WHAT ARE YOU GUYS AFRAID OF?

A televised debate was scheduled for tomorrow night in Richfield, Utah between 3rd District Republican candidates, Chris Cannon and John Jacob, and Democrat Christian Burridge.

Once Rep. Cannon discovered that Democrat Christian Burridge was to be included in the debate he had a staff member call the station representative several times in an attempt to discourage the station from allowing Christian's participation in the debate. When the station expressed that it was the will of the local people to include candidate Christian Burridge, Rep. Cannon suddenly decided that he had a "scheduling conflict".

When John Jacob heard that Cannon would not be attending the debate he told the station rep. that it would be presumptuous on his part to assume that he would be the Republican nominee, and as such it would be improper to debate candidate Burridge. It was Jacob's opinion that there should be two separate interviews held instead of the debate.

Here is my first question; how can we express confidence in these two Republican candidates to stand up and fight for Utahns in Washington, DC when they are too scared to debate their local Democratic opponent in Richfield, Utah? The answer is quite simply, we cannot.

Let me ask another important question: WHAT ARE YOU GUYS AFRAID OF?

This answer is easy; YOU MUST BE AFRAID OF A BETTER MAN! A man who has energy, optimism, and who espouses new ideas. A man who will represent the Utahns who will elect, and put their trust in him. A man who isn't afraid to take his opponents on, anywhere, and anytime.

Unfortunately for the Utah Republican Party, energy, optimism, and ideology is dead in this race. Just look at the two Republican candidates running for this seat. Two millionaires who ultimately believe that they can buy their way into office. How unfortunate is this for the citizens of Utah's Third District. In reality, the Republican Party has become a rich man's game. It no longer has anything to do with public service, good government, fiscal responsibility, or putting Utah citizens first.

John Jacob said that all he needs to do is show Utahns that he can be a congressman. Cannon on the other hand must feel that he can ignore the fact that the Democrats have provided a qualified candidate. What Democrats understand is that the good citizens of Utah are looking for someone who is real, someone who inspires hope, someone who inspires courage. What they are looking for is Democrat Christian Burridge.

Christian and I will be driving to Richfield tomorrow. We will be there for the debate. We challenge Rep. Cannon and Mr. Jacob to do the right thing, and show up. The citizens of the Third District deserve nothing less.

Watch for more on this story on The Utah Amicus.

What's in the Water?

Here is a photo sent to me by Christian Burridge that was taken at last weekend's Scandinavian Festival in Ephraim, Utah.

Knowing that both Pete and Christian are native Utahns makes me wonder what is in the water?

Thanks Christian for sending this fun photo to The Utah Amicus.

District 68 Candidate Kim Christison Blog Announcement

Candidate for the House, District 68, Kim Christison not only has a great website but is also providing voters with a new blog.

To view his website click here.

To view his blog click here.

Scandinavian Festival Report

It's been at least 12 years since the Sanpete Democrats have been as active as they were for the Scandinavian Festival in Ephraim on Friday and Saturday. We had the best float in the parade: a pontoon boat festooned with about everything red, white, and blue imaginable. We went through 40 lbs. of candy and ran out two blocks before the parade ended so we threw out the last of our bottled water supply. Our booth looked great and attracted many people over the two days it was up--and sometimes down because of wind but not for long.

Participating were three democrats for Sanpete county offices, me for District 68, Christian for Congress, and Pete for the Senate. Not to be out done, John Jacob and Chris Cannon were there too--no floats--and they looked scared as they peered out from

their booths and then went home early. We stayed till the end.

Dr. Kim Christison
Candidate House District 68
kimch@snow.edu

Christian Burridge "Nomination Celebration!"

Democratic Congressional Candidate for Utah's 3rd District, Christian Burridge, held a "Nomination Celebration" at his home last Friday.

His House

The food was great as Christian spared no expense in bringing in a professional burger and dog man.

Travis Wood arrived early

As did Katie, and


Wayne Holland, Jr., plus many other great people. When I first arrived the winds were strong and the sky was dark, but a small miracle occurred allowing all who attended the opportunity to enjoy each other
Cheese!

Chris Palmer's (the hat guy) family and friends

Who let this guy in? He looks Scottish!

She's a little bit Country

And these guys are definitely Rock N' Roll!

Little Alma Burridge fell down, but I picked her up quickly because that's what Democrats do, we carry each other

Thanks for coming

The End!

Photo Essay of Mexican President Vicente Fox's Visit to the Utah Legislature

Mexican President Vicente Fox with Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr.

Utah Democratic Chair, Wayne Holland, Jr., and Utah's Attorney General, Mark Shurtliff

"Which way do we go?"

Utah's First Lady, Kay Huntsman with Mexico's First Lady, Marta Sahagun

Utah's Highway Patrol secures the area with a smile

Mark Shurtliff, Wayne Holland, and State Democratic Party Secretary, M. Xavier Hermosillo walk together to the House Chamber

Bystanders, Press, and...

Minutemen

President Fox's entourage enters the Utah House Chamber

El Presidente has left the building!

