Deseret News | With Romney out, Utahns in quandary

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With Romney out, Utahns in quandary

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Newsweek | 9:28 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I think the Newsweek summary was on to something. Romney was trying to be something he is not. He tried to say he was conservative when his record showed otherwise. In fact, I was first drawn to him because he seemed the most Democratic of the Republican canidates!

But he tried to play conservative to win that southern vote, and the locals here believed him, because he's Mormon.

DeLaval Milker | 9:30 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Took it gamely on the chin? Not so much. I've witnessed a lot of sulky, if those are the rules I'm not going to play anymore behaviour. Going to not vote, 'hold my nose and vote', write in romney anyway, etc.
It's time to get past the need to have only the social conservative in office. The remaining candidates are all good people, in both parties, and none of them are working to deliberate harm.
Also, a while back everyone was saying that they wanted romney as "the best man for the job". From this article, it looks like a bit of an admission of what everyone knew all along...it was actually along religious lines for its' own sake.

Salt Laker | 9:42 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

What a strange bunch of people some of you are. No Romney,and you don't want to vote. Well,Romney is another Bush, who hasn't done a heck of a lot of good since the supreme court coronated him. Tax cuts for the rich,2 wars,no bid contracts,torture,secret prisons. Enough of the republicans. I'm going for the democratic nominee.

Comments continue below

Morbaman | 9:54 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I think that Obama, although may have some views I disagree with, would be a great president, and would work hard to change this country. Electing McCain would not be a smart move for this country, how can you keep electing the same president and expecting a different result, in my eyes, McCain is just the same politicians we have be dealing with all these years. Let real CHANGE happen in America. Elect Obama...if he becomes the nominee.

Matt Connelly | 10:11 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Romney broke new ground for LDS politicians. I agree with the assessment that it will be much easier for future LDS candidates, especially if that candidate happens to be named Mitt Romney. Also, I think the bigotry that surfaced garned a lot of sympathy for Mormons. I spent a lot of time on the blogs during the election and saw several non-Mormons defending Mormons from bigoted attacks. I think that facing this type of bigotry head on is hurtful in the short term, but enormously beneficial in the long term because it is a necessary part of the process to end prejudice. Call it growing pains.

Utah County Republican | 10:13 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Memo to all you democrats and crybabies since Mitt Romney SUSPENDED his run for the Republican nomination for President:

He will go to the convention with some clout. He hasn't thrown his support to anyone. In the final analysis Republicans in Utah will vote for John McCain; he is the best choice of the remaining folks in the race on either side of the aisle. Mrs. Bill Clinton and Mr. Barack Obama have huge baggage in what they would bring to the office. They both appeal to the remnants of the unwashed and aging hippie residue still abroad in the land. The young people in this country and those who are looking for a utopia America, total giveaways to the less affluent (healthcare, etc.) and appeasement to threats both here and abroad are pollyanna and unrealistic. In the final analysis, most right thinking people will vote for John McCain, including those who are mourning Mitt Romney's departure from the race; they will stay in the fold and vote for McCain. Don't try and tell me and those who may be wishywashy in their thinking at the current moment that they will go crazy and vote for democrats. That's bull!!!!

Hang in There Part 2 | 10:26 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

There is no logic to the point that Mormons voting for Romney because he is Mormon is the equivalent of others not voting for Romney because he is Mormon. We all try to find the candidate who we believe best represents us and our views. Hillary is winning the female vote, Obama dominates among blacks, Huckabee leads among evangelicals. So what?

The difference is no one is saying "don't vote for Hillary because a woman can't be trusted as president" or "Obama is a great guy, but he's black, so he's not qualified." If they did, they'd be blackballed by any credible person (even the media).

We can all try to get along and minimize our differences, or we can do as many countries have done in the past and part ways - forming smaller countries for conservatives, liberals, blacks, evangelicals, Mormons, etc. I think we all know how that will play out. The problem with politics is that it is all marketing and in marketing, you create as wide a perception gulf between yourself and your competition as possible. We're really not all that different.

