Deseret News | Josh Romney mulling politics

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Josh Romney mulling politics

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Service Criticism | 4:16 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Ok, there are about 50 comments saying "I don't see why you criticize Josh for not serving in the military. I'll bet none of you criticizing have served either."

Use some reason. I am critical of Josh for not serving in the military. I do think he and his dad expect the lower class to serve. And NO, I MYSELF HAVE NOT SERVED. So do I have a right to be critical of the Romneys? YES!! I would never serve for an immoral war that has cost the lives of tens of thousands of people simply so the rich oil companies have a friendly regime in control of oil-heavyweight Iraq. If I ever supported this war and hadn't served, then I could be called a hypocrite. But if politicians want to insist on using all my tax dollars and putting my children and grand children into debt to attack a country out of aggression, then those politicians better be willing to send their own children to prove to the lower classes that this is a war we should actually support.

Tara | 4:11 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

As a military spouse, I am offended when anyone says you have to enlist in the military to show you support the military. Does that mean that everyone else in the country with no military ties is unpatriotic? No way, no how! Showing your pride in your country by serving in a political office in an honorable way is great Josh!!!!!Run!

John in Rhode Island | 4:23 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

The problem with electing any Romney is the public display they make of their religious beliefs. One's religion (or non-religion) is a private and personal
matter that is best left out of their public and professional lives. I certainly do not want my life impacted by someone that ignores history, logic and scientific inquiry.

Comments continue below

Houston | 4:21 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Good for you, Josh Romney! Those of you adding comments about JR enlisting, the military is not for everyone. My family is a military family. From my grandpa in World War I, my dad WWII(my dad-in-law WWII), my cousin was killed in Vietnam. Six of my seven nephews have served. My son-in-law did 2 tours in Iraq & South Korea. I have two sons, one is in the military and one son who prefers to enlist in the military. It's not for everyone. God bless America. I'd like to add. Go Gov Mitt Romney in 2012.

captain logic | 4:24 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

yes, Mitt fizzled as a candidate because he's a mormon. Most people that have met mormons understand why. I spent about 10 weeks out of the past year working in salt lake on business and was astonished at how many aspects of daily life there are dictated by morman-based laws. the alcohol laws being one of the most obvious. mormons are overzealous when it comes to spreading their faith and drafting legislation that is based on their faith... Fascism is the word that you start to think of after spending time in SLC!

alphabetsoup | 4:28 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

The whole tone of the article is delusional. McCain's campaign is not faltering. 2 polls released today have him leading both Obama and Clinton in the general election. The NYT smear was a huge flop and backfired. The whole idea that Romney still has a chance to be President is insane.

Mitt Romney had a million flaws as a candidate. His Mormonism was not one of them. Why not try to focus on the real flaws and try to improve them for next time? The denial will not help anything.

Good luck to Josh if he runs. I wish he would lose the indignant attitude first though.

SLMG | 4:29 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

At last the Utah Reds that say they could not possibly vote for John McCain, now have a third choice, they can vote for Ralph Nader and save there write in vote. He is neutral so at last you have a choice and not feel you have to vote for a Democrat instead of McCain. To even things out you have Josh Romney to vote for, so all is not lost for your Republican vote.

MassHatesMitt | 4:30 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Go right ahead Utards.
Mitt screwed Massachusetts BIGTIME
Have his kid do the same for you...
US Politics are the worlds JOKE
and the romneys are the jesters

SoreLoserman | 4:34 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Good thing he doesn't come across as a sore loser. Oh wait...

Timmy | 4:36 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Mitt Romney is a deceitful lying Mormon who was pro-abortion in Mass, and suddenly became anti-abortion when running for Pres. Mormons are scam artists and professional deceivers. They are taught how to lie before going on their mission, and they become experts as they grow older. No Mormon should be allowed in government. They can run in Utah if they want to, but the national political theater should be off limits to these conniving two-faced liars who can invent their opinions on the fly and never answer questions when they are asked. Granted, many politicians are scoundrels, but dealing with Mormons is like dealing with horse-thieves and snake oil salesmen. Mitt Romney is a LIAR even if he has 5 billion dollars. No amount of money can cover the fact that he is lying scum and a danger to the US. Thankfully no one outside of Utah voted for him, which comes to show who supports him.

