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Not Romney? Utah surprised

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Sarah | 1:11 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
Coming from somebody who has lived in Utah most of her life, and who is LDS, this is neither a surprise nor unwelcome. I didn't like Romney's politics, or the fact that he changed them to match the situation he was currently in.

But you guys are forgetting something very important. If an LDS member wanted to vote for another Mormon, they aren't going to turn around and vote for the most liberal senator in Congress, who routinely votes against nearly all the values we hold dear, just because the man running opposite him didn't apppoint that Mormon to be his running mate.

They wanted to vote for another Mormon because they share common beliefs and values, and turning around and voting for the exact opposite out of spite is hardly realistic.
devil | 1:19 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
all you say negtive to the lds church all devil also
your family
J. Bentley | 1:20 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
I have been attending the same ward house for over thirty years.

I have seen a shift in the members thinking as to exactly what is been going on in this country.

Call me a hick or a mormon hick, whatever, I don't care.

People have been seeing the erosion of our rights as Americans.

People are having a hard time making a decent living, and taking care of their families.

Things that regular people once were able to share with even the wealthy, such as affordable health care, housing, retirement, ect. Have dissapered.

Please don't give me reasons why some people have caused this. It is to late. I don't care about anything right now except that the way things have been going is not right, and I plan to vote out the people who have been in office.

Being LDS has nothing to do with how I think.
I can think for myself, and want my family to be able to live a good life even if they are not rich. I am a real person and I love America. I hope you do to.
Comments continue below
watchout | 1:35 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
The end of Obamas speech and McCains selection of Palin as VP indicate that this election may well be a race versus gender contest.
office | 1:45 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
running for usa pres. is nothing to do with a church
don't worry if a lds not select, but i tell you on
my dream one day a lds be a usa pres. and the people
think if they let them be a pres. longtime ago.
Bruce in Provo | 1:48 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
I hesitate to join forums like this one since so few comments are genuinely thoughtful or informed and so many are abusive and intolerant.

Nevertheless, here goes.

I know Mitt Romney--he was in my stake presidency when I lived in Massachusetts. I like him personally but don't support him politically. I support Obama. Though that puts me in a minority among Latter-day Saints, it doesn't make unique, even in my own neighborhood. I know many faithful members, including former mission presidents, who are Obama supporters. Officially, the LDS Church not only encourages us to support candidates of our choice but has stated that both major parties espouse principles in harmony with Church beliefs.

Lest "Liars among us" think I'm a non-Mormon disguised as one of the faithful, try googling whyobama2008 and blogspot to find the blog where I discuss Romney, Obama, and the rest--all from my emphatically LDS perspective.

As for the current forum, of course general Church leaders would be saddened by the anti-Mormon sentiments. But I guarantee they would be saddened even more by the vicious, unthinking words of some Church members.
Elkman. | 1:53 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
It is disgusting the way the national GOP treat Romney. They are bigots and hate Mormons. It might be time for the majority of LDS people to re-evaluate their allegiance to the grand old GOP. We need to elect more Democrats in this state to bring about some balance. We have the worst Legislature in the United States. These guys need to be sent packing ASAP. Let's vote out Curtis, Walker, Huntsman, Morley, Bramble, and the idiot from West Jordan this fall. Help save Utah vote Democratic this fall. Brother Obama needs us!!!
Interesting | 2:01 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
Listening to a liberal news station this morning, a guest on the show claimed Sarah was a Mormon. Since everyone seems to think a Mormon isn't qualified to be in the White House, do you suppose that was a tactic to sway votes somehow? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Anonymous | 2:02 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
Interestingly, it's only the Utah Mormon community that's surprised that Romney was not chosen as McCain's VP running mate. In fact, only the Utah papers are even making an issue of this.

This clearly shows that Utahns really do live in a self-imposed political bubble that is totally out of touch with the rest of the nation.
SoCalgal | 2:03 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
I find it offensive for Mr. Lockheart to say Utahns love Romney, don't speak for everyone because if McCain had picked Romney he would have lost my vote for sure.
Omahaman | 2:08 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
The choice of Palin is obvious. Their are many disenfranchised Hillary Clinton supporters who will be more inclined to vote for McCain. I understand that she is also for oil drilling in Alaska. I like the idea, as long as it is done responsibly.

MOTHER OF 5, I agree with you. Ms. Palin should have her children as her priority. Her husband is a good second alternative, but second rate to a mother's caring.

Mitt Romney VP, GIVE ME A BREAK. The evangelical Christians would be all over that one. Mitt Romney would be good for the economy, but could never be elected. Besides, it sounds like McCain already has Romney campaigning for him, and most likely a chunk of financial support.

