Deseret News | Utahns prefer Romney to Huntsman in new poll

Reader comments
Utahns prefer Romney to Huntsman in new poll

103 comments | Read story

total idiots! | 7:41 a.m. April 30, 2009

Ron Paul is the only person out there who knows anything. But there is so much corrpution out there that in one state they didn't even count his votes. He is not done yet! GO RON GO!

Homer | 8:32 a.m. April 30, 2009

Get a life, loosers!!

Duke | 8:42 a.m. April 30, 2009

Is it "Total Idiots!" who inserts praise of Ron Paul into every discussion of potential presidential candidates? I can understand Paul being the choice of the ultra conservative, far right, reactionary, Libertarian, miniscule minority, but during the 2008 nominations, I was repeatedly appalled at Paul's simplistic, inaccurate view of the world, our nation, of history, and of the Constitution. If you're going to continue to try to divert conservative votes from viable candidates, why don't you at least pick someone with a realistic view of the world and of reality?

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 8:51 a.m. April 30, 2009

Romney's flip flopping blew it for him. He's tainted now and has been reduced to a zombie fund raiser reeking of desparation and denial.

Huntsman's courage is impressive. He would have a chance if he were not L.D.S. Unless outsider (non-Mormon) attitudes change, I'm afraid it's futile for a Mormon to seek the Presidency.

Utah is not that conservative. | 9:08 a.m. April 30, 2009

If 90% of Utah Republicans voted for Mitt Romney in the 2008 Primary, than what does that say about Utah? It says that the voters are pro-choice, anti-gun, tax raising, government sponsored health care supporting, gay civil union endorsing liberals. Hence, why do you think Utah has a liberal Republican running the State?

david jay | 9:15 a.m. April 30, 2009

I would vote for a Mormon all day long. But as long as the "talk radio" "Fox News" Republicans are in charge there is no way I could vote for a Republican. The party of NO lost me when they ran the least qualified person they could for President. I am registered independent and will probably stay that way for the foreseeable future. I might be able to support either Huntsman or Mitt, but not if they cozy up with the Rush Limbaugh idiots.

Face It | 9:24 a.m. April 30, 2009

The only thing a mormon will over be president of is a mormon church. A mormon will never be president of the United States. Ever.

re:anonymous | 9:53 a.m. April 30, 2009

The GOP's obsession with "flip-flopping" will disqualify a lot of good candidates. Show me a politician that has never "flip-flopped" and I'll show you a politician that has never been elected. Romney's real problem is that he does not have the support of the republican base anywhere but Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho (Huntsman would fall into that category as well). That base has been hijacked by the ultraconservative, evangelical fringe since 1978. Until either Huntsman or Romney joins the Southern Baptist Convention and denounces Mormonism, neither has a shot at garnering enough support from the base to actually win the party's primary--let alone a national election.

Run Forrest Run | 10:02 a.m. April 30, 2009

Mitt is better on economy, Huntsman better with Foreign Policy. NEITHER will ever be fully accepted by the Religious right that has taken over by Evangelical Christians that will always treat Mormons as a cult. Wake up Mormon Republicans in Utah, you are like the ugly stepchild, they need your votes, they just don't want to vote for you. Remember Huckabee?

Take This Poll | 10:32 a.m. April 30, 2009

If an FLDS savior(president) ran for the republican office nationally of president, would the citizens of this state elect him also? I would bet it would be a BIG yes. This state and their political preferences compared to the rest of the nation are down right embarrasing. Where does this mentality and thought process come from? Please D-News remove this article from the web site before too many out of staters read or get wind of this ridiculous poll! It has no meaning.

Anyone but Huntsman | 10:43 a.m. April 30, 2009

As a lifelong republican, my list of choices behind pretty boy Jon is shorter than my list of people I prefer over Huntsman.

CB | 11:16 a.m. April 30, 2009

Maybe Huntsman will join Specter and own up to who and what he is.

Duh. | 11:27 a.m. April 30, 2009

Duh.

abe lincoln | 11:46 a.m. April 30, 2009

huntsman? hmm, who is that? oh, yes. he is the who abondoned his principles at the first sign of pressure to get ahead nationally. come on people, this guy is garbage. you say romney supports civil unions, but hadn't signed an amendment to the constitution banning them, huntsman did. huntsman has no business running for president. to to:cougar blue, i agree with you 100%. huntsman is nothing more than a traitor.

Joe | 12:20 p.m. April 30, 2009

Get over it! I'm Mormon, and didn't vote for Obama. But, for crying out loud, it is time to let it go and let the Democrats run the country for a while, take a break, regroup, (like after Watergate) and then comeback for a 20-30 year reign, (1980-2008 with 8years of Clinton).