Senator Brent Goodfellow, Wayne Holland, and Senator Mike Dmitrich

Rep. Bud Bowman and Senator Mike Dmitrich

"Surprise!" Senators Ed Mayne and Karen Hale

Channel 5 news reporter, Jon Daley and crew member

Rep. Curt Oda with Utah State Democratic Vice Chair, Rob Miller (me)

M. Xavier Hermosillo with Utah State Democratic Hispanic Caucus Chair, Tony Yapias

Latin America is Armed and Dangerous!

Thanks to Bob Aagard's, The World, According To Me I am now certain that the time has come to reinstate the draft! Click here to watch a video prepared by Bob, with some help from our future former Senator from Utah.

Pete Ashdown's Memorial Weekend Update

This weekend I am headed to Ephraim in San Pete County for their Scandinavian Days Festival. The Blue Eagle will be driving in the parade tomorrow morning. I know that my wireless Internet works in San Pete, so I am scheduling a chat session for tonight, May 26th, at 8:00.

Details on online chat participation are available here:

Starting next Tuesday, I will be speaking at open houses sponsored by the Salt Lake County Senior Centers. There are also a couple of open "Meet & Greets". Please check the calendar for these events.

I promised in my speech to the Democratic Veterans Caucus last fall that if Senator Hatch and the Federal Government didn't repair the damage to the veteran graves in the cemetery, I would. Nothing has happened on the Federal side, so I will be keeping my promise. Please let the campaign know if you are interested in helping. We are trying to get permission to do this in the next couple of weeks.

Join me in remembering the contributions and sacrifice that Americans have made to our country. Have a safe and happy memorial day weekend.

UTAH STATE DEMOCRATIC PARTY
NEWS RELEASE
Utah Democratic Party, Democratic State House and Senate Members and Democratic Candidates Respond To Failed, Arrogant and Irresponsible Leadership in Utah's Legislature.

Wednesday's special session of the legislature would have had a different outcome on at least one important issue if Democrats had been in the majority.

The Democrats listed below pledge that they would have appropriated a full restoration of funds needed to restore dental benefits to blind, aged and disabled Utahns who cannot otherwise afford such care.

It is frustrating to know that in this time of plenty, when the state of Utah had surpluses in excess of $1 billion that we won’t take care of the neediest in our community. The Republican Legislature's failure to vote on basic health care for the poorest among us sorely disappointed the citizens of Utah. Providing the extra Medicaid funds is the right and moral thing to do.

Governor Huntsman did the right thing by putting the item on the special session Call and was able to find the funds within the current Health Department budget. But on party line votes — Republicans opposing the spending, Democrats for it — the $2 million bill was defeated without even letting it be voted on the floor of either chamber.

The Republican infighting was about politics, not serving the interest of our people. We need legislators who stand up for Utah and not their own political interests. Not only was their action a failure on humanitarian grounds, it was a return to backroom deal-making and the lack of courage to allow a floor debate.

The idea that the legislators’ failure to vote helps them avoids criticism for a "no" vote is misguided. We know who is responsible. The absence of a vote is a "no" vote because it has the same effect.

The failed Republican leadership in the Legislature revealed a party at odds with our Governor and with the majority of Utah's citizens. Infighting and power struggles resulted in arrogance and a lack of character to do the right thing. Hiding behind Committee votes without the transparency of a rightful floor debate and a full disclosure of the vote is an act of cowardice. This failure to Stand for Something demonstrates that GOP leadership has lost touch with shared values and common decency of Utah citizens. It serves clear notice that Utah needs change, or the future will only bring more of the same.

The election of Democratic Party candidates this November is an opportunity to assure that the values and morals of our state and its citizens will honored and that the elderly and less fortunate will not be minimized in such an insensitive and mean spirited manner. The fine people of our state deserve better than to be embarrassed by a lack of courage and leadership. The Utah legislature needs change in the upcoming election. Without change, we will only get more of the same. The choice is clear. Utah deserves better.

Signatories
Senators and Senate Candidates by District

1 Fife, Fred
2 McCoy, Scott
3 Davis, Gene
4 Jones, Patricia W.
5 Mayne, Ed
7 Romero, Ross I.
9 Beck, Trisha S.
11 Ford, Adam Douglas
12 Goodfellow, Brent H.
15 Newby, Bethanie
17 Douglas, Arthur L.
21 Mortimer, Anita
22 Rowland, Dave
24 Foutz, Don
26 Uresk, Roland
27 Dmitrich, Mike
28 Hollingshead, Emily Bingham

