Paperboy | 12:38 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
Most Utahns already have decided they want GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney to win the White House in 2008? Give me a break.

Most Utahns have been burned in the past by automatically choosing the nominee served up by the Republican party (George Bush) and many have decided to think for themselves rather than voting the party line.

Ron Paul consistently gets picked in straw polls as the most thoughtful, ethical candidate seeking to become the Republican nominee. Ron Paul is a true conservative and doesn't pander to his audience. He is authentic, true to his beliefs and appeals to more and more conservative voters each day.

The readers of the Deseret Morning News deserve better than this; more insighful and thorough analysis of all the candidates, their positions on the key issues and how they match up against each other.
viking | 12:53 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
Romney is head and shoulders over any other candidate. Democrats fear him because he is smart, well educated, knows how to run a business, start a business, take over a losing one and making it profitable. He did a good job in Massachusetts where he set a very standard in ethics and good governance. If he secures the nomination he will unite the country and will win the presidency. Whereas other candidates and past presidents have problem with family members, Mitt has set such a good example, his wife and are so nice that I would not mind seeing them on TV all the time. Can you say that about any of the other candidates, Democrat or Republican, in this election?
Nathaniel | 1:19 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
As a Democrat, I WANT the Republicans to nominate Mitt Romney. Please, please, please nominate this flip flopper.
Comments continue below
Anonymous | 1:23 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
more insighful and thorough analysis of all the candidates, their positions on the key issues and how they match up against each other.

Yup I am still for Romney
wake up | 1:44 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
Romney would be a great GOP nominee. Hilary would make 'ol Huck look like a Mayberry character from Arkkansas. Common sense tells us that. It's funny how some use the old worn out cliche of "flip-Flop" any time someone changes opinion. I see this as re-evaluating important issues.It demonstates maturity. Romney makes no excuse as to who he is. The Dems had a flip-flopper in the white house. Remember Bill? He never inhaled. Hilary never supported the Iraq war either.
David | 1:54 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
Hahahaha, oh man, Romney would make ANY of those possible Democratic hopefuls look like the inexperienced morons that they really are. Romney is doing great and will continue to.
Paperboy, I have heard this Ron Paul diatribe a little too often for my liking. I have a very good friend who is all about Ron Paul for the same reasons you say you are. Because he talks a game you like and says he believes in what you believe in. Which is great and all, but I ask you the same question I ask my friend; What has Ron Paul ever DONE? Who listens to him? How does he communicate? Why does he lose his temper every time someone asks him a question? How has he demonstrated an actual ABILITY to rally real, far-reaching support? He hasn't. He just hasn't. Ron Paul could really be a great guy. I agree with a lot of what he says. I agree more with Romney, but I really need to see Ron Paul be more of a political success before I give him my vote to go out to try to beat the democrats and to bring this country together.
Anonymous | 2:07 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
viking | 12:53 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
Romney is head and shoulders ( Is that what he uses in his hair?) over any other candidate. Democrats fear him because he is smart, well educated, knows how to run a business (layoff thundreds of US citizens), start a business (and then deposit it in off shore accounts), take over a losing one and making it profitable. He did a good job in Massachusetts (you have the internet , do you read the Mass newpapers) where he set a very standard in ethics (Hires illegals) and good governance.
Just thought I would help you out on you comment.
Ron Paul | 2:13 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
Personnally, I think both Huckabee and Ron Paul have some really bizarre ideas. Huckabee wants to eliminate the IRS, and Ron Paul has these "interesting" consipracy theories... too weird for me.
Andy | 5:01 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
As a Democrat, I would love the Republicans nominating Romney as their Candidate. Utah, might be the only state Romney would win against any of the leading Democratic candidate. If the Republicans are smart and want to really win the White House, they should nominate John McCain and not some flip flopper who seems to switch positions every other day.
Lynn | 5:25 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
PaperBoy just what does your candidate offer -- his stand on the war is enough to make me turn away. This country was built on principles of helping others -- where is his position on that?
L.G.R. | 7:07 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
Mitt puts his heart and soul into any endeavor which is proven by his past record.
Who could ask for anything more?

