Harry Reid is the U.S. Senate Majority Leader; a strong and outspoken Democrat. He also happens to be a Mormon. I've seen a lot of people questioning whether Mitt Romney could be elected because he's Mormon and was just wondering if it was ever an issue with Sen. Reid. Anyone know? It obviously wouldn't be an issue with Orin Hatch, because he's from Utah. I personall don't understand why it's an issue, as politics/government don't really mix, unless you consider their morals. The Mormon church doesn't tell you how to vote or what you must do, but tells its members to become educated and active in their communites, and in the end make their own decisions. I'm guessing Romney wouldn't be any different then Reid as far as the Mormon influence goes. I'm not sure why people think it would. Maybe just unfamiliarity with the Church and its members.
Honest question, just wondering if anyone may know if it came up with Reid.
2007-02-14 08:47:12 · 10 answers · asked by straightup 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Elections
I live in Nevada, Harry Reid's state. I would say it has never been a problem for him. Harry Reid is not much of an active participant in church, and tends to go only around election times. Mitt Romney, from what I understand, is very devout and hates to miss church. Another big difference between the 2 is that Reid is a Democrat, but his social views are more conservative for abortion, gay marriage etc. Romney is Republican all the way.
I remember hearing the statistic, and a large amount of Americans say they would not vote a Mormon for president, which I find odd. They abolished polygamy a long time ago, and are mostly good, moral people. I hope he does well, it will be interesting to see him get the nomination, and see if we will have our first Mormon president
2007-02-14 09:17:57 · answer #1 · answered by Together 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
As a Neocon and NannyLib, Reid is truly the worst of both worlds, but has stayed under the radar just enough to quietly rise through the ranks. To answer your question, I don't think it's all that surprising. There are religious liberals and there are agnostic conservatives. I guess it's because Reid has never made a serious Presidential bid.
2016-05-23 23:22:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The advantage Reid has is that he is a Democrat, so Democrat balances out Mormon and he can be a moderate. Hatch's and Romney's problem is that they are Republicans, so there is no balance. The public perception will always be that a Mormon Republican is nothing more than a religious extremist on all issues. Reid can be middle of the road.
2007-02-14 16:42:23 · answer #3 · answered by Taivo 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The only time I ever have seen it mentioned that Reid was LDS, was in the BYU alumni magazine when they were profiling BYU and LDS members who were elected to congress. Nobody else even seemed to know or care. I think it's an issue for Mitt because it is the office of President. They are also saying things like "could a black man be elected?" or "could a woman be elected?" because it would be the first time for that too.
2007-02-17 16:00:05 · answer #4 · answered by Sweet n Sour 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One point that hasn't been mentioned is that Reid represents Nevada which is a neighboring state to Utah. The states right next to Utah also have large Mormon populations (especially Idaho and Arizona).
Romney's problem is that he appears to be wishy-washy on the issues. Reid doesn't pander speical interests the way Mitt does, so Reid is seen as having integrity which gets him elected. Mitt's flip flop on abortion is going to kill his chances for office whether he's a Mormon, a Baptist, or a flaming transexual. You just don't play loosy goosy with the big A issue and when national office. Mitt might have trouble getting elected dog catcher in Provo, Utah after flip flopping on Abortion.
2007-02-19 06:47:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
There are always a lot of mormons in the government.
The FBI and CIA look for returned missionaries because they know they are faithful and good people.
2007-02-15 18:20:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A Democrat can be anything, and it's okay as long as he is evil like Reid.
The News Media tries to destroy any Republican who is a Christian.
But it was okay for Clinton to be a Bible Thumper and Preacher.
2007-02-14 09:36:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
If he was a cool Mormon, i guess its not really a concern...
if he was some fundamentalist nutbag with 20 wives... well thats concerning...
2007-02-14 08:55:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
i agree we need more mormons in the government.
2007-02-14 08:58:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋
no
2007-02-14 09:06:25 · answer #10 · answered by Cute Dancer 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