Deseret News | Reader comments: Josh Romney would consider lieutenant-governor position

Reader comments
Lt. Gov. Josh Romney? Maybe

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Cosmo | 1:40 p.m. June 1, 2009

Great, another political hack dynasty in the making!
If I could, I would ban the following two generations, of any political office holder from being elected, or appointed.

Anonymous | 1:40 p.m. June 1, 2009

Gross! Why did you guys even ask him?

JJ | 1:47 p.m. June 1, 2009

Sorry, but I'd rather have self-made men and women in public service. It's my experience that they are more grounded, and more likely to make decisions based on what's right for the community as opposed to what's right for themselves and their friends. If that's stereotyping or bigoted, then so be it.

Comments continue below

Re: Cosmo | 1:47 p.m. June 1, 2009

But wouldn't that be reverse discrimination!!! Hehe. Just kidding. I totally agree with you. Good idea!

Well | 1:51 p.m. June 1, 2009

Here we go again, another Democrat lite.

RCS | 1:52 p.m. June 1, 2009

Two people (or maybe three: a grandfather, father, and son) doesn't exactly = a dynasty.

Forget about the last name, and look at the candidate. Turns out that the last name only gives "name recognition," which can be helpful in running a race -- but surely doesn't compensate for a WEAK candidate, if that is what you have. On the other hand, if the candidate is a STRONG candidate, don't discount him/her due to a last name!!!

Mickey | 2:05 p.m. June 1, 2009

Josh is a great family guy. He is smart and can out work most people. He is a little to handsome for me but he cant help that. I think we need young smart guys like Josh in politics in this state. If he is willing I am sure he would do great thiings.

Politics | 2:06 p.m. June 1, 2009

I have several qualifications for public office and would be interested in serving. Problem is, politics is a club I'm not willing to join. Government stopped being "by the people" some time ago. Politicians now spean in terms of retirement - outrageous. What happened to "leaving the plow" for a season to serve in elected office and then returning to the life of a private citizen? Sad that ideal has been lost on a lust for power. Not accusing the Romney's, just commenting on this mindset in general.

Anonymous | 2:09 p.m. June 1, 2009

No way the last thing this state needs is another King. So tell what has this young man done that he is so prepared? it must be the money talking and I don't beleive he has held office in Utah or any other state. Sounds to me like he has a big head and he knows it all. NO WAY WOULD I SUPPORT THAT GUY. I din't care what his name is, he has not proven himself to the People of Utah. Don't make the same mistake twice.

Full Circle | 2:15 p.m. June 1, 2009

Sounds like our state government is becoming more and more of a "good 'ol boys club." We should have remained loyal to the British crown if all we can do is select people based on family lineage rather than personal accomplishments and hard work.

politics | 2:19 p.m. June 1, 2009

Another son following on his rich father's coat tails.

Tadd | 2:30 p.m. June 1, 2009

There is no way he would win. He's too busy water skiing, snowboarding, relaxing at the cabin, and vacationing in Utah's terrific national parks. What has he ever done independent of dad? He has not even been tried and tested as an independent self-reliant man. Send him off without dad's connections or money and what could he accomplish on his own? Little fish (Gary Herbert) just want to tie themselves to the big fish (Mitt Romney) through nepotism (Josh Romney). Lets just see it for what it really is. The way of experienced American statesmen with wisdom and judgment who sacrifice for public service is extinct. We live in a fully-fledged plutocracy where money equals position, power, and popularity. That is one underlying fracture in our future prosperity as a nation.

Aaron | 2:34 p.m. June 1, 2009

You Utards are so freaking ignorant. Go find out about the man before criticizing him.

Kings and Queens | 2:36 p.m. June 1, 2009

I know, lets just scrap the whole representative republic thing and return to the good old system of government that so many generations of this earth have come to know and love. Lets have a King and Queen and party like its the 16th century again. Ahh.... those were the days!

I'd say vote for King Romney, but I just remembered that under a kingship we'll likely not have a right to vote anymore. Well, forget voting, at least we can worship our king. All hail!

