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Romney drops out of race for GOP nomination

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great day in slc | 2:21 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

finally this great pretender drops out of the race he would never have won we dont need the leader of our country in a cult(lds)

GOP Doubter | 2:21 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

Mc Cain is as liberal as they come, we now have 3 democrats running for the White House.
I hope Mattheson runs for governor again. My vote will be against Huntsman, Huntsman made the wrong choice backing Mc Cain. The Republican GOP is old and losing ground fast. The GOP beats up on each other instead of the democrats. We need term limits to prevent damage and inefectivness done by the likes of Mc Cain. Lets see Mc Cains weakness now that the whole democtatic machine focuses on him.

SLMG | 2:20 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

All is not lost by Rommney pulling out of the race,there was never a chance that he could win the Presidency, he carried to much baggage that the american people just would not accept. His (our) religion was aganist him, he flip flopped on to many issuses and he was an unknown to the American people.

No matter who is elected President the country is not going to go to hell in a hand basket, we have had presidents both good and bad (look how bad the one is we have now) and the USA just marches on and it will continue to do so, weather it is a white man,a woman or a black man. I have all of the faith in the world in my country and will not listen to all of the nay sayers that it will crumble just because Mitt Romney is pulling out of the race.

Vote for who ever you feel will do the best job for you but above all just remember to VOTE it is your God given right, so use it or you may lose it.

Comments continue below

robertm | 2:25 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

I wonder if Monson decided there's too much focus on the LDS church with him in the running and told Mitt to do something about it. If so, he obeyed his church leaders. Glad he didn't make it into the white house if this is the case.

NotInUtah | 2:26 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

"But in Utah, nine out of 10 GOP voters said they would trust Romney most with the nation's finances."

9 out of 10 GOP voters in Utah voted for Romney because he was Mormon.

There was no "anti"-Mormon bias against Romney. Clinton and Obama have to overcome the issues about voters voting for them based on race and gender. There hasn't been a peep about Romney and his Mormon-packed caucuses. (Learn what how caucuses work.)

You people are paranoid, delusional, geographically sheltered, and sadly misinformed.

A conservative voter | 2:28 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

I would have voted for Fred, but he came late to the festivities. I would have voted for Mitt (might still). McCain may have been a war hero, but then so was Benedict Arnold. There are reports coming out now that McCain made accomodation with the VC and had his own "apartment" complete with two VC females for companionship -- that is why he wasn't with his comrades shortly after his refusal to be released. He is a traitor. He shows a glaring lack of self control. He will be disastrous for the country.

Obama is just too inexperienced to be dealing with the other world leaders. If he wins, God help us all.

Hillary is too much in the pocket of the extreme socialist crowd to be trusted to do right.

Not to be rancorous, but I want to put something out for thought:
fascism: a philosophy or system of government that is marked by strigent...economic control [and] a strong centralized government... (The American Heritage Dictionary p.491). Liberals call conservatives fascists. Based on this definition, which party is what? Hillary wants to nationalize healthcare and take profits from big oil (economy runs on it).

To: Ross in Alabama | 2:28 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

My friend, we (Evangelicals, Baptists, et al) indoctrinate our little children with the scripture; our scripture (The Bible) teaches differently than your 'prophets', so you shouldn't be too surprised that we believe very differently. We are also aware that your church teaches that they are the only true church on earth, so why would you be surprised to find us in opposition?
Do you not indoctrinate your little children with this fact? Or do you teach them that it is okay if they convert to Baptist, Methodist, etc? I'm just curious. This is rhetorical, we know the answer.
In spite of our differences, we love you all! We pray for you all and we earnestly hope that you will read and pray about what you read in the Bible, not the one that Mr. Smith edited, but the one that has been around for over a thousand years. The Truth is there, all of it. Never think that we hate you because we disagree with you; I know that you don't hate me because I'm not a Mormon. Nothing could cause me to hate any of you!

Liberal means progress | 2:30 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

Let's be honest, Romney represented the last bastion of conservatism in this country (meaning the total platform is based around bashing liberals calling them immoral and godless) Well, guess what?
Liberals will define what the word liberal means - not Rush Limbaugh. The modern American conservative movement is headed for exile. Way too nasty and self-aggrandizing for real Americans' tastes.

independent | 2:32 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

Mitt was my top pick before. Now it would be Obama. Obama has great energy isn't from the old guard.

I just wish Mitt could have come out with a more consistent, strong message from the start. He did a bit to much pandering to every group. By Florida he had a strong message but it was too late.

RE: Huh? | 2:02 p.m. | 2:37 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

The difference: the mormon church wasn't running for president you moron!