The GOP is the Grand OLD Party not the Party of Reagan and his great work at bringing people together in true bipartisnship. Until it goes back to that, I don't see a Republican in the White House. Plus with the defects, retirements and sure bet losses in 2010 it is going to be that much harder.

Until you are ready to put your wallet where your mouth is, just let it alone. It is over, Obama won and we, unlike the Democrats following the Gore issue, need to be the grownups and stop pointing fingers. Bush did us no favors. Romney couldn't get past Huckleyberry Fin and McCain is/was/and always will be a RHINO.

Two words: Term Limits.

Grover | 12:23 p.m. April 30, 2009

If I were the Guv, I would read this poll with great satisfaction. Whatever is acceptable to Utah Pubs will never sell with mainstream America. Any chance for either of them is to grab the middle (i.e. Independents) and Romney is too extreme to do that). Huntsman at least gives the impression of being moderate (aka - "RINO" in Utah)Mitt is a homer all the way.

Rhino | 12:24 p.m. April 30, 2009

I would take anyone but Bush. GE makes smarter light bulbs than that man. I like Obama and Huntsman and both would be good at the job.

Julie | 12:35 p.m. April 30, 2009

Governor Huntsman is doing an excellent job; I wish he could run again. Mitt Romney is certainly capable, but he sneered a lot and was mean-spirited in the last campaign. He wants to be elected at all costs. I see Governor Huntsman as more statesmanlike.

Good luck to Jon Huntsman.

LDS Democrat | 12:40 p.m. April 30, 2009

Once again I write to remind all that Mitt Romney's religion was never an issue in liberal Massachusetts, but was definitely an issue in the South and among evangelicals in Iowa. DO you remember what Republicans were saying about Romney and the LDS last year?

Once again, please note that Harry Reid, faithful proud LDS, is a leader in the Democratic party and nobody ever questions his credentials "despite" the fact that he is pro-life LDS. Harry Reid is a man who says publicly "my Recommend is in my wallet," and his fellow Democrats never take issue or call him names.

Time for Mormons to realize that our true home is in the Democratic big tent and not among the evangelical crazies who own the GOP. There are many pro-life Democrats, and health care and the environment are also family values!

Abominous | 12:43 p.m. April 30, 2009

Please, please, please pick a Mormon! Please! I don't care which one it is, just please, America, pick a Mormon for president!!!

Romney is awful | 1:01 p.m. April 30, 2009

What is good about Romney? He saved the olympics? A monkey could have made the Olympics better than what they were when Romney took over.
You people attack Huntsman for flip flopping, what about Romney?
Romney is pandering to whatever crowd he thinks is most important in the moment. At least Huntsman has changed his mind on a few things due to research and getting a better understanding of the issues. Just because Huntsan is not like the freaky ultra-conservatives, does not mean he is not a good strong conservative. Don't let the entertainers- Limbaugh, Beck, Hannity- control your ideals about what is a good conservative.
Ultra-conservatives need to form their own party and stop giving the Republican a bad name. They are why people like SPecter are jumping ship out of the GOP. It has been hard for me to not ship in this far right state.

Anonymous | 1:10 p.m. April 30, 2009

What I learned from the comments above:

1) Jon Huntsman, Jr. is an excellent businessman.

No, he inherited his money and spent most of his times in diplomtic appointments bought with daddy's money.

2) There are 350 million Americans.

You're off by about 40 million (50-60 million if you exlcude illegal immigrants and other non-citizens).

3) Mitt Romney legislated gay marriage in Massachsuetts.

Nope.

4) Republicans are too socially conservative.

Name one "too socially conservative" bill that passed in the last 8 years.

5) Jon Huntsman, Jr. is the future of the GOP.

And he always will be...

6) Most Americans are pro-gay civil unions.

20+ statewide initiatives (even in California)suggest otherwise.

7) Barack Obama is an "amazing president" who is doing "good work."

$9.3 trillion in new debt later will you still agree?

And lastly: does anyone even know what a "moderate" Republican is? Or what a fiscal conservative/social moderate is? All of the so-called "moderate Republicans" are as liberal fiscally as they are socially.

Wilkey | 1:21 p.m. April 30, 2009

I adore all the Huntsman supporters who talk of Mitt's "flip flops."

Governor Huntsman came out in support of civil unions - only after he was re-elected in November.

Governor Huntsman came out against enforcing laws against illegal immigration - only after he was re-elected in November.

Flip flops? The Huntsman family gives hundreds of thousands in contributions to both political parties to buy access. How will Jr. explain that one to GOP voters?