Representatives and House Candidates by District

1 Fridal, Roger G.
3 Howell, Stuart W.
4 Lundberg, Sara
5 Marychild, Suzanne
6 Jones, Rick F.
8 Alvord, Trenet
8 Frandsen, Matt
9 Hansen, Neil A.
10 Shurtliff, LaWanna "Lou"
11 Wood, Jason J.
12 Swan, Kay T.
14 Abel, Laurence Elliott
15 Butters, Amy Baker
16 Wilcox , Karen
17 Sadler, Robert (Bob)
18 Mortimer, George A.
19 Watson, Richard J.
20 Holbrook, Beth
21 Gowans, James R. (Jim)
22 Duckworth, Carl William
23 Seelig, Jen
24 Becker, Ralph
25 Ewing, Josh
25 Johnson, Christine "Chris"
26 Litvack, David
27 Rice-Macfarland, Elizabeth Ann
28 McGee, Roz
29 Fisher, Janice,
30 Biskupski, Jackie
31 Wiley, Larry Bruce
32 Lee, Michael
33 Hendrickson, Neal B.
34 Tomassian, Philip
35 Wheatley, Mark A.
36 Riesen, Phil
37 Moss, Carol Spackman
38 McDowell, Chuck
39 Hammond, Mary K.
40 Hemingway, Lynn
42 Springer, Norman L.
44 Cosgrove, Tim M.
45 Black, Laura
46 Morgan, Karen W.
47 Bickmore, Steven T.
48 Gustafson, Eric G.
49 Seegmiller, F. Jay
51 Johnson, Lisa M.
52 Spencer, Ian C.
53 Bonham, Laura
54 Drew, Daniel
60 Lalone, Edward L.
68 Christison, Kim
69 King, Brad
71 Smith, Colt
72 Daniel, Lawrence
75 Miller, Don L.

NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DAVIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the Board of Davis County Commissioners, Farmington, Utah, will hold a commission meeting in room 126 at the Memorial Courthouse Building in Farmington, Utah, commencing at 10:00 a.m. on May 30, 2006.

10:00 Agreement with Diebold Election Systems – Sublicense of Software

Agreement with Seiver County – Loan of Voting Machines

Pat Beckstead, Davis County Election Coordinator, Davis County Clerk/Auditor Office

10:05 Agreement with Utah Department of Health – Funding for Cluster 3 Programs of State Contract

Amendment with Utah Department of Health for MRC Development – Date Change

Agreement with Spectrum Home Services – SLC for In-Home Services for Medicaid Clients

Lewis Garrett, Davis County Health Director

10:10 A & J Roofing, LLC – Golden Years Senior Center in Bountiful for Re-roof

Marshall Scott, Davis County Facilities Management Director

10:15 Agreement with Davis County Sheriff Employee’s Association – Provide Vending Machine Stocking Services

Roger Anderson, Chief Deputy Davis County Sheriff Office

10:20 Agreement with Ream’s Boots & Jeans – Sponsorship for Davis County 2006 Fair

Agreement with eCash ATM – Provide ATM Services at the 2006 County Fair

Curtis Koch, Davis County Fair Events Coordinator

10:25 Application with Indigent Capital Defense Trust Fund – Defense of Robert Houston

Agreement with Lincoln Title Insurance – Copies of Abstracts from 1979 through 1984

Agreement with the State of Utah for CDBG Grant for Family Connection Center

Subcontract for Pass thru Funds for the Family Connection Center

Agreement with the State of Utah for CDBG Grant for Safe Harbor

Subcontract for Pass thru Funds for Safe Harbor

Steve Rawlings, Davis County Clerk/Auditor

10:30 Agreement with Centerville City – Sale of Tax Parcel Ownership Plats

10:35 Amendment with South Davis Metro Fire District to Change Terms from 5 Years to 25 Years

10:45 Monetary Donation to the Arts from Davis County Gala 2005 Funds

Agreement with GSBS Architecture Firm – Davis Conference Center Expansion Design Work

Kent Sulser, Davis County Community and Economic Development

10:50 Budget Changes – 2005 Audit/Jonathan Lee, Chief Deputy Finance, Davis County Clerk/Auditor Office

10:55 Property Tax Register

11:00 Minutes Personnel Register

Check Registers Miscellaneous

May 26, 2006

By: Linda May, Manager

Commissioner Office Manager

Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations during this meeting should notify Linda May, Davis County Commission Office, at 451-3200 prior to the meeting.

I'll be there Davis County Citizens. Let's Talk. 801-706-6203

Not A Very Special Session

By Todd Taylor
Executive Director,
Utah Democratic Party

It is frustrating to know that in a time of plenty, when the State of Utah has had surpluses in excess of $1 billion, that we won’t take care of the neediest in our community.

The Republican Legislature's failure yesterday to vote on basic health care for the poorest of us sorely disappointed the citizens of Utah. Providing the extra Medicaid funds is the right and moral thing to do.

Governor Huntsman did the right thing by putting the item on the special session Call and was able to find the funds within the current Health Department budget. But on party line votes — Republicans opposing the spending, Democrats for it — the $2 million bill was defeated without even letting it be voted on the floor of either chamber.

The Republican infighting was about their internal politics, not serving the interest of our people. Not only was their action a failure on humanitarian grounds, it was a return to backroom deal-making and showed lack of courage to allow a floor debate.

The idea that the legislators' failure to vote helps them avoid criticism for a "no" vote is misguided. We know who is responsible. The absence of a vote is a "no" vote because it has the same effect.

Bob Van Velkinburgh Says: "I'm as mad as hell...!"

"I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!" These are th words of the character, Howard Beale, in the 1976 movie, Network. Howard was upset with the turn of world and national events as all Utahn should be with our lawmakers over their recent actions. They decided to build a $15 million garage for themselves and not even debate a $2 million emergency funding bill giving critical dental care for 40,000 elderly, blind and disabled Utah human beings.

