UTAH CONSERVATIVE

Utah County GOP rejects immigration repeal effort

2011-04-23T15:16:00.001-06:00

http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/article_25fa941d-88e4-5800-b639-43756c529f4f.html

I know that Lisa Shepherd and Dave Duncan voted against their church. Not sure about the other candidates.

I'm back

2011-04-22T18:51:00.001-06:00

I have been busy pouring through the minutes of the Steering Committee in Utah County and the Executive Committee. Wow, that Secretary is a fruitcake.

Poor Lisa Shepherd

2011-04-22T18:49:00.003-06:00

Poor Lisa Shepherd

Wow, look what happens when the tables are turned. Two years ago, there were blatant rules violations by the Utah County Republican Party and Lisa Shepherd, yet the party decided that the rule violations were ok.

Now Lisa is complaining that the Utah GOP is playing favorites. Where was the outrage Ms. Shepherd two years ago? Lisa worked her tail off to break the rules and take every advantage to elect Mr. Garr Judd. Well, Ms. Shepherd, payback is a B***h.

GOP flier raising a ruckus (edited for space)
Candidates accuse party of wrongly backing incumbents
By Leigh DethmanDeseret Morning News
Utah County Republican legislative candidates are fuming after the state party sent out a mailer that seems to endorse the Republican incumbents they are challenging.
The flier advertises an April 10 fundraiser for .. Rep. Keith Grover, R-Provo. It includes a line that says, "Paid for by the Utah Republican Party," and the party's postal rate number.
Challengers fear that delegates will feel pressure to cast their vote for the incumbents, since the mailer was paid for by the party.
"They are just telling you who they want you to vote for," said Jared Sepulveda, who is running against Sumsion in District 56. "If they want to do this after the primaries are done, that's fine. But not now."
State party bylaws do not allow party officers, national committee members and paid staff to publicly endorse or oppose any Republican candidate over another in a convention or primary election.
But state GOP Chairman Stan Lockhart said "it doesn't amount to an endorsement at all."
To make things right, Lockhart said he's offered the challengers the chance to send out a mailer paid for by the party as well.
"The party works very hard to treat all Republican candidates the same," Lockhart said. "We take that very seriously."
Lisa Shepherd, who is running against Grover in District 61, said the mailer is a "direct violation of Republican rules."
"It completely looks like an official document of the party," Shepherd said. "It's against the bylaws to take a stand or play favorites or anything until you've come out of the primary."

Candidate Sumner in Orem is a copycat

2009-08-31T19:11:00.001-06:00

Two Orem candidates have same platform wording

And Mr. Sumner teaches college. Can he penalize his students for plagiarism when does the same thing? Just wondering.

Hate Crimes? Where is the outrage???

2008-11-12T13:33:00.002-07:00

I am totally opposed to hate crime legislation; but since we already have this stuff; where is the outrage?

LDS Church windows are being bashed in; copies of the Book of Mormon are being burned; and the Temples are being protested. Is there no outrage because it is the LDS church?

What if a mosque was being attacked? The way i see it; the homosexuals can demonstrate hate at anytime; but heaven forbid if hate is demonstrated towards them.

Hill's E-mail

2008-06-05T11:02:00.001-06:00

On orders from the Commander-in-Chief of Operation Chaos I signed a pledge of support for Mrs. Bill Clinton to stay in the race. I got the following e-mail this morning:

I wanted you to be one of the first to know: on Saturday, I will hold an event in Washington D.C. to thank everyone who has supported my campaign. Over the course of the last 16 months, I have been privileged and touched to witness the incredible dedication and sacrifice of so many people working for our campaign. Every minute you put into helping us win, every dollar you gave to keep up the fight meant more to me than I can ever possibly tell you.
On Saturday, I will extend my congratulations to Senator Obama and my support for his candidacy. This has been a long and hard-fought campaign, but as I have always said, my differences with Senator Obama are small compared to the differences we have with Senator McCain and the Republicans. I have said throughout the campaign that I would strongly support Senator Obama if he were the Democratic Party's nominee, and I intend to deliver on that promise.
When I decided to run for president, I knew exactly why I was getting into this race: to work hard every day for the millions of Americans who need a voice in the White House. I made you -- and everyone who supported me -- a promise: to stand up for our shared values and to never back down. I'm going to keep that promise today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life. I will be speaking on Saturday about how together we can rally the party behind Senator Obama. The stakes are too high and the task before us too important to do otherwise.
I know as I continue my lifelong work for a stronger America and a better world, I will turn to you for the support, the strength, and the commitment that you have shown me in the past 16 months. And I will always keep faith with the issues and causes that are important to you. In the past few days, you have shown that support once again with hundreds of thousands of messages to the campaign, and again, I am touched by your thoughtfulness and kindness.
I can never possibly express my gratitude, so let me say simply, thank you.
Sincerely, Hillary Rodham Clinton

Bob Barr - 7%

2008-04-12T16:44:00.002-06:00

If Bob Barr runs on the same positions he held as a member of Congress, this man has my vote. (Unless McCain picks a great VP like Rice or Romney - picks Huckabee? I donate to Barr)

BARR POLLS 7% IN POTENTIAL PRESIDENTIAL BID;
Numbers Boost Exploratory Committee Action

Atlanta, GA - In a survey commissioned last week by the Bob Barr 2008 Presidential Exploratory Committee, seven percent of likely voters responded that they would vote for the former Georgia congressman for president if he were on the ballot in November. Shortly after Ross Perot announced he was re-entering the presidential race in October 1992, he polled at seven percent.
Barr is considering whether to seek the nomination of the Libertarian Party for president. According to the latest poll, Barr enjoys 36 percent name recognition. When questions were asked reminding voters about Barr's role in the impeachment of former President Bill Clinton, and about the reasons why Barr left the Republican Party to join the Libertarian Party, Barr's seven percent rose to nine percent against Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain. He polled at eleven percent against Hillary Clinton and John McCain.
Russell Verney, Ross Perot's 1996 campaign manager and a volunteer with the Barr Exploratory Committee commented, "Bob Barr's name recognition and voter support are tremendous considering he has never run as a national candidate and has yet to spend any money on advertising. In the event Bob Barr officially enters the race, he will already be half way to qualifying for the fall Presidential debates.”
The telephone survey of 1,000 ‘Likely Voters’ was conducted by Pulse Opinion Research on April 3, 2008. Pulse Opinion Research, LLC is an independent public opinion research firm using automated polling methodology and procedures licensed from Rasmussen Reports, LLC. The margin of sampling error is plus or minus three percentage points.
The Libertarian Party, America’s oldest and largest third party, formed in 1971, is on track to achieve ballot access in at least 48 states. Its nominee will be chosen at the Libertarian National Convention which will be held in Denver, CO May 22 through 26.

-30-Paid for by the Bob Barr 2008 Presidential Exploratory Committee
900 Circle 75 Pkwy. Suite 1280, Atlanta, GA 30339
Not printed at government expenseBobBarr2008.com

Meet Rep. Keith Grover - LD 61

2008-04-10T19:08:00.001-06:00

1. Please introduce yourself.

My name is Representative Keith Grover.

2. Why are you running?

I am seeking re-election to office to continue representing the conservative values of District 61. In my extensive communication with delegates (over 4,000 emails, 600 letters, many phone calls and personal visits) I have learned that my constituents are very informed and concerned about moderation creeping into the House of Representatives. I am a principled based voter on the Hill and act on data and from a conservative framework rather than emotion. People appreciate a thinker rather than a reactor.

3. For the incumbent: What are your proudest accomplishments while serving on Utah’s Capitol Hill?

My proudest accomplishment is the implementation of HB 176 - Sex Offender Amendments which adds to the crimes requiring lifetime registration of a sex offender "attempting" or “conspiring to commit" an offense currently subject to lifetime registration. I am also very proud of my co-sponsorship of HB 256 - Criminal Penalties Amendments Including Jessica’s Law. C. Wimmer, Co-sponsor K.Grover. This bill, along with other provisions, increases the minimum term of imprisonment for rape of a child, object rape of a child, or sodomy on a child, to 25 years and which may be for life. It ensures the worst offenders are locked up for a long time. More importantly, it spares child victims the added trauma of facing an alleged sexual perpetrator in court.

4. Would you favor spending more on education and transportation or a tax cut?

I favor more spending on data driven, school responsive, education spending only. Forward thinking innovative schools and districts should be rewarded. I am not supportive of increased funding for any program that is not supported by data indicating a meaningful contribution to learning.
I support transportation funding - specifically in Utah County and I actively sought votes on the floor to ensure the reconstruction of I-15 in our area.
I support and have supported all tax cuts presented - this includes the 88 million two years ago and the 50 million this year.

5. Would you favor a complete audit of every school district’s spending and making that available to the public?

I would sponsor the bill, if needed, to make that a reality. It is the public's money.

6. Who do you admire most in the political world (dead or alive) and why?

I admire former Utah County Commissioner Jerry Grover - my brother. He stayed true to conservative principles and avoided the political hoopla as he served Utah County for 12 years.

7. How can a delegate, or potential constituent contact you?

Phone: 787-2497
Web page: http://www.keithgrover.com/
email: grover4utah61@yahoo.com

Meet Chance Williams

2008-04-07T19:30:00.003-06:00

Here is the first survey response I have gotten. I have others and will post them soon.

1. Please introduce yourself.
Chance Williams I'm a self-employed software engineer. I'm a lifelong Republican and I am a true compassionate conservative. I genuinely care about people. I've served as: Planning Commission Member, Chairman of Public Safety, and City Council Member, all in Woodland Hills. I was elected to the City Council position as a "write-in" candidate.

2. Why are you running?
I kept reading about all the conflicts of interest the incumbent (Rep Mike Morley) has on his legislation. Also, tired of the "head fakes" on illegal immigration and crime fighting. I want to see real progress.

3. For the challenger: What legislative achievements (can't think of a better word) of your opponents do you most disagree with?
Google on and the web will tell you more than I ever could :
mike morley charter
mike morley roof leaks
morley SEC lawsuit
mike morley conflict
mike morley workers

4. Would you favor spending more on education and transportation or a tax cut?
Education needs to move in the direction of technology, so they allow students to progress as fast as they can. This allows teachers to work with the students that need extra help. We can do that without raising taxes. Transportation: Project by project reviews. Need a complete review of Public transportation.
Some buses are packed beyond reason, most are left empty.

5. Would you favor a complete audit of every school district's spending and making that availible to the public?
Audit as needed. Must be public.

6. Who do you admire most in the political world (dead or alive) and why?
Politically: Newt Gingrich. Solid intelligent conservative who knew how to balance a budget.