Remember who takes pleasure in making minor differences into a cause for hate.

Gayno West | 10:23 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

In article you stated that Lt. Governor Gary Herbert said "First and Formost I support Mitt Romney" how come a while back I saw an article saying that Governor Huntsman, Lt.Governor Gary Herbert, and Curt Bramble supported McCain. Explain that.

Dave | 10:25 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I keep hearing that people could never vote for McCain because of his "liberal" views. So what makes him so liberal? I keep hearing three points:

1. His position regarding illegal immigration doesn't include immediate deportation
2. He voted against the Bush tax cuts
3. He sponsored a bill for campaign finance reform

I consider myself a conservative, and I don't agree with every point of McCain's positions, but I fail to see the overwhelming evil of them that so many people in my faith and party seem to see.

Additionally, his support for the war on terror and views on issues such as abortion and are much closer to traditionally conservative positions than Romney's have been, although Romney has recently become pro-life.

So if you don't like McCain, that's fine, but don't say you're going to vote for Clinton or Obama because McCain is too "liberal."

Anon | 10:31 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Ron Paul is the only conservative choice - but then, he always was.

Optimistic for Mitt | 10:33 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Mitt supporters, please don't despair. Mitt could have beat either Clinton or Obama. If McCain is too stubborn or brainless to secure the Republican base, he's toast. Mitt burst upon the national scene out of nowhere and became a household word. Even my evangelical, Mormon-suspicious Aunt from Arkansas called to tell me she was very impressed with Romney and would vote for him. You could appreciate this epiphany only if you knew what a Mormon-hater she has been in the past. You ain't seen nothing yet. Mitt will be back--big time!!!
As for the religious bigot Huckleberry--Urp, slop, bring the mop.

Stewart | 10:33 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

More than the LDS Religion was involved here. I think we saw national politics in its raw form. In addition to not being the republican anointed one, Romney had not obligated himself to the republican power brokers. In politics more goes on behind the scenes that what we mere citizens are ever allowed to see. There are threats and promises that Romney has had to deal with on this that we will never know about.

By the way you Utah conservatives out there that now see no choice between McCain and the democrat and so you will vote for McCain as the lessor of two evils, you do have a choice. You may decide that the democrat is better, you could go third party, or leave the president vote blank. Myself, since I voted for Bush in 20004 and came to realize that I was part of the problem, decided never to do that again. To me McCain is worse than a democrat, and as a conservative I can say that by not voting for him I am not part of the problem.

Mark B | 10:36 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Hey, it's only February. Plenty more nasty accusations to come, especially against Obama. No need to dig up old dirt on Hillary since hating her is like a neighborhood requirement in Utah. But in Nov., it'll be : McCain - 56%
Obama/Clinton - 35%
Assorted right wing kooks - 9%
All this without any personal campaigning, and not much money spent by anyone. By October the big question will have to do with BYU and the BCS.

G | 10:36 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

There is no quandry. Of the two likely candidates, Huckabee is a loser. He cannot unify and aside from hard core fundamentalists, his appeal is limited.

kbm | 10:43 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

How do some of these churches manage to retain their tax-exempt status while preaching the politics of hate every Sunday from the pulpit? What does politics have to do with religion?

Jon | 10:43 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Thank you DN for being an alternative voice to the severely liberal leaning MSM. They fought Romney tooth and nail and couldn't even give him any kudos in parting. Romney had to fight the mormon bias, the MSM, the dirty underhanded tricks of his contenders, the republican establishment (you think they want change?) and poor name recognition. He now has name recognition and a lot of respect by many in the GOP for what he did at CPAC. It's not over yet, and then there's always 2012. Perhaps the nation needs a break from the GOP (Bush really did screw up) to see how bad things can get with the Dems.