One reason given by Senate President John Valentine, was, "There's no need to debate a bill that's going to fail." What arrogance! The Senator knows it's going to fail because he is going to make sure it does.

Investing $2 million in state funds would have garnered $5 million more in federal funds. John, what were you thinking? Were you mad at the Governor and wanted to perform another one of those "cut off your nose to spite your face" things like you did in the Legacy Highway lawsuit? Utahns should get mad as hell and not elect you again.

In the face of a one billion dollar surplus comes Representative Sheldon (double taxation toll road) Killpack. Killpack, who heads the Health and Human Services budget committee under funded the state Medicare by about $12 million because he forgot to take into consideration the state's growing population. He says it wouldn't be fair to fund this program over the $12 million budget shortfall. Does he expect Utahns to buy into that?

Utahans need to get mad as hell and do something about it. NOW!


HOWARD BEALE'S SPEECH FROM THE MOVIE NETWORK (Rated R)

Beale: I don't have to tell you things are bad. Everybody knows things are bad. It's a depression. Everybody's out of work or scared of losing their job. The dollar buys a nickel's worth; banks are going bust; shopkeepers keep a gun under the counter; punks are running wild in the street, and there's nobody anywhere who seems to know what to do, and there's no end to it.

We know the air is unfit to breathe and our food is unfit to eat. And we sit watching our TVs while some local newscaster tells us that today we had fifteen homicides and sixty-three violent crimes, as if that's the way it's supposed to be!

We all know things are bad -- worse than bad -- they're crazy.

It's like everything everywhere is going crazy, so we don't go out any more. We sit in the house, and slowly the world we're living in is getting smaller, and all we say is, "Please, at least leave us alone in our living rooms. Let me have my toaster and my TV and my steel-belted radials, and I won't say anything. Just leave us alone."

Well, I'm not going to leave you alone. I want you to get mad!
I don't want you to protest. I don't want you to riot. I don't want you to write to your Congressman, because I wouldn't know what to tell you to write. I don't know what to do about the depression and the inflation and the Russians and the crime in the street.

All I know is that first, you've got to get mad. You've gotta say, "I'm a human being, goddammit! My life has value!"

So, I want you to get up now. I want all of you to get up out of your chairs. I want you to get up right now and go to the window, open it, and stick your head out and yell, "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!!"

Bob Van Velkinburgh

dccwc@aol.com

Breakfast with Senate Minority Leader, Mike Dmitrich

In anticipation of yesterday's special session, and the visit from Mexican President Vincente Fox, I decided that an early arrival would allow me the best opportunity for photo ops and a seat in the gallery. As I pulled up to the Capitol as is usual during a legislative session, cars were parked everywhere along the roadside. I was quite surprised when I was able to pull into the public parking lot and once again find what I call, "Rock Star Parking".

As I walked into the cafeteria I noticed that the building seemed surprisingly empty. I then walked over to the House and Senate building where I was again surprised by how quiet it was. I walked down to the House chambers and was greeted by a couple of my favorite green coats who explained that the gallery had been swept by security, and that I had to wait. I went to the House Democrat's office but it was locked. I then went up to the Senate Democrat's office which was unlocked. I walked into the quiet office and found Senate Minority Leader, Mike Dmitrich already at work.

Mike is a terrific person. He is the longest standing state legislator still serving on Capitol Hill. One of the reasons for this is because Mike is the "real deal". He has survived both the marginalization of the Utah Democratic Party, and just recently, cancer. My father, former State Chair Mike Miller, loved Senator Dmitrich, as do I. One of the reason for this is Mike's ability to work with anyone, and his commitment to friendship. When I teased Mike about being the only legislator awake, he laughed and explained that being from rural Utah he has always been an early riser.

Mike and I decided that breakfast sounded good so we walked down to the cafeteria. When we arrived a radio news reporter grabbed Mike for an interview, so I left to go order our food. Before I was able to order I found Mike was besides me, "He can't get his recorder to work". As we waited to order Mike expressed his opinion on what a great cook they have in the cafeteria, and how he is sure that she is under paid. I had too agree, my omelet was perfect as always, and I know that most state workers are under paid.

When we sat down the reporter returned with a working machine and conducted his interview. I enjoyed listening to Mike's interview. His positive manner and upbeat personality is exactly what Utah Democrats need. As Mike was finishing his interview I received a call from Democratic Party Chair Wayne Holland Jr., who within a few minutes was sitting at our table.

As I listened to Wayne and Mike speak I realized how grateful I am to our senate minority leader. So often we give credit to our lone congressman in Washington D.C. Jim Matheson, as we should, but I believe we should also remember our State Democratic Legislators who have held our State Party together through thick and thin, and who continue to fight the good fight on Capitol Hill for all Utah citizens.

Thanks for your good work Mike, and thanks for being a mentor and inspiration to me and all Utah Democrats. Your the best, especially since you paid for breakfast.