John Burbridge | 4:42 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Matheson votes the party line, liberal. He should be voted out of office. If Josh is a conservative he should run or we should find someone who is.

Jimbo | 4:39 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Deseret News sensors the opinions of people. Full and truthful statements critical of Mitt Romney and his religion are not allowed in this site. Good job hiding your head in a pile of sand. You are as bad as the New York Times.

Marie Devine Divine-Way | 4:40 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

The divine will of God is that godly people would be sought out to lead the nation and world in righteousness. The power to be that leader is found in the solutions God has in His word to solve world problems we created by ignoring His wisdom.

Some candidates have said their religion would have no affect on their decisions in the White House and I have watched them lose ground immediately.. It is not money or experience in government that will win this election, it is God with that candidate and a people wanting God to govern by His word.

We are not looking for manï¿½s wisdom; God said that will fall. When? It will fall when we realize that the goal is not employment; the goal is retirement in a garden paradise with edible landscaping and useful pets for healthy foods and healthy bodies. A retirement lifestyle of beautiful useful gardens is the only solution to global warming, energy crisis, pollutions etc.. and gardens will make all our wisdom seem foolish.

Any candidate with dedication to use the word of God will be lifted on high above all nations. It is the divine way.

BBKing | 4:42 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Boy, there are some pretty aggressive and offensive supporters of Josh on this group.

On the military thing, ten years myself. Does my opinion count on the subject?

As for the Josh never having served, settle down and think about this.

In Iowa Mitt was asked if any of his sons served. Mitt said two things: One, No. Two, they're serving their country by helping me get elected.

The moment he said that he irritated of all those annoyed at another politician good enough to serve over us, never good enough to serve with us.

From that moment on, like it or not, being annoyed at their 'getting Dad elected is good enough' attitude really grates people.

Mitt should have just said No.

As for service counting, it does. Certainly not the whole picture. What are you willing to do for your country? Are you willing to sit in 2' of snow 15 below freezing, pulling an LP/OP for 4 hours while the rest of the company is stuck in snow drifts 5 feet deep? How about putting in 22-23 hour days in 118 degree temp in the deseret? I did.

Oh, driving a Winnebago.

The two are not equal.

Kay from Pa. | 4:42 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

i say good for you Josh, you run, never mind these jerks and their comments about being from a rich family, its just plain jealous remarks, we can't help who our parents are, as for yours your mom and dad seem to be okay. good luck to you Josh.

Ryan | 4:48 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

I love how people complain about religious intolerance and then support a candidate because he comes from your same religion. How many sides out of your mouth can you speak? Is it simply a coincidence that Mitt received 90% of the vote in Utah?

Michael | 5:05 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

I don't necessarily agree that Josh should join the military just because he and his father and all his brothers are so willing to commit the miltary to the Bush war in Iraq. But I did find it really insulting when Mitt said that his kids were performing a more important service to the country by working for his canidacy. I am quite tired of the chicken-hawks of Bush- Cheney and Rumsfield being so trigger happy with our soldiers. By the way, I did not serve in the military, but my older brother did- and so did my father.... and so did my twin brother.

I have no problem with Josh running for Congress- it is a free country - everyone should have the right to run. I probably wouldn't vore for him- but he is not in my district- if he were, I might vote for him- I would ceertainly look at him- he might be better than Bishop.

Indiana | 5:07 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Well, well, I feel I have to jump in here.

First for those of you saying rude things about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I am sorry you have a huge misunderstanding of the Church. WE believe in Jesus Christ as the Saviour and redeemer of the world. We believe in continuing revelation. We do believe that God loves His children as much today as in days of old and continues to send us a prophet to direct and support us. We believe in the Holy Spirit to bless our lives with personal revelation and guidance.

