Deseret News | Josh Romney mulling politics

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Josh Romney mulling politics

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

My my such vitriol from so many of you. Someone said this has just become a liberal blog or whatever. Sad but seemingly true.

The Romneys are very good people. Too bad there is such an all out effort to villify them and demonize them. It should not happen to good people, but it does.

I love and respect Mitt. I fully support him and if his son decides to run, I pity him. Just the experience on this board is terrible for him should he read it. Can you imagine it if he did actually run. They would do to him what is still being done to his dad, they hate and fight, demoralize, villify, demonize etc... tragic for those of you that allow your self to be an instrument of hate. ick

Freedom Fighter | 6:50 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

I've fought in the war on terrorism. If you havnt that shut your mouths. All of you telling him he needs to enlist. I provided him and his family the opportunity to lead a life back here in the states to do as he pleases, The same for the rest of you. He has my full support for congressman and his dad for the whitehouse.
Freedom isn't Free. Quit being the whipped Americans of the 2000's and learn something from your grandparents about being the generation that did what needed to be done and defeated those that wish us harm and in the process liberated a people that don't know what true freedom tastes like.

C Jones | 6:56 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Good, lets get rid of Matheson who is nothing more than antoher Democrat illegal alien amenesty hack. He is on both sides of the issue, we need an enforcer.

Comments continue below

Indiana | 7:05 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Amen and thank you so much Freedom Fighter.

loletta | 7:10 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

What we have here is a bunch of jealous yahoots who should join the service themselves. It's always easy to be a critic. Mitt would of made a good president, better than what we have to pick from.
We have too many immoral people in command.

You have to be kidding!!!! | 7:14 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Wow if he is going to run, let him run for his home state--the only reason he would run in Utah is for the blinded vote of the LDS faithful.

Personally I thing it is dead wrong as this young man has not proven anything in life other than being raised by a weathly and because of weath has an influential family and thus many of the LDS faith thing he must be a true a just man.

Good luck my friends in creating a birth right in order to run for polical office. I would expect if you choose to vote for Josh on polictal influence and family profile then Chelsey Clinton would be highly popular in Utah as well. Think about it folks and if Josh is desirable but Chelsey is on the outs then people are right---Mormon+Republican=Yes. Add in a little media hype and the LDS are all over it.

Good Luck.

Humptydumpty | 7:22 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

I have read all of these posts. A lot of anger.

To you have to be kidding: You are silly and seem bitter. Nit picking with not a lot of critical thinking other than just being critical. The Romneys are really good people.

Anonymous | 7:35 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

So Josh wants to fight the war on terror in Congress? I say go for it. If more young men like him had been willing to stand up to Saddam Hussein he never would have attacked on 9/11.

Linda S. | 7:38 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

You people that have such hate for anyone that has made money are sick. Stop the class warfare. All men in this country have an equal chance. The poorest person can rise to any height if he works hard.
If an American is honest, faithful to wife and family, works tirelessly to make America a better place, loves his country, and is one of the most talented and intelligent men to run for office in many a year, that person should be revered not put down with such vile words.
Your comments say more about you than they do about Romney.
We would have been very fortunate indeed to have had Mitt Romney as the POTUS.
It is our loss that he will not be elected this time. I pray that he will have another opportunity.

Jackson | 7:45 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Any state would be lucky to have any of Mitt Romney's sons represent them at any level of government. They are moral, well educated, and interested in the political process. They had wonderful grandparents and have wonderful parents. They are ideally suited for government service. I live in MA and wish more Romneys would run for office here.

Indiana | 7:48 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Anonymous 7:35

That was a completely provocative remark designed for nothing more than to cause an inflamed argument. That is disgusting. His family was completely out of that ordeal and you know it. You just want to make people mad and you probably have gotten to a few who are really fighting the temptation to bring the failings, proclivities and preoccupations of that particular Presidential Administration into the conversation.

But I won't....

Zach | 7:48 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

This is some garbage journalism. The author makes assertions that are clearly dated and inaccurate. Not moving to a real paper any time soon.

Steven | 7:50 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

OK I have been waiting for this for some time and now I feel sickened that it could actually happen.