Chris: Mitt, you did us Proud! | 2:32 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

I want to Congratulate Mitt Romney and his Family for taking on the challenge of running for President. It is not an easy thing...But you represented SO WELL your Family, your values and the LDS Church. To be honest, I'm not sure if a Republican can win the national election this year; so let John McCain get it out of his system right now. You'll have much needed experience under your belt in 4 years! Myself and MANY, MANY of your supporters will be with you again in 2012!

yech | 2:36 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

I weep for our country. The rule of mob has prevailed and the Mormon has been sent packing. Guess America couldn't get over their bigotry long enough to see Mitt for the great man that he is. "McPain" and "Huckleberry Hound" really did a tag-team number on Mitt that would make the pro wrestlers The Road Warriors proud. Don't even get me started on Hillary. Bill Clinton in the white house again? Bad idea! Interns, run for your lives! Are those Democrats who moved to Canada selling their houses when they come back to the U.S. when the Democrats take over the white house? I'll be looking for a house somewhere in Vancouver.

Anonymous | 2:41 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

I'm a Michigan guy who has Utah roots.

It is a shame that Gov. Romney dropped out of the race for President. I am proud to have voted for him in the Michigaan Primary.

As if someone will really read this comment, but McCain IS A DWEEB. He is a jack-ass. His cynide looks and ccommentary during the Republican debate are things that I will never forget. They are ectched
in my memory forever.

So all you McCain people out there yipping this thing up and happy that the Mormon is out of the race can yip all you want.

But John McCain is NOT a conservative. He is a moderate. Always has been. Just like as he likes to call himself a War Hero from Arizona. Kerry, another so-called War Hero from Massachusetts is a libral. They are political carbon copies.

McCain will not convince me of his conservative ties to the party. He is nothing but a jerk in disquise.

So all you McCainites better hope people like me don't sit this election out and watch Obama or Hilary trample Johnnie into the dust and make an ass out of himself like Kerry did for the Democrats.

J_fr omCanada | 1:53 p.m. | 2:43 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

at least in the US we wouldn't elect a corrupt French Canadian Prime Minister that would funnel money to Quebec through phony Federal government sponsorships and advertising scams.

Canada is so WAG the DOG! Quebec barks and the rest of Canada pays up and has to bend over to appease the separatists.

Is Canadian Federation even together still.

Go MITT 2012!

Rick | 2:38 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

No chance of me voting for McCain or Upchuckabee. Well, I guess I could vote for McCain if he took Romney as a running mate, but that isn't going to happen so I'm not holding my breath. Rudi as a running mate would be horrible. I guess if I have to vote, the only remaining choice is Obama. If its McCain vs Billary then heaven help us.

Romney Profile Sheet | 2:39 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

Reason For Presidential Bid:
Not sure, but in too deep now to quit

Favorite TV Show:
That episode of the Situation Room where he was still in the lead

Tagg's Inheritance Spent On:
Hard-hitting 30-second spot in Michigan

Ben's Inheritance Spent On:
Solid direct marketing campaign in Iowa

Matt's Inheritance Spent On:
New Hampshire pancake breakfast with really nice syrup

Josh's Inheritance Spent On:
Gas for Mittmobile

Craig's Inheritance Spent On:
Intern pizza

Re; Charles | 2:40 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

You are certainly a man of "character" calling people who don't have the same political ideals "dumbocrats". Way to make our religion look good.
To anonymous who said "Get out of Utah nonmembers and inactives," I think you need a nap.

Sad Day | 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

We needed Mitt Romney as president, not as vice president. I would hate to see him run on the McCain ticket. McCain has proved he can't be trusted to be fair and honest. Who would want to join him on the Republican ticket. I think he deserves Huckabee; they are two of a kind.

George | 2:42 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

The fact of the matter is that Romney started off with attack ads and it put the entire Republican campaign into a tailspin. The sad part is that Romney was the best candidate. I guess it's still true, you live by the sword, you die by the sword. He should have stuck to his message and quite berating McCain. People don't like it and voted accordingly.

Romney's Key Issues | 2:42 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

Would take burden of health care out of the hands of the federal government and give states greater power to regulate coverage. Would then run for governor of each state, win, and give everyone health care.

Would unite warring religious factions by deploying over 100,000 Books of Mormon to the nation's most fractious regions.

All other issues weren't yet drafted.