Yes, we are fortunate to have such a man to be willing to lead us.
George | 7:11 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
To Paperboy: What polls are you talking about? Ron Paul is a looney who dosn't stand a snowballs chance. I would vote for John Edwards over Ron Paul. Lets get with it and support someone who can beat Hillary or Obama.
Go Mitt!!!
John | 7:35 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
David,

Actions speak louder than words and it takes a lot of Ron Paul-like passion to be a good president. I can tell you this about Ron Paul though I suspect you will say what else has he done?:

1. He's fully invested to protect our freedoms and borders. Check out his voting record.
2. He's represented Texas for twenty years in the US House of Representatives.
3. He's supported life by delivering 4,000 babies as a successful Ob/Gyn. He's also protected life throughout his political career.
4. He's one of the few we can trust to honor the presidential oath: "I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
5. Among other positives Ronald Regan had this to say about him, (1) "Ron Paul is one of the outstanding leaders fighting for a stronger national defense", (2) "As a former Air Force officer, he knows well the needs of our armed forces, and he always puts them first", and (3) "We need to keep him fighting for our country".
Earl | 7:59 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
David, I'm not convinced you're talking about Ron Paul from Texas. You must be referring to another Ron Paul. I have never seen him lose his temper. He has always been under control every time I've observed him. Did you see him on Meet the Press? Every attempt by Russert to needle him with mischaracterizations was met with straight-forward honesty and passion, but never with anger. And what has he done? Look at his voting record and you'll find out. Check out his proposed legislation. His actions, if they had become implemented, would rescue the economy, revitalize the reputation of the U.S., and restore the federalist system as envisioned by the Founders. In short, his policies are precisely what this nation needs now more than ever. Romney, on the other hand, is nothing more than a continuation of the Bush debacle. He has offered nothing but more of the same, though done more efficiently. In other words, he may find an even shorter path to the edge of the cliff.
michael | 8:42 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
Everyone seems to assume Hillary will be the Demo nominee- though this is still a wide open race.
Romney wants his religion not to be an issue, yet he is popular in Utah ONLY because of his religion. He might be a formidable candidate, but will never get the republican nomination due to his religion. It will be interesting to see how Utah votes in the election if Huckabee is nominated.
russ | 8:46 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
Oh, let me take a moment to rain on this parade. Mitt won't get the nomination. Too much opportunism on his part. Christians on the right will oppose him more and more as time moves on and the congregations get focused in the Bible belt. SC will really show the deep division in the right wing of the party. Lots of name calling coming up. He simply has too much baggage, Mormonism's long record of telling others they are not the true Christians. Huck will not quit and will take his folksy act everywhere. He will throw as much mud as is needed. Guiliani will not quit, and has a bucket of mud ready for 2008. Thompson will quit in February. Ron Paul does not count. McCain will stay around and become the darling of the compromise set at the convention, getting the nomination, and then loosing in November because he looks and acts and walks like an old man. Close ups of his face costs him votes. Change is blowing in the wind. Look for a demo. year. No matter who is nominated.
Anonymous | 8:46 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
Just another flip-flopping, say whatever it takes to ace out the other ultra-wealthy political clown.
William Spahn, Needham MA | 9:04 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
That most Utahns have decided to support Romney is simply to say the Mormon bias factor has already been applied in his favor. What a surprise! So, while Utah accepts its sheep like religious position behind the Mormon candidate, the rest of the nation is learning exactly who Romney is, and the picture that develops is not flattering. In short, through the caucus and primary processes Romney is being exposed as a candidate who cannot tell the truth about the simplest aspects of his life and beliefs, much less his political and social positions, his record in office and his campaign practices. Additionally, his campaign is the most negative of any candidate in both parties. The democrats are probably salivating over the possibility of facing this truth barren candidate, but I doubt the Republicans will allow that to happen. So enjoy your Utah Mormon glee for the moment before candidate Romney crashes and burns. (For a better perspective, try reading about Romney from media sources beyond the Mormon empire.)
Not a sheeple | 9:33 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
It saddens me to see so many of my LDS brethren fall all over themselves for Romney. He is a politician like they all are. Since is is from Mass he must have taken flip flop lessons from John Kerry. While in Mass he signed into law universal health care for that state, supported abortion and, gay rights. He embarrasses me as a fellow member of the LDS faith. He was caught more than once employing illegal immigrants but is against illegal immigration. He saw a march that didn't happen. He is a lifelong hunter but doesn't own a gun. He supported gay rights but now doesn't. He supported abortion but now doesn't.

