Boy's State
The Dirty Business of Politics in Davis County
Davis County Democrats
Stay tuned.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Mike Lee for Senate 2010 - A new standard of transparency and openness?
Left on my Facebook page by Charles Monroe.
Wow, is the Lee campaign paranoid?
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
KEEP UTAH SAFE FROM NUKES
KEEP UTAH SAFE FROM NUKES
"As Republican Senate candidates Lee and Bridgewater cavalierly endorse resumed nuclear testing, let's be clear: Nuclear testing has left Utah a legacy of lies, betrayal, illness and death. It is both unsafe and unnecessary. Utah has been safe from nuclear testing since 1992, and we're committed to keeping our air, water, land and families safe. In an age of reduced nuclear arsenals, no Utahn should suffer or die to re-prove the universally accepted fact that nuclear weapons are devastatingly powerful."
SIGN THE PETITION
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Frank Pignanelli nailed it.
In Today's Pignanelli and Webb column in the Deseret News, Frank Pignanelli responds to the question:
"If Republican (candidates) shift to the right, does that leave an opening for Democrats in the general election?"
Pignanelli's response is right on the money.
Additionally, his comment is the definitive answer on why many Utah Democrats will continue to support Jim Matheson as the best choice for the 2nd Congressional District and why many of us believe that he has been a good representative for Utah.
Pignanelli:
Yes, this poses huge opportunities for Democrats IF they are shrewd and alter their current trajectory.Utah Democrats must stop carping about Matheson and instead market him as a model of how Congress should act: obsession with reducing the deficit, willingness to buck party demands, developing creative solutions, attention to constituent needs, etc.Furthermore, Democrats must articulate inventive but inexpensive reforms to public education and health care entitlements while promoting entrepreneurial activity. Utahns are hungry for the meal that is not on the tea party menu.
The entire column can be read by clicking here.
For all of the things that are wrong with Washington today, the one thing we can and should fix is our skyrocketing national deficit. For as long as I can remember, Congressman Matheson and the Blue Dog Democrats have presented a good plan for Fiscal Reform in our nation.
Some Utah Democrats are angry because our congressman voted against health care. They don't like his record on environmental issues. They say he is not "pro-choice" enough. They don't like the way he votes some of the time and say he is not a "real" Democrat, and that his father would be "ashamed." (For the record, Norma Matheson has assured me that Scott Matheson Sr. would have been proud of Jim's votes, because Governor Matheson was also a fiscal conservative and believed very strongly in responsible government spending. I think it would be reasonable to assume that she is correct about this. It's not fair for anybody else to guess what the governor may or may not have done under similar circumstances.)
Democrats have been called "tax and spend liberals" for as long as I can remember. Accurate or not, we have not done a good job at shaking that label. After all, how many people do you know who *really* like paying taxes? Do Democrats really want to be perceived like that? Why do we allow the definition to continue, even though we all feel the same way? No matter how you look at it, nobody enjoys April 15, or paying taxes, or gets all warm and fuzzy when their tax bill goes up... not even Democrats.
I was reminded the other day by a good Republican friend of mine that when George Bush was in office, Democrats harped about the billions of dollars that were being spent at war while at the same time Republicans were promoting lower taxes. "How does he plan to pay for it," we yelled, and our battle cry was "we are bankrupting our children and grandchildren!" That was not so long ago, it should not be so far from our memory. It is still an issue. Just because Democrats control the White House and the Congress, we should not excuse them from making our budget deficit their number one priority. As a matter of fact, we should be even louder than before.
As Frank put it, Utah Democrats should have an obsession with reducing the deficit. We should alter our current trajectory and make this a major focus of our campaigns, of our platform, and in all of our political discussions. It was important to us until election night 2008. It's disingenuous for us to not like deficits only when they are created by Republicans.
I look forward to your thoughts.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Rep. Wimmer's "Operation Chaos" is already up and running and it is, "Monkey Business!"
Rep. Wimmer later retracted his statement and removed the offending status update stating that his plan for "operation chaos" was misguided and and that his tone was "unintentional."
However, it looks like Rep. Wimmer's "Operation Chaos" is off and running.
