Steve Harmsen - Utah GOP Chair Candidate

What are your plans to get the Party out of debt?
plan for debt: good management of existing resources , getting a handle on the salaries and no more commission deals, be more creative and diligent in all areas of fundraising especially in the area of smaller donors.

If elected would you rehire Jeff Hartley or have an open hiring process?

No,I would not in all likelihood re-hire previous director. I would not hire anyone that was not widely advertised for and was not agreeable to the majority of the state officers

How can the GOP be more competitive in Salt Lake and Weber Counties?
Salt Lake County: needs a strong legislative push to keep Salt lake County Clerk from putting Democrats at the top of the ballot (5%advantage) I think it needs to be randomly selected by each voting machine which is currently possible.

Weber and all other counties The party needs a much better use of its web site and it needs to be made available to all candidates and party officials. The data base that the party should be keeping and updating in a professional manner and should be made available to all party members and candidates. Precinct by precinct identification of voters needs to be done by the state party and the data can be kept from year to year and improved upon each year and shared with the respective counties.


What is your vision for the Party?
I would like to see a party that can stand on its own and I applaud Gov. Huntsman for not anointing the chairman as it truly gives the party a chance to become its own force. We have the opportunity to create a professional staff that can continue programs for more than the election cycle that is of interest to particular candidates and their staffs which results in a revolving door at party headquarters and no long term vision. I want to see implemented programs and directions that can embolden the grass roots of the party and i would like to steer the party pendulum in the direction of the state delegates who represent their grass root caucus.

Todd Weiler - Utah GOP Vice-Chair

What are your plans to get the Party out of debt?

The party will be out of debt before the June 9th convention. Therefore, the question really is what should be done to keep the party out of debt in the future. This can and will be accomplished by keeping costs down and increasing revenue. My job as vice chair will be to help raise enough money to ensure the party remains debt free. This can and will be accomplished by resurrecting the Ronald Reagan Club, improving relations with elected officials, and sponsoring more events such as the Legislative Breakfast and Golf Tournament. I will also ask state party officials (including the National Committeeman and Committeewoman) to report each quarter to the State Central Committee on their fundraising efforts and activities.

How can the GOP be more competitive in Salt Lake and Weber Counties?

We first need to recognize that inner-city residents in large metropolitan areas like Salt Lake City and Ogden generally vote with the Democrats. Accordingly, we need to target the races that make sense and use our resources where they will make the most difference. Considering everything, I think we were competitive in Salt Lake County in 2006. Lohra Miller won, and the race for sheriff was unfortunately lost on the golf course. There are still some fences that need to be mended in Salt Lake County due to prior scandals. We need targeted advertising campaigns and town meetings to reach out to the so-called “Matheson Republicans”. The prior election cycles have shown that moderate Republicans in Salt Lake County are not embracing conservative candidates like Swallow and Christensen – but they are embracing candidates like Gov. Huntsman and Mark Shurtleff. If we fail to learn from our mistakes, we will keep repeating them.

What is your vision for the Party?

My vision is for a strong and financially stable state party that earns the respect and admiration of elected officials and voters. My vision is for a party where delegates will focus on the 95 percent of issues they agree upon, instead of the five percent that they disagree. My primary goals are to create a more stable framework to meet the party’s financial needs, and to held Jim Matheson find new employment. The new party leaders need to rebuild trust, and regain some lost confidence. We need to streamline the process to ensure that substantive and meaningful debate can take place on important issues. The process needs to be simple and effective, and must be squeaky clean.

What role should/can the average delegate/activist have in the Party?

I believe in preserving the authority in the grassroots. The “average delegate/activist” ought to have direct access to party leaders and to suggest changes to governing documents. Although I believe that every delegate has a voice within the party, I will not support the efforts of a few attention-seeking individuals to hold large numbers of delegates hostage to their own agenda. If the chair refuses to recognize someone to speak, however, the delegates should be given the opportunity to override that decision with a simple up or down vote.

Chris Laurence - Utah GOP Chair Candidate

Here is the first survey that I got back. I have asked each candidate the same questions, I will post the responses as I get them; and will let you know any coward who refuses to respond.

Chris Laurence


What are your plans to get the Party out of debt?

