Deseret News | Josh Romney mulling politics

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Josh Romney mulling politics

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Frank from Washington state | 11:31 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Go Josh,
We conservatives need you and your type!
I would donate to your campaign just as i did for your father.

FGM

cumberbund | 11:25 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Young republicans would love to have Josh run here. Then they can serve their country campaigning for a Romney rather than serving in the Iraq war they adore so much, just like Josh and his brothers did! Run, Josh, run!

deroy | 11:38 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

the religious bigot mike huckabee joined the media elite in attacking romney's religion.

the media seemed unconcerned that harry reid is a ormon and romney's father ran for president as a mormon and that jimmy carter's opponent in 1976 presidential orimary mo usdall was a mormon and that the senatorial candidate for the democrats in NM might be a mormon.

Comments continue below

W.Martin | 11:42 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

I am an evangelical in Tennessee but my President doesn't have to be the same religion as me. I have no idea what Mormons believe and have no desire to learn. I spent a year learning about the Koran after the towers fell and I don't want to now have to learn about Mormom beliefs.

That said, I did vote for Mitt. I agree with his conservative views and back him 100 percent on most of it. Personally, I don't think we need more HB-1 visas but for the most part he was the best. I spent a lot of time admiring his family at the website. That spoke volumes to me about the way they live their lives and the morals guiding them. I hated it when Mitt got out. I wonder if he regrets that decision himself.

VA resident | 11:59 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

People posting here appear very sheltered. Regarding military service, the vast majority of service personnel are married and have several children. Ergo, young Mr. Romney's family situation places him squarely in the normal life situation range for military service people. Let's have the big war fans enlist and serve combat tours.

Bookaholic | 12:07 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

Hey--the DOPES are out tonight! Little normal conversation, instead a lot of stupid, inane comments worthy of a fifth grade bigot. Grow up, libs!

Josh Romney is smart, moral, and educated. It's a free country. He can run if he wants to. I'd like to see him beat Matheson because we need all the Republicans in Congress that we can get. It sounds like Scott's son has a lot of support, so Mitt's son may have his work cut out for him.

Still, he's a very personable and thoughtful young man. I would definitely give him a good look and listen were he to run.

I am still hoping McCain chooses Mitt as his VP, as unlikely as that may be. I think he was the best candidate to come down the pike in a long time.

Spanky Spanked | 12:09 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

The only way the USA can be defeated in any conflict is through the loss of political will. It is becoming more apparent that we need more individuals engaged here in the home front active in supporting the victory in Iraq. Josh Romney needs to stay here in the United States and make it very apparent we will be victorious in Iraq and any other action our military needs to take in the future. The psychological warfare thrown at us by the left needs to be countered. Successful and accomplished people like the Romneyï¿½s are in a perfect position to act as a counterweight that will bring a political victory to our soldiers. For Josh to join the military as it has been suggested would be great, and absolutely noble, but for victories sake we need many people to hold back and shore up our home front political battles.

James | 12:23 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

An RM and an impeccable family; he has a shot to beat the liberal Matheson. Josh has my vote now will the rest of LDS stand up against the bigots that have posted negative comments on this page and stand up for your Brother.

CTR

McTagh | 12:28 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

I'm from VA...and I was so looking forward to voting in our primaries until Mitt dropped out. Me and my whole family had planned on voting for him. Instead, we ALL stayed home!!! We just couldn't bring ourselves to vote for McCain.

I sure wish Josh Romney the best of luck and wish I could vote for him.

On another note...why should he be experienced at caucassing? I think we need some young fresh blood in both houses of Congress...and as far as that crack about dynasty creation, and family money...um, wasn't it old Joe Kennedy that started that kind of crap...and we still have that old fart Ted Kennedy in the Senate. Jeez, I wonder what kind of REAL job he had before he snagged that seat based on sympathy from his brother being killed.

You democrats sure have a short memory.

Another Utahn | 12:38 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

Seriously Josh, run for Cannon's or Bishop's seat. Matheson represents his constituents, and has done an incredible job bringing federal money into the state. He has worked up his seniority, all the while refusing to sell out to Pelosi. Can anyone honestly say it is essential we keep Cannon in office?

I'm all for youth and a fresh perspective, but we shouldn't sacrifice Utah's most capable and effective representative (at least in the House) in pursuit of those qualities.

An Independent | 12:47 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

Seems to me it makes little sense ousting an effective congressman like Matheson. This Romney kid sounds nice but I'd much rather have someone who actually delivers as a representative to his constituents.

Until Matheson proves otherwise we should keep him in there - he's done a lot of good for the second district.