Two Letters

May 24, 2006

Dear Rob Miller,

As the Democratic candidate for County Commissioner, Seat A, I thought you might be interested in this article by Tom Busselberg printed in the Davis County Clipper. There may be some issues of concern here. One is that if the Republicans are governing so well in Davis County why do things look so bad. You might want to contact Sharon Anderson of the Family Connection Center and find out what her suggestions would be to help solve this child abuse and poverty problem in Davis County.

Sincerely,

Bob Van Velkinburgh
dccwc@aol.com

Dear Bob,

Child abuse and poverty is a very real issue that we should all be concerned with. I will do as you have asked and call Sharon Anderson and ask for her suggestions, but that will just be a beginning.

After yesterday's special session of the Utah State Legislature it has become obvious that our elderly, our disabled, and those stricken by poverty have no voice in partisan Utah. It is indeed a very sad day when 15 million dollars for a parking lot for lobbyists is more important than 2 million dollars for critical, emergency aid for dental and vision for 40,000 elderly and disabled Utah citizens. By killing Governor Jon Huntsman's reasonable request the republican majority legislature also threw away an additional 4.9 million in federal funds to assist with this program.

For years I have listened to conservative rhetoric about "freeloading parasites" who need welfare. It has become so prevalent in partisan Utah that those who truly need assistance are no longer considered worthy by the representatives, excuse me, the republican representatives we elect, and are demonized as something less than human. I am afraid that Utah is losing its empathy for those stricken by unfortunate circumstance, age, mental illness, and abuse. We are forgetting our Lord's desire for us to be "our brother's (and sister's) keeper. We are deciding to NOT "love one another". Human services and human decency is being eliminated.

On paper, finacially, Davis County looks prosperous, but in the end is that fiscal responsibility the key that will open the gates of heaven? I believe we can both be fiscally conservative, and be each other's keeper. Why does it need to be, one or the other. I believe we can do both, and I believe we can do it together.

With every best wish,

Rob Miller
Candidate for Davis County Commission, Seat A
Vice Chair, Utah Democratic Party

I have posted the Davis County Clipper article by Tom Busselburg that Bob mentioned below.

The Clipper Says: Poverty 'alive and well' in Davis County

Davis County Clipper
By Tom Busselberg

BOUNTIFUL - Poverty and child abuse are "alive and well" in Davis County. That was the message to Davis Chamber of Commerce members, Thursday, from Sharon Anderson, executive director of the Family Connection Center. That non-profit agency, which centers its efforts on trying to eradicate both issues, has crisis nurseries in Bountiful and Clearfield, as well as a food bank in Layton. "In Davis County last year there were 998 substantiated child abuse cases," and more than 2,000 other such cases, she said. Four out of the eight deaths in the state attributed to child abuse, in 2005, took place in Davis County, she continued. There were more than 1,200 divorces in the county in 2004, Anderson said, with a Utah State University study indicating the related statewide cost was nearly $300 million.

Due to such issues as child abuse and divorce, some children are taken into the foster care program, she said. Some 126 kids are in foster care, and at a basic cost of $14.75 a day, that generates a cost of $732,000 a year.

Domestic violence in the homes of children often leads to placing children elsewhere, with more than 1,100 such cases reported last year in the county, Anderson continued.

Safe Harbor, the domestic violence shelter, provided temporary haven for 288 women and 279 children in the January-September 2005 period, she said.

Homelessness in Davis County doesn't mean men sleeping on the streets, but it is a real concern, Anderson said.

The Davis School District reports there are 1,400 of its 62,000 or so students who are classified as homeless, she said. "Most are not living on the streets, but they are moving from one place to another more than three times a year."

In fact, in many schools, the mobility rate is well over 80 percent, and sometimes exceeds 100 percent. Schools in both North and South Davis are impacted. It's not due only to Hill Air Force Base transfers, as some might expect, she emphasized.

"It's a terrible thing," some elementary school students told Anderson when they heard of such statistics, recently. "They won't learn a lot," those same children said, referring to students constantly relocating to new schools.

More efforts must be put into looking at the grass roots problems and trying to solve them, she said. That way, it might not be so necessary to spend $25 million on a jail expansion, at a cost of $60 to $70 a day per inmate, and far more to house prisoners at Point of the Mountain.

"What happens in childhood affects adulthood," Anderson emphasized, referring to a study of 18,000 people conducted by a large health care agency.

In fact, the president of the American Medical Association asserted that if child abuse could be cut or eliminated, the nation's $1.6 trillion medical bill could be reduced by one-fifth, she said.

"Everyone is paying for this. What would a community be like if we didn't have any of these problems?" She asked the audience to ponder that dream.

The FCC was founded in 1985 and served more than 14,000 people in Davis County, last year. More than 10,000 people used the center's food bank alone, she said.

It serves as the county's community action agency, providing services ranging from homeless assistance and education to therapy and other classes.

tbusselberg@davisclipper.com

Todd Taylor is "Just Wondering?" about the true intent for tomorrow's special session

By Todd Taylor
Executive Director, Utah State Democratic Committee

Just Wondering?

On a day that is supposed to be mostly ceremonial with the visit of President Fox, the legislature called into special session is scheduled to take up 14 bills.

