Have all of the canidates running for any political position anscestors been totally investegated.

Mr. Wilcken presumably was included in the blanket amnesty given to all Mormons involved in actions impeding the progress of the Army into Utah Territory, so he had no unresolved Federal charges against him, especially since the Army was occupying Utah from 1858 until statehood (except during the Civil War).

His case is somewhat similar to the St. Patrick battalion made up of Irish immigrants who enlisted during the Mexican War but deserted when they identified as Catholics with the nation being invaded and joined the Mexican defenders.

Mitt Romney was one of the many Americans whose numbers in the first draft lottery were at the high end. Mine happened to be number 16, so I joined AFROTC, found a rewarding career in the Air Force, and eventually served 20 years, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. Even though my father served in the Air Force, I would have felt no particular obligation to join if my number had been 300, and indeed most of my ROTC class were not called to active duty because the Vietnam War was largely over by 1973. Avoiding a draft call was dishonorable, but deciding not to join the Army when you are not needed carries no moral opprobrium among actual service members.

With the creation of the all-volunteer military, there is no basis for criticizing those who join or those who don't. Indeed, I invariably find that the majority of critics of others' lack of military service never served themselves. Those who criticized Bush for serving as a pilot of a supersonic jet carrying a nuclear weapon are demonstrating their ignorance of what military service consists of, and the risks of flying military jets versus jet boats.

People should read the full stoery befor determining the content. This story does not tell people to vote or not vote fro Romney. It simply gives a report of a Utah History Conference. Romneys ancester is used because it will get coverage.
As for Romney and his sons not serving in the Military. As a Vet of the Gulf War and Somalia I see nothing wrong with them not serving. Romney did get a draft deverment for his LDS Mission as did many others then upon returning was part of the draft. As for his sons howmany people today can say they or their sons have served?

If a writer has to go back 150 years for some entertaining news about a candadate, that tells me there isn't a whole lot more to say about Romney. I won't vote for the guy. I think he has more drawbacks within the past 10 years, among many great accomplishments. But I just don't want him as my president.
But to have to go back 150 years? That is just plain idiocy.

This isn't a news story, it's a feature. About a history conference. And the CONFERENCE highlighted an historical account related to a modern-day celebrity. Lee Davidson merely reported on it.
And, excuse me, but if a soldier today found out his company was about to commit illegal atrocities in the name of religious persecution, wouldn't we be admiring that person?
Regardless, anyone who reads a story about someone who lived a hundred years ago and expects it to reflect on someone living today needs to re-examine their own family tree and see what shakes loose. ;-)

Annon. yours: the difference between Kerry and Romney? Romney earned most of it, Kerry married it.

What Reader said.

Wow! Another pointless article by Lee Davidson. Is this considered news? Any wonder newspaper circulation is down? Here are some suggestions for future stories Lee, "Paint Dries" "Salt Lake still in Utah" Summer Ending, Autumn expected to Arrive." Davidson, its time to find another job.

I was very pleased to find out I am related to Mitt Romney--I share the same great-great grandfather. I have heard the story from my mother many times before reading this article. I had planned to vote for Mitt long ago. I say GO COUSIN MITT!! --Sanger, CA

My great-grandfather and Mitt's great-grandfather were brothers--in fact, my father was named for both these men. So Mitt and I are distant cousins. I believe that having admirable ancestors does not make me (or anyone else) a better or more deserving person, but neither does having disreputable ancestors make all the descendants worthy of scorn.