But observers say they expect Romney would be helpful to the LDS Church, as his predecessors have been, if issues arise. The LDS Church, which declined through a spokesman to comment about recent Mormon departures from the federal government, does not endorse candidates. There is no specific political expectation from the church for Mormon politicians, said Kent Burton, who has been a lobbyist and an LDS Church leader for Northern Virginia. Mormon and former senator Gordon H. Smith (R-Ore.) was shown telling church leaders he voted for the Iraq War because he believed it would open the way to LDS Church missionary work there. The church shows support for Mormon leaders like Hatch and Reid through public statements of gratitude, awards, honorary degrees and speaking opportunities at church-owned schools.

Source: Washington Post February 16, 2018 17:21 UTC