Those who haven't voted yet and still support Romney's message should still get out and vote for him. He hasn't quit, he has SUSPENDED his primary run. You don't have to waste a vote on McCain or Huckabee (I'm still not sure which is worse). You may need to request an absentee ballot since his name may have been removed from the touchscreens on voting day. Mitt hasn't quit and neither should we!

Mary | 10:43 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I'm curious about something. At what point is a church allowed to be a church and not a cult? No church has been around "forever", they all started somewhere. How many members does a "cult" have to have to become a "church"? What does a group of people have to "believe" to lose the "cult" status? I was also taught that a cult was a few wacky people who did wacky things. The Mormon church is milllions strong throughout the world, what will it take for the world to STOP referring to this as a "cult"? I would really like to know, I'm not asking for smart-aleck responses, but what it really would take.

Re:Hogwash | 10:40 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Hogwash, please join the rest of us in the 21st century. Mormons are not a cult or weird. We claim to be the only true church and send missionaries out just like Christ did while on the earth. I wouldn't want to belong to a church that wasn't sure if it was true or not. I you don't believe it to be true, I can respect that. But don't deny me the right to my beliefs.

And let's put the "strange history" behind us, OK? Most of that stuff is based on letters and journals of embittered ex-Mormons and anti-Mormons. Some people confuse "authentic" with "true." Separate opinion from fact - just because it was written 100 years ago by an upset person does not make it history.

Outside of Utah, we get plenty of missionaries from other churches stopping by. Mostly, they want to sell literature or "Bible bash." I would like to think our missionaries have other motives. I would like to think I was there to help people who wanted help, not trash their beliefs. I am sorry if your experience has been unfavorable.

Henry Drummond | 10:50 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I find it troubling that people would be in favor of a political candidate "because he happens to be Mormon", because that form of thinking means it just as easy to be against a political candidate "because he happens to be Mormon". You really can't have it both ways. Either we have a separation of Church and State or we don't.

Jim in GA | 10:51 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Lee Benson got it right yesterday in his DN column. "The real Mitt Romney Was MIA in the Campaign"

GCole | 10:54 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

EVERYONE WRITE IN YOUR CHOICE: RON PAUL.He is the only one closest to Romney's Views. LET US START A CAMPAIN AND COME NOVEMBER WRITE IN: RON PAUL. We can make the difference!!!!

think first | 11:03 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Come on, folks---you can't seriously think Obama is a good alternative to McCain. He may be "nicer" than Shrillary, but he's the same shade of pink. I cannot give my vote to either of the Socialists, who will persist in taking away our freedoms, one at a time, while ruining our economy and threatening our national security. Not to mention the Supreme Court appointments. Some of the justices are hanging in there, waiting to retire until after a Super-Liberal is in office.

Re:Mary | 11:08 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I don't know if you'll get a straight answer on your question of what it will take for people to stop calling Mormonism a cult, but let me take a shot:

1) Deny the Book of Mormon
2) Deny Joseph Smith
3) Admit that God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost are all the same person (never mind the dozens of references in the Bible that say otherwise)
4) Stop the missionary program
5) Let people "make up their own minds" if they want to drink, smoke, drink coffee, take drugs, etc.
6) Stop requiring tithing. Instead, send your money to the multi-millionaires on late night TV so they can make more 24-set CDs telling everyone how evil all other religions are
7) Drop the belief that somehow, once you confess that Jesus is the son of God (kinda hard when they're all supposed to be the same person), that any "good work" you do once you've made that confession actually causes you to lose brownie points with the Big Guy.

Want me to keep going?

true conservative | 11:11 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

The only time in my lifetime that I have seen my rights in America seriously eroded has been during the presidency of George W. Bush, Republican and devout Christian.