7. How can a delegate, or potential constituent contact you?
www.ChanceWilliams.com has my email address and phone number: VoteChance@ChanceWilliams.com 801-423-2725

Best wishes,
Chance Williams

Surveys

2008-04-02T13:55:00.001-06:00

As I did two years ago, I would like to give every Republican candidate the opportunity to introduce themselves and explain why they are running. I reserve the right to edit for space, so please limit your responses to 100 words per question. You may include a photo as well.

1. Please introduce yourself.
2. Why are you running?
3. For the incumbent: What are your proudest accomplishments while serving on Utah's Capitol Hill?
For the challenger: What legislative achievements (can't think of a better word) of your opponents do you most disagree with?
4. Would you favor spending more on education and transportation or a tax cut?
5. Would you favor a complete audit of every school district's spending and making that availible to the public?
6. Who do you admire most in the political world (dead or alive) and why?
7. How can a delegate, or potential constituent contact you?

Once I get these responses, I will post them. Additionally; I will let you know who refuses to participate. (I am only doing contested Republican races in Utah County)

Obama: Children are punishment

2008-04-01T12:40:00.002-06:00

Speaking about sex education at an event in Pennsylvania Saturday, Obama said, according to the Christian Broadcasting Network, that he will educate his young daughters but “if they make a mistake, I don’t want them punished with a baby. I don’t want them punished with an STD at the age of 16.” (emphasis added)

And this is the man you want to be President??

Finally the mtn. will be on satellite

2008-02-21T15:53:00.001-07:00

By Jay Posner
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
1:49 p.m. February 21, 2008
At long last, The Mtn. has a deal with DirecTV.
No, really.
Advertisement The network devoted to the Mountain West Conference has not been available on any satellite service since its inception in September 2006. But Jeff Schemmel, San Diego State director of athletics, said today DirecTV will offer The Mtn. beginning Aug. 1.
An official announcement is expected later today or tomorrow.
“It's invigorating and exciting for all of us,” Schemmel said. “ ... (There is) a realization of how much a satellite deal will mean to recruiting and the ability of people across the country to see us play.”
The Mtn. currently is available in just 1.2 million homes nationwide, including Cox Digital Cable subscribers in San Diego County who pay for the sports and information package. It is not known how many additional homes will receive the network after the deal with DirecTV takes effect.
Time Warner Cable, the other major cable operator in San Diego County, does not have a deal with The Mtn.

Utah County Democratic Party off their rocker:

2008-02-16T09:12:00.000-07:00

What about the rule of law?

I was disgusted by an editorial written by Utah County Democratic leaders Richard Davis and Larry Brown in the Des-News. (http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695253249,00.html)

Do the Utah County Democrats not respect that we have laws in this country and that everyone is expected to abide by these laws? No one is above the law. In Richard Davis and Larry Brown’s world, people who break our immigration laws should be shown compassion by ignoring the offense. Please explain why these law-breakers are on a higher level than everyone else. Is this what the Democratic Party as a whole believes in?

Heaven help us if they ever take control here in Utah.

They mention that the church teaches compassion. No arguments here. I have seen numerous people spend money beyond their means and get help from the church so they don’t lose their house. I don’t have a problem with that, so long as it is not every month. I contribute generously (as generously as I can) to the fast offering and Perpetual Education Fund. I served a mission in Latin America, and send money there every year.

But please don’t say that the church expects us to ignore this law breaking. Article of Faith #12 states that “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.” Growing up, this meant to me that I had to honor President William Jefferson Clinton, and probably will have to honor President-elect B. Hussein Obama.

As a member of the LDS church, I believe that we should all obey the laws of the land. WHETHER WE AGREE OR NOT. Just because I don’t agree with Roe v. Wade; doesn’t mean that I would do any harm to anyone else. (Speaking of which; why are the Democrats in Utah so bent out of shape on making animal torture a felony; but turn their backs to the killing of innocent children?)

I also find it ironic that the battle cry for the few Democrats in Utah County is that we need to replace the Republicans because they didn’t do the will of the people on the voucher issue. Let me remind you what a Dan Jones poll found in regards to tuition breaks for illegals: “A recent Deseret Morning News/KSL-TV poll conducted by Dan Jones and Associates found that 63 percent of Utahns polled opposed allowing undocumented students to pay a lower rate; 33 percent supported the tuition rate (http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695247784,00.html).”

So Professor Davis and Mr. Brown: do the legislators have to do the will of the people at all times, or only when it is politically expedient for your minority party?

Mitt. Not McCain

2008-02-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

I will be voting for Gov. Romney today. I got the following e-mail today:

Today, voters in 21 states across the nation are heading to the polls to cast their vote for the Republican presidential nomination.

As they make their final decision, they should consider the vastly different visions of the two candidates who remain in this race -- Governor Mitt Romney and Senator John McCain.

In 2008, the Republican Party needs a nominee who can debate Senator Hillary Clinton on the critical issues confronting our nation today. We need a nominee who will ensure that liberal initiatives fail and conservative principles prevail. Take a look at this video, called "Very Close," which highlights how Senator McCain and Senator Clinton actually agree on more issues than not.

Then, please consider making a contribution today to ensure the two-man race becomes a one-man race with Governor Romney winning the gold. We need "a full-spectrum conservative" like Governor Romney who can provide a clear conservative contrast with Senator Clinton. The challenges we face in our nation are too important!

Thank you, and on to victory…

Spencer J. Zwick
National Finance Director & Sr. Advisor
P.S. With a contribution of $500, $250, $100, $50, or even $25 or whatever you can afford today , we can ensure voters see the clear contrast between Governor Romney's vision of bringing conservative change to Washington and Senator McCain's approach that resembles that of Senator Clinton. Thank you.

Huckabee

2007-12-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

I have taken off the link to Mike Huckabee's website out of protest over his bigotry attitude towards Mormons. As a Mormon, I think his comments were way out of line and he should drop out of the Presidential race.

National Review Endorses......

2007-12-11T15:45:00.000-07:00

National Review has just announced that the editors are endorsing Mitt Romney for President. National Review is considered by many as THE conservative publication.

Our guiding principle has always been to select the most conservative viable candidate. In our judgment, that candidate is Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts. Unlike some other candidates in the race, Romney is a full-spectrum conservative: a supporter of free-market economics and limited government, moral causes such as the right to life and the preservation of marriage, and a foreign policy based on the national interest. While he has not talked much about the importance of resisting ethnic balkanization — none of the major candidates has — he supports enforcing the immigration laws and opposes amnesty. Those are important steps in the right direction. (Read it all here)

Select a Candidate

2007-10-19T20:57:00.001-06:00

KSL has a link to a great “select the candidate” website. Take the test to see who you most favor.

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/select_a_candidate/

My candidates are:
Duncan Hunter – 16
Mitt Romney – 16
Fred Thompson – 16
Tom Tancredo – 11
John McCain – 10
Mike Huckabee – 10

I decided to take the Minnesota Senate race for kicks, and:
Norm Coleman – 18
Al Franken – 2

Correction: Voucher Opponents: From Satan

2007-10-09T09:53:00.000-06:00

I laughed out loud when I read the following in the Deseret News:

“…the more I learn about these 'parents for choice,' the more I know they are from Satan.”
-- Ronda Rose, former state PTA board member and legislative vice president, in an e-mail message sent to PTA members.

If my religious studies correct me, Satan was the one who presented a plan that had no choice. So who is more Satanic, those who would not let Parents choose, or those who advocate choice in education?

Vote for Choice, Vote for Better Education, Vote for Vouchers

Utahns For Public Schools - Unsolicted E-mails

2007-10-03T08:42:00.000-06:00

Someone forwarded me an e-mail from Utahns for Public Schools. This person is very pro-vouchers and did not sign up to receive these e-mails. So answer the question Utahns for Public Schools, who are you sending this to?

The latest attack on public education!
Please go to these websites and post comments to tell these pro voucher people what Utahn’s for Public School really think.
http://vouchernews.blogspot.com/2007/10/blog-post.html
http://utdems.blogspot.com/
http://politicalspyglass.blogspot.com/2007/10/tension-between-legislature-state.html

Rolly's great piece

2007-09-28T16:03:00.000-06:00

Today Rolly has a great blog piece: http://blogs.sltrib.com/politics/2007/09/not-sharing-wealth.htm

He was talking about how VP Cheney is not holding a fundraiser and the money the party could raise by his appearance. My favorite line is:

Just think, if Cheney would bother to raise a little money for the party, it
could afford to buy its own parade float rather than be forced to have
Republican legislative leaders strong-arm education officials to build them one.

Great wordsmith Rolly!

Fmr Gov. Romney coming to Utah

2007-08-27T10:57:00.000-06:00

Governor Mitt Romney will be having a rally on Friday Sept. 28, 2007. To attend you have to commit to raise at least $1,000.

Utah's upcoming Rally

2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Salt Palace Convention Center
100 S. West Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Who will be the scapgoat?

2007-08-23T09:41:00.000-06:00

From the audit: The Mountainland Applied Technology College, a Utah College of Applied Technology Campus (the Campus) inappropriately expended $416.14 for the construction of a parade float for the Utah Republican Party. Utah Code 20A-11-1203(1), states that, “a public entity may not make expenditures from public funds for political purposes… .” Utah Code 20A-11-1202(8) defines political purposes as “an act done with the intent or in a way to influence or intend to influence, directly or indirectly, any person to refrain from voting or to vote for or against any candidate for public office… .” Because the parade float would be used by the Utah Republican Party to promote the interests of the Party, the expenditure appears to be made for a political purpose as defined by Utah Law.
After the initial $416.14 expenditure, the Campus President was advised by the Utah State Auditor’s Office and the Utah Attorney General’s Office through the Campus’ Vice President of Finance that the expenditure was against the law. In spite of this advice, the Campus President continued to look for a way to use Campus funds to pay an additional $694.87 towards the parade float, including falsifying documents to hide the true purpose of the expenditure.

You can read the whole audit at: http://www.heraldextra.com/pdfs/matcaudit.pdf

Rudy in Utah

2007-08-01T13:25:00.000-06:00

A couple of Rudy fundraisers:

The Alpine Host Committee

Cordially Invites You to Attend a Reception

Honoring

Rudolph W. Giuliani

to benefit the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

4:30pm – 6:00pm

Reception with Photo $2,000

Business Casual Attire

For More Information Contact:
Kristy Coleman
Phone: (801) 604-6303
Fax: (801) 269-9985
Vote4giuliani@gmail.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Park City Host Committee

Cordially Invites You to Attend an Evening Reception

Honoring

Rudolph W. Giuliani

to benefit the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

7:00pm – 8:30pm

Reception and Photo with Rudy Giuliani $2,000

Reception with Remarks $500

Business Casual Attire

For More Information Contact:
Kristy Coleman
Phone: (801) 604-6303
Fax: (801) 269-9985
Vote4giuliani@gmail.com

Oh yes! Harry Potter book 7 lived up to all the hype

2007-07-23T22:00:00.002-06:00

Now I can get my life back! My wife read the book all day Saturday, and I read it all day Sunday. What an excellent read.

