NOM

Former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid died at age 82. Harry was a member of the LDS Church who lived in Nevada. He was continually reviled by Mormons in Utah for political reasons. Never understood his reasons for remaining a Mormon considering the grief he took from his fellow members. Politically (and socially in Washington), this affiliation was an albatross around his neck. However, he went to church on Sunday and remained faithful.

I remember my very conservative mother (may she also rest in peace) wanting Harry Reid excommunicated for his political beliefs.

My sense is that he saw the Book of Mormon as a progressive scripture that spoke to him about poverty (which he grew up in) and the need to take action to alleviate it. I have a memory of him saying so. This of course is completely at odds with how most LDS see their scriptures especially in a political context. But I think he did and it informed his politics.

Brother Reid was extremely unpopular outside of Vegas. I remember a regional conference that he attended. Pres. Hinckley asked him to speak and there was an audible groan from the 5 or 6 thousand attendees.

A good example of how we are told to vote our conscience......as long as your conscience agrees with the church. Let the consequence follow.

I grew up in Vegas and Harry Reid would attend priesthood opening exercises in random wards during campaign season. He landed in ours one week. Didn't say anything but I think he was just there to remind people that he was Mormon.

I voted for him once before I really started to get politically brainwashed by talk radio.