But, no matter how you assemble the Republican ticket, getting us out of Iraq sooner than later is more important than anything else the Republicans can deliver. No more billions spent in Iraq means a boost to OUR economy and paying down the national debt. And trickle-down economics didn't work in the 80s. I prefer not to be "trickled on" again.
just another taxpayer | 2:11 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
I'm planning on sleeping through the whole thing...
Not suprised | 2:18 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
I don't understand why Utahn's would be surprised. Are they that na�ve? Why would McCain want to choose running mate that would bring him down. NO matter how qualifed or good for the country I am feel Romney may be for the country he didn't make it because of his religion, people are not prepared to accept a person of the LDS faith in this postion and to throw him right back in their faces again would not help McCain. Romney can try another day. There is no good choice in this election - we are faced with choosing the lesser of two evils and they are still just that evil. I just hope this country and economy can survive the next four years.
Judy | 2:16 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
Why should anyone be surprised that Romney was not picked. John McCain is not stupid. Romney would always have to be answering questions about his faith the media would never let it go to the issues.Don,t you people get it. exteme liberalism is in. and it,s not going away. The secret combinations are in full swing!
ERNIE | 2:16 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
Wow! I can't believe I spent an hour reading all of this diatribe. McCain or Obama? Neither is worth squat! That said, I am going to vote for the one with the best energy plan. Why? Because importing vast quantities of oil from Arab states has caused a failing economy in the U.S., bankrolled worldwide terrorism and destroyed our planet. Obama is naive and McCain is an ahole. But at leat McCain has recognized that nuclear power, wind and natural gas are our only hope. Obama will continue to pursue bio-fuels and solar. Both make no sense economically. Vote for the better of tow nit-wits! Vote McCain.
fact check 4 "LDS: compare Reid | 2:54 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
There are two Udalls running for Senate this year.

US Rep. Tom Udall, Colorado, son of late Congressman Morris K. Udall. Lists his religious affiliation as "unaffiliated". Morris Udall publicly disagreed with the LDS ban on blacks holding priesthood during his 1976 Presidential campaign and stated that he was "not an active member". Most likely he never formally resigned.

US Rep. Mark Udall, New Mexico, son of Congressman and Sec. of Interior Stewart Udall. Lists his affiliation as "LDS".

The two men are first cousins. The Udall from Colorado lists no religious affiliation, while the New Mexico Udall states that he is LDS.
To the Joker | 3:18 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
Apparently the Joker doesn't appreciate the concept of the swing vote. While it is very unlikely that enough Mormons would switch parties to make a difference in western states, it could work. Consider:

Mormons make up 3% of Colorado's population. Colorado is a battle state with Obama holding a .4% lead.

Nevada has a 7.5% Mormon population. McCain is carrying a 1 point lead there.

Idaho, with its 25% Mormons could be swayed either direction. Utah is obvious.

With voter turnout at between 50 and 60% for presidential elections, a determined Mormon block could carry almost twice its weight.

After 2000, can anyone doubt the importance of every single vote? Obviously Mormons are a small minority in almost every state of the union. But in a close contest, it only takes a couple of votes to tip it one way or the other.

Utah and its neighboring states plus Montana equal 44 electoral votes. Insignificant when compared to California, Florida, Texas and New York. BUT AGAIN, in a close election, it can make all the difference.