How did I get on the US House e-mail list?

2007-07-22T20:26:00.001-06:00

I got an e-mail from a Fred Piccolo at the U.S. House e-mail address. I never signed up to be on a mailing list? Does the Congressman's office have some free time that they put in e-mail addresses to pass the time away?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JULY 19, 2007
CONTACT Fred Piccolo 202-225-7751 (O) 202-536-8424 (C)

Note: An electronic copy of this release can be found at -
http://chriscannon.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=69686

Note: A video of Congressman Cannon's opening statement can be seen at - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9U1LUOhdQo

Opening Statement of
Ranking Member Chris Cannon at Hearing on
“Meeting to Consider the Executive Privilege Claims Asserted by White House Counsel in Response to the Subpoena for the Production of Documents Issued to Joshua Bolten, White House Chief of Staff, or Appropriate Custodian of Records”
Thursday, July 19th, 1:00 p.m., 2141 RHOB

One week ago, this Subcommittee met before an empty witness chair, in a hearing the majority knew would yield no new information.

One thing did happen during that hearing that could have advanced our resolution of this matter.

I challenged the majority to present to the American people and the minority the evidence it believes justifies the continuance of this investigation.

I challenged the majority to cite and produce specific hearing testimony, interview testimony or documents demonstrating that in this case there is a critical question that remains unanswered and can be answered only by information from Harriet Miers or other White House sources – such as the White House documents at issue today.

The silence since I issued that challenge is deafening.

The majority did not present that evidence at the hearing.

The majority has not presented that evidence since.

I draw one conclusion – the majority does not have that evidence.

We are here today to consider a ruling on the executive privilege claims the White House has asserted over its documents and lining up contempt citations for Harriet Miers and the White House.

Once the majority obtains that ruling, it presumably will move on to contempt proceedings over the refusals, based on those claims, to appear, testify and turn over documents.

These games may be strangely entertaining to lawyers, press hounds, and academics.

But they are not parlor games, and they promise no productive end.

On the contrary, they pointlessly threaten to land in jail people who are asserting understandable claims to executive privilege, concerning evidence we don’t really need, and that we could have had – and still could have –if we were willing to take up the months-old White House offer of informal discovery.

Instead, we are placing Harriet Miers and Josh Bolten in the crosshairs for refusing to give us information, when we ourselves for months have refused the White House’s offers to give us precisely that information voluntarily.

This investigation began with the outcry over the dismissals of eight U.S. Attorneys from the very party whose leader, President Clinton, dismissed all 93 U.S. Attorneys in 1993.

It continued just last week, when the majority overruled executive privilege claims Harriet Miers forwarded – even though they rested on the legal opinion of Janet Reno, President Clinton’s Attorney General, that immediate advisers to the president, specifically including the White House Counsel, were absolutely immune from being compelled to testify before Congress.

There is one thing I want to assure everyone understands:

If this body votes out a contempt citation, and that citation is sent to the U.S. Attorney for prosecution to pierce executive privilege then this body will be committing precisely the kind of partisan abuse the majority has decried from the outset of this investigation.

In fact, the majority will be forcing the U.S. Attorney to pursue a political case. The Majority will be engaging in the sort of activity they are accusing the Justice Department of. The only difference is there is no factual evidence that the Department has engaged in that sort of behavior, only innuendo.

It is a core responsibility of Congress to oversee the Executive Branch. But after all the investigation we have done on this matter it has resulted in no evidence of wrongdoing in the removal of the U.S. Attorney’s. Instead, we have damaged the Justice Department and diminished Congress and have landed at the threshold of contempt proceedings against Harriet Miers and the White House.

We anticipate a court battle which I very much fear we will lose. If we don’t have substantial evidence of wrongdoing, we will perpetually undermine the Congress’ prerogatives in overseeing future administrations.

So I renew my challenge to the majority: Produce the evidence they believe establishes wrongdoing in the U.S. Attorney dismissals; cite and produce specific hearing testimony, interview testimony or documents demonstrating that there remains in this case a critical unanswered question that can be answered only through contempt proceedings.

Because without that evidence, there not only is no basis for ruling against the White House’s assertion of executive privilege, there is no basis for proceeding further with this investigation. There is no basis for doing anything other than wrapping this investigation up. We need to get back to the real business of the American people.

I yield back.

Man, even I know to keep receipts

2007-07-12T16:25:00.000-06:00

Apparently the LG's office has discovered one of the secrets of lobbyists: amended reports. Why would a lobbyist file an amended report?

1. Incompetence
2. They are hiding something
3. Just plain stupid (ok, that is the same as #1).

But my favorite excuse, "Rogers said the amendments were necessary because they had not yet received their American Express statement. "We'd rather get the bill and make sure we did everything right than do it haphazardly," he said. (Salt Lake Tribune)

I have a hard time swallowing that reason:

1- Keep your reciepts. Having attempted to make a return at Target w/out a receipt has taught me that you always need to keep these.
2- You can see your AMEX bill online at anytime. I do!

Update: here is the link: http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_6355191

2007-07-10T10:43:00.000-06:00

Perhaps it is time for McCain to come to the realization that he won't win the nomination and drop out.

MCCAIN '08 Campaign Manager, Chief Strategist resign
Campaign Press release 'Challenging political environment'(from Drudge)

Red Skelton's Pledge of Allegiance

2007-07-04T08:00:00.001-06:00

What is wrong with having a younger wife?

2007-06-25T16:20:00.000-06:00

The Tribune is reporting about an e-mail from a BYU employee about Fred Thompson and his wife:

Subject: "Fred Thompson's trophy wife."
"From the attachment, you can see that Fred Thompson and his wife Jeri (25 years his junior) may not wear well on many conservatives. When making their final decision before entering the voting booth, I think many conservatives will in their minds compare this attached picture with a mental picture of Mitt Romney with his lovely wife of 38 years, their five handsome sons, five beautiful [daughters]-in-law, and darling grandchildren. I hope so."

So what if his wife is younger? His ex-wife is going to campaign for him.

A great post

2007-06-22T16:25:00.000-06:00

A great post: My Two Cents

Although I don't agree with Rob on every issue, I would vote for him in a heartbeat.

So Where do the Mormons Go?

2007-06-22T09:01:00.000-06:00

From KSL.COM "Anti-Mormon comments are becoming more and more common during this current presidential campaign season.
In March, presidential candidate Senator John McCain was on the campaign trail in Utah. He said, "I believe Governor Romney is a fine person, a fine governor."
This morning, it's damage control after one of his campaign workers attempted to link the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and subsequently presidential candidate Mitt Romney, to terrorists.
The Boston Globe is reporting that during a Republican gathering in April, the chairman of McCain's campaign in Warren County, Iowa -- Chad Workman -- questioned whether Mormons are Christians.
Then he referenced an article alleging the LDS Church helps fund Hamas, an anti-Israel organization, and associating the treatment of Mormon women with the Taliban."

Ok, so apparently Mormons are not welcome in a McCain administration (hell will freeze over before he is elected, so it will be ok). With so many GOP candidates attcking the Mormon faith, maybe it is time that we up and left the party. But where would we go? The national Democrat party is so far left, that I would never feel comfortable there.

How about the Green Jello with Carrots Party?

McCain has lost it ----

2007-06-14T15:39:00.000-06:00

http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/0607/McCain_buys_antiRomney_URL.html

"In another sign of John McCain's plan to assault former Mitt Romney over his alleged flip-flops, the Arizona senator's campaign has purchased the website "www.mittvsfact.com" and will launch it in the coming weeks as a compendium of what they say are the former governor's differing stances."

"Desperate candidates do very desperate things," said Romney's Kevin Madden. "Sen. McCain has, sadly enough, been faltering so badly lately that his campaign is left with the last resort of launching attacks against Gov. Romney."
"If there is anyone left who still needs proof that the McCain campaign is floundering—and that’s a big ‘if’—they just got it."

TEAR DOWN THIS WALL

2007-06-11T19:25:00.000-06:00

A great speech was delivered 20 years ago.

This speech was delivered to the people of West Berlin, yet it was also audible on the East side of the Berlin wall - President Ronald Reagan

Thank you very much.

Chancellor Kohl, Governing Mayor Diepgen, ladies and gentlemen: Twenty-four years ago, President John F. Kennedy visited Berlin, speaking to the people of this city and the world at the City Hall. Well, since then two other presidents have come, each in his turn, to Berlin. And today I, myself, make my second visit to your city.

We come to Berlin, we American presidents, because it's our duty to speak, in this place, of freedom. But I must confess, we're drawn here by other things as well: by the feeling of history in this city, more than 500 years older than our own nation; by the beauty of the Grunewald and the Tiergarten; most of all, by your courage and determination. Perhaps the composer Paul Lincke understood something about American presidents. You see, like so many presidents before me, I come here today because wherever I go, whatever I do: Ich hab noch einen Koffer in Berlin. [I still have a suitcase in Berlin.]

Our gathering today is being broadcast throughout Western Europe and North America. I understand that it is being seen and heard as well in the East. To those listening throughout Eastern Europe, a special word: Although I cannot be with you, I address my remarks to you just as surely as to those standing here before me. For I join you, as I join your fellow countrymen in the West, in this firm, this unalterable belief: Es gibt nur ein Berlin. [There is only one Berlin.]

Behind me stands a wall that encircles the free sectors of this city, part of a vast system of barriers that divides the entire continent of Europe. From the Baltic, south, those barriers cut across Germany in a gash of barbed wire, concrete, dog runs, and guard towers. Farther south, there may be no visible, no obvious wall. But there remain armed guards and checkpoints all the same--still a restriction on the right to travel, still an instrument to impose upon ordinary men and women the will of a totalitarian state. Yet it is here in Berlin where the wall emerges most clearly; here, cutting across your city, where the news photo and the television screen have imprinted this brutal division of a continent upon the mind of the world. Standing before the Brandenburg Gate, every man is a German, separated from his fellow men. Every man is a Berliner, forced to look upon a scar.

President von Weizsacker has said, "The German question is open as long as the Brandenburg Gate is closed." Today I say: As long as the gate is closed, as long as this scar of a wall is permitted to stand, it is not the German question alone that remains open, but the question of freedom for all mankind. Yet I do not come here to lament. For I find in Berlin a message of hope, even in the shadow of this wall, a message of triumph.

In this season of spring in 1945, the people of Berlin emerged from their air-raid shelters to find devastation. Thousands of miles away, the people of the United States reached out to help. And in 1947 Secretary of State--as you've been told--George Marshall announced the creation of what would become known as the Marshall Plan. Speaking precisely 40 years ago this month, he said: "Our policy is directed not against any country or doctrine, but against hunger, poverty, desperation, and chaos."