Fortunately, the amount of debt is shrinking. The immediate future will require a good deal of begging, I mean, vigorous fundraising. The long-term solution is to build up a reserve, and anticipate future costs better.

If elected would you rehire Jeff Hartley or have an open hiring process?

I would have an open hiring process.

How can the GOP be more competitive in Salt Lake and Weber Counties?

Voters are not going to fall for simple slogans. We need pragmatic, bright, articulate, fiscal conservatives that understand economics, and the interplay between government and private industry in larger metropolitan areas. Utah's cities will only continue to grow. Rudy Guiliani proved that conservative principles can be applied successfully, even in New York City. It can be done here as well.

What is your vision for the Party?

If we can get our fiscal house in order, and not spend so much time worrying about the bottom line, the Utah Republican Party can become a place where ideas are worked out, and various potential solutions are provided. I would like to see it as a greater asset to the county parties. I would especially work toward greater involvement of individuals from outside the traditional metropolitan boundaries.

What role should/can the average delegate/activist have in the Party?

Enthused participant. I would like to see issue blogs and discussions on the state party website wherein any delegate can post comments. I would like another blog for Republican Party members or the public at large to post comments as well. I would like to farm ideas from everyone. With that investment, there will be greater loyalty to the party. Hopefully, donations would flow more freely as a result, contributing the the fiscal soundness of the party.


Thanks to Chris for responding. More surveys to come.....

Are you kidding me?

If this is what most Utah State University classes are like; I am glad I didn't go there. I actually got an education

The Senate Site: Good for Utah

While I haven't always agreed with Ric over at the Senate Site, and everyone knows I don't always agree with Senate Leadership; I think the Senate Site serves a very valuable purpose in the State.

It removes a filter that has become increasingly biased, the Drive-by Media (as Rush calls it). Here we have a chance to get the inside story straight from "the horse's mouth", rather than the other end of the horse (you know who I am referring to).

So Ric and Senator Valentine, wear the Rolly column as a badge of honor. You must be doing something good.

School Board --> Follow the Law!

Memo to the State School Board, you can not interpret law, you follow it.

From the SL Trib:http://www.sltrib.com/ci_5902159

Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff has ordered the Utah State Board of Education to implement a school voucher program based on a version of the state's voucher law that critics say leaves Utah vulnerable to a lawsuit.

Hundreds of voucher supporters cheered the news during a rally at the State Capitol complex today. Parents for Choice in Education, the political action committee that lobbied heavily for the program, held the rally to pressure officials to implement vouchers, making voucher applications available to parents starting today.

"The rally, combined with the most senior legal authority in the state, is demanding they implement it," spokeswoman and emcee Leah Barker said.

'08 Candidates React to the loss of Rev. Falwell - American Leader

Romney:

"An American who built and led a movement based on strong principles and strong faith has left us. He will be greatly missed, but the legacy of his important work will continue through his many ministries where he put his faith into action. Ann and I have had the honor to talk and meet with Reverend Falwell and get to know him as a man of deep personal faith and commitment to helping those around him. He will be forever remembered."

McCain:

"I join the students, faculty, and staff of Liberty University and Americans of all faiths in mourning the loss of Reverend Jerry Falwell.
"Dr. Falwell was a man of distinguished accomplishment who devoted his life to serving his faith and country.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Falwell's family at this difficult time."

