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Utahns rally for Romney, give Obama edge

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REP | 5:30 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
To the democrats living in Utah, you may not care, but you need to know that your vote, simply does not count, nor will it ever, in any national race, in wich a mormon is running. In fact, it's the only state that this is true. This is not just another anti-mormon comment, it's sadly the plain truth. Yesterday, Utah spoke and 90% of the 91% of LDS (like sheep) cast their vote for Mitt, and would have even if he did not receive another vote in all of america and no chance whatsoever to win. Just look at the numbers,- no where in 49 other states, did this happen. I am sad for you because, you are living in a place simular to that of communisum, dictatorship, and non-democratic, third world countries. My advice is to move,.... at least if you want your vote to count, or sit out the elections in which there is a mormon canidate. Again, I am not intending to bash mormons, and happen to think highly of Mitt.
Larry | 5:28 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
Legislature got new Parking Structure
Republicans have perminate Job in Utah
It is well over due to shake these people up
Kickum out in the street
Spoiled Servant Dictating to the People
Daniel | 6:10 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
". . . whether the ultimate GOP nominee is Romney, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., or former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, he can safely count on the Beehive State."

This assessment is unbelievably naive. Two factors are at work here which could turn this logic on its ear. First, Mike Huckabee is probably the most unpopular major presidential candidate in Utah in the past half century. This is due to his bigoted comments about Mormons made during his Bible-belt campaign swing. He was lucky to pull 2% of the Utah Republican vote. If he is on the ticket as a vice presidential candidate, expect huge revulsion on the part of the Utah Mormon electorate to voting for Huckabee--even as a VP. Second, don't underestimate Obama's appeal in Utah. I am a lifetime Republican who crossed over to vote for Obama in the Primary. I expect that a large number of similarly minded Utah independents would join me in voting Democratic in the general election.
Comments continue below
Chuck | 6:53 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
Huckabee would take second in Utah if he is the Repulican nominee (3rd if Bloomberg runs). Better chance of Bernick becoming a moderate or conservative before Huckabee would have a chance in Utah -- you can also add Nevada and Idaho to that list as well.
Kim | 7:29 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
Utah was settled right at the beginning by Mormons. Rome is Catholic. It is what it is. Mormons still make up a the largest segment of society here. It only makes sense that they will have a huge imput when elections come around. Mormons generally vote conservatively. I have heard all the same complaints over the years and it makes no sense to me. What do you expect?? It's not likely to change. If anyone feels oppressed they always have options in their lives. To sit and whine and play victim looks so silly to me.
Steve | 7:38 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
I want REP to know that I am not one of the "sheep" he referred to. I make decisions based on sound research. I have researched all the Republican candidates for many months now and voted for Mitt Romney based on that research. I feel like he is one of the brightest and most talented candidates we have had in this country during my lifetime. I am very proud to cast my vote for him. I am proud of my Utah heritage!
RSB | 7:44 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
Huckabee would be hard to vote for, but for me McCain would be even more difficult. Reading about his life creates nothing but revulsion for the man.

I think it has been in the process for the last several years but I think that republicans have shifted away quite drastically from my desires. I think that we should show that the republican party can't count on Utah. It's time to break with them. The republicans have become the party of greed and the democrats the party of indulgence.
may the best man win!!??? | 8:00 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
There you go again... America... picking up a new president for the world. BUT you are not picking up the best man - and have not for years.
Mitt could have been an answer.
Once again it is going to a Washington insider.
KC | 7:58 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
I am not a Mormon and voted for Mitt Romney. Look at the man's resume. Enough said!
Jim | 8:05 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
Interesting claims, mostly of the variety that can't be supported on close examination.

For example in a state that is 72% LDS, the claim that 90-91% voted for a certain candidate, "like sheep" is sour grapes.

