Reader comments
Utahns shower Mitt with praise and cash

Alan | 2:59 a.m. Sept. 29, 2007

Poor Mitt, great to see everyone giving him more money! Anyone got Bill Gates address so I can send him a buck too???

John Vogt | 6:23 a.m. Sept. 29, 2007

While I currently support Mitt Romney (and have made cash contributions), it disturbs me that Zwick is paid $25,000 per month. Where does this money come from? Romney's personal account? Fine. Campaign finances? Not fine. While we give money to help elect Romney, I'm sure Zwick can scrape by on a lot less than $350,000 per year. If the source is Romney's pocket, who cares. If the source is campaign finances, then some of that money can be better spent on campaign advertising, etc. After all, our current objective is to increase Romney's name recognition through advertising. As is said on the street, "Selling is Telling."

Chuck L | 6:56 a.m. Sept. 29, 2007

No wonder the rest of the country is not taking Mitt as seriously as he would like. It appears that his main source of support is the "Pretty Great State" and the Mormons. If he wants to be generally considered as a serious contender, he needs to expand his base of support a bit.

Comments continue below

Mark | 7:03 a.m. Sept. 29, 2007

Members of the LDS church should seriously consider Ron Paul.

Mitt Romney was pro-abortion, likes big government, mandated in MA that people have health care, and wants to expand an illegal war.

Ron Paul is a true conservative. He has NEVER voted to raise taxes, voted against the Iraq War, is staunchly Pro-Life, and wants to abolish the IRS. How can you get more conservative than that?

I am an active member of the LDS church. PLEASE, don't just vote for Mitt because he is LDS. Study the issues and vote for the person who will preserve the constitution and is most aligned with the teachings of the church.

RonPaul2008.com

A Patriot | 7:04 a.m. Sept. 29, 2007

Forget Mitt. Go Ron Paul!!!

Mark S | 8:39 a.m. Sept. 29, 2007

Mitt can't win. But, I'm glad he's in there fighting and doing what he believes. I respect him greatly.

I did love the Jay Leno line last night. "Rudi Giuliani used the Bible to address his past problems and said, 'It says that he that is without sin should cast the first rock"

"And so Mitt Romney hit him on the head with a rock."

KWB | 8:54 a.m. Sept. 29, 2007

I was there with my wife Diane...It was great! Romney is real, defined, on course, loved and motivated to accomplish the impossible. He has the most experience and potential of any candidate. He is very positive and so are his supporters...Onward and Upward. Mitt we love you and yours...

Cougar 1 | 9:24 a.m. Sept. 29, 2007

Mitt Romney is a true leader and pretty much the smartest businessman in America. Anyone who want economic growth, national security, secure borders, and strong families should vote for him.

GO MITT!

UTAHMOM | 10:27 a.m. Sept. 29, 2007

He may be one of the top 2-3 people solely responsible for Mitt's success in this campaign, so $350,000 isnï¿½t all that much. WE WANT MITT TO WIN!! We need Spence 100% of the way. What would you be willing to pay out of your taxes to rid us of "too much government", "too much spending", "focus on the family" "affordable insurance for all Americans", "a plan in IRAQ"? Investors in the stock market pay many 20 times that much a year - EASILY. I say it's worth it - GO SPENCE!! GO MITT!!

veteran campaign volunteer | 10:34 a.m. Sept. 29, 2007

I was there at the Rally and if Mitt runs government like he runs his campaign, he will really shake up Washington! He will stop the free ride. He makes everyone accountable for what they say they will do, even the volunteers.

I have volunteered on other Presidential campaigns including Reagan's, however Romney's by far is the best organized. The difference is amazing; everyone has a role and is accountable for it.

Romney has raised the most money for the primary election then all of the other GOP candidates. He also is the only candidate that puts HIS money where his mouth is, by contributing to his own campaign. I prefer a candidate that will pay for his campaign then cheat for it.

He has my vote and my contribution. After seeing how he manages his campaign I can trust the money is being used wisely to achieve the goals. More importantly I can trust how he will run Washington.

Penelope | 10:48 a.m. Sept. 29, 2007

I've been following all of the Republican candidates closely and I honestly believe Mitt is the best. I've contributed to his campaign and believe that he CAN win. He has the leadership skills needed to be the President, knows how to surround himself with people who can advise him intelligently, and he knows how to draw people together. He's fair, honest, and will stand up for what is the best for our country. We need him.

