Deseret News | Reader comments: With Romney out, Utahns in quandary

Reader comments
With Romney out, Utahns in quandary

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huh? | 12:41 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

So when others won't vote for Romney because of his faith, it's bigotry, but when Utah votes for him because of his faith it isn't bigotry? Huh? Beam? Mote? Get it?

McCain | 12:41 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

McCain is going down come November here in Utah. Remember all the jokes McCain was making at Romney in the New Hampshire debate? He hated Romney and his mother hates mormons. I think Utah should go blue and vote for McCain. Unless Hilary wins the nomination I think Utahs should go for Obama. Plus, he never said anything bad about mormons.

Terri Dance Salisbury Missouri | 1:21 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

LDS candidates will never be "old news" as long as the Pharisee old south influence is still smoldering. I got so much whisper campaign unabashed, hate-filled anti-mormon stuff in the mail from primarily baptist and lesser well known protestant groups! The worst was a 2 cd set from Beall Phillips, wife of Doug Phillips, Esquire of Vision Forum Ministries. They also have a catalog and website called Vision Forum from which I have purchased off and on for 8 or so years. He is an elder in his church in Berny, Texas. He gave a lesson at his church the week after Paul Weyrich and Bob Jones III endorsed Romney. He was put out over that a great deal in his recorded lesson.

He was screaming literally like Adolf Hitler about how "WE ARE AT WAR WITH THE MORMON RELIGION!"

It was terrifying to hear that from the genial looking father of nine. Don't think that there aren't thousands every week still attending vicious seminars and "sunday school lessons"--with commercially bought anti-mormon curricula all over the United States. The crazy thing is that Bob Jones University sells textbooks like that, too.

Comments continue below

templequarrey | 1:26 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I get the impression that many Utahans (and nationwide conservatives, alike) primarily voted for Romney not because of religious ties but because their 100-year plans are a bit more optimistic than McCain's. Romney did, for a time, seem to be the lesser war-monger of the viable GOP hopefuls.

DN: I am Mormon (albeit by an ever-weakening thread), but I saw this article written on the wall and saved myself the backpedaling by voting on the side that has an actual grasp of reality. Mitt Romney can motorboat his numerous plates of scrambled egg 'till his heart's (and wallet's) content, but I am quite selective about that which I take on my chin.

Regardless, for all of this desperate GOP pageantry, Obama will emerge thankful. And America will be all the better off.

future governor | 1:33 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

All I know is that when I run for office in Utah, I'm going to pretend to be Mormon and pretend to be Republican, and that will be enough to win because apparently you all don't scrutinize your candidates enough. Wow this will be easy for me!

Greg | 1:37 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I am not in a quandary at all. Third party or write in--the others are simply not going to get through my conscience alarm system for a vote in November. We better all work hard to get back a super majority in the Congress.

Gabriella in MO | 1:44 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I doubt if Utahns are in a quandary. They can write in or vote Constitution Party or do as McCain's mom suggested and hold their collective noses and vote for him--but I hope they show better sense than to go against conscience that way. Martin Luther warned about that and he was 100% right. When the LORD closes a door, somewhere he opens a window. It may just not be until 2012 or after a funeral, impeachment or resignation.

Judy J. | 4:10 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

How can a bigot like Huckabee be seriously considered to represent anyone but his own. Such an attitude would greatly hamper his leadership ability in national and world politics. His narrow minded attitude has already shown he could never be an effective world leader.

Mark | 4:33 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Please read "When Salt Lake City Calls" by Rocky Hulse (Xulon Press) There you will find your answers! May God bless you

Hmmm | 4:44 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Well, unfortunately he's out so now what. The next best person is Ron Paul. He may not be able to win, but we should make a statement with our votes that says we're NOT going to capitulate to the Republican Party leader's tampering with the election process in closed door/back room deal making with DC favorite son McCain and we're not going to vote for the biggot Huckleberry either!

Bob G | 5:39 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Have the sheep lost their way? Poor souls, who will guide them now and make decisions for them? Don't fret, one of the church leaders in government will soon pick up the ball and tell you who you should vote for. Leave the decision making up to someone else, as usual, because our state education system failed to teach many of you how to read, write, and to make your own decisions. Reading, writing, math, and common sense are not required for a college degree. Heck, it's not even required for a High School diploma anymore. Baaaaaaaaa!

