Romney Stops Telling Dead Navy Seal's Story

Mitt Romney has agreed to stop retelling the story of a former US serviceman killed in a consulate attack in Libya, after the man's mother complained.

The Republican presidential candidate had met former US Navy Seal Glen Doherty at a Christmas party a few years ago in their home state of Massachusetts, where Romney was governor.

Mr Doherty was one of three Americans killed alongside the US ambassador in the attack on September 11.

Mr Romney told an emotional version of the story at a campaign stop in Iowa on Tuesday and then again at an event in Ohio.

"I met some remarkable people, one of whom was a former Navy Seal," Mr Romney told a large crowd in Cuyahoga Falls.

"I just learned a few days ago that he was one of the two former Navy Seals killed in Benghazi. It broke my heart," Mr Romney said.

Mr Doherty's mother complained her son's death was being used for political gain, as the Romney campaign ramped up its portrayal of President Barack Obama as weak on foreign policy.

"I don't trust Romney. He shouldn't make my son's death part of his political agenda," Barbara Doherty told Boston broadcaster WHDH.

"It's wrong to use these brave young men, who wanted freedom for all, to degrade Obama," she added.

The campaign agreed on Wednesday night that Mr Romney would no longer share the story at campaign events.

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