Mormons have more power than they realize, if they only used it.
Hurrah for Palin! | 3:18 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
Utah: Nobody else was surprised. This isn't "American Idol", this is for real.
RL | 3:20 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
I don't believe for a second UT was surprised. And I don't believe any member of the church was surprised either.
Nurturing Sarah???? | 3:39 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
I agree with "Mother of 5"---how can this woman properly care for her children and go out on the campaign trail. True, her son is grown and in Iraq--and what's up with that; I don't count it as a patriotic move, I think the boy didn't know what to do with his life and he has all the privileges. Here, too, is a woman who names her children Piper and Willow. There's much about Sarah we don't know.
David S. Fanene | 3:43 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
Governor Romney and Ann, your'e the best! Mitt is the most qualified and we would have backed you 110%. All the best to you and your family.
gene | 3:54 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
Some lies and some truth have been stated here.
Mitt has been telling everybody he is not going to be on the ticket, remember?
Iam relieved that Mitt didn't get linked to sleezy
McCain! Mitt is against illegals being treated like they are royals and McCain is all for it!
I wish there would be a momentum for a GOOD 3rd party..that would make the other 2 more honest!
There are going to be some very hard times coming.
Israel is going to attack Iran...they have to to prevent being nuked by Iran! The mid east arabs will cut off 30/40 % of the oil...LOOK OUT! AND THERE WILL BE NO MITT INVOLVED! THE LORD MOVES IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS! smile.
celest | 5:08 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
McCain picks Palin, pandering to evangelicals and women...passing over the obvious best candidate for our country, Mitt Romney. The bigoted evangelicals win. I have voted Republican all my life always supporting the evangelical candidate, as an LDS person, I feel taken advantage of. They fear my religion? Well I fear their hatred and bigotry, so I have decided now to never support another evangelical candidate, (Palin seems nice, but is evangelical)because now I fear her being a heartbeat away from the presidency and belonging to a church who hates me because of my religion, to me that is dangerous. I won't vote for Obama either because I can't bring myself to support someone who believes in infanticide, gay marriage and is associated with a known terrorist (Bill Ayers). Lets see if the LDS vote doesnt matter. If all LDS write in Romney for prez or vote Barr, as a symbolic vote, I bet he will miss that 2-3%. I mean, we dont matter right? So who cares what we do? This is the only way to show the Republican party what a mistake they are making by insulting and disrespecting our entire belief system.
celest | 5:15 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
Well, After I wrote all of my feelings down, It seems Palin is a good woman and I just can't be like the bigoted Huckabee supporters and not vote for someone because of their religion. I just saw an interview before Super Tuesday where Palin sounded like she supported Romney for president, which means she is not one of the bigoted Evangelicals or she wouldve been supporting Huckabee. It is a relief, she doesnt discriminate against my religion. Oh darn it, I will have to vote for McCain/Palin because it is the right thing to do. Hopefully, if McCain gets elected, he will put Romney on the cabinet. He needs Romney's wealth of experience, the world is getting crazier, McCain needs to find the best team of people to have any chance of saving the US strength in economy, military and morally, this is no joke.
Huh? | 5:31 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
I keep reading about how the "working person" can no longer afford housing, food, medical care, etc.

Then I tried to go out to dinner the other night (a weeknight mind you) and the place was packed. Out in the parking lot were plenty of nice cars. Went to the movies last weekend - again, packed.

Ever try calling someone at home? Gas is $4 a gallon and everyone is still out cruising/shopping/whatever.

When the Demos tell you times are tough, keep in mind, the "rich" they're looking to tax is you.

Speaking of working, I put in 70 pretty intense hours a week. And yes, I do better than average on my income. I'd like to keep some of it for myself, thanks.
Steve-O | 5:44 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
LOL @ those who think the Democrats are more friendly to Mormons. Compare:

Harry Reid & the Udalls

to:

Chris Cannon, Gordon Smith, Mike Crapo, Jeff Flake & Bob Bennett.

The Mt. West has elected far more Republican Mormons than Democrat Mormons.

Get away from the west & you will discover a subtle animosity towards Mormons from both sides of the aisle. Hillary would have had no problem spouting nonsense a-la-Huckabee if Reid had been her opponent in the primary. Need I remind you of Larry O'Donnell's tirade on McLaughlin?

I'm a MN Mormon (expected our boy Pawlenty to be VP, BTW) and hostility towards my faith is not tolerated by the State Party. Romney won our caucuses in a landslide.

There is some legalistic "you're not true Christians" snobbery out here. But nothing on par with the unabashed hatred coming from the secular left.
I don't really care... | 6:00 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
It would have been nice for Romney to be the VP but he isn't so oh well. My happiness and life satisfaction come from what I do.
gene | 6:29 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
The comments are correct about Mormons being footstools to the GOP! Just once the utah folks should stay home and let the democrats win! Then maybe the bigots(religion) may learn something?!
Ing | 6:52 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
Well, I'm not surprised...but I'm not in Utah, either.

Evangelical voters (i.e., almost every Republican voter in the South) can't stomach the thought of a Mormon in the White House, and the right wing of the right wing thinks Romney is a liberal flip-flopper. (Which, by the way, is a term that I find unbearably stupid; who says politicians aren't allowed to change their minds like everybody else does from time to time?)

Romney's best hope is to either run for the Senate, which he could probably do successfully if he chose the right state, or to use his experience this time around to make a more effective second run at the presidency.

I find it interesting that so many people loathe the man on the other side of their chosen ticket. Looking at these two candidates, I see something historic--for the first time in at least 12 years, maybe more like 16, the choice is not between bad and worse. Not even between a potentially good president and a probably awful one.