Chris | 12:42 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

Glad to hear this, and I hope Josh does well. I certainly hope that his father does get back in the race if McCain continues to falter. He should've been our candidate all along!

smart move | 12:45 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

Smart move. His Morman religion will work FOR him in Utah, not AGAINST. I would like to see him win. Geo. Romney was my horse in the race all along.I am a Catholic.I share his family values.

Bill | 1:20 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

"Gary" must have a huge chip on his shoulder that he can't shed. He reminds me of one of the "mormon haters", who don't have any idea what they're all about.

He calls Josh Romney arrogant, yet I didn't read one thing in this whole article that gave me that impression. And I can't help but wonder if "Gary" even knows what 'neophyte' means.

As for matheson 'smoking' Josh in a congressional race? I think the only 'smoking' is what "Gary" has been doing.

lovesaltlake | 1:43 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

Josh,
no offense, but I think I speak on behalf of most Utahs who live outside of Utah. Please don't run for office for a few years. We are all Romneyed out. Your dad's a great man and everything but we just need to catch our breath.

Nduring | 1:40 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

Three things a candidate should have:
1. Strong values
2. Ability to communicate those values
3. Sincere desire to serve his/her country

Josh has demonstrated the above criteria and would be a tremendous asset to Utah.

Come on, Josh, jump in!

Demos in power | 1:45 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

Now that the Democrats have captured the House, Senate, and soon the Presidency, It might be wise to keep at least once Democrat from Utah.

Army vet | 3:38 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

"
Porter | 3:54 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008
For all you "Patriots" out there, why should a Romney join an army that has invaded Utah to occupy Mormon property on several occasions? This may be ancient history but some Mormons don't forget how they were treated in the east or the west."

Well said! And the rest of us won't forget this little gem of yours! With that attitude, why would we want a Romney to be Commander-In-Chief of our military? In fact, why would a Romney even want to have to be Commander-In-Chief of our Army if they agree with you?

That little Romney fella should just stick to what his Daddy does; buying out companies and laying off their workers for a dime. Ka-ching!

john | 3:51 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

I really don't get republicans. And it will be nice to see a Democrat in the oval office very soon. No way a Republican will win. hahaha. I am going to rub it in, too.

Anonymous | 3:57 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

Ohhh dear Gosh no. I am Mormon, but Romney doesn't represent my views of values. Who does this kid think? I mean, being the son of billionaire doesn't make you a true champion of the people at heart. Matheson has done nothing to impress me since he got into office, and I am not even a democrat.

Please Utah, don't tell me we have fallen so low in our political standards. It is scary how similar to modern Russia we are with these faux democracies.

Richard | 4:35 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

I am so sick of people disqualifying somebody for office in this country because they don't have prior military service.We would have a pretty small pool of prospective office holders if we did that.What gives you people the moral certitude to suggest that if someone doesn't sign up they can't legitimately support the war.Seems like something else is going on here-like envy,or maybe just religious bigotry.

northstar62 | 4:35 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

How is the McCain campaign Faltering?

Abe | 5:17 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

If those who vote against Romeny because of his faith are bigoted, isn't the same true for those in Utah who voted for Romney because of his faith?

Bruno | 5:12 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

Since when is John McCain's campaign "faltering"?

It's Jon and John morons | 5:22 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

Lee (12:49 a.m.) wrote "Could Josh bring his dad here and have him run for governor against Prince John? It would be great to have a governor that wouldn't threaten to veto immigration bills that the majority of Utahns support." Whose Prince John? Let me see if I can work out who this is with some logic. If Josh Romney were to bring his Dad Mitt Romney to "run for governor against Prince John" I take it that you are referring to Jon Huntsman or if you wish Prince Jon. I understand that ignorant people don't know their own Governor's name and constantly refer to Jon Hunstman as "John" Hunstman.

I would consider this to be just a typo if it were not for the number of ignorant people making this mistake while still being able to type everything else without a problem. I find it interesting that the people who know Jon Huntsman name are those who oppose repealing in-state tuition and want to study the issue so that the majority can make an informed decision while a handful of vocal bigot can't get his name right.

shadow | 6:18 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

Let's see: Matheson is effective and a democrat. The democrats are predicted to add to their majority this coming fall season. So he will be able to present and represent Utah even better than before. Probably get a couple of plum committee chairmanships.

Josh is a very young guy, rich too, wife, 3 kids. But wrong party for the next 4-X years, and has no proven leadership skills except that he drove a van in Iowa. Did his RM work where? Does being an RM make you a candidate to lead others?

Is this the best Utah's conservative wing of the party can offer up?