"My advice is to move" interesting advice coming from someone claiming to be non-mormon and not biased. Usually the Mormons are said to be saying that, which I've never heard one say yet. Please if you have to move, find someplace that votes like you want and not like sheep. Good luck in finding that place.
Cameron | 8:06 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
Yep, it looks like everyone in Utah voted for Mitt Romney except Governor Huntsman.
Josh | 8:25 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008

For America to ignore Mitt's capabilities, credentials and moral integrity is unthinkable - but that is exactly what's happening. Maybe his campaign should focus more on his business expertise rather than strong conservative ties. The republicans, thanks to the smart guy living in the white house has lost much of its popularity.
mc3 | 8:34 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
If McCain or Huckabee is the Republican nominee (and even worse McCain Pres, Huckabee VP), just a gut feeling, but I think the Democratic candidate wins the state. Just you watch and see.
OK then | 8:31 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
REP,

Hypocrite much?

You say you're "not intending to bash Mormons", and two sentences before that you say Mormons are "like sheep." Tell me, if you're not bashing Mormons by calling us sheep, what are you saying?

I love how, as soon as a bunch of like-minded people all do the same thing, they're automatically sheep. Did it ever occur to you that maybe people vote for Romney because they've actually thought about it on their own?

I suppose that also makes all liberal non-Mormons who vote Democrat every election sheep as well, right?

No, liberals who elect a fellow liberal are open-minded, enlightened, free-thinkers. Conservatives who elect a fellow conservative are sheep.

Did I get that right, liberals? Did I leave anything out?
Money can't buy it | 8:51 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
All you guys are family," Mitt Romney said to supporters the night he lost Florida's primary to John McCain, before going on to joke, "Don't expect to be part of the inheritance. I'm not sure there's going to be much left after this."

Hopefully, Romney's five sons are still laughing, because we now have an estimate of exactly how much it's cost Romney to win each delegate he's earned so far, and the results aren't pretty for anyone still hoping to get a piece of the Romney estate.

The Washington Post's Jonathan Weisman reports a calculation done by Alex Vogel, a Republican strategist, showing that Romney has spent $1.16 million per delegate at this point in the race. At that rate, it would cost Romney $1.33 billion to become the Republican presidential nominee. And remember, a lot of the Romney campaign's money is coming from Romney himself -- in the fourth quarter of 2007, the campaign announced over $27 million in total receipts; $18 million of that was Romney's personal money.
mormon and democrat | 9:16 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
Just remember that not everyone in Utah is LDS AND not every LDS person is a Republican. I am a Democrat and proud of it even if I receive dirty looks at the polls when I go to vote. As for the comment, "but you need to know that your vote, simply does not count, nor will it ever, in any national race." Whatever dude! I vote because it is my right as a citizen of this country and I will vote even if my vote does not carry a huge voice. It gives me the right to complain when I do not like or agree with the way most of the state votes. AND by the way, I like living here.
MD | 9:14 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
Amen to the comments of Daniel at 6:10am.

Obama beats Huckabee, perhaps even Huckabee as VP on the ticket with McCain, in Utah and Idaho.
Phil | 9:15 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
Romney for Utah Governor. I don't think he will win the nomination. I think it is a combination of bias against his religion, and we don't vote for people with business backgrounds. In all the exit polls people who still put the economy as the number one issue are voting for McCain. Huckabee would have never been given the time of day if it was not for Romney. For Huckabee who hates Romney, it is ironic that Romney has been everything for Huckabee this election.
jane | 9:23 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
This is one Mormon who is happy with last night's results. Keep up the fight Obama!
Mitt supporters, when Mitt is completely over in a few weeks, I hope you'll seriously check him out.
I just don't get the abortion argument. I am against abortion, will always be. I tried to talk a family member out of an abortion. I can't discount any democrat on that issue because I don't see any republican ever doing anything about it. There are so many other issues out there. The republicans who are running for president aren't that different from Bush. Pat Buchanan on the Today show this morning basically said John McCain would be even crazier than Cheney.