Greg M. | 10:49 a.m. Sept. 29, 2007

Ron Paul? He's a Liberatarian who believes in using the presidency as a "bully pulpit" to bully change - read about it on his website. Do you really think you can get something for nothing? He thinks we can eliminate taxes? Come on - be real. His website says that from 1787 to 1913, we had no permanent tax system - be serious. Where would funds come from for our roads, schools, compliance -yes, we have to force compliance on many things - like safety...look at the recent poisoned toothpaste and lead paint problems that were imported from China. It's not a perfect world. Ron Paul has lofty thoughts, but realistically we need a president who will lead our country and make healthy and realistic changes over the next four years. We need a businessman and diplomat for the job, someone who can trim overspending, balance the budget, put the breaks on welfare programs and immigration - lofty ideas with no support or willingness to rally the votes won't get the job done - and we need to get the job done! I'm LDS, too - and I am voting for the businessman who can do it - Mitt Romney.

Mo-town | 10:53 a.m. Sept. 29, 2007

Mark- your post was rediculous. Mitt Romney is about small govenment, did not mandate that folks in Massachusets have health insurance, like you said, WAS pro-abortion, and please don't give me this illegal war rubbish.

The conservative agenda is about ridding the world of Islamic Extremism. Not just Al Queda. All Extremism. That's something Ron Paul isn't even close to getting. In fact, I just saw him buddy up to the biggest liberal on the face of the planet, Bill Mahr. Those 2 were agreeing on all kinds of things when Paul was on his show recently

If you don't want to vote for Romney, that's fine. But please don't give me this Ron Paul crap

Andrew | 11:00 a.m. Sept. 29, 2007

You know what's great about Mitt Romney? He'll tell you anything you want to hear. Just ask the people in Boston. He is the biggest liar on the planet. People worry about other candidates and their indiscretions, but Romney will flip flop until he gets what he wants. I do not trust him and I'm a very active Mormon. I am not certain who I will vote for, but it won't be the flip flop millionaire with the bright smile (wink wink).

MittAt6PercentRonAt3Percen | 11:03 a.m. Sept. 29, 2007

... and Paul is catching Romney in the polls with a lot less campaign spending.

Ron Paul will put Americans -- unlike the anti-American Greg M's of the world who want to "force compliance" -- in the federal government to protect our life, liberty, and ability to pursue happiness ... not take them away to enrich corporate feudalists.

What if | 11:20 a.m. Sept. 29, 2007

What if the 2002 Olymic Games in Salt Lake City turned out like the games in
Munich Germany Mitt was lucky he can run
on the back of the workers of the games.
Mitt was in Utah to rob Peter to pay Paul for the Campaigns in the East.

who | 12:08 p.m. Sept. 29, 2007

Who is Ron Paul.

Anonymous | 12:13 p.m. Sept. 29, 2007

Ron Paul? Mitt is a MORMON!! Who cares if he is a flip-flopper!

Anonymous | 12:22 p.m. Sept. 29, 2007

Mitt reminds me of those people holding signs at intersections. Every time you see Mitt, he has his hand out for your money.

Hava | 12:46 p.m. Sept. 29, 2007

Mitt is *supposed* to be asking for money. That's exactly what a presidential candidate does - asks for money. If they don't ask, then they don't get, and if they don't get, then they don't win. And I'm pretty sure that the goal of a presidential candidate is to win....

About Ron Paul, did you know that he is one of the biggest pork barrel spending congressmen that we have? When it comes to adding extra items into a bill, Ron has every other congressman beat hands down. I read an article where this was discussed, and Ron was asked about it. His explanation (and I'm paraphrasing here): "I may not agree with spending the money, but since my constituents have been taxed this money anyway, they deserve a portion of it back, and it's my duty to get as much of it back for them as I can."

Can anyone say hypocrite?

Havs

JPC53 | 1:56 p.m. Sept. 29, 2007

This unrequited love affair between Utahn's and Mitt Romney is hilarious. He has not and never will live in Utah, so the only connection I can see is his party and his religion. I am a Methodist and Democrat and grew up in the same heighborhood as Hillary Clinton but just because we have those things in common doesn't mean I am supporting her. Use the brains and common sense God gave you and investigate all of the candidates. Don't just go ga-ga over Mitt because of your perceived reality as to who he is. By the way, our current President is the fist MBA president and he has done one heck of a job for us hasn't he.

Ken Baguley | 2:45 p.m. Sept. 29, 2007

Mitt was saddled with security after 911 at the Olympics and did a stupendous job of organizing security...That's why we didn't have another Munich disaster. It's like listening to a parrot everytime I hear Mitt flip-flopped! He may have flipped but it was in the right direction...What's wrong with improving one's position? Flopping is going back to what one was before...He has not done that...Stop your ignorant description, "Flip-flopping'. It never happened.

Athena | 4:21 p.m. Sept. 29, 2007

I seriously doubt that Romney will win, but I also seriously doubt that Ron Paul will win either. Dream on, people.

Mark | 4:23 p.m. Sept. 29, 2007

Mo-Town and other Ron Paul bashers:

Last time I checked, this country was supposed to be run by the Constitution. If you think the Federal income taxes you pay go towards roads and infrastructure, you are sadly mistaken. Federal income taxes go to the Federal Reserve.