Re: Aaron | 3:12 p.m. June 1, 2009

Your argument is so cogent Aaron and your wisdom is like a ray of sunshine through a fog of freaking ignorance.

Nellie | 3:12 p.m. June 1, 2009

Weren't there people in the BOM, the 'king men', who wanted society ruled by the elite? Didn't this start a war? Does anyone even read the BOM anymore?

Joanne | 3:14 p.m. June 1, 2009

What a bunch of sore losers, get on with your life.

SAD but TRUE | 3:36 p.m. June 1, 2009

With all of the hypocracy spread around by "public servants" who are looking only to the next election to promote themselves, Josh Romney just might be a breath of fresh air! (Someone with moral ethics needs to step up to the plate.) Many of us are growing sick and tired of hearing the latest rhetoric, political scandal, finger pointing, and waffling. When political promises soon become lies, who is there to believe in? WHO'S THE BOSS anyway ~ the servant or the people they are sworn to serve? Heaven help us!

wow | 4:26 p.m. June 1, 2009

It is hard to take anyone seriously when they use a word like "Utard" in a sentence; even when I agree with the rest of their premise.

John | 5:01 p.m. June 1, 2009

This guy is about as qualified to be Lt. Governor as Britney Spears is to teach parenting classes and Hugh Hefner is to teach chasity classes.

A Loyal Utahn | 5:11 p.m. June 1, 2009

I agree with Joanne. You are all sore losers and jealous because you're not in Josh's shoes. Do you even know him? I doubt it. . . you just want to gripe because you can't do anything else. Get out of Utah while the getting's good if you so miserable. For me I'm staying and I'll support those who have good family values and care for keeping this state the best place to live.

Qualifications????? | 5:32 p.m. June 1, 2009

Do "qualifications" make for better elected officials? What about someone like Herbert who has been in the system for decades, but doesn't have a college degree? Are those qualifications? Knowing how to work our awful delegate system? That's what passes for qualifications? Arm-twisting and back-room deals?

The appeal to me of Josh Romney is that, by your standards, he is TOTALLY unqualified! Isn't that awesome? Couldn't we use more of that? Greg Curtis was "qualified." But he didn't get my re-election vote, even compared to someone who wasn't near as "qualified." Qualifications, as you term them, are over-rated. How about integrity, honesty, and humility. The catch-22 of politics is that all those who run are too arrogant and self-serving for my tastes, but those I would want as leaders are too humble and circumspect to ever think about taking the job.

When Mark Shurtleff says "my wife is willing to sacrifice so that I can serve you," I can't help but think: "No thanks, Mark! We don't want you! Why don't YOU sacrifice your ego, instead of making your wife sacrifice?"

Good grief!

Dear JJ | 5:40 p.m. June 1, 2009

Do trust fund children qualify as self made?

Not.. | 5:41 p.m. June 1, 2009

Not a good idea.

Romney Campaign | 5:44 p.m. June 1, 2009

Being a key cog in Romney's campaign is a great reason to not support someone. They took a great candidate and lost an election. You are supposed to GAIN support through campaigning, not lose it.

Jealousy | 6:51 p.m. June 1, 2009

Seems to me a few folks can't handle other people being successful. Any chance the children of successful business people have learned the work ethic of their parents and with talent and hard work also be as successful as their parents?

Observation | 8:24 p.m. June 1, 2009

Over 90% of those who comment here bring nothing to the table. It's like criticizing an athlete when you've never played. At least they're in the game. You ought to compare "Caleefornia" with what we've got here... a balanced budget and great positioning for economic recovery. That doesn't just happen. It has happened because some people have collectively done a decent job for a long period of time. And it ain't the Democrats. You want to see corruption, general lack of principal, and inability to govern? Visit Sacramento and their Legislature. The Dems there got some 'splaining to do!

Art and Carol | 8:28 p.m. June 1, 2009

C'mon, who is he? What are his credentials? Just get real. Remember how he told everyone he had been asked to run for office last year? No one could really find out who had asked him to run. We need people in office who are honest and have a backbone. What has this guy ever done to get elected?