Take for example Cedar City resident and registered Republican, Jeff Knight. Knight owns the domain name utahdemocrats.o
He's not breaking any laws, but he has stated his distaste for Democrat Jim Matheson. Knight has said that he would never vote for Jim Matheson, but the fact is, Knight has only voted twice since 1998 and only in the general elections in 2004 and 2008.
Although he doesn't utilize his right to vote, often, he does have his political fun. But one could conclude by his lack of interest in the voting booth that it is pretty obvious that he is just trying to make a buck by being a pain in the donkey. I make this assumption based on his e-mail address, domaincollector@gmail.com.
Knight has now linked the domain name utahdemocrats.org to the recently discovered www.jimmatheson.com which is an anonymous site claiming to be run by a group of "Conservatives for Claudia" as reported earlier in the Salt Lake Tribune.
The site is a bit illogical on it's support for Wright, but they do state, "GOP Delegates already did their job. Either GOP candidate in the senate race is a good option. We'll let voters in the 1st and 3rd Congressional decide that race."
Let me state this again, looks like Rep. Wimmer's unitentional "Operation Chaos" is alive and well, and it looks like Knight wants to profit by Rep. Wimmer's "unintentional plan.
You can contact Jeff Knight at 177 North Roundabout Way, Cedar City, Utah 84720 or by phone at 435-586-2449.
Contact Mr. Knight and make his day. Help him in his pursuit of happiness by turning a profit by being a pain in the ass to sell his product.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The History of Public Education
This is the third time I have posted this article written for The Utah Amicus by Jonathan W. Hebertson, Ph.D.
In viewing education in a historical context, it must be noted that for millennia education was reserved for a very select group of individuals. In ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, literacy was confined to a tiny class of men known as scribes who served as secretaries and record keepers for their rulers. In some societies, such as Han China, the language was actually structured to thwart massive numbers of individuals from becoming literate. Even in the Greco-Roman world, where literacy was more wide spread than anywhere else in ancient times, only a small percentage of persons, primarily male, could read and write, while the masses languished in complete ignorance. Even with the rise of universities during the medieval period, and the revival of learning that coincided with the Renaissance, basic education never reached the common people. Even during the 18th century, when England was the most literate, progressive, and enlightened society in the world, the educational system, [consisting largely of the universities Oxford and Cambridge, and very elite private primary and secondary institutions such as Eaton and Harrow,] was closed to all but aristocratic males. Hence, for thousands of years, education was a closed door for the mass of humanity.
It is somewhat ironical and amazing to note that it was the former colony of Great Britain, the newly born United States, which became the first country in world history to attempt to extend basic education to the masses. Early in the nineteenth century, the people of the young American republic created the world's first free public school system by setting aside one section of each township to support the local school. Raising crops, harvesting timber, leasing, or even the sale ofthis land was used to raise funds to build a school house, purchase books, slates, chalk, and pay the salary of a teacher who could educate the local children at the public's expense. The rise of public primary schools was paralleled by that of free secondary institutions. The late nineteenth century witnessed a tremendous proliferation of public high schools from a mere 100 in 1860 to 6000 by 1900. These public schools, providing free, accessible education, humble though they were, succeeded in helping to build great intellects such as Abraham Lincoln, and transforming nineteenth century Americans into the most literate people on Earth. These achievements, and many others were among the fruits of free public education.
As the 1800s progressed, vast tracts of Federal government land were set aside to help the states fund public institutions of higher education. Between 1865 and 1900 over 70 of these "land grant" institutions were founded in this country including Utah State University. These "land grant" institutions formed the basis of our state university systems of today.
By 1900, free public primary and secondary education, and accessible and affordable higher education helped transform the United States into the world's leading scientific, technological, industrial, and economic power. This is a position which our nation enjoys in the contemporary world.