Steve | 2:49 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

Mitt Romney ran a nasty campaign and I am glad that he is now waving the white flag of surrender. Anyone who says we should double the size of Gitmo is a loon, and Mr. Romney is just that. He is not a true conservative and never has been. He would have been an extension of 8 years of failure and that is not what this country needs, we need someone who says what he means and means what he says. If Mitt Romney was not a Mormon he would not have the support of the Mormons because he doesnt represent true conservatism. I find it frightening how so many Mormons are willing to let their faith, not the substance and character of the man dictate how they vote. Romney is a crook, and Im glad he is out!!

bbmama | 2:50 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

I find it interesting how many individuals attack Romney for being a self made man. Isn't that what America is all about? Also, surprising to many negative responses, people who are not Mormon voted for Mitt and will vote for him again. Mitt is a class act and I know there are many Americans who will help him if he decides to run in 2012. His speech today was one of the best speeches I've listened to in my lifetime. I'd vote for McCain/Romney if not that ticket not sure where my vote will go. Romney is the answer to turn this country around and put it on track.

Anonymous | 2:51 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

Romney ran way too many attack ads.
America has solidly rejected the Rush Limbaugh style of politics.
A kinder, gentler America is on its way.

Scart | 2:52 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

I heard that Romney dropped because he may be called to fill the opening in the 12 apostles

Good Decision | 2:48 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

I am a Michigan man who formerly supported Romney, but have switched to McCain. Romney is a good man who paid the price for trying to run as a something he was not, a right-wing conservative. Most of the electorate could see right through him, and he lost their trust. I believe that he would have won the nomination if he had stayed true to what he said and did for over a decade, before he decided to run for President. There is a good article in Newsweek today that discusses this point.

Some Republicans may not agree with all of McCain's positions, but few question that he is genuine and courageous, and that he does what he thinks is right, even if it hurts him politically. No one likes a phony.

Re; Agreed | 2:51 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

You are embarrassingly ignorant. Do some research and stop reading mass urban legend emails. Barack Obama's father is dead and didn't raise him. He was not a practicing Muslim and considered himself an athiest. So what if Obama didn't become religious until he was 25. It doesn't matter either way but if it did I'd say it was cool that he decided to find God as an adult.
Haven't we evolved at all since the Salem Witch Trials?

LOOK and Understand | 2:57 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

To the knucklehead who said he doesn't understand how or why Mitt would say that a victory for the Democrats would be a victory for the terrorists.....

You must be unaware that both Hillary and Obama have publicly said (many, many times) that if they win they are going to immediately order the troops home from Iraq. You must also be ignorant of the general stance of a huge portion of Democrat party leaders on the national level who just don't have much stomach for fighting the war on terror. True, it would be a vast over-simplification to say "all Democrats are soft on war" but, get real, that is a very, very common theme among Democrats. Mitt knows this, and because he fears that a prolonged battle among Republicans will fracture the GOP longer, and, because of OUR weakness, by default, it will then empower and strengthen the Democratic party.
I didn't want him to quit either but I will say I see his point.

His statemet had absolutely nothing to do with the Church so please relax. I'm a member and I'm danged proud of Mitt and all he did!

Mini Mitt | 2:57 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

I guess all that arrogance, self righteousness, and flip flopping, didn't cut it with the American people.

David | 2:58 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

It is sad that misinformed Americans decided to follow Huckabee instead of listening to an excellent candidate in Mitt Romney.Reminds me of the extermination order given by governor Boggs of Missourito drive ,kill the Mormons.It seems that Huckabee aligned hiself with McCain in a conspiracy to drive Mitt away from the Presidency.Justice from above will prevail.

TO ALL BIGOTS | 2:58 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

SHAME ON YOU ALL BIGOTS. THE DEMO(s) WILL WIN, TERRORRISM WILL INCREASE. THE ECONOMY WIL CRUMBLE, ETC, I AM SCAREDï¿½

Bigots voted in numbers in Utah | 2:59 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

yech (2:36 p.m.), "I weep for our country. The rule of mob has prevailed and the Mormon has been sent packing. Guess America couldn't get over their bigotry long enough to see Mitt for the great man that he is."

Will you stop using the Church already. This has nothing to do with the LDS Church. Republicans didn't vote for Romney because he's a liar, lacks integrity and changes his position every election he is in. I am a Mormon and I didn't vote for him. Does that make me a bigot? I don't think so. The shocking thing is that 90% of Utah voted for him while John McCain averaged 5% in the great state of Utah even though the bigots (sarcasm) outside of Utah voted more for Romney then the bigoted Mormons (no sarcasm) who vote for Mormons because they are Mormons did for the other Republican candidates. In no other state did any of the candidate including Romney only get 5% of the vote. Why is that bigot?

Mary | 2:55 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

There is no one I want to vote for now. I think we need a third party that represents true moral values.

