Deseret News | Candidate aims to boost faith

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News analysis: Candidate aims to boost faith

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Rob | 2:20 a.m. March 21, 2008

The last opinion I care about is anybody working for the ACLU. All they want to do is take God out of anything public.

Chaffetz is right | 2:29 a.m. March 21, 2008

I consider myself religious, but I prefer the position Chaffetz has taken. Let the pastors and religious leaders do the preaching. Besides, if we need more religion in this country, sending another Leavitt to Washington isn't going to change that.

Conejo | 3:25 a.m. March 21, 2008

While I agree the majority should not have to bow to the minority I also feel Government should just stick to the task of governing. If they wish to pray about the decisions they are making great, more power to them. I would hope everyone in government carefully evaluates each decision they make and think deeply about the consequences of each decision. However, my belief in God does not have it's origin in Government or the founding fathers. Government has never made me reconsider, strengthen, nor has it lessened my faith in anything other than government itself. Please Mr. Leavitt, leave the sermon on faith to those who are moved to speak about HIM in quiet tones of reverence without fanfare or election afterward.

Comments continue below

Darin M | 5:08 a.m. March 21, 2008

Faith? Isn't that what holds seventy two virgins in waiting for the one who crashes a plane into a skyscraper? If the world needs more faith, as Leavitt would have it, I will even vote for Chris Cannon. Campaigning like this appeals to the basest side of human nature. Is it too much to ask for intellect over emotions?

Clements | 6:20 a.m. March 21, 2008

Finally someone willing to stand up and fight for what we as a society beleive. I would rather have a Congressman who beleives in God and stands up for that belief then one who hides behind the ACLU.

Voters are looking for a congressman who will represent the values of the third district. I have never seen Cannon shy away from the religious debate and I am glad to see Leavitt won't either.

I find Chaffetz comments to be shallow and typical of politicians who are only willing to take the safe route. It shows a real lack of commitment to his beliefs and a willingness to be blown about by political winds.

Chaffetz could take a serious lesson in Leadership from Leavitt. I think its poor judgement on Chaffetz part to side with the ACLU on the issue of God and government.

Liberal larry | 6:43 a.m. March 21, 2008

I know it is hard for people to believe, but non religious, people are often times out standing in their chosen professions. The same is true with politics, cut the pontificating and get things done. Just remember, the two worst post war presidents are Carter and Bush, and they are also the most overtly religious.

Anon | 6:43 a.m. March 21, 2008

Wow, I would have never thought that someone would actually make me want to support Chris Cannon's run for re-election.

Good job, Leavitt! You've done it. While I would prefer Chaffetz over either, I can only pray that this psycho-religious 'babble' that Mike's little brother is spouting can be conquered by even-handed thought rather than pointless religious zealotry.

Chris | 6:52 a.m. March 21, 2008

Oh wait, is the editor of this newspaper Cannon's little brother? Oh wait he is... Gee this "analysis" (just like you put "promise" in quotations) couldn't be bias could it be? No, that could never happen.

Voters are sick of your big brother. He doesn't represent our values. He increases the size of government while furthering the slave labor of millions of Hispanic immigrants. What has happened in Washington since Cannon has been office? That's right, decreased civil liberties, the eroded constitution, debt beyond belief, the slave labor of immigrants, devaluation of the dollar... Need I go on?

No thanks Cannon, we the people of Utah are sick of what you have done for us.

BRM | 6:50 a.m. March 21, 2008

Stand for Something! Chaffetz lacks the maturity and commitment we need in congress. He could learn something from the following quotes.

ï¿½History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.ï¿½
-- Martin Luther King, Jr.

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.
-- Edmund Burke

Raul | 6:53 a.m. March 21, 2008

god belongs in church and in individuals hearts. No where else. Are we not fighting religious extremists at this very moment? Do we want are own form of taliban on our very soil? Everyone has the right of religous freedom, what about freedom from religion?

Yes, but... | 7:02 a.m. March 21, 2008

Government doesnï¿½t answer to a Supreme Being; it answers to the people, who in turn answer to God. We do hold a duty to maintain a belief in a Supreme Being, but that duty is to God and it is not the job of government to enforce that duty. To say we hold a duty to maintain ï¿½publicï¿½ belief in a Supreme Being is a little trickier. The nation will prosper most if the citizens have faith and their public actions reflect and spring from that faith. However public profession of faith per se does not correlate with good behavior, some of the most vocal advocates of their own religiousness turn out in fact to be the least moral in their actions. The Savior warns against ostentatious public expressions of faith. In other word we should walk the walk but exercise caution in talking the talk. Morale behavior and standards should flow from the people up to government, not the other way. If Leavitt wants to see the people be more faithful he might follow the example of Alma and pursue that goal thru ecclesiastic channels and not government office.

