Politics & Government

Doherty's Mom Asks Romney to Stop Using Son's Death on Campaign Trail

Mitt Romney said he will respect Barbara Doherty's wishes.

Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney will not be using tales of a local hero on his campaign trail anymore.

Glen Doherty's mother, Barbara, accused Romney of attempting to use her son’s death for political gain and asked him to stop, according to The Boston Globe.

“I don’t trust Romney,” she told WHDH-TV. “He shouldn’t make my son’s death part of his political agenda. It's wrong to use these brave young men, who wanted freedom for all, to degrade Obama."

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Barbara also spoke out last month about the politicization of her son's death.

Do you think it was wrong of Mitt Romney to tell these stories while campaigning or is there no harm in it? Tell us in the comments below.

The Associated Press said Romney was sharing these stories as part of a larger push to show a more personal side and criticize President Barack Obama's foreign policy because like other Republicans, he has repeatedly raised questions about the handling of the Sept. 11 attack.

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Campaign aide Kevin Madden told BuzzFeed Romney was just moved by the meeting.

"Governor Romney was inspired by the memory of meeting Glen Doherty and shared his story and that memory," Madden said. "We respect the wishes of Mrs. Doherty though."

Romney told an audience in Iowa Tuesday about a chance encounter he had with Glen at a Christmas party in San Diego. Although Romney didn't specifically mention Glen's name, his campaign confirmed the identity.

Romney said he shared conversations about skiing and the Middle East with the former Navy SEAL and was touched when he learned about his death along with U.S. Ambassador to Libya John Christopher Stevens and two other Americans during an attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi on Sept. 11.

Doherty’s sister, Kate Quigley, confirmed the meeting, but doesn't share the same frustration about the stories as her mother.

She said on CNN the family is honored that both Romney and Obama paid tribute, but they are trying to stay out of the politics.

A friend of Glen's also stepped up to express disagreement with Romney's mentions.

Elf Ellefsen told Seattle's KIRO Glen found his exchange with Romney to be "insincere and stale," describing how Romney introduced himself four times over the night using the same introduction and opening line.

While Romney used this story again in Ohio on Wednesday, he hasn't mentioned it since.

Check Winchester Patch's coverage of Doherty below:

  • Winchester Native Killed in Libya Attack
  • Libya Attack Victim's Family Asks for Privacy
  • Community Mourns Glen Doherty
  • Funeral Set for Glen Doherty
  • Flags Line Streets Near Doherty's Mom
  • PHOTOS: Winchester Honors Glen Doherty
  • Glen Doherty's Family Thanks Winchester
  • Glen Doherty's Mom Says ‘It’s Sad’ Son's Death Politicized
  • Mitt Romney Reveals Meeting Glen Doherty


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