We need to | 3:04 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

face up to the fact that it may ended up being between McCain and Clinton. Lord help us all!!

Alex | 3:01 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

To the "Obama is a Muslim" crowd: Wrong. He's not. He is a Christian, and is quite open about it. You just have to look outside from where you're hearing he's a Muslim. His father was a Muslim (note WAS a Muslim, and not a radical one at that), but is now decidedly an atheist. So much for the radical Muslim theory.
If you want to read about Obama's faith, he did an interesting interview with Christianity Today Magazine. Look it up. You might be surprised.

Steeler fan | 3:07 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

Well, Im off the Mitt bandwagon. Time to jump on the Obama bandwagon.

A | 3:02 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

I have been reading all these comments and would like to add my 2cents worth.
1- I would much rather know my candidate is spending HIS OWN money and not money taken from ill gotten gains and dirty contributors.
2- I would much rather have a president who can change his mind when he has more information. a closed mind is a dangerous thing.
3- I would much rather have a president who is NOT in bed with leaders of other countries who want to harm us or see us fail.
4- I think we all owe John McCain a big debt of gratitude he is indeed a HERO. However, It doesn't qualify him to be president. Look at his record! we don't owe it to him!
5- Anyone who works with the economy knows we are in DEEP trouble at the moment. It is going to take a president with a lot of know how to bring us out of this mess. Say what you will, but the remaining candidates DO NOT have the success record of working economical problems that is needed.
Who does that leave? Nobody worth voting for! How sad is that!

John Lambert, Michigan | 3:03 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

I went to a Mitt Romney ralley here in Michigan, and I think my mom and I were the only Mormons in the audience.
In Macomb County, where there are only three wards and a branch with a population well in excess of 800,000 people (well over twice the population of Utah County) Romney creamed McCain by some of the largest margins in the state.
Don't try to claim Romney's wins in Maine, Minnesota, North Dakota and Montana were fueled by Mormons. In Montana Mormons may have given him the edge, but in those other states he definantly got most of his votes from non-Mormons.
The problem is not that most Americans do not want a Mormon as president, but that most people in the South-east United States who vote in Republican Primaries hate Mormons with a passion.

A vote for Romney = vote for lia | 3:10 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

Charles (2:40 p.m.), "You are certainly a man of 'character' calling people who don't have the same political ideals 'dumbocrats.' Way to make our religion look good."

You wrote, "To anonymous who said "Get out of Utah nonmembers and inactives," I think you need a nap."

These people are really upset that the only state that voted 90% for one candidate was Utah and that candidate was Mitt Romney yet they accuse everyone else of being bigots. I could believe that if 90% of every state in the union voted for McCain and that Mitt Romney took only 5% in those states yet that's not what happened. Tuesday showed everyone just how bigoted some Utahns can be.

I know a lot of members of the Church, including myself, who didn't vote for Romney and Jon Huntsman didn't support him either. These people will do anything including using the Church to get Mitt Romney elected but they lost and are upset. I want all the members who didn't vote for Romney to know that they aren't alone and that those who didn't are good people who looked beyond religious bigotry and chose to not vote for a candidate who lacks integrity.

Done deal | 3:10 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

Looks like today was much needed for Utah people, as to humble the haughty. Too bad for Mitt. You guys just need to do some repenting before God will give you what you want. God is not happy with all the hateful people living in Utah. He probably guesses it was about time for him to knock a bunch of Mormons off their pedestals. Now its time to VOTE FOR OBAMA. Do this guy a favor---for those of you who once had black slaves in your families, and mistreated them, now is your time to ask for forgiveness and vote OBAMA!

Ardent | 3:11 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

To tearful

I think your response to Humptydumpty was pathetic. I never once thought he/she said he/she was perfect. The comment was more of an indictment of hate expressed on here than anything else. I fully agree with HD. I think it is true that there are some very mean spirited and ugly things being said on here about a guy who has basically given his life to serving God, family and man. Humptydumpty, good for you, you called it right, you get what you pay for and the price for today's biggest news story might be mighty high!

SF Blue | 3:11 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

With Mitt out I hope for the first time we all vote democratic in Utah. All the democratics are jumping for joy if that would happen, but Hilary and Obama seem more conservative than McCain. And there is no way that I am voting for a "gee shucks" hillbilly like Huckleberry. I am convinced he is the devil without him Romney would have had a good shot. See you at the polls. Go Democratic, I guess?