Oh and REP, I think my vote FINALLY counted.
cultureshock | 9:18 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
I have to say something about the people that are proud of Utah being the state known for voting Republican. Last night on the news, people laughed at Utah saying this is the only time there will be a race for a democratic candidate. I laughed at first, then I realized how primitive Utah is as a state. People in general, regardless of religion, have the civic duty to vote for who they think will be the best candidate. They have the right to choose who they like without being persuaded by commonality. I admit, I disappointed my parents by voting for Obama, but they still love me and my reasons are justified for my needs. Utah, this is a plea to read about all of the candidates policies and vote for what is best for you as an individual, an American.
Anonymous | 9:42 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
Romney's spending over a million dollars per delegate is outrageous! I'd call for an investigation as to where this money came from.
Anonymous | 9:50 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
Huntsman supports a liberal Romney hater!
Silly Sheep | 9:58 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
A quick look at the exit polls shows that even people who disagree with Romney's positions, who believe that Romney wouldn't make the best Commander-in-chief, who believe that Romney isnt' the best on the economy, etc., etc., were *still* more likely to vote for him in Utah.

When you are willing to overlook major problems with a candidate, and still vote for him because he shares your religion, that's being a sheep, my friend.
Gov. Ford | 9:53 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
What is it with Mormons and block voting? The same problem has plagued the religion since its inception. How about a little diversity.
Silly Sheep | 10:16 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
Back off.

People vote for who they want.

The fact that you DID NOT vote for Romney regardless makes you a sheep, and a hypocrite.
Jud | 10:18 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
As an active Mormon, even I was stunned at the 90% block-voting mentality among my neighbors. Romney is my 4th cousin, but after looking at his positions I wouldn't vote for him. He endorses torture and wants to double the size of our concentration camp in Cuba. He has no plans for improving education or our environment. He is simply more of the same entitled Republican elite running on behalf of the rich. Enough. Here's a Mormon for Obama.
jim h | 10:29 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
Living in Utah does require one to make a reality check periodically. This is really an eye-opener! A 2nd tier candidate wins in some kind of ultimate landslide. Wow!
Utah Jazz Fan | 10:29 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
Isn't it interesting that Romney wins huge support in this state but our Governor supports McCain? Who does Huntsman represent? If you supported Romney do you really like the representation YOUR governor is making for YOU?

I voted for Obama.......
OK Mitwit, you can go now. | 10:48 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
If you're happy and you know it clap your hands
If you're happy and you know it clap your hands
If you're happy and you know it
'cause you saw Mitt really blow it
If you're happy and you know it clap your hands.

CLAP! CLAP!
FINALLY | 10:50 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
I voted for Obama!!!
For the first time in decades I finally felt like my one little Utah vote made a difference. Isn't it wonderful? Isn't it marvelous?
Is that all? | 10:47 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
Mitt only received 90% of the Utah vote? I thought that "voting must appear to be unanimous."
Debbus | 10:55 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
I'm an active LDS person and attend BYU Law School and I voted for Obama!!!! In fact I've actually got a bit of a crush on Obama. :)

Nothing but love for Mitt and his family - I respect them on many levels, BUT I don't agree with Mitt's presidential policies. The Iraq war, his views on torture, his flip flopping on social/moral issues (abortion, gays in the military, the NRA, stem cells), his stance on immigration (how can a man with clear understanding of the US economy propose we send home 13 million Hispanics? Our economy would implode.)

It is time to address health care and education in America if we're going to remain healthy and competitive globally. Obama is a good alternative for active faithful Mormons - he's compassionate, a man who's well educated but wasn't handed anything easily, a man of faith, a man of loyalty to his wife and family, and a man who will address serious issues that the Republican party isn't even willing to put on the political map.

I just encourage everyone to think about Obama. He's great.
To the 90%: | 10:58 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
Hey everyone, Mitt won Wyoming! Break out the guacamole!
Stupid Sheep | 11:01 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
"People vote for who they want.

The fact that you DID NOT vote for Romney regardless makes you a sheep, and a hypocrite."

No, it doesn't. I just voted for who I wanted. LOL

My point remains: If you disagreed with many of Romney's positions (or didn't know about them, which is worse) but voted for him anyway because he shares your religion, that's sheep-like.

If you decided that those positions don't matter for some other, more important, reason, that's different.