Wonderer | 6:58 a.m. March 21, 2008

Only in Utah could the challenge to a candidate as shallow and right-wing as Cannon com from further to the right. What an amazing place!

Anonymous | 7:06 a.m. March 21, 2008

I love it when the people quote the founders to make a religious point. Leavitt should understand what the founders understood: Religion is best preserved when the government leaves it alone. Yes, keep the church and the state separate and religion will prosper!

Doug | 7:13 a.m. March 21, 2008

I think this is a bold move by Leavitt and it's the right one. The fact that the article quotes so much material from Leavitt shows that he's not hiding this issue in a corner of his platform, he's laid it out for all to see. I want a candidate who is willing to stand for something and holds himself to a higher standard (if only Eliot Spitzer would have done the same...). We need more people like Leavitt in Washington who show leadership and accountability, not bowing, like Chaffetz, to the views of the ACLU (or any other special interest group).

If I'm part of the 92% of the population, I shouldn't have to tip-toe around the 8%. However, both sides should be respectful and accommodating. Leavitt seems to have that attitude.

Kevin | 7:23 a.m. March 21, 2008

And I find "Clements" comments to be shallow and typical of posturing "people of faith" who thrive on fables and fluff.

Hog Wash | 7:34 a.m. March 21, 2008

We have a U.S. Constitution that Utah seems to denie
This constitution protects people from TYRANT Governments like the Utah Legisature
The Utah Legislature is making Laws that are not in the interest of truth or common sense
Behind closed doors is not a place to do the Peoples Business
Yet for years, That is what has happped in Utah
Chris Buttars maybe would have thought twice about the Black Baby Speech
We have Tyrant Judges setting on the Bench
A good look for yourself would make my point
Where is Supreme Court Chief Justice Cristine Durham?
She needs to visit the Brigham City Courts

Anonymous | 7:56 a.m. March 21, 2008

I'm voting for Chaffetz. These Leavitts have DEEP pockets and will spend all their money, and yours if possible, to get political gain. Cannon is just horrible for Utah. He doesn't care about this state at all... just his own pockets and power. Get him out!

Faith Card | 7:56 a.m. March 21, 2008

This guy sounds like an Evangelical. Way to play the faith card. Why not focus on war, health insurance, poverty, national debt, inflation, and the weak dollar. Let me worry about my own faith.

To BRM | 8:22 a.m. March 21, 2008

Those are perfect quotes! Thank you for sharing them!!

Same old same old | 8:19 a.m. March 21, 2008

"And one is to renew the religious faith of Utahns as it applies to government operations." Playing the LDS card in LDS Utah is great when you lack anything else to stand on.

To Raul | 8:20 a.m. March 21, 2008

Your logic doesn't make sense. If God is truly a supreme being... one who created us... one who lends you your very breath, then how can you say he belongs no where but in your heart? God is involved in every aspect of our lives, whether we want him to be or not. And if you're truly a "believer" then you should be able to comprehend that. It doesn't make sense that an supreme being such as God would be so insignificant that we can simply "not involve" him in certain aspects of our lives. If we try to ignore him, we will reap the consequences.

BBKing | 8:23 a.m. March 21, 2008

91% of us believe in God. As for pandering like this, did we not get a snoot full from Mike Hackabee? His presentation that basically his belief in God is better than ours?

The thing that is going to work against David Leavitt is his brother Mike. Mike is still the biggest, fakest panderer I have ever met! I mean, holy cow. After he traveled to Greece to watch the lighting of the Olympic torch flame he brought back to Utah a feather from one of the doves that "...alofted to heaven like so many angels..." Yada, yada, yada....OH VEY!

And everyone knew Mike was fake.

So now his younger brother is playing the same game. Ok, so Leavitt is a NO vote for me.

Chaeffetz is a nice guy though his background as a staunch democrat worries me, and then throw in his very close ties to Huntsman and his extreme environmental agenda, I guess that leaves Cannon.

Cannon has done a 180 degree turn around. He has signed the discharge petition for the SAVE Act, tough on immigration. He supports the States enforcing immigration. He's there. I guess Throckmorton did what he said he would, turn Cannon around.

However | 8:25 a.m. March 21, 2008

I do agree with "Yes, but..." I think that the world would be amazingly improved if people would live morally clean and righteous lives. However, the founding fathers understood that they could not force this on the people. That's not what religion is about. You have to want to do what's right... if you are being forced then it's all fake and your heart isn't in the right place anyway.

j gardner | 8:32 a.m. March 21, 2008

Right on, those who live by the scriptures are founded in reasons to be a moral and kinder person. We need politicial leaders who are honest, who believe in the capitalistic underpinings of our nation and feel patriotic because of our beginnings and a need to keep it such.