Shem | 11:18 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I am a dedicated Mormon and from day one I have been dead set on voting for Obama and entirely turned off by Mitt Romney. I used to consider myself a republican but now I can no longer justify doing so and am befuddled as to why so many Mormons affiliate themselves as such. The democratic party is doing so much more to end poverty, support education, and end environmental pollution. The only thing that Republican candidates (Mitt Romney included) ever talk about is ensuring the continued economic prosperity of the middle class and rich Americans and getting rid of illegal immigrants.
I would like to believe that most Mormons were more conscerned about ending the tremedous amount of human suffering and crime that poverty is causing than they were with legislating their moral standards on non-Mormons, but unfortunately that doesn't appear to be the case. Go Obama!

Go RON PAUL | 11:29 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Have any of you even looked to Ron Paul? If you are for the Founding Fathers then you should look to the one who supports the document that they wrote. He supports LIBERTY!!! No one else is any different than the other. You are choosing between 4 evils. Look up and learn about Ron Paul you might be relieved to see someone who really does have you in mind.

Shakey | 11:34 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I'll tell you one thing, SHEM, I was a Republican--BUT NO MORE! I will NOT vote for adulterous McCain! Nor a Hillary. I think however my only choices left unfortunately are Obama, or the Baptist Huckabee. All see ahead is TROUBLE for the good old USA. We have only losers to deal with. We are headed for invasion from somewhere else at this rate. A county cannot be run by knuckleheads!

Cali Kid | 11:35 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Ok you anti-Mormon commenters, SHUT UP!As for you Republican single-minded Mormons GET A GRIP! Romney was just as human as the other candidates - not the God many Mormons painted him out to be. You embarass me to be Mormon! I am an active Mormon, just as faithful as you Romney supporters. I have supported Obama since about this time last year. So what?! Why did I get funny looks from some Mormons about my pro-bama support? Why did I get funny looks from non-Mormons about it? What does my being Mormon have ANYTHING to do with my political views?? Did you guys know about the 200-member "Mormons for Obama" community on the Obama site? We like to console each other about the hate we get from non-Mormons and the ostracism given to us by Romney-Mormons. And what's so wrong with Hillary? She's not her husband...and what was so bad about him? Do we hate JFK for sleeping around? I didn't think so! No get up off your butts and vote for one of the many still-viable candidates!!

Vote Romney | 11:42 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Still Vote for Romney! I think Mitt has made it ï¿½appearï¿½ that he has suspended his campaign, in order to give room for the liberal Media to turn from making McCain their darling into the attack dogs they truly are! It has already started, polls (1) are out showing McCain loosing to the democrats. They will pound McCain into the ground over his age, corruption, lies, his left wing liberalism, etc, etc.
There is simply NO way McCain can over come and become president. Once in office, the democrats will move to prematurely pull us out of Iraq, terrorism will take hold, be embolden and strike America again! Only Mitt's commitment against the Jihadists can stop this from happening! Mitt's plan to reduce federal budget 1% a year will shrink government and stimulate the economy! We need Mitt to select conservative judges, there are six who are aged and due for replacement in the next term or two.

Vote Romney | 11:42 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

So, get out and Vote Romney! The one true Reagan conservative on the field! Mitt's CPAC speech on Thursday (2) reveals the sincere and strong conservative that Mitt really is and NOT the wishy-washy that liberal media have lyingly promoted.

In order to vote Romney, there will be some hurdles to over come in the elections ahead. Mainly, the name Mitt Romney will start being pulled from the voting ballots. If your election process hasn't gone electronic yet, you should be able to write-in his name. If it has gone electronic and his name isn't expected to show, then plan ahead and order up an absentee ballot, vote that way. Contact your election divisions and check out the status/balloting is done.

Please cut and paste this and forward to everyone you know, especially those in up coming primaries. Also post in the comments sections of newspaper editorials and article comment area's.

Go Mitt Romney!