The mountains are crying.

The Shadow Knows.

Mary / Rhode Island | 6:33 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

Run Josh....and to Mark 3:27 a.m. Campaign Experience: Give Josh a break....he's probably had more experience in the last year than Patrick Kennedy congressman from Rhode Island has had.....(read his bio)........Also, for Mit Romney....hope you get in there somehow.....there is not ONE person on either side of this campaign that I like since you suspended your campaign....Have a good day to all..

Bobby Wertis | 6:37 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

Josh should become a conservative Democrat. It is painfully obvious that the GOP will never allow a Mormon to be President. The "Christian Right" of the GOP does not trust Mormons.

If Mitt were a Democrat he would have won the nomination.

Mass Rich | 6:46 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

I can't uderstand what out west see in his father or for that matter his son.

What I saw was a polotican that mimicked was the polls. Every way wind blow he went. One day he for aboriton next he againsted. On day he for Gov managed care and then run for president he never heard of Mass Health which pushed. Then run for president and taxes are bad. In Mass raise those taxes and fees as high as you can. Another tax and spender

If his son is same look out Utah you have fake. Rommeny no thank you, you keep em.

deesee | 6:45 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

i think him talking out of both sides of his mouth is what deemed him un-electable.

Nathan | 7:03 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

Mitt Romney's wealth should be considered an asset, not a negative. The country is a business and should be run like one. As far as his child running, thats fine I don't see a problem with it, but he better run in Utah where he might actually have a chance. As far as him needing to serve in the military, that is a load of crap. Now if they were attacking his age, that would be one thing, life experience is important. I am close to Josh Romney's Age, and I certainly don't believe that serving in the military should or should not bar me from entering politics, or my validity if I did enter. I am not saying that I disagree with people being in the Military, because I am not. If I was going to base my choice for president based only on business aspects, I would have definitely cast my vote for Mitt Romney. While I do have a hard time trusting anyone that is fervently religious to hold up the constitution, Mitt Romney is/was certainly a better choice for president that Mike Huckabee (who is funny).

Elwood P. Suggins | 7:13 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

Mitt,
Your religion reallly didn't have anything to do with it. I lost you when you couldn't make up your damned mind. Flip Flop Flip Flop. that's what did you in. You sir were your own worst enemy. Run for Congress that is a body of idiots selling their souls for the next election.

What next blame God? Stop it. Your enemies are always there and God and Religion is not one of them.

unable-to-label | 7:25 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

UTAH IS THE EMBARASSMENT OF THE UNITED STATES, NO ONE OUTSIDE OF UTAH TAKES UTAH SERIOUSLY. EVERYONE KNOWS THAT UTAH WILL VOTE REPUBLICAN SO CANDIDATES DO NOT EVEN BOTHER CAMPAIGNING THERE.

You Have To Be Kidding | 7:35 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

my2cents,

The Obama's went to Princeton and Harvard. I would assume that would take any of us 15 years or more to pay that off.

Don't paint them as "someone who truly understands poverty and discrimination"

BD | 7:38 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

"Only a few times, he said, did he hear voters say they couldn't support a Mormon candidate for president. "I said, 'That's a very un-American thing to say.' I mean, this is a country that based on religious freedom," Josh Romney said."

Un-American? For Josh Romney to accuse someone of being un-American because he can't support a Mormon is to deny THAT person HIS religious freedom. I can choose, based on my religious preferences, whether I want to vote for a Baptist, Catholic, Muslim, Jew, atheist, or whatever. That is exercizing MY first amendment right.

Outside | 7:45 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

Wow!! Utah really is isolated. FYI....it's a Mormon thing. The rest of the country ain't ever gonna get over it. Deal with it. Be grateful you control one state and continue to believe you are superior. Cheers.

Julie in Texas | 8:01 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

Hello,

Right or wrong, whenver I hear negative comments about Mitt Romney, it is usually because "he changed his set of beliefs to meld with the base of people that he wanted to vote for him." I do not usually hear anything about his Mormonism.

Our family really like Mitt Romney and felt that he was treated unfairly by the media. We were very disappointed he did not win the nomination, but being the nice fellow he seems to be, we feel that he has escaped the intense warfare, backbiting, scrutiny, and maliciousness that the office of President receives. He should count his blessings that he is out of the muck and mire.

In my humble opinion, if Josh is going to run as a public servant, he would be well served to choose his set of beliefs (hopefully Godly and constitutionally) and stick with them. I greatly admire a principled man--always will. In our present age, these men are far and few between.

