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Republican presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, signs autographs after speaking at a rally at the Green Valley Ranch Resort in Henderson on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012.
Friday, Feb. 3, 2012 | 2 a.m.
Where's the Love?
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Las Vegas is on top of gay tourism destinations. So why is Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman risking it all by refusing to sign on to a widely supported pledge for gay marriage? We'll hear from an activist. Plus, who has the best chance to win Nevada's Republican caucus? Can Sheldon Adelson's money help put New Gingrich over the top? Will Mitt Romney's Mormon faith make the difference as it did in 2008? Or will Mormons for Ron Paul chip away at the faithful. We'll ask some experts.
Presidential Candidate Ron Paul
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Congressman Ron Paul is the only Republican presidential contender without a prary win. Might he find Lady Luck in Nevada? We ask him tonight in an exclusive interview.
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Sun coverage
The idea of a divided Mormon vote in Saturday’s Republican presidential caucus sounds implausible: Mitt Romney is positioned to become the first major-party presidential candidate who is also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
But Ron Paul’s campaign isn’t automatically ceding that ground, and instead has mounted a campaign aimed at members of the church based on Paul’s strict constitutionalist views.
The Paul campaign has been touting “Latter-day Saints for Ron Paul,” in addition to other groups. And while best Paul can realistically hope for is a second-place finish among Mormon voters — and likely overall — the effort targets a potentially sympathetic group.
Little noted by those outside the faith, the U.S. Constitution is revered by Mormons as a divinely inspired document, a fact that plays nicely into Paul’s argument that his positions abide by the intent of the Constitution. That argument is the focal point of the Paul campaign’s effort to peel away Mormon voters from Romney.
Paul “is the only candidate who seems to reference the Constitution in any way,” said Aaron Anderson, 27, a Las Vegas Realtor who is a Mormon and Paul supporter. “We believe the freedoms and liberty given in the Constitution are divinely inspired. It definitely plays an important role.”
Floyd Fitzgibbons, 54, of Las Vegas, said, “I believe the Constitution is an inspired document. There’s one candidate who speaks to that issue — Ron Paul never votes on any bill that does not adhere to the Constitution.”
Much has been made during the campaign about this being a breakthrough moment for the faith. The church has emphasized that it does not endorse candidates or political parties. (Religions must be neutral to maintain their federal tax-exempt status.)
The church has 175,000 members in Nevada, less than 6 percent of the population. But exit polls show Mormons made up 25 percent of Republican caucusgoers in 2008, when Romney won Nevada with 51 percent of the vote. Nine out of 10 Mormons who caucused said they supported Romney.
Coming off its strong victory in Florida, Romney’s campaign said the former Massachusetts governor’s appeal is broad.
“We don’t have 100 percent of any group locked up,” said Ryan Erwin, a Nevada campaign consultant for Romney. “The great thing about Gov. Romney is that the breadth of his support is deep and large.”
The campaign is “focused on jobs and the economy,” Erwin said. But “part of that is reducing the size of government and getting back to basics. I do hear the governor talk about the founders, and getting back to basics.”
While its emphasis by church leaders has waxed and waned, Mormons believe the nation’s founders were inspired by God as they drafted the U.S. Constitution.
In a 1992 article for a church magazine, Elder Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the church’s governing Quorum of the Twelve and a former Utah Supreme Court justice, wrote: “I see divine inspiration in what (church leader) J. Reuben Clark called the ‘great fundamentals’ of the Constitution.”
Oaks made it clear that the Constitution is not infallible — he cited its original accommodations for slavery — and that the document could, and should, be changed in some ways.
Mormons do not study the Constitution like scripture, but “most probably know more about it than the average American churchgoer,” said Richard Ostling, co-author of “Mormon America” and a former journalist for Time magazine and the Associated Press. “The LDS church uniquely believes the U.S. Constitution was divinely inspired. Ron Paul is basing his candidacy on a libertarian interpretation of the Constitution. That will appeal to a certain segment of the Mormon community.”
To be sure, Paul’s Mormon supporters acknowledge that most of their fellow church members identify with Romney. Polls this week showed Romney with a big lead, including among Mormons.