I'll probably cast my vote for Obama, but mostly I'm just happy to FINALLY have two strong, highly intelligent, highly capable candidates in the running.
As a woman... | 6:54 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
I'm offended by the fact that the Republicans think that just because they picked a woman VP nominee I will run to the party and quickly vote the ticket. Unfortunately, some who only wanted Hillary because she was a woman will fall into the trap. I'm hating this political season. This country has serious issues and nominees are being picked for their novelty.
ozark bubba | 7:50 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
Are you really surprised McCain didn't pick Romney?

Don't you know the Huckster (our former Arkansas Republican governor) fought tooth and nail to keep Romney off the ticket? Even to the point of getting a conservative Christian fundamentalist group to go on record as opposing Romney and vowing to abandon the GOP if he were selected!

To be specific Huck hates Mitt and Mormons in general. Don't we know? We have put up with him as our preacher, er I mean, guv'ner.
Utah Mormon | 7:52 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
To put all the hate to rest, I am a Utah Mormon and I am extremely glad Palin was picked instead of Romney. That's the first good think McCain has done. There are a lot of Utah haters on this board, but I think it's just because Utah Mormons are easy targets. But you might want to try talking to one instead of assuming you know their thoughts.
Cooler Heads Prevail | 8:38 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
Obviously some Utahns and many LDS are upset that McCain didn't pick Romney. Let's calm down and look at it rationally. Aren't there many positions much more key than the VP? Mitt wasn't born to be VP - he's too much of a leader. Personally, I think having him at VP would be a waste of his talent and I think McCain feels that way as well.

Living outside of Utah, I have never heard John McCain say anything negative about the LDS. I'm also not aware of Barak Obama setting foot in Utah - that's how much he cares about you guys.

Don't jump the gun. Calm down. McCain/Palin is the better option over Obama/Biden and the polls are already showing it. McCain is no Bush - don't buy the lies. Hang in there, Utah, we love you!
KR | 8:48 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
I agree with TGR. No way will I vote McCain. I have always been staunch Republican. McCain is a republican version of Bill Clinton.
Oh Please | 8:53 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008

Palin is a gun nut, wants "creationism" taught in our schools, and opposes abortion without exceptions. At least Romney has a brain. Why do the Repubs keep nominating these Quayle types with room temperature IQ's?
Henry Drummond | 9:03 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
I have to disagree with Wayne Holland. I think its simply a case that Romney and McCain would have difficulty working with each other because of the bitterness of the campaign.

Still Palin seems like a strange choice. I felt like McCain was pulling the rug out from under Romeny and others in Denver who were chirping away all week about experience. You tend to look a little silly talking about experience when the 72 year old cancer survivor chooses someone who was part time mayor of a town of 8,000 and has just over a year and half as governor of state smaller than Salt Lake City.
Steve-O is dumb-O | 9:25 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
you forgot Chris Buttars, and your theory of bigotry collapses when Mitt Romney was elected by liberal-secularist Massachusetts but rejected everywhere else except Utah.

LDS families with kids to feed are like the slaves of the Republican party, it's appalling.
Huckabee | 10:09 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
And you Mormons are STILL going to vote for McCain, and give him his highest winning margin in the whole country! You guys are so cute, you just cant help but vote for Republicans. Well us Evangelicals are mighty glad to have you voting for one of our ladies. You're like little puppy dogs, you'll keep coming to us even when we kick you. Come on girl, come on! Come vote for McCain/Palin! Good girl!!
Mike P | 11:00 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
The Republicans think the women of America are stupid.
It shows their lack of respect for women that McCain has picked someone with so little knowledge that she actually had to ask what the job of the VP intails. AND, someone who is under investigation by her own state legislature (typical for the many Republicans, ie. Alaska's lone Congressman and their Senator).
Are we all supposed to feel sorry for her because she has 5 kids and one has down syndrome? Or are "soccer/hockey moms" expected to fall in lock step behind this candidate simply because she is a woman?
She is against equal pay for equal work for women!!
This choice is ment to tick off Sen.Clinton's supporters and McCain thinks women will vote for Palin, and him, JUST beacuse there is a woman on his ticket.
What about the need for "expierence" we have been hearing from the Republicans?
Just like here in Utah, their slams only apply to the other party!
Wake up women of Utah and the country. I know you are not that stupid and gullible.
wayne | 11:28 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
this pick for vp seems a lot like McCain is following in the path of president Bush. not the current one his father. when he picked Dan Quail. no experance and unknown.

the play for hillery's votes will most likely backfire.

when you need to show that you are the correct change you get experience that can help you. not someone who is unknown.

so we are left with two mavericks to stand against the hollow man and the angry man.