IM | 8:52 a.m. March 21, 2008

What a weird person. What a weird thing to say. What a weird thing to try and legislate.

WHAT A WEIRDO!

Anonymous | 9:08 a.m. March 21, 2008

"If America keeps going down the road "of political correctness" where a supreme being is not acknowledged as an authority above government, then America will change for the worse, Leavitt added."... HMMM, lets see, currently we have a "supreme leader" who beleives that the "supreme being" actually talks to him. This "leader, this decider" has actually made religion and God MORE prominent in Government. And with that in mind, can I ask, are we REALLY better off? I much preferred our economy and our world standing when that immoral president was in office and God was supposedly no where to be found near the government.

Has the "critical role our Creator has played throughout the history of this great Nation" really been that critical? If you are going to point out all the good things that has happened to this nation and say that the Creator has been instrumental in them, then you BETTER point out all the bad things (ie: 9/11, Katrina, etc) and say HE had a had in those as well. You cant pick and chose when the Creator is involved.

Jeffrey | 9:07 a.m. March 21, 2008

To use God to increase your political popularity is ammoral. While, I support men of faith I am extremelly hesitant to support one who uses his faith for his own gain and power - to me, that's priestcraft.

As for Chaffetz, he seems a little swarmy too. Leavitt may be a panderer but at least he has some credentials to run as a Congressman. Chaffetz has a comms degree, was a football player, state director for Mike Dukakis, and campaign manager for Huntsman. That seems like a resume for a political opportunist not someone who can be effective in Congress.

In my opinion Cannon is not a smooth communicator or a Mitt Romney look alike, but he seems to have a good work ethic and seniority which is good for Utah. So, out of the three I would choose Cannon.

Hu | 9:15 a.m. March 21, 2008

"We must rely on God to keep us free ï¿½ free from financial burden, free from Washington bureaucracy and free from our enemies."

Hu? We must rely on God to keep us free? To which God do you refer to? Zeus? The guy in the "Bible" who keeps killing people for no good reason you know, turning people into salt, flooding the earth, I could go on but it would take all day), is this the guy who's going to free us from Washington bureaucracy? Then why not just elect God for President?

IM | 9:18 a.m. March 21, 2008

Maybe he should be running for STAKE PRESIDENT instead of Congress!

Utah Resident | 9:17 a.m. March 21, 2008

Pure Politics, saying whatever He thinks the Utah Republicans want to hear.

Bombadil | 9:18 a.m. March 21, 2008

I wonder if he will be punished by whirling trout in the great beyond?

Anonymous | 9:34 a.m. March 21, 2008

I've never been a big fan of proselytism.

In a room of 100 people, you can be sure you will find 100 different, unique personalities and 100 different personal points of view.

Proselytism sounds good on paper and in ward houses.
Makes a mess of the world though.

Kjaerbye | 9:40 a.m. March 21, 2008

Maybe not just running as a Stake President, but to be appointed as a LDS General Authority? We need Separation of Church and State. The Christian God is not the only God that resides in America! What about Buda? Utah has more than the Mormon God here!

Mc | 10:01 a.m. March 21, 2008

To BBKing: You may not agree with David Leavitt on this subject, but to call Mike Leavitt the "biggest, fakest panderer" you ever met shows your shallow character more than anything. I doubt that you ever met Mike Leavitt or knew him more than casually. He is certainly not fake or a panderer. He is a hardworking, caring, and honorable public servant. If David Leavitt is anything like his brother, he would make a fine congressman.

Listen! | 10:16 a.m. March 21, 2008

Why is everyone so willing to criticize Leavitt for taking a stand on something that helped found our nation! The founding fathers did put their faith in God, and they weren't shy about it! Leavitt is in NO way saying that we need a government-run church or anything. This has nothing to do with "church and state", Mr. Chaffetz. This has to do with returning to the time where people had the freedom to believe in God without fear of being sued for mentioning it in public. Jason Chaffetz sided with the ACLU in this one. Wonder how far that will take him...

William Bennett | 10:53 a.m. March 21, 2008

I think Leavitt's comments have been taken completely out of context. He never said anything about legislating a belief in God, but rather speaks of our dependence in a Supreme Being being key to overcoming the many challenges that face our nation today.

Abraham Lincoln said, "God rules this world. It is the duty of nations as well as men to owe their dependence upon the overruling power of God...and to recognize the sublime truths that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord." I don't think anyone would claim Lincoln was pandering or asking us to legislate religion.

Thomas Jefferson went further, he said, "God, who gave us life, gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are a gift of God?" Jefferson wasn't asking us to force religion--just to recognize where the source of our freedom comes from.

I think Leavitt is simply echoing our need to not remove God from the public forum, but rather rely on Him for the hope to find answers to our Nation's problems.

I think Leavitt should be commended for taking such a strong stance.