He is the Republican version of Kerry and this doesn't embarrass anyone? I live in the midwest where not everyone on the street is LDS, how am I supposed to explain this to people when they bring up the fact that we are both LDS. I tell them he doesn't represent the church and they should hear the message rather than judge us on the basis of a phony politician.
Earl | 9:38 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
Ron Paul 2:13 a.m.: would you care to give an example of a weird conspiracy theory or a "really bizarre idea" of Ron Paul's?
Carl | 10:00 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
If Romney doesn't win, it isn't because the Church owned media hasn't given him non-stop coverage! But, isn't the Mormon Church offically non-political?
Tai H. | 10:17 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
Mitt Romney DOES NOT represent the "Mormon Vote". He is slipping in the polls. He is a true liberal.

Mike Huckabee will beat Mitt like a goverment mule.
Dr.Dmond | 10:51 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
Romney is clearly the most qualified candidate and will become the next president of the U.S. To think he would lose to the likes of Hillary or Obama? Please, give me a break!
yuk | 11:10 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
Hey Dr. Dmond, Tell me why he is the most qualified! Is he qualified because he flip flops like all politicians? Dude is an embarrassment to my LDS standards. Look deep into his time as Governor of Mass and you will find a liberal in sheep's clothing.
Why Romney Will Loose | 11:11 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
It's not his faith, but rather his allegiance with corporate America and upscale, 100K+ incomes, and his flip flopping on social issues. Plus, let's not forget that as the Mass. governor he REQUIRED businesses to provide health insurance. Now, this is not the free market. How can any government in a "free society" every require private business to provide and pay for a benefit? Clearly, Romney is not the candidate to lead. The only candidate who can attract both repubs and dems is Huckabee. Not on his religious convictions, but rather in his wisdom and the way he has with people. The perfect ticket is: Huckabee and Paul in 08
Nikki | 11:17 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
I'm voting for Obama.
Ron Paul | 11:22 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
If one seriously examines the issues Ron Paul is the ONLY candidate with a remedy. His medical bag cures specific problems that are bringing this county to its knees in a big way.

Paul is right on the military. Where in the Constitution does it state that the United States is to defend the global environment and build nations?? It only states that the U.S. military is to provide for defence of the U.S.

Taxes. Paul is right once again. The IRS is not a constitutional entity. We need to delete the income tax.

Health Care..who else can prescribe the cure for this? We need create a more competitive environment for insurers..NO Government.

Pro Life..okay LDS'ers..Romney was never Pro life until now...Paul delivered 4,000 babies..need I say more.

Freedom...Ron Paul is the only candidate who truly understands our inherent freedoms as written in the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Nobody else gets it.

Illegal immigration...he is right on. Secure the border. All the other candidates could care less about border security.

Rom Paul is the man for 08
Dems Have Nothing to Offer | 11:27 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
Any republican is better than any democrat.

Obama..sounds good, looks good..but he is condenscending and has NO experience.

Clinton...Clinton will create a Socialist government in the United States..she will kill capitalism and only add more debt to our country.

Edwards..Do we really want a lawyer who made his personal fortune through suing medical providers? Plus, it is common knowledge that his neighbors can't stand him. Enough said.

In short, the dems are the bread and circus party run by leftists. America will be on it's deathbed if any dem is elected. The only problem is that there is noplace else to go.
To Michael | 11:33 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
Michael, you have it all wrong. I reiterate: The powerful Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate, Harry Reid, is a Mormon. Most Mormons voting for Mitt Romney wouldn't vote for Harry Reid for dogcatcher. He is a dullard whose only claim to fame is as an unfailing apologist for the Pelosi/Reid/Democrat failures. Go Mitt!!! He's changed his mind. So what? A wise man changes his mind, a fool never does. He's made some mistakes? So what? People who do nothing make no mistakes. Mitt acts, he doesn't just react to poll numbers. Mitt will make a great president, history will record it so.
Gitano | 11:34 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
I have to agree with russ in his assessment of what will ultimately happen in Nov. of '08. I don't think there is a Republican who can beat a Demo this time around. And, I don't think that a Republican deserves to do so.

The comments by William Spahn regarding the impression of Romney by people outside of Utah is accurate. He does not have a chance.

The one thing that bothers me about Romney is that he is a quintecential politician who will say and do anything to win votes. How can you be pro-choice one day, and pro-life the next? Or, pro-gay rights one day and anti the next. BUT, his negative campaign smears are embarassing. He should be ashamed of himself for the mud he has slung at so many of his fellow politicians on both sides of the aisle.