Rev. Falwell's last column

America has lost a great one today: Falwell Dead at 73


In the May issue of my National Liberty Journal newspaper, we featured the story of Megan Chapman, who last year was forced to make a choice between standing up for her faith in Jesus Christ or allowing school officials to silence her.
She chose not to be silent, even though Russell Springs, Ky., school officials told her she could not mention Jesus or her faith in her valedictorian speech. At the commencement, more than 3,000 people packed her school's gymnasium, with members of the press in attendance. And before the principal of the school could finish making his opening remarks, the senior class stood together and recited "The Lord's Prayer."
What an inspiring scene!
Then Megan walked to the platform, prepared only to read the poem, "The Road Less Traveled" because she had been warned not to mention her faith. But as she looked out over the audience, she prayed that God would give her a message. And he did.
Megan put away the poem and began speaking from her heart, sharing how God is real in her life. She spoke of the peace she has encountered since giving her heart to Jesus Christ and wished that same peace for her classmates.
The speech was frequently interrupted with cheers.
One local media outlet noted a "revival-like atmosphere" at the graduation.
The next night, Megan appeared on the Fox News Channel where she was able to again share her faith in Jesus Christ.
Today, Megan, along with twin sister Mandy, is a student at Liberty University, where she is planning to study law and attend Liberty University School of Law.
Her story has inspired many young people across this nation.
I hope it encourages more to take a stand for their faith.
I'm proud to stand with Mathew Staver, founder of Liberty Counsel and dean of Liberty University School of Law, and his wife Anita, president of Liberty Counsel, in the national "Friend or Foe" Graduation Prayer Campaign.
This program is designed to educate and, if necessary, litigate to ensure that prayer and religious views are not suppressed during graduation ceremonies across the nation.
As part of this year's campaign, Liberty Counsel has created red prayer wristbands which students can wear as a reminder to pray at graduation and all throughout the school year.
The wristbands are embossed with "I Will Pray," and "Pray Without Ceasing (Thess. 5:17)."
The wristbands serve as reminders to students that they have the constitutional right to wear religious jewelry and to pray during non-instructional times while at school. Liberty Counsel also has a free legal memo on graduation prayer which is available online at www.LC.org.
Mr. Staver stated, "The purpose of Liberty Counsel's 'Friend or Foe' Graduation Prayer Campaign is to protect religious viewpoints at graduation. Liberty Counsel will be the friend of schools that recognize the free speech rights of students and the foe of those that violate their constitutional rights.
"The key to graduation prayer is that the school should remain neutral — neither commanding nor prohibiting voluntary prayer or religious viewpoints."
High school students, don't be afraid to voice your faith in Jesus Christ! Liberty Counsel is here to help you if you should face persecution or punishment for doing so. I urge Christian students across this land to exhibit the strength of character of Megan Chapman by refusing to be silenced.
Boldly live out your faith!

First New Hampshire, now Michigan --> Romney on top

Mitt Romney, who last week led a New Hampshire poll of 2008 GOP presidential hopefuls, now finds himself leading in his birth-state of Michigan.
American Research Group ran a poll of 600 likely Republican primary voters from May 4-7 in Michigan. Romney now is in the lead with 24 percent of the vote. McCain has 22 percent and Giuliani has 19 percent.
Romney's support has tripled since late February. McCain and Giuliani have each lost support, 13 percent and 11 percent respectively.

The question is: can his lead, or anyone's lead, last until February?

Don't diss my team!

From the AP:

"Note to Sen. Sam Brownback: In Packerland, it's not cool to diss Brett Favre.
The GOP presidential hopeful drew boos and groans Friday at the Wisconsin Republican Party convention when he used a football analogy to talk about the need to focus on families.
"This is fundamental blocking and tackling," he said. "This is your line in football. If you don't have a line, how many passes can Peyton Manning complete? Greatest quarterback, maybe, in NFL history."
Oops, wrong team to mention in Wisconsin, once described by Gov. Tommy Thompson as the place "where eagles soar, Harleys roar and Packers score."
Realizing what he had said, the Kansas Republican slumped at the podium and put his head in his hands.
"That's really bad," he said. "That will go down in history. I apologize."

Too bad

I am now regretting being out of state last Saturday. I hear the Utah County GOP Convention had some fireworks.

GO JAZZ

One more win! Beat Houston!

Debate: Not Rocky and Hannity

I noticed that Professor Richard Davis was running as Utah County Dem Chair. If he were to debate Mariahan Monnahan he would clean her clock.

http://utahamicus.blogspot.com/2007/05/news-release-new-utah-county-democrats.html

Good pick Dems!

Enid, Enid, Enid --> We want Joe!

Today Enid "Joe did it all, not me, don't blame me" Greene fired GOP Executive Director Jeff Hartley. I have only met Jeff once, but was very impressed by him.

Rolly says the reason has to do about the party carrying a debt, a move that was approved by Joe Cannon.

My sources, and my gut insticts, tell me that another reason is the bitter feelings between Enid "Joe did it all, not me, don't blame me" Greene and Gov. Huntsman that have existed since Nolan Karras picked her to be his running mate. (Hartley was a "Huntsman" guy).

Word to the other GOP employees --> Watch your back, you might be next.