Mormon Democrats gather for first-ever national meeting in Charlotte during DNC

[trailmonkee]

Source: NBC

"People will automatically assume I support Romney," said Robert Cooper, 28, below, who belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A recent graduate from law school who lives in Washington, D.C., Cooper said he feels government should offer the kind of safety net that members of his church enjoy.



"I consider myself a centrist, but am more comfortable in the Democratic party. I feel there's a big-tent approach, helping those who are disadvantaged. If you look at economics, Mormons take good care of themselves. We give 10 percent of our income to the church, in addition to a monthly donation. So a lot of Mormons say that's not the role of government, but not everyone has that support structure. That's one of the roles of government, to help those who don't have that support structure. A lot of people don't have what we have."

-snip-



"My faith is the reason why I'm a Democrat," said Kaitlyn Janis, above, of South Jordan, Utah, adding "Christ is the example we follow. The Democratic party embraces values I try to emulate: charity, caring for poor and needy, equal opportunities for education. Health care is a big one, ensuring that everyone can live a good life."

Only 17 percent of Mormons are Democrats, according to Justin Daniels, a delegate from Utah. Janis said: "We are definitely few and far between. It's cool that Romney's in this high position and bringing attention to our church. But I don't share his ideals for the future and for our country."



Read more: http://photoblog.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/09/04/13664528-mormon-democrats-gather-for-first-ever-national-meeting-in-charlotte-during-dnc

[dimbear]

1. Not very many Mormon dems, but the ones there are are spunky and tough.

Am I right, Harry?

[BSUbluNorange]

13. Heck yes we are!

I got quoted in Buzzfeeds take on this gathering today, huzzah!

[defacto7]

2. There is something a little fishy here...

My subjective suspicions??.... I hope I'm wrong.

First of all, where do they get these percentages?

Maybe it's true... Maybe it's not. From my experience and historically, the Mormon church will switch really quickly if they have any agenda and put action into play if it supports their political needs. Therefore, I'm not biting until I see exactly what they're after.

I could say plenty but I think reticent is the word for now.

[LeftyMom]

3. Are they meeting in a phone booth?

[freshwest]

4. All the Mormons I have known are Democrats. But then, most of the people I know are Democrats. Also,

None of the Mormons I know try to get anyone to join their religion, either. They support all public things but don't use them, also pay taxes. Maybe this is part of the region one lives with. We've certainly heard some terrible stories about those who are extremists.

[BlueMTexpat]

6. Those Mormans I have known are very like those described here.

But Mitt Romney is not like them.

[defacto7]

9. no, he's more like their leaders

[trailmonkee]

14. I dont know what Mitt Romney is? I have some very nice Mormon neighbors... pretty humble people...

Romney on the other hand? humble?

[defacto7]

8. You've never been visited?

by a missionary duo? All Mormon men must give 2 years of their life to being a missionary on the street looking for converts. They are everywhere I have ever been and I have lived in 10 different states and worked in 12 different countries.

It's unusual not to have ever encountered a Mormon on a mission.

Everyday Mormons are very nice folks but then there have always been some nice Scientologists too. It's the hierarchy and the agenda that is frightening. They are ones I live with, work with and deal with every single day.

Whatever you think, just be aware.

[xtraxritical]

12. I live in So. Cal. and have never had an LDS at my door, lot's of Jehova Witnesses tho.

[defacto7]

18. Hmmmmm?

That means they don't exist I guess...????? I'm loosing my mind!!!


not

[Cha]

5. Bless their realist Hearts!

[defacto7]

10. do you guys have any idea

how many agents are in this audience?

Well, I don't either. But I bet there are more than a couple.

[Fla Dem]

15. Agent? What kind of "Agents".....Secret agents?...Insurance agents? What are you talking about?

[defacto7]

17. you wouldn't believe me if I told you.

beyond crazy... I live in Mormon Jerusalem. They're everywhere here.

never mind.

[Jennicut]

16. Yeah, like Harry Reid!

That evil Mormon.

I could care less about someone's religion. I care more about how they act in everyday life and how they actually vote.

[babylonsister]

7. Rec'd! Fantastic! nt

[defacto7]

11. The best part of the article

are the replies. Some of these are very realistic.

Jack Mormon = Not really serious Mormons, but they pay the bill the church sends which secures their "salvation" (for lack of a better term).

[Ken Burch]

19. Harry Reid is a Mormon convert. There were a lot of Mormon Dems in office in the past

Utah had a Mormon Democratic U.S. Senator, Frank Moss, for most of the 1960's and 70's.