Marky | 5:49 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I voted for Romney. I wouldn't vote John McCain for dogcatcher. His liberal views on almost every important issue disqualify him from representing me. Huckabee is an religious bigot. His ethical violations are numerous and well documented. Even though he has no chance to win, Ron Paul is the only candidate left to vote for. Oh well, after Hillary or Obama get elected and destroy what's left of our country, at least I can look forward to 4 years of telling people "Don't blame me, I voted for Ron Paul."

vern | 6:10 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

i have said this before.the liberal news media acts and sounds like the mormons just magically appeared out of nowhere.just yesterday they appeared on the landscape.just in case anyone is curious the L.D.S.church has been around over thirty years before the civil war in 1861.so count.

Chris Kilpack | 6:30 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I am a registered republican and voted for Mitt Romney on my absentee Utah primary ballot. Now that Romney is out, though, I think Barack Obama is the best choice.

HoustonGuy | 6:25 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Romney is a class act. I really don't think he's out of the picture. Because he's only suspended his campaign, his delegates are still tied to him and he can exercise at least a little control over direction of the Party at the Convention. He's being mentioned as a VP candidate, which might be OK, also. The Republican Party hasn't gotten the vote out very well recently so Romney might be best served by staying out this election cycle and testing the waters next election.

Dave B | 6:45 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I felt like this campaign was nasty and full of hatred. Can you imagine if the host of Hardball had a Presidential nominee on with his mother and she started going off on blacks or jews ? of course not, but it was perfectly fine for McCain and Chris Matthews to giggle about the McCain's mothers comments on Latter Day Saints. We know what is said in private for that family.

As far as Huckabee is concerned, his campaign was run on hate. If Huckabee is McCains VP, Mormons should write a name in for the general election taking a pass on this Republican candidate. There are arguably five million Mormons in America, our voting block should mean something.

shadow | 6:47 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

In a quandry? There are other candidates: with college diplommas, law degrees, war experience, international experience, voting records, statements in the campaigns. One of them will called the President next year. The shadow knows.

Choose one and move forward. Good grief.

russ | 6:52 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

The article talks to the 'Huck is no friend to Mormons?' What idiocy did that come from? Huck is a Christian, trained. Experienced. He called it like he saw it. Mormons know he was right about the devil brother issue. Huck is no friend to Mormons?

And yet Mormons wanted the public to vote on the qualifications of Mr. Romney, ignoring the religion issue. But they turn around and attack Huck on... the basis of religion.

My neighbor, a good Hindu, would call that hypocrasy. But so what else is new? We humans are an interesting race. I am not sure that we are the most intelligent specie on this plantet: sometimes dogs and cats are brighter and more caring.

Jim | 6:53 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I agree with Gary Herbert, Romney had more of what I was looking for in the next president than anyone else running. He just happened to be LDS. It looks as though I'll have to pinch my nose and go with McCain.

Helga | 6:55 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I wish Mitt Romney would have won. I think he has a good head on his shoulder and would have pulled us out of the mess we are in. I hope he run again that He can show the People what is is made of.
That Mormons are good People.

Mary | 6:56 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I'm sorry, but not every Mormon is so superficial to believe that if a candidate is not Mormon, they have no idea who to vote for. The option was great, but we have brains and we can read and ponder and decide. That is what we are taught to and encouraged to do, learn all you can and then make your own decision. If I find the premise of this article a bit on the insulting side "gosh, now THEY don't have a candidate, they are really confused".....well, the entire country has one less candidate, and I believe several other states wanted Mitt as well.....oh well, the swipes will continue to fly.
I'm now voting for Obama.

AWB | 7:11 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Lessons to be learned from Mitt's attempt: Mormons, you are still viewed by the mainstream as 'weird.' While in Utah and Idaho your religion gives you the illusion of being mainstream, in the national context, you are anything but. Mormonism is a minority group. Which means, Utahns, you are supporting the wrong party! The Democratic Party is the correct home for you. The early church members had it right; get involved in the Democratic Party, and your candidates will have more success when they run. Oh, and quit trying to legislate your beliefs -- that will help, too.

Kevin | 7:11 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

If Huckabee is so much as a VP candidate, I bet Utah will go Democratic.