Jon Jr's resume consists entirely of positions purchased with his daddy's money - White House staff assistant, ambassdor to Singapoe, and deputy trade representative. Mitt Romney was born to a successful father, too, but Mitt did quite well on his own.

Neither is good | 1:37 p.m. April 30, 2009

I love how most mormons love these 2 just because they are LDS. Neither truly reflects LDS values. THere are many better candidates than these 2 bozos. Just because they are LDS doesn't make them good people. Don't vote your religion, vote with logic. Oh wait this is Utah, where they claim socialism is awful yet they all line up for hours if something is "Free."

Anonymous | 1:45 p.m. April 30, 2009

Yes Republicans. let's chase out all the moderates like Specter, Huntsman and Romney. What you have left is the southern Bible belt evangelicals far right that hates Mormons and think it is a cult. SO chase out those moderates and what you have left is a scar group of far right people that feel they have no need for coalition building within their OWN party let alone across the isle.

Remember what Huckabee did to Romney in the Primaries, it was all based on bigotry. Huckabee justhappened to actually open his mouth what others in the far right feel about Mormons.

Skip H | 2:06 p.m. April 30, 2009

Nooooooooooo....
I don't believe the poll results. The ONLY reason Romney is favored is because he toes the far right uber conservative line far more than Jon. Jr.
Huntsman would be a far better candidate, so obviously Utard voters will favor the Mittster.

Niximus | 2:40 p.m. April 30, 2009

RE: Anonymous @ 8:51

If you call toting a political line to garner votes courageous, well then ...

If he were really courageous he would have come out with these Civil Union stances before the Utah re-election last November. If he really believes in civil unions, he would have stood up for them sooner. It takes more courage to stand up for what you believe in no matter the outcome. (see Carrie Prejean) This guys is nothing more than an empty suit with out integrity to stand up for what he believes in.

Capricorn | 2:41 p.m. April 30, 2009

Go, Mitt go!!!!

jefejivaro | 2:44 p.m. April 30, 2009

It's beyond me how anyone could say they like both Romney AND Huntsman . The only things they have in common is they've both been governors and they are members of the LDS Church. If those are your main criteria for picking a president, I think you need to take a deep breath, down a tall drink of cool water, then re-examine your political common sense.

Jon Huntsman, Jr. has fallen for the common trap to which the losing party in a national campaign is always susceptible: attempting to be all things to all people. That merely dilutes a party's effectiveness and inspires no one. Mitt Romney, on the other hand, understands the need to re-focus on what the party truly stands for: limited government, reduced taxes, returning power to the states, free enterprise, family values. THAT is how a political party consolidates its power and re-energizes/re-commits its adherents. A leader that learns how to inspire the party faithful to become actively involved in bringing the country back to basics can succeed in 2012 (and BTW, that has nothing to do with religion). Do you seriously believe Huntsman is that man? Pulleeeeeze!

Romney's better | 2:54 p.m. April 30, 2009

I can relate to the results of this poll, because Romney is more intelligent, more charismatic, and a better leader than Huntsman. Romney also seems more sincere, despite all the flak he took for some flip-flops.

Huntsman is Not Real | 3:25 p.m. April 30, 2009

I can't stand how FAKE Huntsman is. He is self-serving and as opportunistic as any politician I have seen. At least Mitt you've got someone who stands for something.

Grover | 4:00 p.m. April 30, 2009

If you think Huntsman is a fake, watch the Mittmeister deliver his speech at the Republican National Convention on YouTube. Count me a big "no sale" on that guy.

Mitt? | 4:14 p.m. April 30, 2009

Utahns prefer Romney? Let's for a second pretend that Utahns are "Seinfeld's" George Costanza..

To quote Elaine on Seinfeld, addressing George:
"Well that's because you're an idiot".

Mike in Sandy

it seemed like only yesterday | 4:20 p.m. April 30, 2009

when the Democrats were weeping over their loss of power. Republicans will be back. Nothing ever stays the same for very long except for government (democrats & republicans) gaining more power and the people losing their freedom.

Clare T | 4:50 p.m. April 30, 2009

Romney was the man in 2008. A vote was not for McCain, it was againist Obama. I truly believe if anyone could look over Rev. Wright, being a Mormon should be the least of worrys. I firmly believe the quiet majority will be more serious next election. They have found out what apathy can give you. Hillary shot her chance for Pres. Didn't know what hit her. America does not need redoing by Obama, Pelosi, or any of the other side kicks. He is a change alright. Change is not always good.

Mormons for Huckabee | 5:01 p.m. April 30, 2009

Don't blame me. I voted for neither.