The republican handlers have seen that Utah is sadly a superficial state when it comes to voting.

Please tell me what this young man has accomplished in his life that the privileges of wealth have not accounted for. Iï¿½ll then compare my accomplishment against his based on circumstance and you guess what---- I think Iï¿½m the better man to run for office; unfortunately I cannot waste nor have millions of dollars to campaign.

It is sad but our political system is becoming a semi-monarchy. We have the Kennedyï¿½s, Bushï¿½s, Clintonï¿½s and newcomers Romneyï¿½s. Please folks look at where we are heading and the common mans opportunity to legislate.

He may be rich and LDS but that doesnï¿½t account for good leadership or the ability to legislate.

Gabriel | 7:51 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

This is a young man to admire and vote for. He has principles and he believes in the right things.

Those of you who are hate-filled, are very disgusting.

why? | 7:53 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Matheson is one of the best congressman in the nation. He doesn't vote strictly party lines, he is what he was elected to be - a REPRESENTATIVE. Cannon and Bishop can't say that much. Matheson actually likes the people he represents, I heard him speak two weeks ago and he was all but bragging about the accomplishments made in his district, especially the improvement in schools. If Romney Jr. runs, much less wins, he is doing the state (especially the people in the 2nd Congressional District) a great disservice. Matheson makes it clear that he represents his constituents, not his party or special interest groups. If anyone doubts that you need to look at his voting history. More Congressmen need to follow his lead. Losing Jim Matheson would losing the only Representative truly in touch with the people in Utah. Not that Josh can't handle the job, he just wouldn't match Representative Matheson. All I can say to Josh is, if you want to run, wait for Matheson to take Hatch's seat in the Senate when he retires, then run for the House. Otherwise, do Utah a favor and wait!

Robert Forbush | 7:53 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Mitt Romney was and is the best candidate for President. If you think otherwise, you are a bad judge of character and ability as well. Forget about his religion, he has what it takes to be successful. It looks to me as if people are jealous of his success. What does it take to impress? Would you be happier with a penniless bum off skid row? Right now, you have three wanna bees running, and none of them actually have the ability, the moral character or any other of the many characteristics it takes to be a whole man. I guess you have never heard of the whole man concept. We will all be the worse off for Romney having failed to stay in the race.

Dutch | 8:04 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Go for it Josh. Of course you're young, but you'll vote your values on legislation. This'll be 100% better than any "experiencede" democrat. I think you'll win in a landslide.

Indiana | 8:07 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

I agree with Robert Forbush. Romney is still the best candidate out there. It is a sad thing that he "suspended" his campaign. I wonder if it was premature, but I am not is his shoes and doing whatever it is he does to make decisions. He is a wonderful, great man and America will be worse off with him not in there. There are not alot of choices out there. Such a sad day.

Leary | 8:14 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Good looking, rich and LDS. He obviously must be living righteously. Having the Romney name wellï¿½BINGO!

Please escort me to the lever labeled Republican because heï¿½s got my vote!

Stances and political views don't much matter but Josh sure does have the pedigree and surely based on that would make a great Utah representative.

Greg | 8:10 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

It would be political suicide for Josh to run against Matheson. Matheson has great support among Republicans and Democrats. I'm a Rep but would vote for Matheson over Josh, the reason: Matheson has experience and consistently votes his conscience (often Rep)...I trust that Matheson's position will stay constant. Matheson is the only Congressman that I would want to stay in office (get rid of all the other establishments).

Josh, run against Cannon. He's the worst of them all.

Dana Downes | 8:15 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Josh,
Good Luck, we wish you and your family the best!!! Karen, my wife followed you dad around NH when he was running in the primary. Glad he got the Silver but he is a Gold Medal winner in our hearts. We like the Romney family and your beliefs in family values, stategy on the economy, immigration, and middle income tax structure. Karen & I would like to volunteer for your campaign, keep in mind we are on the east coast. GO JOSH!

BBKing | 8:16 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Hey Freedom Fighter, your absolute political correctness to the point of no free speech has much more in common with fascism than anything else. Having served myself I have earned a right to an opinion. So blow that out your pie eater!