In the Reichstag a few moments ago, I saw a display commemorating this 40th anniversary of the Marshall Plan. I was struck by the sign on a burnt-out, gutted structure that was being rebuilt. I understand that Berliners of my own generation can remember seeing signs like it dotted throughout the western sectors of the city. The sign read simply: "The Marshall Plan is helping here to strengthen the free world." A strong, free world in the West, that dream became real. Japan rose from ruin to become an economic giant. Italy, France, Belgium--virtually every nation in Western Europe saw political and economic rebirth; the European Community was founded.

In West Germany and here in Berlin, there took place an economic miracle, the Wirtschaftswunder. Adenauer, Erhard, Reuter, and other leaders understood the practical importance of liberty--that just as truth can flourish only when the journalist is given freedom of speech, so prosperity can come about only when the farmer and businessman enjoy economic freedom. The German leaders reduced tariffs, expanded free trade, lowered taxes. From 1950 to 1960 alone, the standard of living in West Germany and Berlin doubled.

Where four decades ago there was rubble, today in West Berlin there is the greatest industrial output of any city in Germany--busy office blocks, fine homes and apartments, proud avenues, and the spreading lawns of parkland. Where a city's culture seemed to have been destroyed, today there are two great universities, orchestras and an opera, countless theaters, and museums. Where there was want, today there's abundance--food, clothing, automobiles--the wonderful goods of the Ku'damm. From devastation, from utter ruin, you Berliners have, in freedom, rebuilt a city that once again ranks as one of the greatest on earth. The Soviets may have had other plans. But my friends, there were a few things the Soviets didn't count on--Berliner Herz, Berliner Humor, ja, und Berliner Schnauze. [Berliner heart, Berliner humor, yes, and a Berliner Schnauze.]

In the 1950s, Khrushchev predicted: "We will bury you." But in the West today, we see a free world that has achieved a level of prosperity and well-being unprecedented in all human history. In the Communist world, we see failure, technological backwardness, declining standards of health, even want of the most basic kind--too little food. Even today, the Soviet Union still cannot feed itself. After these four decades, then, there stands before the entire world one great and inescapable conclusion: Freedom leads to prosperity. Freedom replaces the ancient hatreds among the nations with comity and peace. Freedom is the victor.

And now the Soviets themselves may, in a limited way, be coming to understand the importance of freedom. We hear much from Moscow about a new policy of reform and openness. Some political prisoners have been released. Certain foreign news broadcasts are no longer being jammed. Some economic enterprises have been permitted to operate with greater freedom from state control.

Are these the beginnings of profound changes in the Soviet state? Or are they token gestures, intended to raise false hopes in the West, or to strengthen the Soviet system without changing it? We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace. There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace.

General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!

I understand the fear of war and the pain of division that afflict this continent-- and I pledge to you my country's efforts to help overcome these burdens. To be sure, we in the West must resist Soviet expansion. So we must maintain defenses of unassailable strength. Yet we seek peace; so we must strive to reduce arms on both sides.

Beginning 10 years ago, the Soviets challenged the Western alliance with a grave new threat, hundreds of new and more deadly SS-20 nuclear missiles, capable of striking every capital in Europe. The Western alliance responded by committing itself to a counter-deployment unless the Soviets agreed to negotiate a better solution; namely, the elimination of such weapons on both sides. For many months, the Soviets refused to bargain in earnestness. As the alliance, in turn, prepared to go forward with its counter-deployment, there were difficult days--days of protests like those during my 1982 visit to this city--and the Soviets later walked away from the table.

But through it all, the alliance held firm. And I invite those who protested then-- I invite those who protest today--to mark this fact: Because we remained strong, the Soviets came back to the table. And because we remained strong, today we have within reach the possibility, not merely of limiting the growth of arms, but of eliminating, for the first time, an entire class of nuclear weapons from the face of the earth.

As I speak, NATO ministers are meeting in Iceland to review the progress of our proposals for eliminating these weapons. At the talks in Geneva, we have also proposed deep cuts in strategic offensive weapons. And the Western allies have likewise made far-reaching proposals to reduce the danger of conventional war and to place a total ban on chemical weapons.

While we pursue these arms reductions, I pledge to you that we will maintain the capacity to deter Soviet aggression at any level at which it might occur. And in cooperation with many of our allies, the United States is pursuing the Strategic Defense Initiative--research to base deterrence not on the threat of offensive retaliation, but on defenses that truly defend; on systems, in short, that will not target populations, but shield them. By these means we seek to increase the safety of Europe and all the world. But we must remember a crucial fact: East and West do not mistrust each other because we are armed; we are armed because we mistrust each other. And our differences are not about weapons but about liberty. When President Kennedy spoke at the City Hall those 24 years ago, freedom was encircled, Berlin was under siege. And today, despite all the pressures upon this city, Berlin stands secure in its liberty. And freedom itself is transforming the globe.

In the Philippines, in South and Central America, democracy has been given a rebirth. Throughout the Pacific, free markets are working miracle after miracle of economic growth. In the industrialized nations, a technological revolution is taking place--a revolution marked by rapid, dramatic advances in computers and telecommunications.

In Europe, only one nation and those it controls refuse to join the community of freedom. Yet in this age of redoubled economic growth, of information and innovation, the Soviet Union faces a choice: It must make fundamental changes, or it will become obsolete.

Today thus represents a moment of hope. We in the West stand ready to cooperate with the East to promote true openness, to break down barriers that separate people, to create a safe, freer world. And surely there is no better place than Berlin, the meeting place of East and West, to make a start. Free people of Berlin: Today, as in the past, the United States stands for the strict observance and full implementation of all parts of the Four Power Agreement of 1971. Let us use this occasion, the 750th anniversary of this city, to usher in a new era, to seek a still fuller, richer life for the Berlin of the future. Together, let us maintain and develop the ties between the Federal Republic and the Western sectors of Berlin, which is permitted by the 1971 agreement.

And I invite Mr. Gorbachev: Let us work to bring the Eastern and Western parts of the city closer together, so that all the inhabitants of all Berlin can enjoy the benefits that come with life in one of the great cities of the world.

To open Berlin still further to all Europe, East and West, let us expand the vital air access to this city, finding ways of making commercial air service to Berlin more convenient, more comfortable, and more economical. We look to the day when West Berlin can become one of the chief aviation hubs in all central Europe.

With our French and British partners, the United States is prepared to help bring international meetings to Berlin. It would be only fitting for Berlin to serve as the site of United Nations meetings, or world conferences on human rights and arms control or other issues that call for international cooperation.

There is no better way to establish hope for the future than to enlighten young minds, and we would be honored to sponsor summer youth exchanges, cultural events, and other programs for young Berliners from the East. Our French and British friends, I'm certain, will do the same. And it's my hope that an authority can be found in East Berlin to sponsor visits from young people of the Western sectors.

One final proposal, one close to my heart: Sport represents a source of enjoyment and ennoblement, and you may have noted that the Republic of Korea--South Korea--has offered to permit certain events of the 1988 Olympics to take place in the North. International sports competitions of all kinds could take place in both parts of this city. And what better way to demonstrate to the world the openness of this city than to offer in some future year to hold the Olympic games here in Berlin, East and West? In these four decades, as I have said, you Berliners have built a great city. You've done so in spite of threats--the Soviet attempts to impose the East-mark, the blockade. Today the city thrives in spite of the challenges implicit in the very presence of this wall. What keeps you here? Certainly there's a great deal to be said for your fortitude, for your defiant courage. But I believe there's something deeper, something that involves Berlin's whole look and feel and way of life--not mere sentiment. No one could live long in Berlin without being completely disabused of illusions. Something instead, that has seen the difficulties of life in Berlin but chose to accept them, that continues to build this good and proud city in contrast to a surrounding totalitarian presence that refuses to release human energies or aspirations. Something that speaks with a powerful voice of affirmation, that says yes to this city, yes to the future, yes to freedom. In a word, I would submit that what keeps you in Berlin is love--love both profound and abiding.

Perhaps this gets to the root of the matter, to the most fundamental distinction of all between East and West. The totalitarian world produces backwardness because it does such violence to the spirit, thwarting the human impulse to create, to enjoy, to worship. The totalitarian world finds even symbols of love and of worship an affront. Years ago, before the East Germans began rebuilding their churches, they erected a secular structure: the television tower at Alexander Platz. Virtually ever since, the authorities have been working to correct what they view as the tower's one major flaw, treating the glass sphere at the top with paints and chemicals of every kind. Yet even today when the sun strikes that sphere--that sphere that towers over all Berlin--the light makes the sign of the cross. There in Berlin, like the city itself, symbols of love, symbols of worship, cannot be suppressed.

As I looked out a moment ago from the Reichstag, that embodiment of German unity, I noticed words crudely spray-painted upon the wall, perhaps by a young Berliner: "This wall will fall. Beliefs become reality." Yes, across Europe, this wall will fall. For it cannot withstand faith; it cannot withstand truth. The wall cannot withstand freedom.

And I would like, before I close, to say one word. I have read, and I have been questioned since I've been here about certain demonstrations against my coming. And I would like to say just one thing, and to those who demonstrate so. I wonder if they have ever asked themselves that if they should have the kind of government they apparently seek, no one would ever be able to do what they're doing again.

Thank you and God bless you all.

Note: The President spoke at 2:20 p.m. at the Brandenburg Gate. In his opening remarks, he referred to West German Chancellor Helmut Kohl. Prior to his remarks, President Reagan met with West German President Richard von Weizsacker and the Governing Mayor of West Berlin Eberhard Diepgen at Schloss Bellevue, President Weizsacker's official residence in West Berlin. Following the meeting, President Reagan went to the Reichstag, where he viewed the Berlin Wall from the East Balcony.