Where are the qualifications? | 8:47 p.m. June 1, 2009

I agree with Art and Carol, 8:28pm
Where are the qualifications? Can't we do better than this?

wrong | 9:17 p.m. June 1, 2009

Wrong candidate, wrong time, wrong place.

wrong

Sue | 11:09 p.m. June 1, 2009

He is a good LDS man with strong values and conviction. What else are you people looking for? He is a great choice.

PICK ME, PICK ME | 11:23 p.m. June 1, 2009

As a Democrat I'd totally love to have young Romney as Lt Gov--- A Real Estate Broker and a Real Estate Developer together trying to run the state with a Republican Legislature--- A mixture for a good victory for the Dems in 2010---

Searce | 11:33 p.m. June 1, 2009

Re: "Anonymous 2:09"

What do you want, someone to say, "Oh, I don't think I could do that job, as I am not very capable or prepared to do it"? That person would make a good candidate, now, wouldn't they? You cannot teach someone to learn something they are not capable of learniing.

I'm a Republican | 5:30 a.m. June 2, 2009

I don't wnat him. His father has done enough damage as it is -- we don't need another Romney in politics.

Who's joshing who? | 6:39 a.m. June 2, 2009

As far as Josh goes... seriously.. what political experience has Josh, a "real estate developer" had in Utah?

I wouldn't consider handing out republican flyers and touring the countryside in daddy's "Stars & Stripes" winnebago even minimum experience to run for Lt. Governor.

slowdive | 6:44 a.m. June 2, 2009

as someone who is a friend-of-a-friend of josh romney, who has interacted w him (and his wife) informally on a few occasions AND is a big-time liberal, i must say he is a good guy ... thoughtful, articulate, seems moderate of temperament and on most issues (the kind of R who cringed at Palin, recognizes how Obama has changed the dynamic) / a guy, even though perhaps silver-spooned from birth, seems more than capable of filling the Lt Gov seat. i'll prob end up voting D, but i think most folks who question his lineage / experience will be pleasantly surprised. he is more genuine than his flip-flopping pappy and that will serve him well. the Rs could do much worse that Josh as #2.

re: cosmo | 7:11 a.m. June 2, 2009

If you don't like the Romney's or the Bush's than say it. But your statement is a very ignorant statement. What if the best candidate was a 2nd generation politician? What if the candidate was a Clinton or Obama? You would be all for it then.

By the way, what qualifications did your liberal Huntsman have? What do you know about Romney Jr. that makes him not qualified?

Experience? | 7:16 a.m. June 2, 2009

For those of you hacks that are questioning Josh Romney experience?....Just how much Obama community organizer experience does he need?
Obama has zero experience and you elected him President----the worst President ever!

Give it a rest......Judge Josh on his POLITICS!

politics? | 7:55 a.m. June 2, 2009

What politics? Enough of the Reagan Republicans, they have destroyed our country with the wars and massive debts that have occured with every republican admninistration since Reagan. Time to take care of American interests. Invest in America!

JMT | 7:55 a.m. June 2, 2009

OK, let's look at Josh's politics....

(crickets chirping)

...he has none!

Two years ago we awoke to read the political class promoting Josh as the next Republican Congressman from Utah. Josh wisely declined this coronation, with the same criticism he is taking now: No record what-so-ever. By declining Josh showed class.

The big question: What has Josh done over the past two years? Has he helped elect good people? Has he climbed onto an issue and served the public by improving our laws? Our policies? Anything? No. He shows up to an occassional GOP dinner and plays fancy.

Where does he stand on issues? Where does he stand on Socialized medicine? Of course he will say no. Where does he stand on Romney-care out of Mass? Which is socialized medicine, identical in premise to what Obama is proposing. Government intervention into selection of insurance plans.

By putting Josh in monarchy style are we simply bringing socialized medicine to our front doors?

Actually, this shows us far more about Gary Herbet than it does Josh Romney. We know Josh is an empty suit riding his family name.