As for Gabriel, what does Josh stand for?

At this point, not a thing, other than his family name. Besides those who know him personally, Josh has never said where he stood on so many issues: Immigration; debt; keynesian economics; social security; land use; medicaid; CHIP; tax reform; Socialized medicine; unitary president; fast track authority; NCLB; Iraq; Iran; Nato; ASEAN/China/Pacific Rim policy; Global Warming; cap-n-trades; etc, etc, etc.

Josh has not publicized a position on any thing! Not ONE thing!

And you are going to vote for him?!

And to think that he is just like his father. Great, which one? The one who Governed Mass? Or the one who ran for President? Those are two wildly different men.

If elected, what will Josh do? And please, the moment you tell me he will be a great Congressman is the moment you lose all credibility. You have no possible way of know how he will vote.

Colleen | 8:17 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Best news for America would be for McCain to drop out and have Mitt Romney replace him.

RAF | 8:17 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

How about serving the military first? Waiting for one of Mitts five military age sons to sign up, now that their Daddy's campaign is over.

DO IT! | 8:25 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

I think it would be a great race....DO IT!

Susan | 8:22 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

The Romney boys have served. The boys served the Church and Heavenly Father on a mission. Now how many young men have been willing to take two years out of there life for that. It is good enough for me and based on that the Young Mr. Romney will have my vote.

What hypocrites | 8:29 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

I really don't know why everyone is so shocked that Utahns voted overwhelmingly for Mitt Romney. After all, the religious right tells Latter-day Saints they belong to an evil, satanic, brain-washing cult. The liberal left tells Latter-day Saints they're racist, hate-mongering, homophobic thugs. Then, all these people have the dumb nerve to act shocked when we decide to vote for one of our own for president.

Truly, hypocrisy at its finest.

Oh by the way, I don't even like Mitt Romney, but he was a lot better candidate than the other jerks and bigots out there like McCain and Huckabee.

Is Ron Paul still running?

Indiana | 8:42 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

I too think that taking 2 years out of your life to try to bring people unto Christ is a great service. If more people listened and came along, there would be a lot less need of ugly wars and ugly hate filled comment boards. Those of you/us who are praying people might consider that now is a great time to fast and pray for our country and that this election can have a positive outcome.

Thank God for people like the Romneys who really do know the meaning of "sacrifice" contrary to what those of you who will not even lay your hate on the sacrificial alter can understand.

Keith - not the couger variety | 8:51 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Nice article and even a better family portrait of the Josh Romney family in the kitchen. Based on the picture he already has captures the vote, heart and minds of Utah county.

I canï¿½t predict the future but would bet my existence on the Deseret News endorsement for this young man if he chooses to runï¿½.. or then again was this article the endorsement?

RE robert Forbush | 9:01 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

That is the biggest load I ever read. Success in life doesn't equal ability to lead a nation. Moral character doesn't equate to ability to lead. By your logic only the morally sound, rich and successful people have what it takes to lead our country. I am sorry that you are so shortsighted and have an inability to look past the image a person throws at you. Next time listen to the whole man, meaning what he is saying now, what he said yesterday and ask yourself if he is sincere or just playing politics.

If the penniless bum had the qualifications and was the best person to lead our country then yes, I would vote for him. I spent 10 years in the military, I have seen kids come from extremely poor families who have impressed me with their leadership, integrity and character.

I have been blessed to have served with and learn from great leaders and had the honor to lead some of our countries finest. I don't think for one second that I am a bad judge of character. But I can already tell that you are you.

pkut | 9:05 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

I hope he runs. matheson is nothing but a sheep in wolves clothing. he can always be counted on the lick the boots of pelosi and what ever leftist group needs him to

Amazing. Still...... | 9:14 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Wow, a small article in a (relatively) small newspaper and it generates over 220 comments and it seems at least half are baseless, idiotic attacks on a man who is the SON of a former Presidential contender. Sheesh!

So just how long do you "anti-Romneys" think you can keep up your rabid hatred of things you don't understand nor want to understand? And do you really think you can go on hating something you don't understand without your hatred and contempt negatively spilling over into other areas of your life? Your hatred is a cancer that harms the carrier the most and since when is "just a little cancer" a good thing?