The Boys of Pointe Du Hoc - President Ronald Reagan - June 6, 1984

2007-06-06T09:42:00.001-06:00

We're here to mark that day in history when the Allied armies joined in battle to reclaim this continent to liberty. For four long years, much of Europe had been under a terrible shadow. Free nations had fallen, Jews cried out in the camps, millions cried out for liberation. Europe was enslaved, and the world prayed for its rescue. Here, in Normandy, the rescue began. Here, the Allies stood and fought against tyranny, in a giant undertaking unparalleled in human history.
We stand on a lonely, windswept point on the northern shore of France. The air is soft, but forty years ago at this moment, the air was dense with smoke and the cries of men, and the air was filled with the crack of rifle fire and the roar of cannon. At dawn, on the morning of the 6th of June, 1944, 225 Rangers jumped off the British landing craft and ran to the bottom of these cliffs. Their mission was one of the most difficult and daring of the invasion: to climb these sheer and desolate cliffs and take out the enemy guns. The Allies had been told that some of the mightiest of these guns were here, and they would be trained on the beaches to stop the Allied advance.
The Rangers looked up and saw the enemy soldiers at the edge of the cliffs, shooting down at them with machine guns and throwing grenades. And the American Rangers began to climb. They shot rope ladders over the face of these cliffs and began to pull themselves up. When one Ranger fell, another would take his place. When one rope was cut, a Ranger would grab another and begin his climb again. They climbed, shot back, and held their footing. Soon, one by one, the Rangers pulled themselves over the top, and in seizing the firm land at the top of these cliffs, they began to seize back the continent of Europe. Two hundred and twenty-five came here. After two days of fighting, only ninety could still bear arms.
Behind me is a memorial that symbolizes the Ranger daggers that were thrust into the top of these cliffs. And before me are the men who put them here. These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc. These are the men who took the cliffs. These are the champions who helped free a continent. These are the heroes who helped end a war. Gentlemen, I look at you and I think of the words of Stephen Spender's poem. You are men who in your "lives fought for life and left the vivid air singed with your honor."
I think I know what you may be thinking right now -- thinking "we were just part of a bigger effort; everyone was brave that day." Well, everyone was. You remember the story of Bill Millin of the 51st Highlanders? Forty years ago today, British troops were pinned down near a bridge, waiting desperately for help. Suddenly, they heard the sound of bagpipes, and some thought they were dreaming. Well, they weren't. They looked up and saw Bill Millin with his bagpipes, leading the reinforcements and ignoring the smack of bullets into the ground around him.
Lord Lovat was with him -- Lord Lovat of Scotland, who calmly announced when he got to the bridge, "Sorry, I'm a few minutes late," as if he'd been delayed by a traffic jam, when in truth he'd just come form the bloody fighting on Sword Beach, which he and his men had just taken.
There was the impossible valor of the Poles who threw themselves between the enemy and the rest of Europe as the invasion took hold, and the unsurpassed courage of the Canadians who had already seen the horrors of war on this coast. They knew what awaited them there, but they would not be deterred. And once they hit Juno Beach, they never looked back.
All of these men were part of a roll call of honor with names that spoke of a pride as bright as the colors they bore; The Royal Winniped Rifles, Poland's 24th Lancers, the Royal Scots Fusiliers, the Screaming Eagles, the Yeomen of England's armored divisions, the forces of Free France, the Coast Guard's "Matchbox Fleet," and you, the American Rangers.
Forty summers have passed since the battle that you fought here. You were young the day you took these cliffs; some of you were hardly more than boys, with the deepest joys of life before you. Yet, you risked everything here. Why? Why did you do it? What impelled you to put aside the instinct for self-preservation and risk your lives to take these cliffs? What inspired all the men of the armies that met here? We look at you, and somehow we know the answer. It was faith and belief. It was loyalty and love.
The men of Normandy had faith that what they were doing was right, faith that they fought for all humanity, faith that a just God would grant them mercy on this beachhead, or on the next. It was the deep knowledge -- and pray God we have not lost it -- that there is a profound moral difference between the use of force for liberation and the use of force for conquest. You were here to liberate, not to conquer, and so you and those others did not doubt your cause. And you were right not to doubt.
You all knew that some things are worth dying for. One's country is worth dying for, and democracy is worth dying for, because it's the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man. All of you loved liberty. All of you were willing to fight tyranny, and you knew the people of your countries were behind you.
The Americans who fought here that morning knew word of the invasion was spreading through the darkness back home. They fought -- or felt in their hearts, though they couldn't know in fact, that in Georgia they were filling the churches at 4:00 am., in Kansas they were kneeling on their porches and praying, and in Philadelphia they were ringing the Liberty Bell.
Something else helped the men of D-day; their rock-hard belief that Providence would have a great hand in the events that would unfold here; that God was an ally in this great cause. And so, the night before the invasion, when Colonel Wolverton asked his parachute troops to kneel with him in prayer, he told them: Do not bow your heads, but look up so you can see God and ask His blessing in what we're about to do. Also, that night, General Matthew Ridgway on his cot, listening in the darkness for the promise God made to Joshua: "I will not fail thee nor forsake thee."
These are the things that impelled them; these are the things that shaped the unity of the Allies.
When the war was over, there were lives to be rebuilt and governments to be returned to the people. There were nations to be reborn. Above all, there was a new peace to be assured. These were huge and daunting tasks. But the Allies summoned strength from the faith, belief, loyalty, and love of those who fell here. They rebuilt a new Europe together. There was first a great reconciliation among those who had been enemies, all of whom had suffered so greatly. The United States did its part, creating the Marshall Plan to help rebuild our allies and our former enemies. The Marshall Plan led to the Atlantic alliance -- a great alliance that serves to this day as our shield for freedom, for prosperity, and for peace.
In spite of our great efforts and successes, not all that followed the end of the war was happy or planned. Some liberated countries were lost. The great sadness of this loss echoes down to our own time in the streets of Warsaw, Prague, and East Berlin. Soviet troops that came to the center of this continent did not leave when peace came. They're still there, uninvited, unwanted, unyielding, almost forty years after the war. Because of this, allied forces still stand on this continent. Today, as forty years ago, our armies are here for only one purpose: to protect and defend democracy. The only territories we hold are memorials like this one and graveyards where our heroes rest.
We in America have learned bitter lessons from two world wars. It is better to be here ready to protect the peace, than to take blind shelter across the sea, rushing to respond only after freedom is lost. We've learned that isolationism never was and never will be an acceptable response to tyrannical governments with an expansionist intent. But we try always to be prepared for peace, prepared to deter aggression, prepared to negotiate the reduction of arms, and yes, prepared to reach out again in the spirit of reconciliation. In truth, there is no reconciliation we would welcome more than a reconciliation with the Soviet Union, so, together, we can lessen the risks of war, now and forever.
It's fitting to remember here the great losses also suffered by the Russian people during World War II: 20 million perished, a terrible price that testifies to all the world the necessity of ending war. I tell you from my heart that we in the United States do not want war. We want to wipe from the face of the earth the terrible weapons that man now has in his hands. And I tell you, we are ready to seize that beachhead. We look for some sign from the Soviet Union that they are willing to move forward, that they share our desire and love for peace, and that they will give up the ways of conquest. There must be a changing there that will allow us to turn our hope into action.
We will pray forever that someday that changing will come. But for now, particularly today, it is good and fitting to renew our commitment to each other, to our freedom, and to the alliance that protects it.
We're bound today by what bound us 40 years ago, the same loyalties, traditions, and beliefs. We're bound by reality. The strength of America's allies is vital to the United States, and the American security guarantee is essential to the continued freedom of Europe's democracies. We were with you then; we are with you now. Your hopes are our hopes, and your destiny is our destiny.
Here, in this place where the West held together, let us make a vow to our dead. Let us show them by our actions that we understand what they died for. Let our actions say to them the words for which Matthew Ridgway listened: "I will not fail thee nor forsake thee."
Strengthened by their courage, heartened by their valor and borne by their memory, let us continue to stand for the ideals for which they lived and died.
Thank you very much, and God bless you all.

Ron Levine - Candidate for GOP Chair

2007-06-04T12:12:00.000-06:00

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

I will create a system that makes it easy for individuals of the general public to contribute specifically to the candidates of their choice to fundraise for our Republican candidates. Within that system on the internet and by telephone and in person and by mail, there will be an option for choosing 5% of that to be for general operating expenses of the Party. Knowing that their hard earned money goes where they want it to go to work for their causes and not against and not drained by mismanagement will do more to encourage contributions than anything else. People who contribute want to know that their contribution is used for their cause. They will!

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

No. We are rich with people who so love our Republican Party principles and want to reach out to those of the general public who identify with the Republican principles of our platform as they are the real political power being the voters as the ones who will elect their public servants that there will be plenty of volunteers. There will be so many people refreshed that they can have Utah Republican Party platform adherent candidates that they will contribute, campaign door-to-door, be a massive grass-roots Republican movement and volunteer in the Republican offices which is a job of passion and motivation to keep our Divinely inspired Constitutional republic form of representative self-government intact with freedom and prosperity for our posterity.

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

Our identity, as defined by our platform, is the party that can best keep The American Dream, our Land of Opportunity, alive. It's the key to wins of real Republicans, which will lead to more wins. In campaigning door-to-door I say for example: "Vote for Morgan Philpot our Republican candidate for State Representative." People say: "Why should I vote for a Republican -- they raise taxes and create bigger and more intrusive government!" The votes are there for real Republicans! Getting those votes is what I've been doing. Imagine how effective I will be at promoting our platform as our official spokesperson!

What is your vision for the Party? What role should/can the average delegate/activist have in the Party?

As our next chairman, things aren't what I say just because I say it. Instead, I will facilitate the rule of our precinct elected delegates and county delegate elected central committee members as the ruling authorities of our Party and creator of our Party documents. There won't be dissidents because we will hear all of our members. Let's have them speak! My loyalties are not to "high-ups" in our Republican Party. That's backwards! "Support The Republican Movement Within Our Republican Party" That’s my campaign slogan.

Please ask me questions and tell me your concerns. I will be responsive.

RonaldHLevine@aideq.com
Ronald H Levine
1042 E Fort Union Blvd #231
Midvale, Utah 84047-1800
801-566-2112 at work, but call after 5 P.M.

No, No, No

2007-06-02T16:16:00.000-06:00

SAY NO TO AMNESTY IN DISGUISE! Call your Congressmen and Senators. Tell them you do not support the Senate's "bipartisan immigration reform bill." Tell them you will not vote to reelect anyone who ties the issues of border enforcement and legalization together in one bill. Border enforcement first! When we as Americans verify over a number of years that this has been done, we can consider plans for those who have lived here illegally for several years.

How can President Bush talk about the "war on terror", but not secure our borders. If the borders are not secure, there can be no homeland security.

P.S. Any Utah Congressman that votes for amnesty will face a tough GOP Convention, and if Jim Matheson is as smart as I think he is, he will vote no.

Steve Harmsen - Utah GOP Chair Candidate

2007-05-27T14:51:00.001-06:00

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

2007-05-25T07:29:00.000-06:00

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

2007-05-24T14:11:00.000-06:00

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?

2007-05-23T16:56:00.000-06:00

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

2007-05-22T08:58:00.000-06:00

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!

2007-05-15T17:14:00.000-06:00

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

2007-05-15T13:37:00.000-06:00

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

2007-05-15T12:39:00.000-06:00

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

2007-05-14T14:26:00.000-06:00

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!

2007-05-12T14:53:00.000-06:00

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

2007-05-04T12:24:00.000-06:00

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

GO JAZZ

2007-05-04T11:56:00.000-06:00

One more win! Beat Houston!