John Lambert, Michigan | 3:15 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

I just have to respond to the lie that Hilary was the victim of Bill's behavior. The victim of his behavior was Paula Jones, who was sexually harrassed and then lost her lawsuit because Clinton lied.
Hillary was the one who wanted to create a health-care plan that would make abortions funded by the federal government. She is the one who has tried to vilify everyone who attacks Bill as part of a right wing consiracy. Bill said when we elected him we got a team of him and her. They brought the idea of them as being of the same political stripe upon us.
Then there is white water, which in large part never was fully exposed because Vince Foster committed suicide. If Hilary wins the nomination I will probably campaign for McCain, because anything is better than her return to office.
Anyway, how was she victimized by anything Bill did. By stickng by his side when he was being impeached for perjury she kept herself as the First Lady and getting all the perks that that position brings.
Anyway, she uses her victimhood to get sympathy. She knew what Clinton was when she married him.

What?? | 3:17 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

Wake Up Utah - You obviously don't know anything about the LDS Church. I think I know a little more than you since I have been a member for most my life. Never has any church leader told me how to vote. In fact my experience in the LDS Church has taught me to be an independent thinker. The church encourages members to study the issues themselves and vote for who they think is best.

Anonymous | 3:13 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

Romney spent $1.1 million per delegate with a record-breaking amount of attack ads. Where do you suppose he got this negative strategy from?
Karl Rove?
Rush Limbaugh?
America is sick to death of this brand of politics.
(But Utah loves it)

Rico | 3:14 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

No, no conspiricy theories needed. Hucks supporters won't throw to McInsane without the snakester. McCane supporters lothe and despise the
southern state evangelicals but can't win without their support...so without futher ado we have the McHuckster political machine. True blue conservtives will stay home in droves, those of us who cant stand McCains war mongering and illegal alien sponsership or the huck and his hoodwinked bigotry and dishonesty, will vote for the Dem..we hate them just that much.
By the way, for the person that suggested I throw behind the huck now..you gotta be out of your ever-loving mind.

My November Vote | 3:20 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

Up until the last week before the General Election, I will throw all my support (votes in polls, blogging, etc) towards McCain. But if in the last few days proceeding, the polls show McCain underdog more then 5%, I'll then write in Romney, to give McCain the biggest defeat ever! If the polls show closer, I'll hold my nose and vote McCain hoping for the best.

The only way I can see that McCain can prevent this is if he asks Romney to be his VP.

If McCain is to vain/proud to ask Mitt for VP, he'll deserve what he is getting.

Reid | 3:20 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

Does anyone believe in the Constitution and the rule of law anymore? If so, how can you not vote for Ron Paul? Mitt is no different than any of the other neo-cons. More war, more government, less liberty. Good riddance!

CHARLIE | 3:20 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

WE ARE EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED!!!!!
CAN WE WRITE ROMNEY'S NAME IN AS A WRITE IN OR CAN HE RUN AS AN INDEPENDENT? THE VOTES FOR MITT WILL NOT GO TO THE PARTY BUT WILL DO MORE TO STRENGTHEN THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY AS WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF THE BUSH/MC CAIN ERA. THE LAST DAYS TALK OF CONSPIRING MEN -- THAT IS WHAT MC CAIN AND HUCKLEBEE HAVE DONE -- WORKING TOGETHER TO OUST ROMENY -- THE ONLY DECENT CANDIDATE IN THE PARTY. BASED ON THEM ACTING UPON SUCH PRINCIPLES, THEY DESERVE TO LOOSE AND DO NOT DESERVE TO BE PRESIDENTIAL MATERIAL. WE HAVE LOST OUR CONFIDENCE AND TRUST IN THEM IF THEY HAVE TO STOOP TO SUCH TACTICS. WE WILL NEED TO CHANGE PARTIES NOW IN ORDER TO SAVE OUR COUNTRY FROM FURTHER DECLINE. MITT, PLEASE RECONSIDER. WE NEED YOU AT THE FOREFRONT. WE NEED THE KIND OF LEADER-SHIP WE CAN TRUST AND LOOK UP TO. WE NEED MEN OF SOUND PRINCIPLES AND STANDARDS -- MEN WHO ACT UPON THAT WHICH IS RIGHT INSTEAD OF THE TRICKERY WE ARE EXPERIENCING. THANK YOU.

Anonymous | 3:21 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

To: To all bigots 2:58 -
Instead of breaking your medication in half - why not just take the whole thing?

Luke | 3:21 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

I will write in Mitt for President. I am a life long republican and McCain will NOT have my vote.

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LM Otero, Associated Press

GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney arrives at his campaign headquarters in Boston.

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Romney drops out of race for GOP nomination

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Reader comments Romney drops out of race for GOP nomination

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Romney drops out of race for GOP nomination