Have you ever read the Constitution? The Iraq 'war' IS unconstitutional. Try and find a copy of it and read it and then we'll talk about the war. Until then, there is no point in debating this with you. You couldn't identify a conservative to save your life.

"If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your counsel nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains rest lightly upon you and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen."

- Samuel Adams

Mark | 4:30 p.m. Sept. 29, 2007

Well said JPC53.

Hava: Have you ever reviewed the voting record (not some neocon-oriented article) to see what Ron Paul believes? Look at his voting record. That tells you what kind of President he will be.

Ron Paul is referred to as 'Dr. No' by members of the House because he votes 'No' if it is not in the Constitution. Can Mitt say that? You know what you'll get with him. Who knows what you'll get with Mitt.

I know too many Mormons married to Mitt just because he's a Mormon. It's pathetic. THINK people. Look at the facts. Look at the issues. Look at the voting record. Mitt only 'recently' became pro-life. How convenient. Mitt wants to expand the illegal war (read the constitution and you will see it is unconstitutional).

THINK.

Spence Zwick | 6:20 p.m. Sept. 29, 2007

This is our official response to countless inquiries regarding my salary from the Romney Campaign:

Mr. Zwick is the lifeblood of our campaign and works tirelessly day and night to help win support for Mitt Romney all over the country. All things consdidered, Mr. Zwick does not get compensated enough for his work. Thank you.

GBT | 6:28 p.m. Sept. 29, 2007

I can't believe the Romney campaign would read a forum like this a make an official statement here (above). They are extremely vigilant to say the least and they know how to qualm controversial topics.

SparkyVA | 7:29 p.m. Sept. 29, 2007

JPC53 says "He has not and never will live in Utah..." Umm, right. BYU is kinda in Utah, and Romney got his undergrad degree there. He ran the Salt Lake Olympics, (last time I checked that was in Utah too), and Utahans love him for saving the games from disaster. If you're gonna do some political bashing, do your homework. Your comments were amateurish at best.

Ogrepete | 7:45 p.m. Sept. 29, 2007

I wish I could have been there. Thanks to the Des News for making me feel just that much closer to the action.

Go Mitt!!

Mo-Town | 8:19 p.m. Sept. 29, 2007

Mark- read the Constituion thank you, and you failed to prove why the war was unconstitutional

you won't admit it, but you also think that World War II was unconstituional. That's because your a liberal masked by a cloud of Ron Paul is my savior. You have no idea where our enemies are

Mark | 8:55 p.m. Sept. 29, 2007

Mo-Town:

Did Congress declare war? No.

Is it constitutional? No.

Congress has to declare war, not the President. Learn to read. What does WWII have to do with this?

You have no idea what you are talking about. Go back to listening to your Sean Hannity 'conservative' news shows because you are too closed minded to discuss this with.

Ron Paul is not my Savior. People like you scare me.

Anonymous | 9:33 p.m. Sept. 29, 2007

mark- Congress voted to take us to war, knucklehead. and it just what you said, conservative talk radio. not liberal talk radio

if your love with Ron Paul, great. But don't mask it in some Ron Paul is a conservative charade. Only a small gang of Paul groupies like yourself actually believe that

San Diego | 10:36 p.m. Sept. 29, 2007

I don't know who Spence Zwick is, but someone who is paid $35,000 a month really should have learned to spell. Obviously the "Spence Zwick" comment came from an imposter.

Bling Bling | 1:18 a.m. Sept. 30, 2007

It's part of the campaign you bone heads. It's an indication of support, it buys resources, and raising lots makes not only for lots of press and attention but it tells the other candidates and the country that you are the real deal. It's not about Mitt giving all his money to himself, its about raising money and getting people to back him and pay attention to him so they realize how good a candidate he is. All you who don't understand how that works are just an example of the ignorant politally inactive people in this Utah Mormon bubble...you don't even know what you are talking about but think your thoughts and opinions are even legit. Learn the process before you pop off. Hello!!!

Scott | 12:43 p.m. Nov. 11, 2007

Mitt has to be asking for money all of the time because of John McCain's stupid McCain-Feingold bill that limits free speech, and what people can do with their own hard earned money.

Diana | 7:47 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Before you discount Ron Paul based on personal "guestimates" regarding history and economics, why don't you major in one of them first, or study at home thoroughly, and then come back to the table?

To see so many religiously inclined Americans not be able to understand how their concept of agency, was the reason behind American prosperity for so many years, and the reason behind our steady decline since the 40s and especially since the 70s and recently, it just blows my mind. How can you be religiously inclined, especially Mormon, which absolutely teaches agency, non-encroachment, and not be pro-Ron Paul? He is absolutely rational, intelligent, and has a fabulous record UNPARALLELED backing him up. He is gaining in the polls. All of you lovers of meddling, watch out.

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