I find it incredible that likely 99% of you who scream for Mitt's sons to join the military are probably a)not in the military yourself or b)wouldn't join either because you don't want to risk getting shot or killed. Yet, rest assured my fellow American, your criticism carries much weight as you sit on your couch and flip between re-runs of "Friends" and "ER".

Major Dan Maloy
USAF
Vance AFB, OK

Jules | 9:23 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

To those of you do not believe Josh Romney has sacrificed or given back to his country--- His pappy donated million upon million of his own dollars to the economy in his failed campaign for the presidency. Many millions probably came out of poor Joshï¿½s trust or endowment fund. Poor Josh he has suffered with the rest in this down turn of the economy.

I pity Josh and may now campaign for him on pure principle.

Stewart | 9:24 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Some of you that complain about the attention that Josh Romney would get because of his father, must have forgotten that this is how Jim Matheson was first elected. Remember he campaigned as the son of the well liked Governor Scott Matheson? What is the difference? His interest it seems, is making the democrats that read this paper (I didn't know that there were that many) nervous.

Sick of the haters and whiners | 9:40 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Man, some of you people should read your posts before you hit the submit button. You sound so petty and immature. It is heart breaking really and if I was your parent, I would give you a good swift kick in the backside and tell you to get over your snideness, your hypocrisy and your petty natures. Strap yourselves up and figure out that it is ok to work hard/smart and be rich. Mitt used most of his own money for his campaign, a thing you should respect if only because he used so little of yours!!!! But you cannot as you would rather gripe. Buckup and get a grip you gripey, whiney spoiled children. I hope Josh runs, he is a great guy and really has a wonderful message if you could shut your nasty mouths long enough to hear it.

Chris Laurence | 9:44 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Please keep the comments coming. The more attacks come in, the more the people of Utah will want to elect a Romney just to stick it in your faces.

The man has a wife and three children at age 32. He has served his God and his church for two years. We could use more such good examples for our teenagers to follow.

Anonymous | 9:48 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Yes, I'm sure he could buy a seat in Congress. Buying the Presidency is a bit more difficult as Daddy learned. Mitt Romney gave me the creeps.

Arizonan | 9:49 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

If Mitt was offered the VP slot (which I highly doubt would happen) I don't think he would take it. After all McCain teamed up w/ Huckabee to bring him down in WV. Yes he was disliked by all the candidates, but I think some of that was because he told the truth concerning their records. As for those people saying Josh should enlist to show his support for the troops grow up! There are numerous ways one can support troops w/o enlisting.

RELIGION | 10:03 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

I think it's a good sign that someone with strong religious ties does not get elected. What Mormon's believe is --well, hard to believe. A president with those beliefs would scare me to death.

Anonymous | 10:11 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Wow I have never even heard of Josh but he seems to be getting great praise and defense on this post. The d-news must have called the ward and told them he was going to be featured. People seem to know this onscure person on an individual level so it must be something along those lines???

Lets get back to real politics Utah keep a man that has held his own. Re-elect Matheson, at least we know this man.

Pat | 10:06 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

This is a country with religious freedom and I have to say I'm glad I'm free to not vote for a man to run our country who believes the devil is Jesus Christ's brother, that God the Father was once a human being, and whom believes he (Mitt) will be a God with his own planet one day. Thank GOD for religious freedom.

Kim not from Utah | 10:12 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Why is it that when a family works hard, makes money, and reaches a certain status they are attacked for it? However, more so if they are Republicans. There are plenty of very, very wealthy Democrats whose children have never worked while going to HS or College and have used their daddy's name to get elected. Does the name Al Gore ring a bell. The impressive resume could also be from anyone of the Kennedy's.
And the Mormon thing. The Kennedy's used the religion card when it benefited John. Fast forward about forty years and his brother Teddy attacks Romney for his religion. How come Harry Reid, the Democrat who happens to be Mormon, never gets media attention for his faith?
On the flip-flop thing with Romney. He's not the only politician who does this. Isn't it better to have someone change their minds on a topic then to stick to one opinion despite what others around you say. Remember what Colin Powell said about the war.
If a certain someone had changed their mind maybe we would not be in the mess we are in now.