Remember, if you voted for Romney because you're both LDS, you're no better than the Huckabee supporters who voted for him because he's a "real christian" or some such.
Obama could take Utah in Nov. | 11:02 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
Daniel, and others here, are right. Utah is not a guaranteed state for Republicans come November. Mormons feel as though they have been personally attacked. They are upset with both McCain and Huckabee. They realize that the base of the Republican party mistrusts them; that they'll always be second-class citizens in that party. Can that hurt be healed by November? If Hillary is the Democratic candidate, probably. Utah despises the Clintons. But Obama could steal the state.
Baaa!!! | 11:20 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
If voting for Romney makes me a sheep then "Baaaaa!" I am proud I voted for Romney, he is the right man for the job (Mormon or not) and I least I am not a hypocritical bigot like those who can't see beyond this being a religious issue. Get over it!
re: stupidSheephead | 11:17 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
"No, it doesn't. I just voted for who I wanted. LOL"

Sure, and a non-LDS person NOT voting for Romney.

Polls show way more people refused to vote for a mormon (you) than voted for Mitt because he was LDS(those you mock).

I'm Conservative LDS Registered and flipped to unaffiliated yesterday to vote Obama, but to read your post criticizing others for exercising their right to sufferage is condesending, and uneducated.

You need to quit the bashing, and guilt trips and allow people ther same right you claim to exercise (except for the fact that there is one person that you could not vote for based on religion),

Your logic leaves me snickering, rather than laughing out loud.

Bubba from the Ozarks | 11:52 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
Following up on Daniel's comment, as an adopted Arkansan who is LDS, I have lived under the leadership of Huckabee and Bill Clinton, both of whom were our governors.

Knowing what I know, I firmly believe that Huckabee stayed in the race because of his hatred of Mormons. He did all he could to destroy Romney's chances. In other words, his real motive is related more to his anti-Mormon bias than to anything else. He also sees himself as the next Vice-President. Now, you see, McCain owes him a favor.
RE:OK MITWIT | 11:57 a.m. Feb. 6, 2008
Thanks for the laugh! That's one of the BEST postings either for or aginst Mitt that I have seen! Definately the most original!! Do you take requests??
JJ | 12:12 p.m. Feb. 6, 2008
"An excited group of Utahns went to the presidential primary polls Tuesday and gave Republican Mitt Romney an overwhelming win"

Um, make that "an excited group of MORMONS...gave Romney an overwhelming win."

When voters in the South vote for Huck and not Romney, it's written off as prejudice. When 90% of Utah Republicans vote for Romney, it has nothing to do with the candidate's religion, they were simply voting for the best candidate, and they have insight that no other state's voters possess.

Well, maybe Idaho voters have that insight as well. But religion obviously played no role here. NOT!
Pittakos | 12:13 p.m. Feb. 6, 2008
I have been concerned about the almost $10 trillion deficit that we now have. After looking at the candidates, I have come to the conclusion that there is only one of them that has the experience to turn around financial disasters. That is Mitt Romney. Now, because I belong to a party other than the Republicans or the Democrats, I was not able to participate in yesterdays disaster. Had I voted, it would have been for Mitt. I'm Mormon, by the way. So does that make me a sheep because I've studied the candidates and decided that the best person for the job just happens to be one that shares my religious beliefs. I think the real sheep are those who would say otherwise. All of you who are jumping to the Obama ship, I would suggest you look at his website, study it, then ask yourself "who is going to pay for all of this?" Why not vote your conscience for once even if it means voting for someone who has no chance of winning instead of always wallowing in the mud?
Pittakos | 12:22 p.m. Feb. 6, 2008
JJ, did it ever occur to you that Mitt Romney came to Utah back in 2000 and turned a financial nightmare, the Winter Olympics, into a financial success. Maybe those who voted for Mitt just have better memories than you do. Maybe that is why they voted for him in droves. Come on, I dare you to bring Harry Reid to Utah and run him as the only Mormon in an election for an office. We'll see just how well he fares. I don't believe his "Mormonism" would buy him the office. It isn't about religion. It's about who can best fix this Country's financial woes. Hillary and Obama will spend money even more crazier than the current President. The only difference is that they will tax us all to death so that they can redistribute the wealth and thereby bring us all down to the least common denominator. McCain has already said he doesn't understand economics. Huckabee? Cut a little, add a lot. Try to get you to see the little and ignore the lot. It isn't religion. It's qualifications.
JJ is right. | 12:32 p.m. Feb. 6, 2008
I believe that most Utah Republicans are more moderate than the positions that Mitt has taken to claim the conservative mantle.