Debate: Not Rocky and Hannity

2007-05-03T20:05:00.000-06:00

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!

2007-05-01T11:20:00.000-06:00

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.

What was so wrong about this?

2007-04-25T16:23:00.000-06:00

Rolly Broadside sinks the Black Pearl

Am I just naive? I thought a Pirate themed fundraiser was a clever idea tying into the new Pirates movie.

No action

2007-04-25T14:57:00.000-06:00

My sources tell me that the GOP at the Utah County Convention are going to completely ignore the breaking of the bylaws by Senate President John Valentine. This disappoints me, at least an admission of a mistake made would be helpful.

(http://utahconservative.blogspot.com/2006/12/president-valentine-breaks-gop-bylaws.html)

I can guarantee that had this been an opponent of Mr. Valentine, or the "Bramharts", action would be taken.

I guess the saying is right: "Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely" (An observation that a person’s sense of morality lessens as his or her power increases. The statement was made by Lord Acton, a British historian of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.)

Mitt has a point

2007-04-25T12:56:00.000-06:00

If there ever was a question about whether the presidential election is critical, just look at the events of the last few weeks.

Last week, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid came out with a bold, misguided statement. "The war is lost," he said, showing a lack of understanding of the fact that we won by taking out Saddam Hussein in the first phase of this war.

Imagine how different our nation would have been if, when the troops were having a tough time at Valley Forge, George Washington just said, "Well, we've lost." That is not the American way.

I'm afraid there are some Democrats who can't get the word victory or success out of their mouths. They see loss behind every corner, and instead of looking for our successes and our achievements, they are always looking for our losses.

(E-mail from the Mitt Romney campaign)

Rudy in Utah

2007-03-30T21:49:00.000-06:00

My 2000 Presidential Favorite makes an Endorsement

2007-03-28T11:50:00.001-06:00

Steve Forbes has endorsed Rudy Giuliani, and will serve as a nat'l campaign co-chair and senior policy adviser, Giuliani's camp announced today.

Forbes: "It is time the rest of the country benefit from a true fiscal conservative leader who gets real results"(release, 3/28).

Obama confused, Hillary Faltering

2007-03-27T10:27:00.000-06:00

Obama: Rookie Mistakes Plague Obama

Hillary: THE POLITICAL A TEAM FALTERS

An excellent legal opinion

2007-03-26T17:05:00.000-06:00

SLC Spin has done it again. Ethan has posted an excellent legal opinion on the Anti-School Choice movements flawed petition drive:

http://www.slcspin.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/cwltrgaryherbert3-16-07.pdf

A great Hatch quote!

2007-03-19T15:07:00.000-06:00

Think about that, bring them all out, redeploy them all by March 31, 2008...all United States Combat Forces from Iraq except for a limited number that are essential for the following purposes: 1. Protecting the United States and coalition personnel and infrastructure. How does that small contingency do that? 2. Training and equipping Iraqi forces. How does that small contingency do that? 3. Conducting target and counter-terrorism operations. My gosh, every one of them would be murdered right on the spot if we did not have enough people to take care of them. This is ridiculous!

Senator Orrin Hatch

Run Fred Run!

2007-03-15T20:12:00.000-06:00

With news that Fred Thompson is thinking about running for the President of the United States, I have to say that I would support him in a heartbeat.

For those who don't know him, here is a bio from Wikipedia:

Background
Born in Sheffield, Alabama, Thompson grew up attending the public schools in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. He first attended Florence State College and then Memphis State University where he earned an undergraduate degree in philosophy and political science in 1964. He received a J.D. degree from Vanderbilt University Law School in 1967. He was admitted to the Tennessee bar in 1967 and commenced the practice of law, serving as an assistant U.S. attorney from 1969–1972. He was the campaign manager for Senator Howard Baker's successful re-election campaign in 1972, which led to a close personal friendship with Baker, and he served as co-chief counsel to the Senate Watergate Committee in its investigation of the Watergate scandal, (1973–1974). He was responsible for Baker's asking one of the questions that is said to have led directly to the downfall of President Richard Nixon—"What did the President know, and when did he know it?" Also, Thompson's voice has become immortalized in recordings of the Watergate proceedings, asking the key question, "Mr. Butterfield, are you aware of the installation of any listening devices in the Oval Office of the President?"
In 1977, Thompson took on a Tennessee Parole Board case that ultimately toppled Tennessee Governor Ray Blanton from power on charges of selling pardons. The scandal became the subject of a book and a movie titled Marie (1985) in which Thompson played himself, supposedly because the producers were unable to find a professional actor who could play him plausibly. This film launched his acting career. Thompson would go on to appear as racist demagogue "Dr. Knox Pooley" in a story arc of the TV series Wiseguy (1988). He has also been in numerous feature films, including No Way Out (1987), The Hunt for Red October (1990), Cape Fear (1991), and In the Line of Fire (1993). A 1994 New York Times profile described his roles as ones that portray authority: "The glowering, hulking Mr. Thompson has played a White House chief of staff, a director of the Central Intelligence Agency, a highly placed F.B.I. agent, a rear admiral, even a senator. When Hollywood directors need someone who can personify governmental power, they often turn to him."[1]

[edit] Senate career
On November 8, 1994, Thompson was elected to the United States Senate to fill the unexpired portion of the term ending January 3, 1997, left vacant by the resignation of Al Gore, defeating six-term Democratic U.S. Representative Jim Cooper in a 61% to 39% landslide which represented the most votes anyone had ever received for a statewide office in Tennessee history up to that point. Thompson took the oath of office on December 2, 1994. Almost immediately upon his arrival in Washington, D.C. ("while I was still unpacking my boxes," as he put it), Thompson was selected by the Republicans to give a reply to a nationally-televised address by President Bill Clinton. This was no doubt due to his acting background, but many pundits saw this as an attempt to groom him for an even larger political role. Thompson was easily re-elected in 1996 for the term ending January 3, 2003 over Democratic attorney Houston Gordon of Covington, Tennessee by an even larger margin than that by which he had defeated Cooper two years earlier. His name was regularly mentioned in the year 2000 as a potential candidate for Vice President alongside the Republican Presidential nominee George W. Bush.

56% of Utahns Support School Choice According to New Survey

2007-03-11T17:11:00.000-06:00

From January 30, 2007.

A new survey commissioned by Parents for Choice in Education (PCE) and conducted by Western Wats shows strong support for school choice. When asked “Do you favor or oppose allowing students and parents to choose a school, public or private, to attend using public funds?” over 56% were in favor. This data underscores a recent Dan Jones/Deseret News poll showing increased numbers in favor of school choice.

Most significantly support for choice jumped to 67% for those with children in school; those who are consuming the service are the most interested in having more options. The survey also found that nearly 18% of households include individuals who are employed in the public education system. When their responses are removed, support for choice is 60%.

"It's obvious—parents want options,” said Elisa Peterson, PCE Executive Director. “Public education, despite offering their definition of "choice" within the system, can’t meet the full spectrum of needs that Utah children have. It’s only fair that we let parents choose the best education for their kids.”

The survey also revealed a surprising level of ignorance regarding in-state K-12 education spending. Over 50%, or 207 of 409 respondents believe that Utah is spending less than half of what is actually being spent per student per year (approximately $6,309*). When asked, less than 3% of those surveyed identified the correct amount (between $6,000-$7,000 ) highlighting that Utahns may know the price of groceries and gas but through no fault of their own, are solidly in the dark on education.

Want to read more? (http://choiceineducation.org/pressroom_press_releases_2007_jan_30.htm)

DON’T SIGN AWAY YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS!!

2007-03-10T11:57:00.000-07:00

DON’T SIGN AWAY

YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS!

Say NO to the Referendum Petition

BACKGROUND

In February, the Utah Legislature passed and Governor Jon Huntsman signed into law House Bill 148, the Parent Choice in Education Act. They believe this voucher program will provide valuable options to parents whose children aren’t succeeding in public schools. Equally important to them was a program that would not harm public education, and in fact, benefit public education.

BENEFITS OF PARENTAL CHOICE

1. Give parents more options to find the school that’s BEST for their family.

2. Leave more money for fewer students in the public school system. (a 2004 USU study showed a similar program would save the state over $1 BILLION in 13 years)

3. Make schools more accountable because they’ll have to answer to PARENTS & not just bureaucrats.

WHO’S BEHIND THIS ATTACK?

The aggressive drive to repeal the voucher program is led by the same groups who have always opposed parent-empowering reforms such as charter schools, tuition-tax credits, and performance pay for teachers. These groups include:

The national teachers union, the NEA
The Utah affiliate of the national teachers union, the UEA
The Utah Democratic Party
Other groups who support the education establishment and the status quo

No one should find this any more surprising than buggy manufacturers opposing Henry Ford.

WHY DO THEY OPPOSE PARENTAL CHOICE?

They say that vouchers will take money from public education.

Let’s take a look: The Legislature appropriated $9.2 million for the voucher program. They also appropriated $3.5 BILLION for public education. The public education system in Utah spends more than twice the amount allocated for vouchers every school day. Not only that, but vouchers allow the state to educate a child at 1/3 the cost of what would be spent on that same child in the public schools.

MAKE NO MISTAKE: THIS IS NOT ABOUT MONEY. IT’S ABOUT THE EDUCATION ESTABLISHMENT (DOMINATED BY A BIG UNION) MAINTAINING ABSOLUTE CONTROL OF A MONOPOLY. The $500 million in incremental funding the legislature provided for education this year is not as important as protecting that monopoly.

The Union extends the claim by saying that public dollars should not be used for private institutions. But wait a minute; can food stamps only be used in government grocery stores? Can Medicaid and Medicare benefits only be used in government hospitals? Once again their rhetoric reveals their real interest: retaining control of a monopoly.

WHO SUPPORTS INCREASED PARENTAL CHOICE?

We believe parents, not unions and bureaucrats, should have greater say in the education of our children. And we’re not the only ones – school choice is supported by the likes of Governor Huntsman, President Bush, Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, and Ronald Reagan.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO STOP THIS ATTACK ON PARENTAL CHOICE IN EDUCATION:

Don’t sign the petition.
Forward this email to everyone you know.
Print off this flyer and distribute it in your neighborhood and your kids’ schools. http://www.choiceineducation.org/documents/Anti-PetitionFlyer.pdf
REPORT ANY PETITION SIGNING ACTIVITIES THAT USE PUBLIC SCHOOL RESOURCES by emailing info@choiceineducation.org or calling (801) 532-1448.

E-mail from the Romney Camp

2007-03-06T16:11:00.000-07:00

A friend passed this on to me, and I think it highlights some positive press Mr. Romney got over the weekend.