CougarKeith | 11:43 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

The Fact Is with a little more time HE WOULD HAVE WON THE NOMINATION given the fact once people get to know HIM they like him and his beliefs and his politics. The Primaries were too soon, and the public realized how awesome he is a bit to late. The fact is he set himself up nicely to run again next time after the Democrats screw it up so bad in the White House. They will win unless it is a McCain-Romney Ticket. I for one will not VOTE FOR McCain, I will vote for Obama over him, or Ralph Nater should he run. I WILL NOT VOTE FOR McCain after what he and his cronies did in West Virgina's Primary. The way he and Huckabee ganged up on Romney sickens me! It should be about the Best Candidate, not GREED for power and position. Our Political System sickens me! My Party Discusts ME and I am sad to say I am a republican, still proud of the fact I am a Conservative!

francis | 11:44 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Yes, CALI Kid,
It is obvious by your comment that you are truly a Mormon. It's obvious that you know how to tell people to SHUT UP!

I say to everyone--- VOTE OBAMA!

Lying via omissions | 11:47 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Once being LDS meant you valued honesty.

"Mom McCain blamed "the Mormons" for the scandals surrounding the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City. Her son immediately disavowed her remarks, and assured America that "Mormons are great people and the fact that Mitt Romney is a Mormon should play no role whatsoever in people's decision."

There were no Mormon involved with the problems associated with the Winter Games? A few bad apples can and do spoil the crop.

Has a older person, in their nineties, in your family ever made a strange comment? Didn't John do the right thing?

LCC | 12:10 p.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I am not Mormon, nor am I a republican. I am a Christian and an American. As an American, I am appalled that once again Morman's are being condemned for their beliefs. As a Christian, I believe its my duty to honor and respect the beliefs of my fellow Christians, who chose to follow the teachings of the LDS. We don't like to admit it, but Morman's were hunted down and killed in this country simply for worshiping God in the way they thought best honored him. We should honor that faith and sacrifice, and pray that if we are ever faced with the same choice, what's right, or what's easy, we have the strength to choose God like the Mormon martyrs did.

Cali Kid | 12:11 p.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Hey Mormons, do any of you remember those letters that we are read by the 2nd counselor of the bishopric in sacrament meeting? You know, the ones that encourage members to go vote and emphasize how the Church has a strictly NON-PARTISAN political platform? So why is it that so many members (not all, of course, but a great many) give each other a 'wink, wink' and a 'nudge, nudge' that the really means Republican? You would be surprised at how many of your other fellow members vote Democratic or Indepentant. I am one of those. Politics are made of man, not of God. With that said, any party is equally 'corrupt'. So why not research the candidate that matches you best? I personally love Obama. Some of my family likes Hillary (yes, they're just as temple worthy as the rest of you). There are plenty of other good candidates out there. If one isn't so great, then don't worry. We have a government that safe-guards our nation from falling to far off course.

Provo libertarian | 12:11 p.m. Feb. 9, 2008

The article did not mention Ron Paul, not a single word. Remember, it's confirmed Huckabee and McCain (check out the interview with him and his mother on YouTube) carry anti-Mormon attitude. Ron Paul defended Romney's faith from the barbs of McCain and Huckabee on more than one occasions. Paul represent true conservative values, yet most Mormons ignore him while complaining about how much of a bigot Huckabee is and McCain too liberal (even anti-gun rights). Wake up and pay attention to Ron Paul! You have three choices -- vote for McCain if he gets nominated, vote for Obama (Utah haven't turned blue in decades) or sit out the election/write in candidate. I can't believe the obliviousness of the Mormons that support the disastrous Bush-Cheney administration yet doesn't want to support McCain just because he's "liberal". McCain WILL carry out the third Bush term, so vote for him if you want McCain to continue Bush-Cheney legacy of permanent occupation, more wars and overspending. Paul will end all of the above and return America to Constitution as Founders intended.

