Scouts greeting Romney violated policy against political participation

"I got to meet someone running for president. If President Obama came, it would be cool to see him, too," Matthew said. "I would do it again in a heartbeat."

His parents agreed it was a good experience for him.

"I think anything that would get young people interested and excited in the political process is a good thing," his mother, Lori Spurrier, said.

A former Cub Scout leader, she said she was not aware of the policy.

"I've been in Scouting for years. My brothers were all Eagle Scouts. And I had no idea that they weren't supposed to be at any political events," she said, describing the event at the airport her son participated in as more of a welcoming committee.

Matthew's father, Steve Spurrier, didn't put it in the political category, either.

"I thought it was a great opportunity to meet someone in the public eye," he said. "It never crossed my mind that it had a political leaning or any particular support."

And although Matthew described his family as Republican-leaning, state Democratic Party Chairman Jim Dabakis was on their side.

"This is political correctness at its pettiest," Dabakis said. "The Utah Democratic Party is thrilled that a troop of Boy Scouts got an upfront visit with a presidential nominee, right here in Utah."

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