The governor is to be congratulated for putting a humanitarian item on the call by providing for a minimal appropriation for emergency dental and vision for the poor. Too bad that given the $70 million they didn't spend on income tax relief, they won't do the right thing and fund it properly.

I wonder though whether this humanitarian move isn't just cover for item 8 on the call -- a pay raise for the executive branch: governor, lt. governor, attorney general, auditor, treasurer and others? Or is the whole thing to cover changing the definitions on removing the sales tax from food items? Or is it to cover that by giving confidential tax information to three other offices outside the State Tax Commission, voters won't know who to hold responsible for leaking data?

Sadly, we can't count on the MSM to tell us until its too late for the voters to have their say in these matters. They'll be focused on President Fox, immigration, and maybe helping the poor (or the bill increasing the parking at the State Capitol).

Christian Burridge Convention Speech and Blog Announcement

Democratic candidate for Utah's 3rd Congressional District, Christian Burridge has started his own campaign blog. I am providing a copy of Christian's inspiring convention speech on The Utah Amicus, or you can click here to go to his new blog and read it there.

I recommend that you add Christian's blog to your favorites list. He will have much to say, and by doing so you will quickly underwstand why Christian is Utah's best choice for the 3rd District.

Christian Burridge Convention Speech:

Salt Palace Convention Center
Salt Lake City, Utah

On May 13, 2006 Christian Burridge, a consumer rights attorney from South Jordan, Utah received the nomination from the Democratic Party to run for Congress to represent Utah's 3rd Congressional District. The 3rd district is comprised of most of west Salt Lake County, a large protion of Utah County, the east side of Juab County and all of Sanpete, Sevier, Millard and Beaver counties. See map. Burridge, a fifth generation Utah native from Riverton and graduate of Bingham High School and BYU's J. Reuben Clark Law School, was enthused by the electricity in the croud at the convention. In his remarks Burridge said "America is rising up for change and the tide is turning . . . . We are a part . . . of a new generation of Democrats and we will feed the fuel that allows the light of democracy to burn brighter than ever." The following is a transcript of his convention speech:

The Lights That Will Guide Us Home

Ladies and Gentlemen, fellow Democrats, my family, friends and neighbors, indeed the tide is turning! It is with great honor I accept your nomination to be the next congressman from Utah’s Third District. Today, I find myself standing here at the crossroads of the west of our beautiful country and at the crossroads of a new century. I am proud to be a Democrat. I am proud to be a member of a party with a strong heritage from our forbearers who fought for rule by the people, civil rights and equality. They prevailed because they fought against injustice and tyranny and we will do the same today.

My being a Democrat is not a recent conversion. It runs deep in my blood back at least a century. Two of my eight Utah pioneer great-grandfathers ran as democrats a hundred years ago, and were elected to local office. In fact, my great grandfather Parley Pratt Christison was the sheriff of Juab County—one of the counties I seek to represent today. They served faithfully and I am proud of their heritage.

This tradition was passed down to my parents and to me. I am the youngest of six children in a working class family. My late father was a Utah Highway Patrolman and retired a Command Sergeant Major after 40 years of service in the Utah Army National Guard. My mother was a public school teacher. They taught me that I lived in a country where anything was possible. I believe that through the years we all share a common thread of hope. A hope that everyone has a chance—a hope for a better tomorrow. Their hope and work made this country a better place. I stand today for that same hope. A century later, I believe my democratic ancestors look down proudly on their son who has the opportunity to become a member of the United States Congress.

However, we live in a time where conventional wisdom rails against those of us who call ourselves Utah Democrats. Yes, we have taken our bumps and bruises in the past, but those days are behind us and today we rise up to take back our future. We are here today to do the same as our founders once wrote in the preamble of the Constitution: “To secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity.” When securing these blessings, our founders built a lighthouse for themselves and for us. This lighthouse shines bright the principles of democracy. It stands for the democracy that we strive to achieve in an ideal society. This is the light that has made America a beacon on a hill.

Unfortunately, these lights have not always burned bright, and lately under Republican leadership they have flickered. Through Republican policies the tide has taken America out to a sea of rough waters. But if we stand-up for democratic principles, America’s beacon will burn bright and we can navigate our way home. The Republicans want to create dark and illusory divisions at every turn—whether it is by using race, religion or gender they espouse the tactic of divide and conquer. But what they don’t understand is that their methods are flawed—because after all, we are all in the same boat. They don’t understand that America is rising up for change and the tide is turning.

Today, we are a part of a new generation—a new generation of Democrats—and we will feed the fuel that allows the light of democracy to burn brighter than ever.

When we strive for democracy we can live in a world where we can express ourselves and adhere to our values without fear of government control. Like you, I am a Democrat with values. The Republicans are famous for making waves under the guise of advocating family values. But we Democrats that stand for the light of democratic principles show that we actually value our families. We see education as an investment—not just another line item expense. We believe that all children should have health coverage. We stand up so that our children will have clean air and water in the distant future. We fight to end discrimination so all of our families—however they are made up—have a decent chance.
We want a bright light shining in the activities of government. We don’t want to muddy the waters with secret back-door meetings with Enron and oil companies. We Democrats stand for honest leadership and open government. We stand against warrantless wiretapping of Americans, and we will not put up with anymore lies when it comes to sending our troops into war!