Heaven help us!
Anonymous | 11:36 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
I am a Romney supporter as I think he would run this country like he as ran his company and the Olympics and Mass. for that matter, with a level of competence that we need.

But the bottom line ROMNEY HAS NO CHANCE OF BEING ELECTED.

Our nation is too bigoted and too divided right now to elect a Mormon. Evangelicals have hijacked the Republican party. Sorry Utahns this is a fact. Add in that President Bush (sorry again Utahns) has been one of the worst Presidents in the last 50 years, the Democrats are likely to win the national election anyway (which scares the heck out of me).
A voter | 11:38 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
Ron Paul will end birth right citizen, because he understands the the 14th ammendment was violated for political purposes.
We will not go there..... | 11:38 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
The country is ready for a change in party. There is no way that a Republican will make it again after the disatisfaction of the past number of years; especially! This is not even taking into account all of the other stuff. With those things in mind too, however, there is almost no chance. Better get a reality check people!
youngster | 11:44 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
I made the mistake of trusting Jimmy Carter because of his religious convictions. If Huckabee were nominated with the tripe he spews about religious intolerance, I would vote for Hillary. The media has taken over."Flip flopping" is the (media's) ignorant way of creating non substantive issues when they are not intelligent enough to see real issues. Huckabee is being exposed for his narrow scope of who he is appealing to for support. His representative elimination of non christians is exposing his lack of tolerance for anyone who dosn't buy his Christian dogma. Wow!! If the press played on that issue, Huckabee would show you what flip flopping is like, olympic style.
Reminiscience | 11:45 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
Ross Perot warned us about NAFTA and globalism. He said the jobs would be gone. He was right and we didn't elect him.

Pat Buchannan was right on the border issue, right on NAFTA, and all of his predictions are correct.

Fact is, we could have picked the best candidate before, but the controlling media led the sheep to the polls to vote for the wrong guys. Now, the controlling media is a minority player..

Let's not make the same mistake twice. No Democrat can lead and make the right decisions. The way I see it, Ron Paul or Huckabee. The others, albeit promoted by special interests, are as wrong as the ones we picked before.

America needs a candidate who is going to govern in accordance to the Constitution, nothing more or less.

Independent | 11:51 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
I hope Mitt Romney gets the Republican nomination for the 2008 election. That will surely divide the Republican Party and assure a Democrat in the White house. Go Mitt Go!
Utahn nor for Romney | 11:55 a.m. Dec. 30, 2007
MOST UTAHNS??? Where's the data? Another dubious Dan Jones poll? Active Member records? Or is it just because you say so?
Utah for Romney | 12:07 p.m. Dec. 30, 2007
He's Mormon so I'd guess most utahns would vote for him.
Re: Yuk | 12:08 p.m. Dec. 30, 2007
Did you really say this, Yuk? "Dude is an embarrassment to my LDS standards." What are your LDS standards? I guess work ethic, charity, and honorable service are not part of your LDS standards. As humans, we change our opinions all the time based on new information, environmental changes, and people we trust. I used to be pro-war, but given hind-sight, I have a different opinion. Does this make me "dishonest" or a lesser LDS member? Mitt Romney has been successful in everything he has done because he knows how to adapt to changing conditions and surrounds himself with good people. You probably hate President Bush for the exact opposite reason (i.e. stubborn; won't listen to anybody else...).
Anonymous | 12:09 p.m. Dec. 30, 2007
What the dear people of Utah always forget is that those outside the Zion Curtain aren't as stupid as they are.
Flip-floppin' Mitt doesn't have a chance in the real world.
Romney | 12:15 p.m. Dec. 30, 2007
"MOST UTAHNS", don't look now, but you just participated in an official public poll right here on this comment board. Read through the offerings, and you'll find that most responders are for Romney. A random sampling of Utahan's favor Romney.
Two Cents | 12:22 p.m. Dec. 30, 2007
It's okay to blast Dems for "flip-floping". It is not okay to blast a "favorite son" for doing the same. No wonder there are so many sceptics.
DougB | 1:01 p.m. Dec. 30, 2007
Um....I don't even find *most* responses on the Deseret News boards supporting Mitt Romney. I do find it likely he has a majority of support in Utah but the only evidence I've seen was the Republican straw poll very early in the year before *most Utahns* really knew anything about any of the Republican candidates except that one was a Mormon who was well-liked in his Olympic gig. I've seen support for many other candidates grow since then (I'm voting for a different one despite being a Mormon Utahn). I did find this article in very poor taste with it's assumptions and lack of indicators for its assertions.
michael | 1:02 p.m. Dec. 30, 2007
It is true that Harry Reid is LDS- but he is also a Democrat. I don't think Romney's religion would be a factor in a national election, but I don't think he has a chance of getting the republican nomination due to his religion. The evangelicalswill stop him. If Hucklebee is nominated, I wonder whether he will hurt other republicans running in Utah.
Tom | 2:17 p.m. Dec. 30, 2007
If Huckabee wins, I'm voting for Hillary.
SLMG | 2:26 p.m. Dec. 30, 2007
It does not matter who wins the Presidency the sky is not going to fall in and earth rotation is not going to stop. If that were going to happen it would have happened with George Bush as president. Life will go on much as it has for the last 200 plus years and we will all get on with our everyday lives as usual. I voted for George Bush in the last election holding my nose because he got us into a war that was useless and I felt he should take the responsibility of get us out, how wrong I was, he only escalated a no win war that will still see us involved until a new president is elected. No, Mitt Romney will not be the next president and niether will any other Republican, we deserve better. A Democrat will get my vote this time no matter which one wins the nomination.
Are we ready for this? | 2:41 p.m. Dec. 30, 2007
Now someone in SC has sent bogus Christmas Cards in the Romney's name and saying it was paid for by the Boston Mass. Temple. Time for the FBI to put someone in jail and perhaps it's time for the Church to hire some lawyers in South Carolina.