I do not believe in anything weird. Many of my friends and family are LDS and they are not "nuttier than a fruitcake". We love and live just like you.

As for Josh and his dad. NO where is it written that you have to serve in the military to be a good servant of any kind. They are very principled people who love the Lord, their family and their country. We do live in a time where criticism is the new blood sport and many of you are the lions and are definitely out for blood.

Diane | 5:11 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Go for it Josh, keep your name in front of the press. Your family is a very fine family.

dcc | 5:08 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

He's like Cheney. He has other priorities.

chicken hawk and carpet bagger

Tai H. | 5:18 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

If he is anything like his father and gradfather, he is a patheitic liberal who advocates global communism.

Don't blame me - I voted for Mike Huckabee.

Solvangmick | 5:13 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Mitt Romney's candidacy was the worst thing that could have happened to the LDS church as it brought scrutiny on a religion founded on fraud and whose beliefs are so ludicrous that only someone brainwashed into the religion could possibly believe them. The fact that Romney dropped out of the race is the best thing that could have happened to the Mormons as the extra scrutiny that the church would have received if he were a candidate in the general election would have set the religion back to the stone age where it belongs.

Jane88 | 5:14 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

I hope he's not a liberal as his dad.

A Utahn | 5:23 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

I'm no big Jim Matheson fan, but I'd discourage Josh from taking on the Congressman who, according to this paper, is Utah's "Most Popular Politician" (Bernick, 16 Nov. 2005).

For the record, in that Nov. 16 article Rep. Cannon's and Rep. Bishop's approval ratings (50% and 49%, respectively) were more than 25 points lower than Rep. Matheson's (78%). Don't we want to keep politicians with that kind of approval in office?

Also, while Matheson is well-connected and privileged, his financial endowments pale in comparison to that of a Romney (or a Huntsman for that matter). If Matheson is to be condemned for his status as a "favorite son," critics would do well to choose a different opponent than Josh Romney.

I'm not trying to make any grand defense of Rep. Matheson - but his critics frequently miss the point. But hey, if Josh Romney is the best Utah republicans can do (and Smith, Swallow, and Christensen set the bar pretty low), go for it. I would say he's a bit late but I guess he won't need to fundraise...

Another Chicken Hawk | 5:22 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

The Romney family wishes to inform that enrty to the military is below their dignity.

But they are ready to send others off to serve in military posts.

open mind | 5:32 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Josh will have my vote once he improves his bonafides. Specifically, he will need six children by election day to be convincing. Go Josh!

Re: An American | 5:27 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

He didn't say it was un-American to vote against a Mormon. He said it was un-American to vote against someone just because they are Mormon. By no means was he saying that, in order to be American, you must vote for a Mormon. Please don't willfully miss-characterize what Romney said. It makes you sound unintelligent.

SCC | 5:28 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

I am one of those who would not vote for Romney because he was Mormon. Of course, I was also not for him because his political experience is from Mass. But saying someone like me is un-American for that choice? First, I am a veteran. I am Caucasian, middle class. Not really religious. I don't really care what the Mormons believe or don't believe. That is their business. My distrust of anyone who is Mormon is based on experience. I lived in Utah for a while. Every time I tried to get a job, I would have a good interview up to the question, what ward was I a member of. Once the interviewer realized I wasn't Mormon, it was over. Time and time again. I do appreciate that I experienced discrimination from the Mormons there, it taught me what that really feels like. A valuable lesson I have carried my entire life.

I have had similar negative encounters with Mormons in the work place outside Utah. I don't see how I can trust them. That affects my opinion for whom I would vote. That is experience, ie negative, that helps guide me.