“We’re playing for second (among Mormon voters), for sure,” said Jesse Law, 30, a Mormon and Paul supporter who works as a political consultant.
He said the fallback position of most casual participants in politics is to identify with candidates with whom they share some characteristic — religion, race, gender. But, he noted, support in the Mormon community for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, of Nevada, has eroded.
“He’s not conservative,” Law said.
Ostling, the author, said it will be difficult for Paul to make significant inroads with Mormon voters.
“With a prominent and highly respected Mormon like Mitt Romney in the race, it’s hard to believe Paul will dent his performance with LDS voters,” he said.
"We believe the freedoms and liberty given in the Constitution are divinely inspired." This qualifies the US Government to attain the status of "Church", with the necessity of someday, combining Church and State, which is completely Unconstitutional.
So people looking for freedom and liberty are believers because atheists are not divinely inspired. Does this mean that atheists are looking for a dictator to serve them? Religion creates the most astounding illogic that can be conceived.
Someone could write a doctoral thesis based on statements in the story and SunJon's comment.
"Ron Paul is basing his candidacy on a libertarian interpretation of the Constitution." Actually, he has been strictly following the Constitution (which is clear enough not to require "interpretation") for 30 years. On the federal level, this ordained document - a compact between states - is largely compatible with the American brand of Libertarianism, so he does not need to compromise his oath of office as do his colleagues. Those who have read the document immediately realize that Washington is not in compliance.
While Mormons may feel that the Constitution was devinely inspired, I don't think that is Ron Paul's position, if he even feels that way at all. I have never heard Ron Paul ever say anything that singled any group out. He's very much about personal freedom and personal responsibility, no matter what one's religion, race, ect.
Mitt Romney is so wishy washy on so many issues and wants to spend trillions on the military expandsion. He doesn't know if he's pro-life or pro-choice. He is incapable of relating to the middle class and the poor. He was involved in a Medicare scandal in the nineties that involved millions in dollars.
Ron Paul, on the other hand, has never waned on an issue just to get votes. He has integrity and has served his country. He wants to build our defense here at home and end the unconstitutional wars. He has a real plan to help the economy as he feels a weak economy is a threat to national security. He is pro-life. He is a true fiscal conservative and he doesn't wear his religion on his sleeve.
If Mormons vote for Dr. Paul, it'll most likely be because they are smart.
Would be nice but Ron doesn't have a chance with Mormons. They vote for their own. The same people who vote for Harry Reid are going to vote for Romney. It's a voting bloc. Too bad there are not enough Mormons to get Romney elected president.
For too many of us the wars this country fights are far removed, reduced to headlines in a newspaper or an occasional heartfelt moment when the death of an unknown neighbor is told over local television, but for others these wars live in our home; we are the families of those who serve or have served. Our lives, forever changed, carry the reality of war, and though none of us ask for special consideration, we all expect that every American understand that there is an untold price which is paid by some of us that is not shared by all Americans. It's time, that as Americans we openly discuss a real end to these wars without being shutdown or censored by the media. It's time that our candidate for president, a man who promises to bring our men home, be heard and not labeled. It's time that responsible journalism come to the aid of our nation torn by a decade of war and stand against the bias that silences his words of peace. We don't ask the nation to pay our price, we only ask that our candidate be heard. Ron Paul has a message for peace and we believe it's time that it should be heard by all Americans.
Mr. Griffith is partially misinformed. From my experience, INFORMED Mormons overwhelmingly support Ron Paul precisely because of his stance on the Constitution. (When was the last time you heard Romney refer to the Constitution in comparison to Ron Paul?) We don't care if RP doesn't consider it an inspired document - only that he respects it and wants to abide by its original intent. We recognize Romney for the RINO that he is. Unfortunately, many Mormons do vote religion and name recognition. That's why Utah ended up with Huntsman and Leavitt, both notorious RINOs, as its last two governors. Mormons are gradually waking up, though, but not soon enough.
why do people bring Religion to do with a President they take an Oath to protect all religion and Liberty has no borders . A martian man could be my boss I do not care as long as I am working ! Ron Paul 2012
Question for Ron Paul and/or Pauloonies [that they will never answer]?
