6 Latter-day Saint politicians
Image by U.S. Government
“We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.”
Some Latter-day Saints (Mormons) honor and sustain the law by working for the United States government.
Here are interesting bios of LDS politicians:
Latter-day Saints (Mormons) in U.S. politics- biographies
Mitt Romney
- Mitt Romney is the former governor of Massachusetts and current 2012 Republican presidential candidate.
- Romney graduated from BYU, then Harvard.
- Romney organized 2002 Winter Olympics.
- Romney served as Bishop and Stake President.
- Romney is a descendant of Parley P. Pratt.
- Romney’s father was best friends with J. Willard Marriot.
- Mitt Romney was the only Latter-day Saint from 7th grade until graduation (at private Cranbrook School).
- Romney’s Father served as governor of Michigan.
- Romney worked as a security guard at Chrysler automobile plant.
- He was manager of ice hockey team and pep squad member in high school.
- Romney ran cross country his senior year of high school.
- Romney served a 2.5-year LDS mission in France.
- Romney was bullied by rugby players as he defended two sister missionaries being harassed.
- During his mission, Elder Romney received a Dear John letter from his high school sweetheart, Ann Davies, but reconnected and married her three months after his mission.
- Ann and Mitt Romney have five boys.
Jon Huntsman, Jr.
- Jon Huntsman Jr. was the former governor of Utah, U.S. Ambassador to China and 2012 Republican presidential candidate.
- Huntsman is the grandson of Elder David B. Haight and descendant of Parley P. Pratt.
- Huntsman’s father is a billionaire and leads Huntsman Corporation, a chemical company.
- Huntsman dropped out of high school to be a keyboard player for a rock band.
- Huntsman served his LDS mission in Taiwan.
Harry Reid
- Harry Reid serves as a Nevada Senator and the Senate Majority Leader.
- Reid’s father, also named Harry worked at a mine and his mother Inez worked with laundry.
- Growing up Reid didn’t have an indoor toilet, hot water or telephone.
- Reid participated in football and boxing.
Orrin Hatch
- Orrin Hatch currently serves as a Utah Senator.
- Hatch been in office for over 30 years.
- Hatch is about 77 years old.
- Hatch is a BYU graduate and has six children.
- Hatch’s great-grandfather Jeremiah Hatch founded Vernal, Utah.
- As student of law, Hatch worked as janitor, construction worker and desk attendant.
- Hatch served his LDS mission in what covered Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.
- Before working as a politician, Hatch worked as an attorney.
Gary Herbert
- Gary Herbert is currently serving as Governor of Utah.
- Gary Herbert served his LDS mission to the Eastern States.
- Herbert attended BYU but didn’t graduate.
- Governor Herbert has six children.
- Herbert served in the National Guard for six years.
- Herbert created a real estate firm- Herbert and Associates Realtors- and a child care service, The Kids Connection.
Rob Bishop
- Rob Bishop is a member of U.S. House of Representatives for Utah.
- Bishop served his LDS mission in Germany.
- Bishop majored in political science at the University of Utah.
- Before becoming a member of the House of Representatives, Bishop taught civics, German, government and history in high schools.
“Elected officials who are Latter-day Saints make their own decisions and may not necessarily be in agreement with one another or even with a publicly stated Church position. While the Church may communicate its views to them, as it may to any other elected official, it recognizes that these officials still must make their own choices based on their best judgment and with consideration of the constituencies whom they were elected to represent..”
-LDS Newsroom Statement on Political Neutrality
Personal Notes: Growing up in New Hampshire, I lived in the same LDS ward as Richard Swett, who served as a congressman. I didn’t know much about his political views, but I knew the character of his family. His family was very kind and successful. The Swetts excelled in their school, sports, music, art, and social groups. I think it’s important to not criticize politicians. In my opinion most politicians are kind people with desires to do what’s right.
I agree. I think that often we go overboard with criticizing politicians for mistakes and shortcomings, but we tend to forget to be grateful for the service they are trying to render to our country. It’s a hard job and no one is perfect. Most people are good at heart if we really take the time to understand them.