Cali Kid | 12:20 p.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Thanks francis. Sorry about my earlier irritation. I just hate being flocked around by some Mormons and non-Mormons. I am my own person, I can make my own decisions thank you very much. Label me as you wish, but I wont let it stick to me. I'm just as Mormon as the rest, I still head the Prophet's guidance (notice how he never says anything about politics besides to get involved in them)

So how's the snow, Utahns? I do miss that about Utah!

Sarah | 12:19 p.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Wake up Shem! If you really think Dems are doing things to end poverty and relieve suffering then you need to wake up and smell the hot chocolate (since you don't drink coffee - nor do I as a fellow Mormon)! That tired party-line rhetoric from the blue side of the fence is such a sham. All liberals and dems do is TALK about stuff like that while stuffing money in their own pockets. They are all about social programs (some of which do work) and welfare...hmmmm....sounds like they want to keep people IN poverty. While Republicans are all about empowering people to provide for themselves. If you know anything about the Gospel...that's what the Church teaches as well.

Swede | 12:22 p.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Hey, wasn't it great to see our Republican Governor proudly standing behind McCain during McCain's speech following Super-Tuesday. Huntsman is more liberal than McCain!! He has bought into the hoax of "Man-Made" Global Warming more than Al Gore!! However, I'm sure that the Mormon / Republican sheep will have no problem or thought as to giving him another term!!!

Kurt | 12:23 p.m. Feb. 9, 2008

This article is a very good example of the inexplicable blackout by all media, including our beloved Deseret News, of Ron Paul. It is beyond my understanding how the Romboy and Roche could be so oblivious to the large number of Utahns supporting Ron Paul. I would like them to give a reasonable explanation on how they write the above article without mentioning his Honorable Congressman Ron Paul.

Anonymous | 12:28 p.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I think it is a mistake to assume that because Romney is out of the running, Utahns will have no one to vote for. Mormons shouldn't merely vote for someone who is Mormon any more than non-Mormons should use our religion as a reason not to vote for a candidate.

I have no doubt that Romney is a good person with integrity. However, he didn't fare well in a national political setting because he is not astute at game playing nor at fielding barbs. President Hinckley could to it, Rudy Guliani could also do it. Romney couldn't, Nixon couldn't, but Kennedy could and so could Reagan. For those who think you have to be a Republican to be a good member of the Church, think again! In times past, many church members voted Democratic. Many good church members are democrats or independents. I do think Romney had conservative values with a more moderate track record, unlike Huckabee, who not only shows regional bias but purports some ridiculous, unattainable economic ideas.

I am a Republican who will vote for Obama if I'm given the chance.

ok have it your way! | 12:37 p.m. Feb. 9, 2008

re: Sarah
Please don't question my religion.
If you want to vote for the adulterous McCain, then be my guess. Meaning you think you know it all. I am sure he will blend into the polygamy group just fine. Who needs morals to run a country. Just keep your republican treasures to yourself.

Bryce | 12:37 p.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Mitt supporters are in a "quandary" because, like Mitt himself, they cannot think clearly for themselves, which gives them a "flip-flopping" mentality.

Like his mindless Mormon supporters, Mitt Romney has lived a life of not being "honest with himself." He has been told by someone else what to believe for 60 years! His ability to think for himself has never developed to maturity (or at all).

Like most Mormons, he was indoctrinated with the idea that you don't take a stand on any absolute values. For example, is murder evil? Apparently, Nephi's assassination of Laban was an OK murder! Instead, you listen to what an authority says, then you pray for confirmation, even if it is morally reprehensible - like polygamy in general, and Joseph Smith's lying about his polygamous relationships for years.

But that decision-making process is religiously heretical, logically irrational, and ethically bankrupt - a far cry from enlightened and independent thought!

That is the source of Mitt-supporters' "quandary" as well as Mitt's "flip-flopping." Mitt and millions of Mormons are waiting around for Monson to tell them what to think and for whom to vote. Only the laws of the land prohibit him from doing so.

wallyworld | 12:38 p.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Just say it was Huckabee and McCains mom who smeared the Church.. Hopefully Mitt will run as a Indy or come out stronger in four years. And all of you who have or will vote in McCain will see he's just a BIG LIB and I'll be the first to say I TOLD YOU SO.