When we espouse the lights of democracy we stand for Real Security. This means we protect our people from all threats foreign and domestic. The way this administration dealt with Katrina will mark their stewardship of America for years to come. We Democrats can do better and we will do better.

When the beacon of democracy shines bright we see pensions as sacred and they must be protected. If the Congress can make it so you can’t bankrupt out of student loans then big corporations should not be able to bankrupt out of pensions.
We believe in a rising tide that raises all the boats in the water. That’s why we need a tax policy that makes sense. The bulk of tax incentives belong to the middle class and small businesses and not the wealthiest one percent of Americans. We believe that where much is given much is required. Republicans believe where much is given little if any is required. If you don’t believe me just ask Dick Cheney what he is doing with his $1.9 million tax refund.
Our founders built us a lighthouse that shows us the way to good government. Under Republican leadership the tide has taken us out to sea, our lights have grown dim and we are at risk of running into the dark rocks of tyranny and oppression. But the tide is turning and today we have a choice. We can choose to again secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. We can fight to find our way back to the safe Harbor of America—the safe harbor of opportunity and prosperity. If we espouse the founding principles—the lights of a democratic society—we will not lose our way. We will find our way. We can follow these lights. These are the lights that will guide our way home.

May we roll in with the tides—and roll with the changes—to a better and brighter tomorrow! Now let’s fire the Cannon!

Pete Ashdown's Nomination and Convention Speech in Audio

Click here to listen to Pete's Nomination and Convention speech.

Clipper Poll Results, Before The Shutdown

Dannie McConkie had 5% with 266 Votes

Bret Millburn had 28% with 1463 Votes

Rob Miller had 67% with 3527 Votes

After I mentioned this poll on The Utah Amicus, and after e-mailing some friends that the poll was taking place,I watched my numbers move up putting me in a comfortable, and yet reasonable lead.

Sometime around 1PM yesterday, I watched 200 votes go up for Millburn in less than 10 minutes stalling at exactly 250 votes. When Ethan mentioned this on SLCSPIN, I again took the lead with approximately 450 votes. It was obvious that somebody figured out that they could vote numerous times (approximately 200 times) by clearing their cookies cache on their browser giving Millburn what should have been a comfortable 69% lead in the poll. As I watched my numbers go back up I realized that this was ridiculous. This was no longer about truth, it was about making a statement, so I made a few calls, and the rest is history.

So, what does this poll prove? One thing it proved is that people will cheat if given the opportunity. It became apparent that somebody was not about to sit back and let my legitimate Democratic lead stand. Another thing it proved is that Democrats will not sit back and allow a blatant manipulation of the process without a fight.

However, the best lesson I learned from this was more simple and positive. I learned that having friends can make a big difference, and a person who has friends is always a winner.

My last thought is this. I will never allow a poll to tell me who is or who isn't the more popular candidate. I believe that we should try to discover more about our candidates from our own research, and that we need to trust ourselves before we trust any online poll.

Thanks again, I am so very grateful for my friends.

Utah Democrats Blog Explains Why Underground Testing is a BAD IDEA!

Craig Axford at Utah Democrats has a post with this photo explaining why Divine Strake is a VERY BAD IDEA! Check it out here.

Democrats Have Seven Primary Contests

Only one of these races was forced into primary at the State Convention, however there will be seven races decided on June 27th.

Legislative District 08 : Trent Alvord and Matt Frandsen

Legislative District 25: Josh Ewing and Christine Johnson

Carbon County Recorder: Vikki Barnett and Sharon Murdock

San Juan County Comission: Kenneth Maryboy & Manuel Morgan

Summit County Assessor: Barbara Kresser and Ron Perry

Summit County Clerk: Kent Jones and Cindy LoPiccolo

Tooele County Commission: Thomas Kendall and Walt Shubert

Democratic Convention Keynote Speaker, Gold Medalist Joey Cheek: Best of the Best for May 2006

Olympic Gold Medalist Joey Cheek was this year's Democratic Convention keynote speaker. His humility was obvious, his demeanor was kind and honest. The Republican's have Jim Shea, the guy who threw a tantrum when he was disqualified from running for office in Utah. We have Joey Cheek, a man who gave his $40,000.00 Olympic prize money to charity, and who understands that there is more to life than his gold medal.

I hope I can obtain a copy of his speech, but if not it is my hope that those who were listening heard his message loud and clear.

I believe that Mr. Cheek should be awarded the Gold Medal of Life. I also believe that this is just the beginning of a great man who should consider a political career. Like our 4, Pete Ashdown, Steve Olsen, Congressman Jim Matheson, and Christian Burridge, Joey Cheek is the "real deal!"

Thanks for speaking at the 2006 Utah Democratic Convention, and consider yourself the Best of the Best for May on The Utah Amicus.

SMILE! Your at the 2006 Utah Democratic Convention!