MY Vote Would Be For Huntsman | 9:11 p.m. April 30, 2009

Give it up- Romney will never be President. Haven't you learned, the last election wasn't that long ago- except in Utah nobody trusts Romney to say anything other than what he thinks voters want to hear. Where is the integrity in that?
Deseret News are you running his next campaign, you can't stop writing articles about him.

Dear Gordon | 1:00 a.m. May 1, 2009

I agree 100% with you. Too bad we have Rush Limbaugh, Shawn Hannity and Ed Schultz(sp) who are among the those who continue to promote hate against the opposite party, claiming to just inform the voters, but their rehetoric is inflammatory. The selectively neglect some of the facts and prove that figures lie, and liers can figure.

Ed Schultz (sp) is a liberal for those who don't know who he is, so I am not an anti-republican democrat.

As an example of this when listening to Ed Schultz he quoted the polls that show Obama is among the most popular Presidents in the first 100 days, yet when I read articles they say he there is only president who has had lower ratings than Obama in the first 100 days of their office. The only thing the one article said is that many people liked Obama as a person, but most did not believe in his handling of the situtation. This is the marginalization and divisive comments that is splitting this nation.

I remember reading George Washington's farewell speech. He said that when party wins the people loose.

Anonymous | 11:20 a.m. May 1, 2009

So, Utahns are going w/ the devil they think they know as opposed to one they do? Interesting.

Both are sons of priviliege and are in politics because they couldn't hack the real works. Sounds alot like the previous administration.

Anonymous | 12:45 p.m. May 1, 2009

I am not an American and will never be.I may not know these people(Hunts & Romney) well, but what I do know is that the gospel of Jesus Christ is what will save America not conservatism or liberalism. If people live the gospel they teach, America will be great again. If Muslim will follow their teaching and Christian do likewise, then ,America will begin to flow with honey again. The two religions teach great things which when followed will deliver America. God bless America and Nigeria.
Donald in Nigeria

look' | 8:49 p.m. May 1, 2009

I would never vote for Huntsman I think he is a left rep. I do like Romney - I hope he will run again and I will be giving my vote to him.

Anonymous | 1:32 p.m. May 2, 2009

Yawn...as if a ksl/desereted news poll would have people prefering President Obama. A mor(m)on will never be president.

@Dan | 1:59 p.m. May 2, 2009

The tea-baggers are a motley crew of Ron Paul supporters who make Republicans look ridiculous. They are as kooky as the anti-Bush demonstrations in 2003, which only succeeded in making a a radically awful president look moderate by comparison. Embracing the tea-baggers would be a huge mistake for conservatives.

Romney/Palin 2012!! | 3:06 p.m. May 2, 2009

Unlike most Utahns who were terrified about having our Nation's first African President, let alone having an African LDS Apostle, I am in favor of Mitty Romney running for President of the United States again. I think if he runs it's just another sign that the Republicans are out of touch. Even better have the Beloved Sarah Palin be his running mate!!! She's so qualified. She's a Pig with lipstick! As John McCain said, "She's just what I need!!!" Mitt Romney/Sarah Palin 2012!!!

Wally West | 3:24 p.m. May 3, 2009

re: NevadaCoug | 8:32 p.m. April 29, 2009

What the GOP needs to do is go back to being socially moderate and fiscally conservative like they were under Reagan!

Sadly, the best person to re-reinvent the GOP just passed away (Jack Kemp). Calling Ron Paul & Steve Forbes?

Wally West | 3:27 p.m. May 3, 2009

re: Duke | 8:42 a.m. April 30, 2009

And Dubya did just such a bang up job didn't he?

Slappy | 3:30 p.m. May 3, 2009

re: Duke | 8:42 a.m. April 30, 2009

Ultraconservative & Libertarian are contradictory. Whose being idiotic now?

Virgo | 3:32 p.m. May 3, 2009

re: Capricorn | 2:41 p.m. April 30, 2009

Away. Far Far Away.

Wise up | 4:15 p.m. May 4, 2009

re: "Third, How can Romney be arrogant when his desire is to serve the people after earning his millions." You need to do a little research before making an asinine statement like this. He "earned" his millions by buying companies, charging exorbitant "management fees" till they were broke, then disembowling them and selling off the assets. He's a dispicable, unethical businessman who favors mega-corporations and has no sympathy or use for the small businessman. I can't think of a worse candidate for President.

Duke | 5:28 p.m. May 4, 2009

Wally West: Among other things that President Bush did was get elected and give us eight years of Republican control of the White House, something that will NEVER happen with Ron Paul.

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.