What will Gary do? That is telling.

Knowwhat | 8:04 a.m. June 2, 2009

Why would anyone worry about qualifications or experience. You could run the US, AIG, Bank of America, GM and Chrysler, if you had the experience of being a community organize and I know many of you would vote for him. Go Josh let's get organized.

bob | 8:07 a.m. June 2, 2009

here's the phrase, his own, that pretty much sums it up : "I'm not actively seeking it, but if it were offered me, i'd think about it." that's pure entitlement talk--i'm not going to do the hard work of actually seeking office by talking to constituents, but it someone presents me with a plum position on a silver platter, i'll do it. i'm not going to sully myself with the dirty work of politics; instead i'll just let my family name do the work for me. it doesn't matter if the romneys are republicans or democrats; that kind of talk is anti-democracy.

Yeah, experience. | 8:13 a.m. June 2, 2009

The fact that everyone on this board is wondering about his experience is a really good indicator that he has none. If he had a strong resume and plenty of qualifications, they would be part of the press release. But they are not, and that absence is glaring. Plus, the kid's 33! Spend the next ten years working in gov't and I'd be happy to support him.

And no, being a good LDS guy with strong values IS ABSOLUTELY NOT enough. Nor is his genuine, good-natured personality. Please. I'd like my government to be run by grown ups.

Dear "A Loyal Utahn" | 8:19 a.m. June 2, 2009

You're Joshing!

What's WRONG with people who pull themselves up by the bootstraps, educate themselves at the finest universities, and conduct moral lives?

Oh yeah, they're called Obama and Sotomayor. Can't have THAT "element" in Utah, can we now.

By the way, have you always spoken with that rap patois?

Bob's right. | 8:23 a.m. June 2, 2009

Bob's right. Since when is it a crime to "actively campaign" for something? Decide you want to do it and try for it. the truth is that because politicians are so afraid of failure, they don't EVER put themselves out there unless it's a garantee that they get the nomination. I don't think it is "pure entitlement" but I do think it is ridiculous that one cannot try and try again, rather than constantly being perceived solely as a winner. It's nonsense.

Anonymous | 8:28 a.m. June 2, 2009

Talk about trading on a name. But what is funny is the attacks on the President for a local, no-impact story. Lots of bitter losers.

Jersey | 8:45 a.m. June 2, 2009

Only in Utah could this even happen. He has NO experience, has a fancy last name his father earned, is a REAL ESTATE developer that would favor his friends and spend money on cheap sprawl...oh yeah and he is THIRTY THREE?!?! He's a BABY. I can't believe he has the nerve to say he'd consider being Lt. Gov. What happened to experience, wisdom, and hard work? I miss Huntsman and he's not even gone yet.

Obummer Socialist Lament | 9:00 a.m. June 2, 2009

I support Romney as long as he:

1-frees the gitmo Prisoners and
prosecutes the Interrogators...
2-agrees that it is Ok to kill the unborn, but not waterboard a terrorist.
3-Pray using a teleprompter, providing his eyes are closed.
4-believes all Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force are Radicals.
5-Taxes like a socialist and spends like Obama.
6-supports a lax national security....

Change you voted for.....obaMISTAKE!!!!

What do you think, Josh? You up for the job?

What's in a name? | 9:04 a.m. June 2, 2009

Name recognition is the number one thing that gets people elected. If that's what Utah wants then so be it. I agree we need to look at the person, not the name! However, the name helps! IF he's honest and qualified, then great... IF NOT I hope we don't buy "Nike" I mean Romney because it's a name brand!

FYI I grew up with a "name brand" in another state. To discount this issue is to be foolish! It matters, it helps! Qualified or not! I live in Utah to be my own person, make my own name!

What about Boston? | 9:24 a.m. June 2, 2009

Jersey, you're wrong. If your name is Kennedy in New England or New York, doesn't matter if you have little experience or you're young. I'm sure there are a few other names with similar name recognition. "Only in Utah"! What a prejudiced comment. And by the way, I'm not from Utah.

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