Chris | 5:30 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

I read this article on the Drudge Report and am a conservative from Virginia. I became a supporter of Gov Romney during the campaign after careful analysis of all the Republican candidates. I was shocked and disappointed that he dropped out and was perlexed by the reasoning. After reading this article now I can understand why Romney dropped out. I now understand that Iowa and New Hampshire could have established momentum...but did not. This was very informative. Thank you

Beowulf | 5:31 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Captain logic, there are MANY alcohol-restrictive places in America, and the vast majority of those places have nothing to do with Mormons. I doubt they have anything to do with Fascists either...

Deejay | 5:37 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

It's great that Josh Romney has the ambition to run for Congress. This Country needs Moral leadership NOW as well as for the future. Go Josh!

Using religion has cost us the loss of the best, potential President. I grew up in Michigan, where Mitt Romneys Father was a several term Governor. I had no idea he was Morman. He was a great Governor and that should be the most important point. I'm horrified that this country would be so harsh on a certain type of the Christian Faith. Mormans are hard working, moral people. I hope Mitt becomes one of our Countries leaders. We need him and his sons to help continue the fight for the Moral Right.
Amen to the Romneys!

RG | 5:37 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Let's see: There was religious bigotry against Mitt which helped his ooponent win, but the same article claimed 90% of Utahns voted for Mitt. No Mormon bigotry there, I guess.

Honest Gabe | 5:38 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Josh,your dad din't lose because he was Morman. He lost because he was not a faithful Morman. I am a Morman and I saw all those You-Tube videos of your Dad saying "he supports Gay Right's" and "he supports the right to an abortian" Why did he do that??? He let himself down...and made us look bad. All so he could win the liberal state of MA. Next time Utah..let's send a Man that is JUST.

MikeA | 5:51 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

The article states: "some suggest, the party's nominee if the campaign of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., continues to falter." How is McCain's campaign "faltering?" How does the writer figure his campaign is "faltering?" Over that absurd New York Times piece which was nothing more than a gossip column masquerading as investigative journalism? Sorry, but McCain's campaign is hardly "faltering" and 2 new polls show McCain now ahead of the King Cult Koolaid Purveyor, Barak Obama. This just goes to show how only journalists can take one another seriously. No one else does.

Perturbed | 5:53 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Please not another good mormon with Daddy's and the churches blessings, enough is enough.

magpie | 5:53 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Mormons are a strange breed; they believe in baptism after death

Diana | 6:00 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

I'll say it again and if you remove it, I will sue you for stopping my rights to free speech. Utah can have Romney and his sons. Utah deserves them! America was not and will never be ready for a Mormon anything. They need to stop pretending they are even Christian. Pitiful. Maybe Romney's son could spend a little time in our military! Out of five sons, one at least honoring our military would be great. They are the ones pouring their blood out for the freedsom that allow these types to even run for office.!!!! Legal here, don't remove my posts!!

Diana | 6:03 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Oh, my, I apologize. I forgot that this was an LDS newspaper. That's right, you don't allow any freedom of speech on here! No problem, I don't want to be on this site anyway.

Mark Drummond Burrell | 6:08 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Josh Romney would probably have better luck in Massachusetts or Michigan than running against Congressman Matheson who has a proven record serving Utahns versus the bird droppings shelled out by Teflon Mitt. If McCain dredges up Daddy for V.P., and I pray he's too smart to pick Ole Flip-Flop, I'd vote for whoever might be the Democrat.

marls | 6:19 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Did any of you complain about Clinton never having served? He sent Americans off to war, remember? Those of you that are complaining (whining) about his money, do you complain about Kennedy's money? Or Gore's money? Or Kerry's money? No, probably not. Stop revealing yourselves with such abandon. The hypocrisy is hard to take.

Veteran | 6:16 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Josh must be joshin'. His Dad is "someone whose principles I line up with almost entirely" but he "can't say the same thing for Sen. McCain."

First, which of his Dad's principles is he referring to? Those he held for political advantage in Massachusetts or those he switched to for political advantage when he ran for President.

Second, is one of McCain's principles that he doesn't line up with serving your country in the military in time of war?