Linker | 10:13 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Mitt Romney believes that Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism is a prophet and more important than The Son Of God. Joseph Smith was a fascist, a pedophile, and a charlatan. He was a corrupt, evil liar who controlled people by using fear. He wanted to build a government within a government. And look at Mormons today, getting into the FBI and the CIA and into high government jobs so that they can have access to confidential material. They have been taking that data and giving it to the church in Salt Lake for years. Mormons have no allegiance to the United States. They report to Joseph Smith and to "Elohim" who lives on the planet Colob with his many wives. They are lying, soul-less drones who brainwash their children from day one, and mock Christianity in the most open and brazen manner. That they call themselves Christians is an ugly ugly joke that thankfully any intelligent person can see through very quickly.

inmycircle | 10:28 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

If Mitt was movie star would everyone be as jealous of him? He sings too.

Bubba | 11:01 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Comparing a two year paid religious holiday to serving in the military is ridiculous at best. No wonder the rest of the nation calls LDS people sheep who blindly do what their religious leaders tell them to do. And for that reason, there will NEVER be a Mormon president. Oh, let little Josh run in Utah using his religion, his daddy's fame and money to get him elected. You get the government you deserve, and it appears that people from Utah don't deserve much of one.

Keep digging | 11:04 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Linker said, "Mormons have no allegiance to the United States."
(Never mind the fact that thousands of Latter-day Saints have served in public office, or have worn the uniform of the United States military, including many who serve today)

"They report to Joseph Smith and to "Elohim" who lives on the planet Colob with his many wives." (Report to Joesph Smith? Right out of Ed Decker's books, and we all know what a valuable source Decker is. By the way, you spelled Kolob wrong)

"They are lying, soul-less drones who brainwash their children from day one..."
(Why is it when Mormons teach their children about Mormonism it's called brainwashing, but when others teach their child to hate Mormonism, it's called love?)

"Mock Christianity in the most open and brazen manner."
(I don't remember any Mormons protesting at the funeral of a U.S. soldier killed in Iraq.)

"That they call themselves Christians is an ugly ugly joke that thankfully any intelligent person can see through very quickly."
(Any intelligent person can quickly see that when it comes to those who bash the LDS Church, ignorance is bliss)

Keep those idiotic comments coming. It only makes Mormon bashers look dumber and dumber.

Mahershalalhashbaz | 11:14 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Lie #!-Joseph Smith more important than the SON of God=WAY wrong. Not a single mormon believes that. Ask any of us.

Lie #2-Joseph Smith fascist, pedophile, charlatan? You forgot Horse thief, used car thief (which a lady on my mission told me), gold digger, murderer etc.

Lie #3-Elohim lives NEAR the planet Kolob (please, at least spell it right).

Lie #4-lying (who's the one telling lies here?), soul-less (everyone has a soul), drones, brainwash kids (no-educate our kids from day one). Mock Christianity? (no-pure Christianity).

I hope you don't understand your Christianity as well as you understand "The Church of JESUS CHRIST." Why don't you tell us a better way, and maybe we'll see the light you see, rather than attack in a satanic hate diatribe?

Mahershalalhashbaz | 11:13 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

I hope Josh wins. I was hoping he'd run for governor instead though. Either way though, Huntsman the Younger and the Mathesons got to go. I'll be happy if he beats either of them. I just hope and pray someone will run against Huntsman. He is a murderer in his heart. And Utahns had better wake up to him, and fast! If anyone reading this has the time and money, you need to run against Huntsman!

Another Josh | 11:20 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

A lot of hater and anti's out there. Keep it commin cause the truth we know will never let your insults effect us. Josh Romney seems like a good enough guy and his family looks great, something we should all strive for. We need new decision makers and from what I have read he would have my vote. Good on him and I hope he makes the run. CTR

Gary | 11:21 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Matheson would smoke this arrogant neophyte in the 2nd district. Traveling around lying for his dad doesn't constitute experience. This puppy needs to get real.

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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)