MC | 10:57 a.m. March 21, 2008

Being an ex Utahn and living in Washington, I love to read about the antics of Utah politicians. Little do they understand that when religion is injected into politics you get a George Bush/ Orwellian meld of religious fervor and dangerous policies. Too bad that Huckabee bowed out. Then Utahns could have tasted the hate driven, anti- Mormon, Evangelical tirades against the LDS. So whether it is Mormon, Evangelical, or Muslim driven fundamentalist agenda it all plays into the fanatics hands. Leavitt should join his brother and get out of politics and go on a mission or something.

YES! | 11:00 a.m. March 21, 2008

This is why I am proud to live in Utah and why I am proud to be a member of the only true CHURCH. Enough of the left-wing zealouts who have been trying to separate church and state for centuries at the detriment of our great country. We need more politicians like David Leavitt who are not afraid to TELL IT LIKE IT IS!

V.W. | 11:18 a.m. March 21, 2008

David Leavitt shows his class here by taking a stand on an issue that has become so sensitive because of the 8% that doesn't want us to believe in God anymore. It's digusting to see Jason Chaffetz taking the easy road by agreeing with...the ACLU????? Wow.
David would make a great congressman, I agree with Mc.

K23 | 11:24 a.m. March 21, 2008

What a convoluted and contradictory position Mr. Leavitt is taking.

...and a very dangerous one!

This is the LAST person (other than Super Dell) who belongs in public office.

Keep this kind of fanaticism out of public service!

Anonymous | 11:19 a.m. March 21, 2008

Leavitt is just pandering to the religious fanatics in Utah.

Vote for somebody other than Leavitt.

The Belief | 11:30 a.m. March 21, 2008

The 11th Article of Faith of the Church that David Leavitt is a member of states: "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may." Where is the lack of tolerance in that sentence? Each person has the right, under the U.S. Constitution, to believe what they want to believe. Those who are of a certain faith and are elected to represent their constituents, the majority of whom are of the same faith, should be allowed to practice their faith in their lives, in their service to their constituents. When the benefits of that personal integrity are seen by the exceptional, successful service of such a leader, we should all be grateful that the leader stays true to his values, while he also, by his own faith's principles, allows those of his constituency to follow their own personal beliefs.

Just a guy | 11:34 a.m. March 21, 2008

Here is what I find odd; who would be the best people to comment on David Leavitt and God? ...Oh yeah Jason Chaffetz, whose campaign is based solely on ad hominem attacks, and the ACLU's resident expert on faith. We should all thank Joe Cannon, for his objectivity and perfect skill for finding the best people in Utah to comment on the Third district race, and God. Give me a break. Joe should go back to lobbying his brother. And Chaffetz should go back to being a Democrat in Utahï¿½s SECOND district. And why is there even an ACLU in Utah? Good work Deseret News, you are a truly amazing newspaper.

IM | 12:06 p.m. March 21, 2008

Leavitt = Huckabee

to K23 | 12:43 p.m. March 21, 2008

Through the "fanaticism" you mentioned, our Nation with all its privileges, blessings, and opportunities was founded. You are a beneficiary of that "fanaticism."
What is the basis of your comment?

Reality check | 1:52 p.m. March 21, 2008

No amount of professed faith is going to lower my taxes or get me affordable housing or health care.

To The Belief | 2:04 p.m. March 21, 2008

Thanks for sharing your article of faith with us. The problem is that most of the Mormons I know must not have read it. We of other faiths continually have to turn the other cheek in Utah. Your religion is mostly of the in your face type. And Mr. Leavitt is simply another.

Chaffez annoying too | 2:17 p.m. March 21, 2008

I think we need people of faith in office but I don't think we need people setting themselves up as God's intermediary in the government telling us what to believe.

However, it seems like Chaffez finds faults with Leavitt based on opportunity, not principle. After all, if Chaffez was such a strong conservative why doesn't he run against the Democrat from his own district?! Instead, he attacks republicans outside of his district - what an opportunist! Then again, maybe Chaffez still longs for the days when he was a Democrat running Dukakis' campaign in Utah.

This article made me respect and support Leavitt and Chaffez much less than I did before.

to Reality Check | 2:13 p.m. March 21, 2008

But it's the fact that the founding fathers put their faith and trust in God when they made even greater decisions than that of taxes or health care. They were creating the constitution of an entire country, and they needed divine help. It is not bad for Leavitt to say that we need to renew faith. It is something that will allow us to recognize the source of our freedoms and allow people of all faiths the opportunity to worship God freely and happily, as they should be able to in a free country.

Show your faith | 2:18 p.m. March 21, 2008

I'll believe in the faith of a Utah politician only when they take a stand for full transparency in business dealings for all public officials. Until then, their professions of faith are only lip service. Honesty isn't negotiable.

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