John Newby | 7:17 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I find it very interesting to see if members of the church can finally get it right. With only hardcore Dems left to vote for other than Ron Paul. Will they finally stand up for the constitution or keeping sliding down the razor blade to socialism. I for one am appalled at the lack of understanding among Mormons of the reality of the grave situation we are in as a Nation, for a people that have been taught the way we have, it's time to stand up for what is right and not follow the way of the world.

There is no real choice here, you vote for evil or you vote for free agency and the constitution.

John | 7:25 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I would like to see a pole of how many Utahns voted for Romney primarily because he is Mormon. Is that really any different than the prejudice shown by the Americans who said they wouldn't vote for him because he is Mormon? It sounds like reverse discrimination to me.

mamapapaluv | 7:23 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Will it never stop? He's gone. He amounted to nothing in the race for the White House. He showed the personality of a fire plug while spending $50 million to feed his ego. Face it, DNews covered Romney like a blanked because of his religion, nothing else. I could not have been happier than to see this non-entity drop away.

Amen, brothers and sisters.

Concerned | 7:32 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I am concerned that many Mormons feel that Evangelical Christians would not vote for Mitt Romney. There are many in our church who did (including our pastoral staff). There are some who did vote for Mike Huckabee instead, but not because he is Baptist and Mitt Romney is Mormon, but because they felt Huckabee stood for more of their beliefs than did Romney. We have always said that we are "One Nation Under God" Please, let's pull together rather than divide. Our country is in a crisis. Mitt Romney himself said that it was about our nation. He is very honorable. Let's all stay that way as one people and not divide.

Bob M. | 7:46 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

You forgot to mention Ron Paul. Mr. Paul is a ten term U.S. Congressman who IS STILL IN THE RACE!!! He is against the war and stands for alot of things Mormons can support. GO RON PAUL!!

Anonymous | 7:48 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

This is a poor story that enhances the false stereotype that Mormons would vote for Romney because he is a Mormon. While it may be true that many would have, it is not expected and many members of the Church would not feel compelled to and my vote for other candidates. Perhaps we could help stop these stereotypes by refusing to publish such articles.

LOST-now what | 7:46 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

No way I vote for McCain,a turncoat,closet Dem,Obama may be the best choice,he seems to be the most honest,and does want to get us out of this stupid,insane war

HC | 7:49 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I think that one of the things that helps perpetuate the notion that Mormons are controlled by church headquarters somehow is their voting nearly as a block for whatever Republican is running. While the church is careful not to endorse any candidate, the non LDS don't believe it. This is a great opportunity for Utahns and the LDS to break out of this mold. I don't see how any rational person could vote for McCain, who wants a continuation and probable escalation in the war and additional wars. His anti Romney, pro Huckabee dirty tricks and actions have shown his true character. Why vote for the guy who trashed our candidate. The Democratic nominees are both far better. I'm very happy, although I am LDS and now live in Utah, that I voted for Gore and Kerry. Do we really want 4 more years of Bush?? Lets do ourselves and the next LDS candidate for president a favor and support Obama.

Let's go blue | 7:49 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I've never voted democrat before, but if Obama becomes the Democratic nominee, I will vote for him. MSNBC has a web site that compares each candidate and their views on each major issue. I found myself siding with Obama on more than a few issues, while McCain had just one or two. I vote for people, not parties.

Robert Barker | 7:59 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

We just lost the one person who could bring this country back to what it stood for when it was founded. It's too bad America could have gained a lot. Now we are left with people who will not help America at all. Such is the lot of selfish people.

Ethan | 8:17 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I'm surprised no one in Utah realized Romney probably wouldn't make it all the way. The country has a stigma against Mormons, to a large degree. Of those candidates that are left, it's time to choose wisely (Obama!).

Goodbye evangelicals | 8:23 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Utah voters have supported evangelical candidates in the past such as George Bush, but they are finally waking up to what I have known for years, many evangelicals hate Mormons. I was no supporter of Romney, but I can't stand Huckabee and his subtle anti-Mormon campaigning. If McCain puts him on the ticket as VP, my vote will go to Obama (assuming he is the nominee). Wow! I can't believe I said it! I'm a Utah County Republican who could very well vote for a Democrat in the national election. If it is a Hillary vs. McCain/Huckabee ticket, I will just stay home.

