By Lisa Johnson
Democratic Candidate for House District 51
In a recent interview with the Ogden Standard Examiner, Senator Bob Bennett made some surprising statements about the Utah Democratic Party and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Our Junior U.S. Senator stated:
- that Utah Democrats have become “the anti-Mormon party”;
- that the Utah Democratic Party has “chased away Mormon moderates and is now a party of extremists.”
- that “The Democrats can’t bring themselves to have a big enough tent.”
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a member of the Democratic Party, I was shocked by these statements. They do not at all reflect my experience.
I decided a while back that, in accordance with my church’s admonition, I should get more involved in local politics by attending neighborhood precinct caucuses. The local Republican caucuses were well-publicized, but were also closed to nonmembers. I looked up the location of the Democratic meeting and attended. I found the group to be very welcoming, and noticed that everyone had an opportunity to participate in a meaningful way. The group was diverse (by Draper/Sandy standards) and sincere in its desire to influence our community for good. As my association with the Democratic party has grown, I have found it to be very supportive of my Christian values.
As a candidate for State House of Representatives, I have had the opportunity to meet and associate with many Utah Democrats. Although we don’t all agree on everything, I have found my fellow Democrats to be friendly, accepting, encouraging, and supportive. At no time have I felt that my membership in the LDS church was a problem. Nor have I ever felt pressured to compromise my religious convictions. I sincerely hope that I have never made anyone else feel uncomfortable because of his or her beliefs. I’m happy to say that my supporters include people of many faiths and varying political backgrounds as well. Contrary to what Senator Bennett believes, people in my area have found me to be a moderate alternative to the extremist Republicans who now hold office.
If Senator Bennett would like to learn more about Utah Democrats, I invite him to come meet some of us for himself. Our caucuses—from the neighborhood to the legislature—are open, as is the door to our big tent. Come on in and take a peek.
4 comments:
I was really surprised and disappointed to hear Senator Bennett say that about Utah Democrats.
Good grief; Extremists about what?
Giving people food? Bennett must
be blowing his false intel; He
could have nothing but my contempt.
So - What? The Proof is in the pudding -- and we've seen from
this divisiveness a sense of disregard
for the folks who constitute the
commonground of the party.
Which extremists are there;
the Ford Foundation? Hm -
haven't seen their local
arm yet - hope not to!
God Bless & God Speed!
-David
Senator Bennet's comments say more about himself than they do about the Utah Democratic Party. Over his many years as Utah's "junior" Senator, he has drifted further and further from the average Utah voter.
He is clearly defensive about the fact that the Utah Republicans have become the "Mormons Only" party. Grow up Bob!! When will Mormon Republicans stop alienating LDS Democrats.
There is a great yahoo group called LDS-left for LDS democrats. check it out.
Senator Bennet's comments say more about himself than they do about the Utah Democratic Party. Over his many years as Utah's "junior" Senator, he has drifted further and further from the average Utah voter.
He is clearly defensive about the fact that the Utah Republicans have become the "Mormons Only" party. Grow up Bob!! When will Mormon Republicans stop alienating LDS Democrats.
There is a great yahoo group called LDS-left for LDS democrats. check it out.
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