Today, unfortunately, public education is under assault on a number of levels. There is a movement afoot to redirect government funds away from public schools and channel them toward private institutions. While private schools are extremely admirable and worthy institutions, it must be remembered that for decades it has been the public schools and colleges that have educated most Americans. Utah's public schools would be particularly vulnerable to a loss of government funding. We already have the largest class size and lowest per pupil spending in the nation. Further, allotments of tax dollars spent on public education in the Beehive State have recently declined. We must reverse this startling trend on both a national and state level, and restore our public educational institutions to the status they deserve, or run the risk of reverting to the educational system characteristic of ancient and early modem times in which education was reserved for a tiny group of elite, while the vast mass of humanity languished in illiteracy and ignorance.
Jonathan W. Hebertson, Ph.D.
In viewing education in a historical context, it must be noted that for millennia education was reserved for a very select group of individuals. In ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, literacy was confined to a tiny class of men known as scribes who served as secretaries and record keepers for their rulers. In some societies, such as Han China, the language was actually structured to thwart massive numbers of individuals from becoming literate. Even in the Greco-Roman world, where literacy was more wide spread than anywhere else in ancient times, only a small percentage of persons, primarily male, could read and write, while the masses languished in complete ignorance. Even with the rise of universities during the medieval period, and the revival of learning that coincided with the Renaissance, basic education never reached the common people. Even during the 18th century, when England was the most literate, progressive, and enlightened society in the world, the educational system, [consisting largely of the universities Oxford and Cambridge, and very elite private primary and secondary institutions such as Eaton and Harrow,] was closed to all but aristocratic males. Hence, for thousands of years, education was a closed door for the mass of humanity.
It is somewhat ironical and amazing to note that it was the former colony of Great Britain, the newly born United States, which became the first country in world history to attempt to extend basic education to the masses. Early in the nineteenth century, the people of the young American republic created the world's first free public school system by setting aside one section of each township to support the local school. Raising crops, harvesting timber, leasing, or even the sale ofthis land was used to raise funds to build a school house, purchase books, slates, chalk, and pay the salary of a teacher who could educate the local children at the public's expense. The rise of public primary schools was paralleled by that of free secondary institutions. The late nineteenth century witnessed a tremendous proliferation of public high schools from a mere 100 in 1860 to 6000 by 1900. These public schools, providing free, accessible education, humble though they were, succeeded in helping to build great intellects such as Abraham Lincoln, and transforming nineteenth century Americans into the most literate people on Earth. These achievements, and many others were among the fruits of free public education.
As the 1800s progressed, vast tracts of Federal government land were set aside to help the states fund public institutions of higher education. Between 1865 and 1900 over 70 of these "land grant" institutions were founded in this country including Utah State University. These "land grant" institutions formed the basis of our state university systems of today.
By 1900, free public primary and secondary education, and accessible and affordable higher education helped transform the United States into the world's leading scientific, technological, industrial, and economic power. This is a position which our nation enjoys in the contemporary world.
Today, unfortunately, public education is under assault on a number of levels. There is a movement afoot to redirect government funds away from public schools and channel them toward private institutions. While private schools are extremely admirable and worthy institutions, it must be remembered that for decades it has been the public schools and colleges that have educated most Americans. Utah's public schools would be particularly vulnerable to a loss of government funding. We already have the largest class size and lowest per pupil spending in the nation. Further, allotments of tax dollars spent on public education in the Beehive State have recently declined. We must reverse this startling trend on both a national and state level, and restore our public educational institutions to the status they deserve, or run the risk of reverting to the educational system characteristic of ancient and early modem times in which education was reserved for a tiny group of elite, while the vast mass of humanity languished in illiteracy and ignorance.
Jonathan W. Hebertson, Ph.D.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Mischief? Let's see...