Most are pro-life, but following their Church's position, believe that there are cases where it should be available.

Many believe that illegal immigrants, particularly those who are good faithful LDS living in our midst, should be treated with love and respect.

They want to protect our public schools from vouchers and privitization.

They believe that minority religions should be protected from government interference; that there should be a wall between Church and State.

They hold that if war is sometimes necessary, torture is never acceptable.

Mitt took positions that made a lot of Mormons uncomfortable. They voted for him because he was one of their own.
Re: Herd Mentality | 12:40 p.m. Feb. 6, 2008
A Challenge, for one and all! -->

Show me a politician anywhere in the U.S. who is more of a phoney, more of a flip-flopper, more of a panderer, more willing to buy his electoral bid; show me a politician who whines more, is more disengenuous, or who has a bigger glass house than Mitt Romney. Show me.

Also, is anyone out there honest enough to come forward and admit he voted for Mitt Romney simply because he is a fellow Mormon? We all know what biases are in play in this State. Why pretend it's not there? That same ugly religious bias that gave Iowa to Huckabee is alive and well in Utah; it's just a different creed, that's all.
Phil | 12:53 p.m. Feb. 6, 2008
This is the dumbest election yet......
Question | 12:59 p.m. Feb. 6, 2008
I wanted to vote for Obama. Unfortunately, I never got around to changing my Republican affiliation before the primary. But I heard I could change it on the spot at the polling station to "Unaffiliated" so I could vote in the Democratic primary. The poll worker said it was impossible to do that and then, in jest, playfully swatted at me and said "Why would you want to do that anyway?". Was he wrong? Did I get duped? I decided not to argue and vote my choice in the Republican primary -- and it wasn't Romney.
Mitt Knows $$? | 12:56 p.m. Feb. 6, 2008
Why would I entrust the management of this country's deficit spending to someone who is outspending his rivals 10-1 with money he can hardly raise himself?

Romney as prudent trustee of the U.S. Treasury? I'm not too sure about that. Clearly Romney is having his own economic issues these days; $35.5 million of his personal wealth is now gone and he thinks spending more of it will yet see him nominated.

Don't expect fiscal conservatism to get in the way of Mitt Romney and a 2nd term should it come to that.
Re:RE: Herd Mentality | 1:08 p.m. Feb. 6, 2008
"Show me a politician anywhere in the U.S. who is more of a phoney, more of a flip-flopper, more of a panderer, more willing to buy his electoral bid; show me a politician who whines more, is more disengenuous, or who has a bigger glass house than Mitt Romney. Show me."

Go to google and look up images of Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Rudy Giuliani or Hillary Clinton.

Don't look at Ron Paul, or Obama.

And, to those of you who want to take religion out of a values question, why? Isn't that where most learn their values?
Sweat William | 1:08 p.m. Feb. 6, 2008
all of this hot air..., I just heard Rush say that McCain is going to be then next Pres. The thinking is over since we have heard it from THE source of all Utoid knowledge.

Question / Answer | 1:15 p.m. Feb. 6, 2008
I went to the poll and was "unaffiliated". They instructed that I could either vote Democrat or switch to Republican. I wanted to vote Republican, but went ahead and voted Democrat. I figured if that is the way that the "parties" made the rules, so be it. The poll workers at the "Fruit Heights City Hall" were very helpful and supportive.

It had nothing to do with Utah or the LDS church. I find many people who make it sound like the state is run like a theocracy, and those persons tend to sound a bit ignorant.

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