his courage.