From the Salt Lake Tribune:
| Salt Lake Tribune | ||
| Updated:05/17/2010 07:28:51 PM MDT | ||
| ||
A group calling itself "Conservatives for Claudia Wright" is ostensibly backing the Democratic primary challenger to Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, and directing viewers to a site to donate to her campaign. The kicker? The website name is jimmatheson.com. Turns out neither Democratic campaign claims any knowledge of the site's backers, and Matheson's calls it "mischief." "It's obviously the work of either Republicans who want to find a way to interfere with the Democratic primary and get the opponent they want to run against -- which is not Jim Matheson -- or it's Claudia Wright," said Matheson spokeswoman Alyson Heyrend. The site has appeared after a week in which some Republicans suggested changing party registration to unaffiliated so they can vote in the June 22 Democratic primary and elevate Wright, because they consider her too liberal to win the general election against GOP nominee Morgan Philpot. In addition to encouraging Democrats and independents to vote for Wright, the website also urges Republicans to "register as an unaffiliated voter and vote in the Democrat open primary on June 22. You must re-register 30 days before the election and you will not be able to vote in the GOP primary. But, between [U.S. Senate candidates] Mike Lee and Tim Bridgewater you're going to have good representation. The difference between Matheson and Wright is greater and more important." Philpot has disavowed any campaign to prod Republicans to cross over and vote in the other party's primary. Wright campaign manager Mike Picardi said he first learned of the website on Monday morning, and the campaign was not behind it. If it is a hoax, he said, it's a convincing one because it only has good things to say about Wright. For instance, the site's author or authors talk of Republicans feeling disenfranchised by Matheson's representation and expecting Wright to vote on principle instead of out of electoral considerations. "If I can't have a conservative in the 2nd Congressional District," the site says, "I'd rather have someone who has some integrity behind their votes. I may disagree with some of Ms. Wright's positions but at least I can respect them." Wright's campaign was born of the same frustration, in part because of Matheson's vote against health care reform. And while she is generally viewed as a challenger from the left, she has repeatedly said she expects some Republicans who are turned off by "tea party" rhetoric to join her. "It may very well be some conservative Republicans or moderates out there who put this up to say that they want Claudia and not Jim," Picardi said. Utah Democratic Party Chairman Wayne Holland, though, says "nobody in politics thinks Claudia Wright is going after conservatives." While he said he has no information about who's behind it, Holland added, "it appears to be some monkey business." The website asks people to donate to Wright's campaign through ActBlue, an online Democratic fundraising mechanism that handles administrative and Internet security costs for candidates and then sends them a check. As of Monday, Wright had raised $14,620 from 166 donors through ActBlue, though that counts about $11,000 that Picardi said the campaign had spent. Matheson had raised $150 from three ActBlue donors, a figure that Heyrend said is low because the congressman does not direct contributors from his campaign website to ActBlue, but uses his own fundraising network. Heyrend found it curious that the "Conservatives for Claudia Wright" site uses "jimmatheson" as its Web address. She said Matheson's campaign had previously looked into using that Web address but found that someone else had purchased it. An e-mail to the website's administrator seeking information about who is behind it was returned with a no-comment response. "We're not responding to media requests," the e-mail said. "The story is about Claudia Wright and her dedication to the Democrat platform, her qualifications as a teacher and grassroots activist." The site, like the e-mail, refers to the Democratic Party as the "Democrat" party, a truncated name that some consider a slur by Republican opponents. It calls Matheson "lukewarm" and urges viewers to vote for a "real" Democrat. "The Bible tells us, 'So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue (sic) thee out of my mouth,' " the website says. "In this race we have an opportunity to make a choice between someone who is unashamedly Democrat and someone who is lukewarm." Conservatives for Wright A new website encourages support for Claudia Wright, soliciting votes and donations from Democrats, independents and Republicans. The people behind the effort want to remain anonymous and claim to have no affiliation with any other campaign. |
Random thoughts on Unemployment
Nothing is more dignifying than being able to support your family...by Emily Bingham Hollingshead
We ran into an old friend at the grocery store the other day. This friend is a veteran of the Iraqi war, he has a bachelor's degree, and has done a lot of good for his community. Last year, he lost his job due to budget restraints, so the military offered to pay his education - so he went to SUU with the the hopes of receiving a higher degree that would help improve his financial situation.
This spring, SUU cancelled his program due to budget cuts, and so the military withdrew their financial support. He lives in Cedar City, where unemployment is as high as 8% (maybe even higher) - and this man, who has done all of the right things (getting a good education, serving his country, raising a family) - can't get a job. Because he receives a small military stipend, he doesn't quality for unemployment insurance.