Robin Compagnone | 6:17 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

I believe that Mitt Romney was the only candidate for the Republican Party. We now have absolutely no hope. I would not doubt it if Conservatism as we know and love it, is on its way out forever. God help us all. We are in the worst shape going forward possible. We are faced with a choice of which Liberal to choose. I do not even think the choice of a good VP will matter, unless by some chance too much damage isn't done in the next four years.

R Wankier | 6:22 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

I would love to see someone run against Matheson who could actually beat him. Josh could very well be the guy. Go Josh! I will be in your corner all the way

Greg | 6:25 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

So it's OK for Mormons to vote for a guy because he's Mormon, but if non-Mormons do the opposite they are bigots? Personally, I would call racism up until 1979 (many years after Civil Rights) bigotry. I have in laws in Utah, have been there many times, and to claim bigotry is a bit of the pot calling the kettle black.

Romney wasn't a bad candidate and, had I never been to Utah and experienced "Utah Mormonism", I might have voted for him. Myself being Catholic and from Chicago, I can't imagine using "oh, he's Catholic" as a criterion for selecting a candidate. Utah Mormons (yes, you are different from the others across the country) need to read the Constitution and understand that you don't need to pass laws against anything and everything you disagree with or don't participate in. Utah is somewhere between mainstream USA and Saudi Arabia.

If Utahns truly want to succeed, they will stop encouraging their teenage sons to mission and daughters to become impregnated while their American counterparts go to college. Also, not giving preferential treatment to other Mormons in business situations helps too.

James | 6:31 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Diana is a bigot. Not all Americans are Christian, Diana. You are a horrible example of Christianity.

Clark Roger | 6:30 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

If Josh Romney is serious about running against Jim Matheson, he will have to explain to voters the important differences between himself and Matheson.

The strategy District 2 Republicans have used in the past boils down to the statement, "A vote for Jim Matheson is a vote for Nancy Pelosi and Ted Kennedy."

Clearly, this strategy has failed and will fail again unless Romney can bring much more substance to the argument.

Josh Romney's name might help him earn a few more votes, but if he wants to go over the top, bumper sticker platitudes won't cut it.

Observing from Ohio | 6:39 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

The jealousy and envy displayed by the majority of contributors on this page is pathetic and sad. Almost every posting belies a hatred for a wealthy family.

The suggestions that Josh Romney run down to the recruiter and enlist belittles the military.

In fact, this seems like a blog site for angry liberals.

Edge | 6:45 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

I am still a huge supporter of Mitt Romney and would love if he would either get back in the presidential sweepstakes as a frontrunner or again in 2012. Until that time comes, I would love to see another Romney in Washington. God bless you Mitt Romney, and sons. Run, Josh, run!!

Mike R. | 6:40 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Hey Bill, we do believe that Jesus and Satan are spirit brothers which is a gross oversimplification of the subject. It even talks about it in the Bible.

I ask all of you who are hung up on Mitt's flipflopping to tell me one political candidate that has run for anything that hasn't changed their position on an issue.

If Mitt truely has had a change of heart, then he didn't flip flop. Ronald Reagan used to support abortion. He said that his worst mistake was signing that abortion bill that was passed in Kalifornia while he was governor. Since he flipfloped on a very significant issue that is dear to the heart of all conservatives. It didn't seem to hurt Reagan at all.

If Mitt's son wants to run. Fine, let him. I wish he'd move to Kearns and run against Cannon. I think Matheson has everyone snowed.

Spanky | 6:48 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

BAWK! BAWK! Chickenhawk!

Enough of these rich guys who grab onto rich daddy's coat tails, have never worked a day in their lives, never served, but promote war.

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2 photos

Mike Terry, Deseret News

Josh Romney, son of Mitt Romney, stands in the kitchen of his Millcreek home with his wife, Jen, and his three children, from left to right, Gracie, Wyatt and Owen, Friday. Josh Romney says he's been approached to run for Congress in the 2nd District.

Gallery (2 photos)