Folks, it's only going to get worse.

Not even close | 2:52 p.m. Dec. 30, 2007
It makes no difference if Romney were LDS or not, he is so far above any candidate Rebulican or Democrat. If people were really voting for who is best for this country rather than what party they belong to or what church a person goes to. Romney would hands down win the election.
Mother of Four | 2:59 p.m. Dec. 30, 2007
This Utahn thinks Romney is good, but Ron Paul is better. Ron Paul understands the principles this great nation was founded on and has consistently voted to keep us on track with the Constitution.

Please Utah, take a minute to visit Ron Paul's website.

The media has squelched his campaign with bad press, perhaps because he's anti-war and would take too many votes from the Democrats in the general election.
Romney is immoral and inexperien | 3:13 p.m. Dec. 30, 2007
I agree with "Not even close," that religion has nothing to do with this and that is why I am upset with Romney and his supporters using my religion to get votes and donations. Anyone who would use religion for their own political gain as Romney has lacks the moral character to be President.

Let's look at Romney's morality and LACK OF EXPERIENCE. Yes, you heard me right. Romney doesn't have the experience to be President. One term as Governor of a state doesn't make you qualified to hold federal office. I want a candidate who has served in state and federal government and in the private sector. The Oval Office isn't the place to learn the in and outs of the federal government and Romney hasn't demonstrated an ability to gain such knowledge.

Furthermore, Romney has changed his position when it is convenient for him and will help him get elected and that demonstrates a lack of ethics and morality. I am ashamed to say that someone of Mitt Romney's low moral caliber is a member of my faith and want Americans to know that this guy doesn't reflect the morals and ethics of the majority of Mormons

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.

Image
LM Otero, Associated Press

Mitt Romney speaks to supporters Saturday during a campaign stop in Altoona, Iowa.

Advertisement
previousnext

Latest comments

The last thing the conference needs is to have TCU lose a game. Utah should...

all this talk of gay's right to marry is not based in any legal precedent or...

AWWWW what a cute horse Korky!!

go get em san juan, as for last saturday yeah we lost, alot of the guys came...

Gay advocates trek to LDS office

The church doesn't give the green light to to commit other sexual sins,...

Matheson may face Dem challenger

I'm surprised this counts as the news instead of gossip. The article doesn't...

4A football: Dixie loses QB, wins

Go back and read what I wrote: "No one has the Sharp incident on video ... at...

USA Today poll: U. 14th, Y. 22nd

I will give credit when it is due. Virginia is ranked #66 in the nation while...

TCU showdown has big implications

Ute fans are so delusional to think that just because the beat Alabama in the...

Please, Please, Please donate!!!! This is an amazing cause and we really have...

Advertisements
Advertisement