This spring, SUU cancelled his program due to budget cuts, and so the military withdrew their financial support. He lives in Cedar City, where unemployment is as high as 8% (maybe even higher) - and this man, who has done all of the right things (getting a good education, serving his country, raising a family) - can't get a job. Because he receives a small military stipend, he doesn't quality for unemployment insurance.
I asked him how he felt about not qualifying for unemployment... he told me it was a bummer that he is continually rejected, because the financial help would at least alleviate some of the pressure, but what he really wanted was to just find a job. He said there was nothing dignifying about needing public assistance, that it would be far better to just find work that would pay the bills.
He has even applied for work at Walmart. The interviewer told him he was "overqualified" and that he was the kind of person who would just end up leaving when something better came along.
I hope this unemployment business changes soon. I have friends here in Cedar City who have been looking for work for a year. They are fortunate that they own their home and cars outright, and that their children are grown. They have also received unemployment assistance, but what they really want... they want to work! They are talented, skilled people who have been affected by this difficult economy. Finally, after months of searching, the wife was able to find a job - it will help ease some stress for them.
Even my little website design business has slowed down tremendously. I used to be able to count on a few key clients to keep the lights on... but I am finding myself going outside of my town to find clients and projects. And it is competitive - freelance designers seem to be a dime a dozen and they seem to be charging less.
In my political wanderings, I hear so many times that those who are needing government or private assistance are just lazy. Everybody who I know who is receiving one form of help or another isn't lazy, and none of them are purposely avoiding work. They want to work. They just can't seem to find it. I hope we can all be a little less judgmental, and a little more understanding. Times are tough.
***
Image at top: "The Forgotten Man," by Maynard Dixon
Image at top: "The Forgotten Man," by Maynard Dixon
Emily Bingham Hollingshead is a political consultant and Democratic Party activist. She is also the Communications Director for the Utah House Democrats and has worked on several winning legislative campaigns.
In 2006, she was the Democratic candidate for Senate District 28, a 6 county seat that encompasses much of the 2nd Congressional district. (No, she didn't win and credits the race for giving her broader insight into the minds of Utah voters).
In 2006, she was the Democratic candidate for Senate District 28, a 6 county seat that encompasses much of the 2nd Congressional district. (No, she didn't win and credits the race for giving her broader insight into the minds of Utah voters).
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Peter Corroon Accepts the Utah Democratic Nomination for Governor of Utah at Convention
Video by Donald Lewin Nelson
State Senator Ben McAdams Nominates Congressman Jim Matheson at the 2010 Convention
Video by Donald Lewin Nelson
Friday, May 14, 2010
Utah's Congressman, Congressman Jim Matheson, addresses Utah Democrats at State Convention
Video by Donald Lewin Nelson
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
"Operation Chaos" - he already put it out there, and can't take it back.
My feelings on "Operation Chaos" as suggested by one member of the Utah Legislatureby Emily Bingham Hollingshead
Yesterday afternoon, a republican legislator made a call on his Facebook page encouraging all registered republicans in the 2nd congressional district to "cross over" to the Democratic side, vote in the Democratic party primary, and vote for the "liberal Claudia Wright" in order to ensure a win for their guy, Morgan Philpot. Mr. Legislator reasoned that Philpot "could easily beat the liberal in the conservative 2nd Congressional district."
Earlier today he retracted his statement and removed the offending status update, and told his Facebook friends that his plan for "operation chaos" was misguided and and that his tone was "unintentional."
Unfortunately many of us who are following this election like our lives depend on it have already seen the entry. Taking the comments down has absolutely no effect, because it's already out there. We' have been talking about his remarks ever since, and we even have screenshots. So we aren't going to let him, or Republicans for that matter, off the hook so easily.
Before I continue, here are some facts about the Utah Primary system:
1. If you vote in a Democratic primary, it is open to all voters - we don't make you change party affiliation (if you want to stay a republican or an unaffiliated voter, you can).
2. If you vote in a Republican primary, you have to be a registered Republican - it's closed to only Republican voters.
3. You can't vote in both primaries - so crossing over to our side means you can't vote for your guy in your primary (i.e. that little Senate race that the R's are so concerned about).
