This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

I'm a moderate Democrat, but I value realistic, problem-solving Republicans who keep us all honest. People like former Sens. Bob Dole and Bob Bennett.

I thought Gov. Mitt Romney was in that category, but I watched his campaign with increasing disappointment. His craven desire for the presidency made him say anything, and in the end I not only wasn't sure where he stood, or what he would do as president, but I wasn't sure who he was, for his brazen lies really raised for me the character issue.

I stayed up late to watch Romney's concession speech, and his humanity had returned. I would have been comfortable with that guy being president.

Romney still has a lot to give the country, and we need his skills. I hope he doesn't go back to making money; I hope he finds a way to stay in public service. I'll be rooting for him.

Trent Conway

Springville