John | 8:05 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

To everyone who said that military service is the choice Josh should make to show his patriotism: How many, if any, of you served in the military to show your patriotism. I didn't see any of you mention your valiant service. personally I served in the Marine Corps and would be happy to support Josh who is a patriot even though he has not been in the military. He is certainly not like another non military man who did some very embarrassing things while serving as President and I would like to know the military background of Representative Matheson, a Republican when he is in Utah, a Democrat when he is in Washington.

Jason | 8:21 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

I guess it's possible that his mormonism affected the election, but I really don't think so. In the South, being a Catholic or Mormon might have hurt him, but he couldn't win the northern states.

What hurt him? He came off as arrogant and smug. He said "economics" is in his blood. I took that as saying, "I was born with money, a silver spoon...."

Mass Resident | 8:20 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

Let me first comment that I am a Mitt supporter (I will be writing his name in in the November election) but it always amazes me when I visit family in Utah the blind following that Mitt has in Utah. I'm sad to see that there are several people on this discussion board who are willing to transfer that blindness to Josh ("If" he decides to run). What qualifications does he have? Yes he did graduate from Harvard Business School, but that was only a few years ago and last time I checked, they don't teach classes on being a public servant. Voting for Josh would be about as bad as Massachusetts (and Rhode Island and Connecticut) residents voting for Kennedys

Diana | 8:21 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

The USA is fighting to preserve our way of life, that of a democratic republic. The only way to have a democratic republic is to have a healthy capitalist society, without regard to religion, color, or gender. Capitalism means that you are free to compete for business. Business means you can support yourself, your family, and provide jobs for others so they can do the same. During this campaign it has become obvious that an awful lot of Americans hate capitalism. Many want to be taken care of by government and are hell bent on electing someone who intends to do that. Problem is if you kill the rich, you kill business. Then no one can work. Then no one can pay taxes. Then everyone is poor. Wake up. The best thing for this country is someone who understands the economy and knows how to increase global business practises. It is too late this time, but it will become pretty clear to you soon enough when taxes are increased, more businesses fail, more people lose their homes, and jobs and more successful people are punished for being smart.

DB | 8:28 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

As a Republican residing in the most Republican of Iowa's 99 counties, I can definitely say that Mitt's Mormonism had a LOT to do with his not winning the Iowa Caucuses. It's a shame. I felt he was the best of all the Republican candidates, and the underlying bigotry put a black eye on the Iowa Caucuses.

dignin | 8:26 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

To enough:
Can you explain how Garn's daddy got him involved in politics?

Mither | 8:30 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

I'm sure if Josh Romney were to post his resume it would be more impressive than that he went to HS and college on his daddy's dime. The Romney's are a great family who support a great platform - values based for once. Scott Matheson got into politics on his daddy's name if you remember.

I hope Josh runs. He would do the office honor with his morals and values. Everyone has to start somewhere and he has the support of many who associate him with all that is good and righteous (rare individuals) and he has the name recognition that is a big part of the battle in any political race in Utah.

A huge minus for Scott Matheson is that he has bought into the biggest scam in history - global warming caused by greenhouse gasses. That is a fear-mongering piece of work by those with ulterior motives. One would do well to look into the "science" Al Gore used.

my2cents | 8:31 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

I did 20 in the Navy. I never served with anyone who did not want to be there. In fact, each man/woman made their own choices about serving. Some had kids old enough to enlist. But many of these kids did not enlist. Why? because they made the decisions that were best for them.

I would be proud if my sons serve in the miltiary, and proud if they decide not to.

I like Jim Mattheson. He's been pretty level. But, this is not about Jim. It needs to be about Nancy P and her ruling class in the Congress.

Dan | 8:33 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

All of you who are saying that he should join the military instead are truly ignorant. It is a volunteer military, no one is required to serve in the military. Serving as a congressman is also a service to the country. He is 32 years old with 3 kids and a wife, he is beyond the age when most people enlist. I doubt that half of you that say he should enlist would even consider enlisting, even if you agreed with the war. You're just a bunch of hypocrites that try to think of a clever line, but it just comes off as ignorant

hank | 8:41 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

By entering religion into the equation he is way ahead of the political game. Maybe he should convert to Judism and call himself Rabi Romney or he could become a Judge with the nickname Robonna Romney. Don't step on the tail.

Re; Mither | 8:45 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

sorry, I meant that Jim Matheson got in office on his father, Scott Matheson's coat tails.

Sweet William | 9:00 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

and Romney brings what qualifications to the table? Oh yeah, he is Mormon, Republican and his name is Romney.

There is still hope in Happy Valley that the Constitution will be saved.

Barrett | 8:59 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

Run Josh Run!

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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)