Dear Friend, Congratulations!
As one of the early Team Mitt supporters, you are in good company. Team Mitt's growth has been astounding.
The more voters get to know Mitt Romney, the more energized they get about his candidacy. Just last week at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), one of the largest gatherings of conservative Republicans nationwide, Mitt spoke to a packed crowd, receiving a standing ovation. He went on to win the event's Straw poll, beating out Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Senator John McCain, and to receive accolades from the pundits and prognosticators across the country.
Where Mitt goes, new supporters follow, but he needs your help to keep building the momentum. On March 31st, just a few short weeks away, the candidates will be judged in an invisible primary, based on amount of contributions.
Will you help Mitt show the media and the country that he has what it takes to win? Please contribute $1,000, $500, $250, $100, or even $50 or $25 today. Don’t wait!After Mitt Romney’s CPAC speech, the LA Times’ Molly Hennessy-Fiske reported:
"Some who arrived at the conference undecided left with Romney campaign signs, including Margo Saule, 65, a horse breeder from Charlottesville, VA. Saule called Romney's speech 'straightforward,' saying 'I liked his convictions.'"
And the New York Times' Adam Nagourney reported:
"...Mr. Romney arrived to a much more subdued reception but left to a rousing roar of applause."
Mitt is changing minds and hearts, and he needs to have all the resources necessary to take his optimistic, pragmatic message straight to voters. Do you want to help?Then, there are two things you can do today: 1) Forward this message to everyone you know, asking them to join Team Mitt; and 2) Contribute whatever amount you can today to help Mitt make a big splash in the invisible primary – the fundraising deadline of March 31st. There are new signs every day that Mitt has the momentum. A recent poll of some of the Republican Party’s most politically active – the Republican National Committee’s members – showed a majority favor Mitt Romney for the Party’s nomination. Now, Mitt is counting on you to help him reach as many voters as possible with his message of strong, new leadership.

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS

2007-03-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

(Just like football!!!)

Congratulations to BYU's basketball team.

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS!!!

Jeter, Mantle, and Bush

2007-02-27T13:00:00.000-07:00

(www.nydailynews.com

Romney Trending down

2007-02-25T18:31:00.000-07:00

A month ago Mitt Romney's campaign was flying on all cylinders and doing well. Currently they have hit a bump in the road. Does that mean he will lose the GOP nomination? Not necessarily. Look at what happened to John Kerry in '04, he was written off as dead until he won in Iowa (some called it an upset).

The GOP traditionally doesn't make changes swiftly in the Presidential race. It is vital that Romney stay in the top-tier of candidates. In my opinion, as long as Speaker Gingrich stays out of the race, it is a three-man fight (McCain and Rudy are the others).

If Newt gets in, then he and Romney will duke it out for the 3rd spot.

My opinion, the momentum has shifted to Rudy. His poll numbers keep climbing, and as more "moderate" states move up their primary, he gets stronger and stronger. The other interesting thing to note is that McCain has been attacking Bush really strongly and his numbers have dropped. Is there a parallel, perhaps, but perhaps not.

Buckle up folks! We are in for a wild ride, and I haven't touched the Clinton-Obama fued.

BYU is ranked!!

2007-02-20T18:01:00.000-07:00

In the latest AP poll, BYU is #21, and #22 in the Coaches Poll.

Kudos to BYU!!!

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/rankingsindex

Majority of Americans want to win in Iraq

2007-02-20T15:53:00.000-07:00

A new national survey by Alexandria, VA-based Public Opinion Strategies (POS) shows the American people may have some different ideas from their elected leaders on this issue (Link)

Some Highlights - (tip to DrudgeReport)

By a 53 percent - 46 percent margin, respondents surveyed said that Democrats are going too far, too fast in pressing the President to withdraw troops from Iraq.
By identical 57 percent - 41 percent margins, voters agreed with these statements: I support finishing the job in Iraq, that is, keeping the troops there until the Iraqi government can maintain control and provide security and the Iraqi war is a key part of the global war on terrorism.
Also, by a 56 percent - 43 percent margin, voters agreed that even if they have concerns about his war policies, Americans should stand behind the President in Iraq because we are at war.

Please explain this stadium

2007-02-08T15:04:00.000-07:00

Why on Earth would the state want to have this stupid stadium built when the County already said it wouldn't work?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. PRESIDENT

2007-02-06T11:05:00.000-07:00

Today is the birthday of my political hero, and one of the greatest Presidents in U.S. History, Ronald Wilson Reagan.

" Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free."

"Freedom is one of the deepest and noblest aspirations of the human spirit."

"Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed there are many rewards, if you disgrace yourself you can always write a book."

"Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first."

"The government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it."

"The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'"

Attacking Wal-mart may be political suicide

2007-02-04T20:59:00.000-07:00

Wal-Mart gets 25,000 applications for Evergreen Park store

In Chicago there was a new Wal-Mart, and there were 325 positions. 25,000 applied. Can't be that bad of a place to work.

Message to BYU: Don't play Utah State

2007-02-03T19:18:00.000-07:00

It is time to get rid of the charity case of USU athletics off of BYU's schedule. Until they are willing to fully invest in their football program and basketball team, don't waste your time.

According to reports, BYU is willing to do a home-home-neutral game, but the babies up North don't want to. Who has Utah State played? NO ONE outside of their conference.

As a side note, Congratulations on the big win today. Hopefully BYU gets a tournament bid!!

Who killed the feed?

2007-02-02T12:02:00.000-07:00

So I was listening to the debate on the voucher bill through my laptop. All of the suddent I got a lady saying over and over, "The Legislature is not meeting at this time."

So who killed the feed?

Non-political news...

2007-02-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

...that makes me really happy!!

BRETT FAVRE WILL BE BACK NEXT YEAR!!

Once again, George Will is right

2007-02-02T11:24:00.000-07:00

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/31/AR2007013101809.html?sub=AR

My favorite part: “The public school lobby, which apparently has little confidence in its product, lives in fear of competition -- the fear that if parents' choices are expanded, there will be a flight from public schools". Isn't that what the whole issue is?

Can we get Will to run for President?

Some thoughts on voucher debate

2007-02-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

It appears that Rep. Sheryl Allen wants the schools in the state to never succeed. She called the public schools a Volkswagon. Is that all she wants the schools to be?

She claimed the voucher bill is a cadillac system. Well, I would rather have a Cadillac than a Volkswagon. Maybe Rep. Allen doesn't want my children to succeed, but I want them to get the best education possible.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

2007-01-29T12:13:00.000-07:00

OVER 100 POSTS and 12,000 VISITORS...

I hope it is not the same person visiting so many times in a day....

Thanks for your support, I can't find the exact day that I started this blog, but it was around this time of the year, so can I wish myself a happy birthday?

New Senate Site

2007-01-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

The Utah Senate Dems are responding with their own site: http://utahdemsenate.com/

As always, the Republicans are at: www.thesenatesite.com

YES!

2007-01-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

A voice of reason: Reach Upward has an excellent post on why all day kindergarten is bad. I agree. Why our wacky Governor is for this and educating the illegals at in-state prices is beyond me. Perhaps we now know he is a RINO, or a recovering DINO.

all-day-kindergarten-is-not-answer

Who will lead?

2007-01-22T15:53:00.000-07:00

It looks like the conservatives need to draft a decent candidate to take on Enid (from political spyglass):
Lampropoulos will not seek State GOP Helm

Big Deal

2007-01-22T15:48:00.000-07:00

I was reading an article in the Trib and on KSL.com (that came from the Trib) and began to think, big deal; who cares.

Freshman Rep Gives Legislative Salary to Schools

He donated his $4K salary to four schools' PTA organization. So what? I have donated money to various service organizations, why don't I get any recognition. Does this really matter? No.

It is quite funny to see the Democrats so excited about this, looking at his previous profession "He is retired from the oil-and-gas industry", made me wonder. Aren't all oil-and-gas people bad? That is what they say about Bush and Cheney, and additionally about the whole industry.

So Democrats, don't lump all employees of the oil-and-gas industry in one pile.

Evangelicals for Mitt respond

2007-01-12T13:44:00.000-07:00

An excellent letter:

http://www.evangelicalsformitt.org/massleaders/massleaders.pdf

Which begs the question, why isn't anyone going after McCain for his stances on issues? Why the free pass?

A MAJOR MILESTONE...

2006-12-31T14:48:00.000-07:00

...that I missed.

I was so busy with life that I didn't notice that the latest statistics show this blog to have had over 10,000 Visits and 19,000 page views.

This blog has given a little person like me the opportunity to express my opinions and views that would not be able to be expressed otherwise.

I appreciate all my loyal readers and the tons of encouraging e-mails I receive.

I will be leaving town for some time, and will not be able to respond to anything until I return.

Cheers,
Utah Conservative

Will Utah County get the transportation funding it deserves?

2006-12-30T11:45:00.000-07:00

After helping Salt Lake rebuild I-15, it is imperative that the favor be returned and the reconstruction of I-15 in Utah County be moved along. Hopefully with the leadership of the Senate from Utah County, the funding will happen.

For those policy people, does the transportation proposal that was passed in November help Utah County do this, or is it strictly mass transit?

The Importance of Blogging

2006-12-28T12:36:00.000-07:00

The Daily Herald had an interesting article about lawmakers and their use of blogging. Article

Some interesting tidbits:

"I think what I really want to create is an image out there that we're human
beings. Although we have some awesome responsibilities, we each bring with it
our own personal background and life experiences," said Sen. Lyle Hillyard,
R-Logan.

Regardless, by the time the 2006 legislative session was over, the Senate Site became a must read for lawmakers, lobbyists and journalists. The site now gets
up to 4,000 hits a day. (to visit this site, go to www.senatesite.com)

Perhaps one of the best blogs is Representative Craig Frank's, www.underthedome.org.

As the House and the Senate begin to bicker over taxes, funding, etc. it is interesting to read these accounts on the blogs.

P.S. Senators, please be open to the tax cuts proposed by the House, tax cuts are good.

The Mitt Romney Deception

2006-12-18T21:40:00.000-07:00

There is a great analysis of old comments that Mitt Romney made while he ran for the Senate and as Guv of Mass.

The Mitt Romney Deception

Let me quote a few instances:

"Romney ran against Senator Edward M. Kennedy in 1994. During a debate, Romney declared: 'I believe that abortion should be safe and legal in this country. I have since the time that my mom took that position when she ran in 1970 as a US Senate candidate. I believe that since Roe v. Wade has been the law for 20 years we should sustain and support it.' "(NOTE: Romney has supported abortion since before the 1972 Roe v. Wade ruling!)- Boston Globe, 3/2/2006

In 2002, Romney responded to the National Abortion Rights Action League's candidate survey: ''I respect and will protect a woman's right to choose. This choice is a deeply personal one. Women should be free to choose based on their own beliefs, not mine and not the government's. The truth is, no candidate in the governor's race in either party would deny women abortion rights." Notably, Romney refused to answer the candidate questionnaire sent to him by Massachusetts Citizens for Life.- Boston Globe, 7/3/2005

"In seeking the support of the Log Cabin Republican Club, Romney wrote them a letter promising that 'as we seek to establish full equality for America's gay and lesbian citizens, I will provide more effective leadership than my opponent.' " [His opponent at the time was Sen. Ted Kennedy, perhaps the foremost advocate of homosexual rights in the U.S. Senate.] - Boston Globe, 10/17/1994

And finally, The infamous Gay Letter

I cancelled my subscription

2006-12-11T10:03:00.000-07:00

Have you?