I could have voted for McCain Romney knowing that if McCain wins he will most likely die in office of old age and I would get my guy.

I do not know enough about Palin to dislike her but I am questioning my assessment of McCain's ability to make correct decisions. I hope he made a good choice but only time will tell and he doesn't have a lot of that left.

Romney 2012
Dan Bradford | 11:27 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
In the presidential election we need to keep our eye on the prize, which is the Supreme Court.

The next president will appoint at least two new justices. The Supreme Court with liberal justices in the majority have run rogh shod over the Constitution.

What type of justice is a Preident Obama likely to appoint? At Saddleback Mountain Church he told us he wouldn't appoint justices like Thomas, Alito or Scalia. Senator McCain has already committed to "appoint justices like Alito and Scalia".

Two more justices in the mold of Alito, Thomas, Roberts and Scalia would put the Supreme Court back doing its proper job of interpreting the Constitution and not re-writing it. We don't need the U.S. Supreme Court to look to Europe for precedents for U.S. law or to create new "rights" out of thin air.

To get an idea of the harm the Surpreme Court has done and can do read "The Dirty Dozen", by Robert A. Levy and William Mellor.

The Sin City Conservative | 11:52 p.m. Aug. 30, 2008
I wasn't planning on voting for McCain before and still aren't planning on doing so. However, if Governor Palin was on the top of the ticket, I'd be voting for her for President. But, she isn't. So I'll be voting for Chuck Baldwin, of the Constitution Party, for President
THANK GOD | 12:12 a.m. Aug. 31, 2008
Sarah Palin may not have much experience, but I thank the Lord God that a true CHRISTIAN was chosen. I speak for most of the country when I say that we would rather have the country run by the former mayor of Wasilla Alaska than by a Mormon, no matter how "experienced" that Mitt may be.
Mccain is an idiot | 1:16 a.m. Aug. 31, 2008
ID politcs wil not work with me. I can't and wont vote for her.

Face it. We LDS are second class all the way. Our money is demanded, our votes are expected. But we are not allowed to run for office. I will not vote for Palin. I will not vote for Mccain. If the USSC is so blasted important, McCain should have thought about that before he went for the small brain decision.
royal groundskeepers | 6:04 a.m. Aug. 31, 2008
"...Mitt is against illegals being treated like they are royals and McCain is all for it!..."

But Mitt doesn't mind them taking care of the yard around his mansion, right?
Erm, | 9:20 a.m. Aug. 31, 2008
I highly doubt anybody was thinking of winning over Hillary supporters with the pick of Palin as VP. The two women are complete and total opposites when it comes to their politics, and anybody who liked Hillary won't like Palin, and vice versa. The pick of Palin was more to sway the far right than the far left.
Relieved Eastern Observers | 1:01 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
I'm relieved - we've just dodged another onslaught of half-truths and twisted truths flying around the airwaves and confusing our friends and neighbors as the politicos try to define our beliefs.
And FCA does admit Mormons. My kids were invited to join, but the meetings conflicted w/ early morning Seminary. And both received several "write-in" nominations by FCA members for an athletic scholarship program sponsered by FCA. Just as all LDS aren't as close-minded as other Christians denominations like to think, not all members of other Christian denominations are anti-LDS.
G | 5:59 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008
"For these reasons, as well as a few others, I invite the Utah Republicans to join me in voting Democratic in November. "

I don't understand comments like the above. So you don't like the Republicans in office right now because you disagree with them 50% of the time.

So why are you going to vote for someone that you disagree with 90% of the time?

Do Democrats really think that because so many Republicans (including myself) dislike Bush we're all supposed to vote for a candidate who has nothing to offer us on *any* issue? And is the antithesis of everything we believe in? Get real.

Unfortunately, I do agree with that poster that the GOP is run by evangelicals and other SOCIAL conservatives when we need to be electing FISCAL conservatives instead. Gay marriage is not a Federal issue, the budget deficit is.

Observer | 7:24 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008
McCain's disdain for the LDS people is no secret especially outside of Utah. He came in second in one third of the counties in his home state. That should tell us all something.

I have finally decided that a third party candidate is going to get my vote this year. At least I can vote for a man who holds the same beliefs about the Constitution and the Founding Fathers as I do. I nearly fell out of my chair when I heard him say that he felt that the Constitution was hanging by the thinnest of treads. That man is no less than a Baptist preacher and the presidential candidate of the Constitution Party. At least I will be able to sleep with a clear consience. I will vote for a man of principle and integrity regardless of his particular denomination.

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