Hopefully, Utahn's will no longer support evangelical candidates without questioning them about their attitudes towards Mormons. Why vote for people who hate you personally?

hogwash | 8:45 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Mormons need realize that it isn't bigotry that causes their problems, as much as their own actions. Many people believe mormonism is a cult, if the mormons quietly went about their own business without claiming to be the "one true church", or sending "missionaries" door to door with the purpose of implying that their beliefs are better than yours, or constantly denying or rewriting its rather strange history, mormons would largely be left alone to practice their beliefs with much less ridicule.

Mark | 8:41 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

What about Ron Paul? As a member of the LDS and a staunch supporter of Ron Paul, I've found a candidate who I can believe in. He is a staunch supporter of the Constitution (important to LDS folk) and is staunchly pro-life, even more so than Romney. He's the only candidate preaching about the evil of the federal debt problem and does not want us to be aggressive unnecessarily around the world.

In many ways, Ron Paul is a better representation of the LDS faith than Mitt Romney. And yet not one word about him in this article. Shame on the Deseret News.

Randall | 8:42 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I suspect that most Republicans in Utah will end up voting for McCain, since, in their minds, he is "the lesser of two evils." Remember, though, the lesser of two evils is still evil.

Mormons (and other Utahns) who are truly concerned about preserving the Constitution should consider Ron Paul, the only candidate who has made the Constitution a central point of his campaign.

Think he doesn't have a chance and that vote for Ron Paul is a wasted vote? What about that vote for Romney? The race for President shouldn't be a popularity contest. It's not, after all, a vote for prom queen. It should be a vote based on principles and values. Maybe it's time we actually voted for a candidate based on his principles. If that happened, we'd be surprised to discover that his popularity in both the polls and on election day would make him a winner.

Judy | 8:49 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Do you really think it will ever be (OLD NEWS) that a Mormon might run for President. Mormons will never make to the highest office there is too much hatred out there.

To LDS members | 8:59 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

My reaction to this story is that under the leadership and example of President Hinckley, the LDS Church has come a long way in quelling suspicion and prejudice about our faith (I'm sure the 46% number that don't have a positive view of the Church was much larger prior to President Hinckley's leadership). However, we have a long way still to go, of course. We can continue to make progress by carrying President Hinckley's legacy of being better neighbors and friends to those not of our faith, including being totally inclusive with our neighbors.

For example, we should encourage our children to play with children in the neighborhood and schools that do not attend church, even when it is more natural to play with those we see on Sunday. We should invite our neighbors that don't attend Church to our homes and have dinner, barbeques, and other things that we do with our neighbors that do attend church. If the 5 million members of the church in the U.S. (a total guess) will all reach out and be inclusive, we will do much to dispel the suspicion and prejudice that still exists.

Surprised? | 8:58 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

You're surprised that in life you reap what you sow?

FLORIDA MITT FAN | 9:00 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

MITT DID NOT BOND WITH MOST REPUBLICANS- HE IS MOST LIKELY THE BEST CHOICE YET HE DIDNT COME ACROSS AS LIKEABLE AS HUCKABEE HAS!

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! I WOULD LOVE TO SEE MITT RUN AGAIN IN 2013- PERHAPS HE HAS SOFTENED MOST TO LAUNCH A SUCCESFULL CONSERVATIVE RUN TO THE FINISH!

HE NEEDS TO PLAY TO HIS STRENGTHS- STICK TO IT- NOT TRY TO BE EVERYTHING TO EVERYBODY!

Dave B | 9:02 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

This campaign was dirty and ugly. Can you imagine if a candidate had his mother on Hardball and she made negative comments about blacks or jews like McCain and his mother did ? Maybe that is why McCain only received 45% of his vote in Arizona. Huckabee is outright hateful towards Latter Day Saints. And all of the hate was ok with the media and the south.

What Mormons need to do is withhold votes from the Republicans in the national election. Latter Day Saint voters are not courted or respected, we need to withhold our votes in 08 , when the republicans see how that we want respect maybe they will treat us with respect. Write in votes for Romney or Nephi.