With over 3000 people in attendance the 2006 Utah State Democratic Convention was exciting and grand. Due to the fact that we only had one race go to primary at convention, and because of the conservative/republican stronghold on the press, we received very little coverage. However, this fact cannot take away from the fact that Utah would be best served by hiring Pete Ashdown for the United States Senate, Steve Olsen for Utah's 1st District, Congressman Jim Matheson for the 2nd, and Christian Burridge for the 3rd.

Some of you may remember the post the day I witnessed the filing of Pete, Steve, and Christian where I exclaimed,

As I was driving up Victory Road I started to get goose bumps. I have driven this road hundreds of times through out my life, but never has the word "Victory" meant more or grabbed me so whole heartily as it did at this moment. It was also at this moment that the number 4 came into my thoughts. I will explain this one later.

For me, the number four (4) represents the best direction for Utah. It doesn't matter if your a die-hard member of the Republican, Democrat, Green, libertarian, constitution Party, or a Utah independent, our four candidates are by far the best. Let me state this again, we have asked for your qualifications, we have listened, and we have found those who qualify. The big key is two words, listened and qualified.

When I arrived I was surprised to see the the lines for registration so packed. A few people were anxious, but the air was full of optimism, not negativity. I helped a few delegates find their way, and then decided to visit as many caucus meetings as possible. My first stop was the Hispanic Caucus. They were electing their new state leaders and I wanted to see how it was going. The room was filling up fast so I said a few hellos, signed up to speak, and left to sign up to speak at a few other caucuses.

I spoke to the Stonewall Caucus, and then I fumbled a bit at the Educator's Caucus. I think what I was trying to say was that although I did not receive their endorsement last year, it was my intention to give them my complete support. I also tried to explain my goal to bring a majority of educators back to the Democratic Party and to build our base so that they would no longer have to suck up to one party rule and beg for scraps. That was my message, but my phone was vibrating and it threw me off message just a bit.

I hurried out and answered the call from Paul Price who explained that I was being asked to return to the Hispanic Caucus. When I arrived I was asked to be an observer and officiate the passing out and collection of the ballots. As a candidate I new that I should be speaking to as many caucus groups as possible, but I am first an foremost the vice chair of the State Party, and I was honored by their request, and did as they asked. After collecting and counting the ballots, Tony Yapias was elected chair, and Robert Gallegos was elected vice chair of media. At that point I was allowed to speak and asked if Paul could officiate from there on.

I hurried to the Labor Caucus which was full of candidates. As I waited Remington Johnson, chair of the Young Democrats told me I could speak to his group. I challenged the YD's to increase their numbers and to reach out to other counties. I also thanked them for all the work they do. Our Party could not survive without their work, and that is just a fact.

I returned to the Labor Caucus and was introduced by my friend, Senator Ed Mayne. I expressed my gratitude for their support, quickly made some remarks and ended as I began, hugging the beautiful Ed Mayne. As I left the room I received a call from Chair Wayne Holland who asked, "where are you?" I'll be right there.

CONVENTION

State Secretary M. Xavier Hemosillo brought the crowd to order. Democrat Bob Roberts gave the opening invocation. Then Chair Wayne Holland welcomed the 3000 plus delegates and attendees and gave a terrific speech. After Wayne I spoke on optimism, how Governor Cal Rampton had inspired my conversation with my father that introduced me to the Democratic philosophy, and reminded everyone in attendance of our long history of ethical and responsible leadership in Utah. I started my welcome by taking the photo at the beginning of this very long post.

Our first candidate to speak was Congressman Jim Matheson who was nominated by a Republican whose brother was killed in Iraq. Her story of his service and sacrifice brought many in the room to tears, including me, and I was touched by her story of how a Democratic congressman, who isn't even in her district, was the only one who helped her family through the bureaucracy.

After Jim's acceptance of his nomination we listened to Steve Olsen, and Christian Burridge who both proved that they have what it takes to serve in Washington D.C. Steve explained his problem solving abilities, and a desire to use the best ideas regardless of whose party they come from. Christian excited the crowd with a speech I will post very soon.

When our next United States Senator from Utah arrived he came to the stage accompanied by the music from Peter and the Wolf. He reminded us that Peter caught the wolf, and as art imitates life, his speech was the proof that his last year of campaigning has turned our Bountiful native into a United States Senator. David Veit, a delegate who has recently been converted called me late Sunday to explain how excited he is that Pete Ashdown is the "real deal!" He also expressed that he was wrong about the Democratic Party, and that he was proud to now be completely converted.

The Rest of the Day

I spent the rest of convention in the House 25 caucus room where delegates voted for to send Josh Ewing and Christine Johnson to a primary at the end of June. This will be the only contested race within the Democratic Party, and a difficult decision when you have two great candidates.

Overall I am pleased with the convention. Wayne and I want to thank all those who participated as delegates and observers, the many volunteers that made it happen, all of the candidates who have sacrificed more than most people will ever know, and Craig Axford, and our staff who put the convention together. The truth is this report cannot express how inspiring and wonderful the 2006 convention was, you just had to be there! See you next year!

AND NOW ON TO VICTORY!