Cannon to be editor of Morning News

A wise choice

2006-12-07T16:21:00.000-07:00

Rolly is reporting that Steve Urquhart is the new rules chair! What a wise choice!

A Great Cause...

2006-12-05T16:13:00.001-07:00

That Republicans and Democrats can agree on:

http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html

State Legislature Hall of Fame

2006-12-04T19:33:00.000-07:00

Well, they did it again. The Republican controlled Legislature has deemed it necessary to try to spend more of our hard earned money. This time to the tune of about $6 million dollars for an election to elect one Congressman (admit it, our three current ones would win again).

However, there is a bright point of some brave legislators who voted against this stupid idea.

I present the 2006 December Special Session Hall of Fame:
Senators:
Bell
Peterson
Stephenson
Waddoups
Representatives:
Adams
Dayton
Hardy
Morley
Barrus
Ferrin
Hendrickson
Oda
Buttars
Fisher, Julie
Johnson, B.
Ure
Buxton
Frank
Kiser
Wyatt
Cox, D.
Gowans
Morgan

*Note: Perhaps the Legislature should spend that $6 million on expanding the parking garage and naming it the Greg Curtis Political Graveyard Parking Wing.

President Valentine breaks GOP bylaws

2006-12-01T14:18:00.000-07:00

Members of the Granite School District received the following e-mail:

Dear fellow board members, I met with Senator John Valentine last Monday and among other things he asked me to contact the board members in your district 12 to vote for Democrat Brent Goodfellow over Republican Christy Achziger. He said that Brent would help us out and Christy would be intertwined so much with Margaret Dayton that it would head the Senate down a path he does not want to go. I hope this helps . Thanks for all you do. JoDee Sundberg - Alpine School District

This is a clear violation of the GOP bylaws by Senator Valentine. The bylaws state:

After the Utah County Republican Party has a nominee, any elected office holder or candidate who supports (i.e. money or in-kind contributions, posting signs, public endorsements, etc.) or runs as a non-Republican Party candidate will be ineligible to run as a Republican during the next election cycle for any Utah County Republican Party office or partisan elected office nominated by the Utah County Republican Party. (http://www.utahgop.org/documents/2005_Bylaws_as_amended_April_30_2005.pdf)

So, are the County GOP leadership finally going to get a backbone and follow the bylaws? John Valentine should not be eligible to run for office next cycle as a Republican. I strongly urge the GOP to follow their own rules!! Additionally JoDee Sundberg, Alpine School District President, endorsed the Democrat as well; and she is a GOP delegate. Although the bylaws do not prohibt a delegate from openly endorsing a Democrat, it is bad form.

Seems The Romney Fans missed this one

2006-11-30T14:51:00.000-07:00

Will it sink the Romney campaign? I just have a hard time seeing him win in the South.

Romney spinning right after turning to the left
Joan Vennochi, THE BOSTON GLOBE

Take Romney's war on gay marriage in Massachusetts. The governor is asking the state's highest court to force a referendum on a proposed amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman.
Obviously, Romney is laboring hard to establish his social-conservative credentials for upcoming Republican primaries.
But, as a recent opinion piece in Bay Windows, New England's largest publication for lesbians and gays, noted, "Anyone thinking of supporting Romney's bid for president because of his socially conservative views on gay people should know a few things about the governor."
Among the items writer Susan Ryan-Vollmar notes: When he ran against Ted Kennedy for the Senate in 1994, Romney wrote a letter to the Massachusetts Log Cabin Club, pledging that as "we seek to establish full equality for American gay and lesbian citizens, I will provide more effective leadership than my opponent." During that same campaign, Romney was accused of once describing gay people as "perverse." In response, Romney's campaign vehemently denied he used the word "perverse" and said he respected "all people regardless of their race, creed, or sexual orientation."
While running for governor in 2002, Romney and his running mate, Kerry Healey, distributed pink fliers at a Gay Pride parade, declaring "Mitt and Kerry wish you a great Pride weekend." He backed domestic partner benefits for public employees. In his inaugural speech, he promised to defend civil rights "regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or race."
As governor, he appointed openly gay and lesbian people to high-profile administration positions. He doubled the budget line item for the Governor's Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth, until he tried to disband it last May.
I have said numerous times that Romney is not my first choice for the GOP nod. I am beginning to wonder if Utah Policy Daily should be called, "Mitt Romney Campaign Central Newsletter." Romney's flips will hurt him with the social conservatives. McCain and Guiliani aren't social conservatives, but I like Rudy because I at least know where he stands.

Why waste our time?

2006-11-29T19:42:00.000-07:00

Taken from the great Senate Site:
Responding to requests, opinions and information gathered at the public hearings, the Redistricting Committee has morphed the plan formerly known as J into a new Map L.The new map refines Map J in the following areas:
Changes the Second District boundary to encompass Snyderville Basin (just over 7000 people), so they can vote with their neighbors in Park City. Several people at the public hearing in Park City requested this.
Makes Morgan County (about 7000 people) part of the Third District.
Includes the City of Eureka in the Third District.
Puts North Salt Lake in the Second District but keeps Bountiful in the First.
Adjusts the lines in South Salt Lake County in such a way that the population of the four congressional districts are in exact balance. Each congressional district will have an equal population of 558,292, with the exception of District One, which will have a population of 558,293.

Ok, here is my problem with all of this. First, it is known that I don't think D.C. should get a representative. Second, why not wait until 2008? Is it that big of a deal? Third, why all the outrage over the gerrymandering going on? Look at Greg Curtis' district in 2000 and 2002. There is a chunk missing, guess who lives there: Patrick Henry Hansen. The man who challenged Curtis in 2000, and should have won. He would have saved many problems Utah has had with the inept leadership of Czar Curtis.

GO BYU!

2006-11-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

BYU 33 Utah 31. ENOUGH SAID!!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2006-11-22T12:15:00.000-07:00

It is a good time to pause and reflect:

In the middle of the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln, prompted by a series of editorials written by Sarah Josepha Hale, proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day, to be celebrated on the final Thursday in November 1863:
"The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom.
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-eighth."
Proclamation of President Abraham Lincoln, 3 October 1863 (SOURCE:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving#F.D._Roosevelt_to_present)

No, No, No

2006-11-21T13:34:00.000-07:00

According to Rolly's blog, "A petition drive has begun among the Utah Republican faithful to draft Enid Greene to run for party chairman next summer. Greene currently is the acting state chairman, filling in for Joe Cannon, who resigned just after the election with about nine months left on his term. She has said she wants to fill the rest of Cannon's term and finish "the good job he has done" over the past five years. But she also said she probably wasn't interested in running for chair for the next two-year term."

Does anyone remember what a terrible job she did running the state convention? She was such an elitist. I strongly support Tim Bridgewater for the job. Please Tim, save us from ourselves!

Happy Electioneering!!

2006-11-05T08:13:00.000-07:00

I am off for a few days. Please get to know the issues and candidates and then vote!!

I'll be back later in the week!

A great letter

2006-11-01T21:21:00.000-07:00

Well, I am not the only Republican supporting McGarr against the RINO Sandstrom.

http://www.mcgarr4godfamilycountry.com/images/Ferrin%20to%20Republicans%20high%20res.pdf

Send a message, we support good candidates regardless of party!!!

Davis County Commission Seat A

2006-10-30T20:33:00.000-07:00

Here is a great video that was sent to me of answers to questions for Davis County Commission Seat A. I personally like Rob Miller in this race.

http://www.standard.net/ASP/ElectionVideos/seata.html

Cannon

2006-10-28T20:21:00.000-06:00

OneUtah was wanting to know who had endorsed Cannon in Utah. Well, I like the Constitution Party's radio ads, but I will stick with Cannon. So here is one Utahn who will vote for him.

Set the record straight - Sandstrom

2006-10-27T12:55:00.000-06:00

I guess I really got under Mr. Sandstrom's skin, so here is a chance for him to respond, an open letter:

Dear Mr. Sandstrom,

A few days ago I endorsed your opponent in the following post:
District 58: Ed McGarr (Cons), Stephen Sandstrom disappoints me by not paying taxes on time and not allowing Orem residents the choice in creating a greater, smaller school district.

You responded by stating:
I am disappointed that Utah Conservative listens to rhetoric and wouldn't endorse a conservative Republican for Dist. 58 The entire tax issue has been resolved. This all happened without my knowledge and once I was aware of the situation I handled it. Of course, it took time to deal with the IRS. I wish I could have resolved it quicker. To date, Approx. 75% of the back taxes has been paid and I have an agreement in place with the IRS for the remaining balance. (I can show you proof if you like.) Although this entire situation was caused by a bookeeper without my knowledge, I am proud of the fact that I have stepped up to the plate and resolved it honestly. Believe me, I have learned a hard lesson that will not happen again.
As far as the district split goes, the reason I voted NO was because the Cox legislation was a poor piece of legislation. It would have been a legal and financial nightmare without some changes to the law. I am 100% committed to working on legislation to resolve the many problems with the current law, so that district splits can be handled properly and without legal issues. I will be working with Rep. Brad Daw on this legislation.
Last but not least, I am certain that you will find me to be one of the MOST conservative legislators on the hill. Just watch me and the legislation that I sponsor and support. I gurantee that you will be heaping accolades abundantly for me.
Sincerely,Stephen SandstromRepublican Candidate - District 58

Well Mr. Sandstrom, you admit that you are delinquent in your patment of taxes. We all wish you would have paid it back sooner, but you chose not to. You have not resolved this issue until you have paid back everything, so you are still on deck: not stepping up.

I do want to give you an opportunity to come clean about the Alpine School District vote. I have learned that this upcoming bond and leeway vote is very important to you because you are the potential architect for the building of one of the new schools. How do you say "conflict of interest"? I think this is a clear example of a conflict of interest. You will profit by this and used YOUR VOTE in ensuring this. I wish I could serve in a legislative body and profit off of it, but that would be unethical.

Come clean Sandstrom, if this is true I urge you to drop out of the race for the best interest of the State and resigning your seat on the Orem Council for not declaring this conflict of interest. The citizens of Orem deserve better.

Utah Conservative and other concerned Utah Citizens.