How many pennies would one of todays dollar bills buy if we went back to the gold standard?
Bonus question [that won't get answered either]?
How much would Ron Pauls net worth increase if we went back to the gold standard?
I can see the intent of this article. It is an attempt to defeat Constitutionalist Ron Paul by arousing people who are prejudiced against Mormons to defeat Ron Paul by associating Paul with Mormons. It is a very clever, cheap trick.
The Owner and Editor of the LAS VEGAS SUN, Brian Greenspun, is a member of the elitist, Board of Trustees of the Washington, DC-based Brookings Institution. See http://www.brookings.edu/about/Trustees.....
Brookings has one of its agenda items the alteration of the US Constitution.
The anti-Paul slant of the SUN is exposed.
goodgame...
I'm not a Paul supporter, but your comments were excellent & intelligent; both rarities in the political sphere.
Thanks for sharing.
"Little noted by those outside the faith, the U.S. Constitution is revered by Mormons as a divinely inspired document, a fact that plays nicely into Paul's argument that his positions abide by the intent of the Constitution. . . . .The church has emphasized that it does not endorse candidates or political parties. (Religions must be neutral to maintain their federal tax-exempt status.)"
There's also an early prophesy -- I forget the origins -- the Constitution would hang by a thread and it would be the church Elders who would rise up to save it. That may account some for Romney's extra popularity among the LDS.
Salt Lake's hypocrisy on the last bit quoted is nauseating, given its recent history supporting California's gay rights proposition.
"Religion creates the most astounding illogic that can be conceived."
SunJon -- there is no reconciling logic and faith. That's classic herd behavior.
"why do people bring Religion to do with a President they take an Oath to protect all religion and Liberty has no borders ."
BigScott -- because it always works. Look at the candidates' early campaign pledges in Iowa. It's all about telling the voters whatever they want to hear. And in case you haven't noticed, perjury of oath means nothing to the oath-takers because it means nothing to We the people. If we don't enforce it, they won't. Remember that next time Metro is at your window wanting to search your vehicle. And when posters like me are shouted down in these Discussions when we raise it.
"I can see the intent of this article."
SCHNORCHEL -- you're wrong.
"Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful." -- attributed to Seneca the Younger (executed by Nero in 65 A.C.E.)
pmmart: If we don't have any real collateral backing the paper money, future generations will be paying the price with their labor, higher taxes, and low wages while staples continue to rise, food banks are no more, and safety nets are gone. But we'll have the police state to "protect" us.
Your question about what the dollar is worth in pennies is: way less than China's yen. Where will you be when they (China) come to collect?
Are you afraid of a truly free market in which when one engages in risky dealings (e.g. the banks),someone else(like me or you perhaps) gets to capitalize from it?
Time to get real. Time for Ron Paul.
I know several Mormons who are Ron Paul supporters because of his constitutional stance. I've found Mormons to be some of the most patriotic and country-loving people I know.
I think Ron Paul has a lot of nice ideas (smaller, simplified government, deregulation, balanced budget, fed reformations), but I'm not sure he's electable (he doesn't have the "it" factor or the public speaking skills needed to beat Obama). Also, some of his ideas are extreme and idealistic to the point that they're akin to building a base on the moon.
Mormon here, I'll be voting for Ron Paul. So will most of my Mormon friends and family.
Romney said he would have signed the NDAA.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5w38LWOQZ...
That disqualifies him right there.
How can you take the oath of office to defend and uphold the constitution when you admit you'll violate and destroy it and as well as the people it protects? That should make him an enemy combatant and he should be tried for treason as should all those that supported passed, and signed this act.
Basically the National Defense Authorization Act nullifies the bill of rights. Think I'm exaggerating? Tell me, what rights do you have when you can be indefinitely detained without trial or lawyer based on the whim, pleasure or incompetence of the government? Think about that. What rights do you have then?