Mormon bigotry? | 9:06 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

The story plays as if Romney's downfall is the result of bigotry against Mormons. It doesn't make particularly clear that most of the Utah support was Pro-Mormon bigotry. Yes, they like Romney's "family values". But that's pretty much a declaration that none of the other Republicans have family values. That's patently untrue. Utahns like to claim that they like Romney and oh-by-the-way he happens to be a Mormon. Just aint' so.

Yeah, the Huckabee wing is probably bigoted, but most Americans just don't care that much. They just couldn't buy Romney as anything but an out-of-touch spoiled rich kid.

Hang in there | 9:13 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I think Romney did a great job blazing the trail for other potential LDS candidates. Having lived outside of Utah the past 18 years, I'm not surprised that there is still religious bigotry out there. I cringe when I read non-Mormons' complaining on this site about how they are treated in Utah. I hope it's not a poorly as we Mormons are treated outside of Utah (having lived in both, I suspect non-Mormons in Utah have it far better).

I hear a lot of Mormons upset right now saying they will vote for Obama in protest. Unfortunately, you won't get the chance. Hillary will do everything and anything to win, so it's McCain vs Hillary and if you don't vote, or write in, you might as well vote for Hillary. And I will vote for whoever keeps this divisive, misguided woman out of power.

Keep your chin up, Utah. You just got a little dose of "life outside of Utah" that the rest of us live with everyday!

About this headline | 9:17 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

UTAHNS in quandary? No Utahn that I know is in a quandary because a Mormon candidate dropped out of the race, and some of them are LDS!

You see, this is exactly the type of assumption, that all Utahns are in lockstep with ONE religion, and that everyone within that religion thinks alike, that has led to the current divisiveness.

What hubris.

If your article had been titled "Many LDS in quandary", it would make sense to all readers.

Just say no | 9:23 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Because of Mike Huckabee's total lack of civility towards Mormons and the fact that he has nothing but ill to say of them, I cannot support someone like that to be my leader. I mean, he will not advocate for anything I believe in.

I may go blue this election.

Tai H | 9:29 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Usually my posts are not published, so go ahead and delete this.

This artilce is full of lies and fabrication. I am a member of the Church (i.e., a Mormon) and I find it insulting and debasing that Mitt Romney "represents" Mormons, Mormon faith, and/or Mormon doctrine. He doesn't.

Mitt Romney represents the absolute worst in American Politics. Why, you ask? Because he is a liberal.

Mitt Romney raised the capital gains tax. That makes him a liberal.

Mitt Romney signed into legislation the largest measure of gun control in the history of his state, banning automatic assault guns.

Mitt Romney funded the governer's commission of gay and lesbian youth.

Mitt Romney signed into legislation, the right for gay couples to have a legal civil union. Such legislation goes contrary to Church Handbook of Instructions which discourages gay civil unions just as much as it discourages gay marraiges.

Mitt Romney is more of an "anti-Mormon" than many Evangelical Protestants.

John McCain is no more conservative than liberal Mitt. Together, they have hijacked the Republican Party away from Ronald Reagan and Barry Goldwater. The Romneys have always hated Barry Golwater, going back to 1964.

Mormons Against Romney | 9:30 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Mike Huckabee was and it the conservative candidate.

Rocky Hulse | 9:31 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Mormons are their own worst enemy. This article has a bunch of non-favorable comments about Mr. Huckabee; however, he never ran and hid from his religious beliefs. When asked about his faith, he never dodged the questions. Even in the one televised debat where he was asked the question about a speech he gave at a Southern Baptist Convention concerning women's roles, he tackled it head on and received a hearty round of applause. Mr. Huckabee never ran and hid from his religion. Mormons have earned the fears of secrecy held by many because they run and hide from what they believe. When Mr. Huckabee's comment about Jesus and Lucifer being spirit-brothers came out, cries came from everywhere around the country about how that was a vicious attack; however, now that the dust has long settled, the article in yesterdays Wall Street Journal has the Church spokesman admitting that it is true. It's not America's problem that Mormons are ashamed of their doctrines. Christian leaders from the various denominations don't run and hide when asked about their doctrines - Mormons do. Again, Mormons, or better yet, Mormonism, is its own worst enemy!

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Presidential candidate Mitt Romney, center right, and his wife Ann, right, greet Jacalyn Leavitt, Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, left, and Jon Huntsman Sr. at the Conference Center during services for LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley on Feb. 2.

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