Barrett | 12:40 p.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I will not and cannot vote for an anti-Mormon bigot such as Huckabee for president or vice president!
Period.
I will instead vote 3rd party.

Jon | 12:49 p.m. Feb. 9, 2008

You know Shem, other than Obama's great oratory talent, I'm really not sure what he stands for and what he will do once in office. At least with Hillary (no, I'm not voting for the Clintons), you know what you get. The unknown could be a whole lot worse. While the MSM has been busy attacking Romney and Hillary, they have, to this point, given McCain and Obama a free pass. They have already started on McCain now that Romney is out.

So lets take a look at Obama. What does he really stand for? Who really knows? He has very little experience and has a record of voting "Present" rather than actually taking sides. To this point, he really does not appear to have any substance whatsoever. That makes me a little uneasy. If he did have a legitimate (and decent) track record, I would consider voting for him. But right now, he seems to have rock star status, especially with all the Hollywood endorsements, but his house is built upon a sandy foundation. He stands for change, but what kind? The kind of change that leaves this country and the constitution in tatters?

Anonymous | 1:01 p.m. Feb. 9, 2008

I don't know if I was disapointed in Romney or if it was the media that simply ignored him, except for the opportunities to make fun of him. I didn't hear any other canidate talk about getting rid of the capitol gains tax, but that idea was never put across effectively. (again Romney or the media). It will all work out in the end for those who are righteous (opposite of self-righteous). We have to rise above it. Don't worry about Mccain and Huckelberry they will self destruct.

Anonymous | 12:57 p.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Sarah,

I agree with you that a lot of the social programs we have don't work and some even keep the poor poor. Things need to change. We need to do a lot better. So how is ignoring poverty helping the poor?

How is spending $600 billion a year on our military helping? What would happen if we invested that same $600 billion in schools or on microcredit programs which actually do help. We spend hundreds of billions of dollars every year paying for the effects of poverty through medicare, medicare, policing, courts and prisons. Evidence has shown that for every dollar we spend preventing poverty saves us seven dollars down the road.

Jon | 12:57 p.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Oh, and I didn't vote for Romney because he was a Mormon. For some reason I tend to be a little cautious about that. Do you think I'd ever vote for Harry Reid? He is an embarrassment. I took a long hard look at Romney and despite the MSM's bias, I realized this guy has what it takes to bring some honor back to the White House. Romney has brains, speaks eloquently and is willing to look at issues from all sides (part of the reason he was so successful in business) which is a far cry from Bush. These two guys are at opposite ends of the ability spectrum. It really is a shame McCain has beaten him by playing dirty because without talent in the White House to meet the challenges already on our doorstep, this country is headed for a wild ride. So buckle up and hang on tight!

David Edward Garber | 1:00 p.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Ron Paul is the only arguable conservative still in this race. And I hope that more Republicans will finally start rallying around him rather than just letting Juan McCainnedy and the Huckster gobble up all of the remaining national delegates unopposed. In my view, a McCain (or Huckabee) presidency would merely perpetuate the slow-motion suicide of the Republican Party, not to mention the USA.

Although Dr. Paul isn't LDS (at least, not yet), he may as well be. He strictly upholds his oath of office. He's impeccably honest and principled and, I understand, greatly admired President Ezra Taft Benson. In fact, the political principles that he espouses are more or less the same ones that Ezra Taft Benson, J. Reuben Clark Jr., David O. McKay, Joseph Smith Jr., and so many of the Brethren have taught since the Church was restored.

Although the media has already anointed McCainnedy, about half of the national delegates are still up for grabs. Brethren, shall we put our shoulder to that figurative wheel?

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2 photos

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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