Research history. Every time a government has been given this kinda of power it has been abused. I have talked to immigrants and refugees who have escaped oppressive countries, who came here to be free and live the American dream. When they heard about this they told me with great fear and sadness, "this is how it starts... DO NOT ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN!" They tell me stories of how laws like these were passed in their countries and then people start to disappear, voices are silenced, dissent squashed. If you said anything about it you too may be "disappeared" as well as anyone asking about you or making a fuss. When a friend or family member was taken they could only suffer in silence and in fear of reprisal if they said anything. That is not what I want for our country. You trade freedom for security and you deserve and receive neither. These same measures meant to protect us are then turned and used against us.
Oh yes but that would never happen here right? We wouldn't let our politicians get away with that, we always hold them accountable. We never let criminals thugs and murders get away with things. Besides this would only be used for terrorists and I am not one. When has the government ever been wrong about who they accuse? When have they ever made a mistake? And in the off chance I'm wrongly accused I can just explain myself and resolve the issue in trial... oh, wait, that's right no trial.
But don't worry, Romney assures us, like Obama when he signed it, that he won't abuse the power to detain US citizens indefinitely. Right... He says it's because of his "sufficient character".
The standup comedian-in-chief then goes on to say he trusts future presidents won't abuse it either, because the people always choose good presidents with strong character...
So will this Mormon, or anyone who knows his atrocious record or "sufficient character", vote for Mitt Romney? Absolutely not. Mormons for Ron Paul 2012!
Newcomer,
I don't know how on earth (forgive the pun) Ron gets the crazy or extreme label when the so called "serious candidates" are seriously talking about building moon bases and even moon statehood. I kid you not. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsIuv1MnH...
Ron Paul says the only thing we should send to the moon are politicians lol. There's a space program I can get behind.
Ron Paul 2012 if not Obama wins...sad but true
Ron Paul has voted consistenly and fought the status quo his entire career. He is the only candidate to accurately predict the economic crisis/housing bubble many 6 years before it happened. He lays out everything on the table with no run-around talk....this is something Obama,Romney, and Newt have in common perfect for a corrupt politician. Money and a good speech.Obama already has proven himself for greedy rich business corporations by giving most of the stimulus to corporations who backed his campaign in 2008 or the dems party....and who are some of his biggest contributers this time? you got it big business interest...and the liberal media who is OWNED by big business will help Obama out in the news...just think of the hardcore liberal who hates FOX news ...only x's that by the number of liberal news brainwashing many who don't understand the media words things to favor who they like while making their opponent like a criminal.
Ron Paul gets alot individual contributions from PEOPLE and gets more military contributions from active duty veterns than the other republican candidates combined and more than those who vote(d) for Obama thinking he will stop all wars. What does this tell you ...backed by corporations or backed by individuals ?
I am glad that we live in a country in which we enjoy the freedom of religion and the press. What I have come to know is Mormons are conservatives. if they vote their values (I hope they will do), there is only one candidate left in the race with genuine social and fiscal conservative values. i watched him on the Senate floor passionately debating for marriage between a man and a woman; Defense of Marriage Act; Abortion; late term abortion and gay marriage. Mormons contributed to the failure of the abortion agenda in California. The candidate who share their values in this area is Rick Santorum. When it comes to social and fisacl conservatism, Santorum is more dependable than even Romney. i hope mormons as well as other people of faith will caucus today for Santorum and send a clear message to the rest of the country. Santorum's family friendly and manufacturing centered economic policy is something that greatly helps our country's economic and job growth.
Ron, just come down from the mountain with some hand carved tablets engraved with complete jibberish...Claim only you understand them and declare yourself a prophet...AND don't forget to wrear those magic pajamas! If you bought them at Kohls, just remove the tag.
This worked once...it's bound to work again.
Blissmiles
You have given the typical Pauloonie non answer to my question which is why I have zero respect for you Pauloonies and your hero.
I wouldn't be suprised if some strange person who quotes dead people and NORMALLY hates religion and people who use religion to get their point across decided that Mormons who like Ron Paul are cool in spite of their support of Harry Reid.