What I find the most ridiculous about the suggestion to "cross over" and stuff our ballot box, is that the whole thing was put on Facebook, where political minds of every flavor are watching like hawks. Nice way to show us what you're thinking.
Some have asked "what is wrong with this as a campaign strategy?" - as if encouraging people to abuse the sacred voting right with trickery is ethical. I don't believe it is ethical, nor do I believe it is a campaign strategy that shows us their guy can win. Elections should be won on the merits of the candidates in the game, period -- no matter *who* the opponent is.
Anybody who is willing to waste a vote on a person they would never otherwise vote for may believe he is doing the right thing to help his "real" candidate. I can only say that this is misguided and an abuse of one's voting power, and I hope that people will always try to cast a vote for the person whom they believe best represents their values, opinions, and political perspectives. There are enough games in politics - as a matter of fact, the Tea Party folks claim on a daily basis that they are *tired* of politics as usual. This vote switching business is as stinky as the stuff that goes on in Washington which they abhor.
Friends have asked me why we don't just close the Democratic primary to registered Democrats... seems like doing so would solve the problem of a primary being infiltrated by the opposition, right? But I think that such a move is just chicken. Democrats have always been "the big tent" party and there is no reason for us to stop doing that now. There is no data to support that such "infiltration" has been successful, at least not in Utah - and so while infiltration seems a bit threatening , the effect would probably be neutral. I am perfectly comfortable in keeping our primaries open, and offering an alternative voice to all of Utah's voters.
But I will tell you what. If for some reason, all you republicans show up in droves to vote in the Utah Democratic Party primary, we won't let you forget it. See, when you vote in a primary, both parties know who you are -- we don't know who you vote for, but we know that you have shown up.
Therefore I make the following promise:
Dear Republican... if your name ends up on our rolls, we will simply note in our voting records that you are someone who is willing to cross party lines to support Democrats, and we promise to do the following to show our gratitude:
- We promise to infiltrate your mailbox with our literature with as much information as we can possibly send to you about our liberal candidates
- We promise that we will call you and ask for money to support our liberal candidates
- We promise that we will even ask you to volunteer on a liberal campaign or two.
- We promise that our candidates will show up on your doorstep and ask you to put a sign in your yard.
After all - politics is a game in which we try to all work together to put the best people in our elected positions, so that we can all come together to create the best policies for Utah. That's the bipartisanship that everyone is craving in this difficult political climate.
So... infiltration and ballot box stuffing, Mr. Legislator? What an odd way to cross party lines to get things done.
***
Emily Bingham Hollingshead is a political consultant and Democratic Party activist. She is also the Communications Director for the Utah House Democrats and has worked on several winning legislative campaigns.
In 2006, she was the Democratic candidate for Senate District 28, a 6 county seat that encompasses much of the 2nd Congressional district. (No, she didn't win and credits the race for giving her broader insight into the minds of Utah voters).
Lieutenant Governor Candidate Sheryl Allen Addresses Utah State Democratic Convention
Video by Donald Lewin Nelson
Monday, May 10, 2010
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Sam Granato's Confidence
Video Courtesy of KSL.com
Why is Kirk Jowers with the Hinckley Institute of Politics attempting to disenfranchise Utah voters?
When Jowers was asked if he thinks there's an opening for a Democrat like Granato, Jowers replied, "No, I think there's no chance for Sam Granato."
But Granato isn't willing to go down without a fight. "Well, I'd like to see [Jowers] on Nov. 3. We can have breakfast together and he can congratulate me," he says.
As Frank Layden, Sam's campaign co-chair would say, "If Sam doesn't have a chance then this isn't America!"
We need a senator who shows confidence and is ready to fight.
Learn more about Sam at voteforgranato.com
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Friday, May 07, 2010
Prediction: U.S. Senate Candidate Sam Granato Wins the Democratic Nomination at Convention...
Over the last year, Sam Granato has done the work to win the Democratic nomination for United States Senate. He has constantly traveled the state to listen and discuss the issues and the type of leadership Utah residents desire from their next senator.
He has been true to his original campaign plan, to make this race not so much about himself, but about us, the residents of Utah.
Early in the campaign, Sam decided to support Fair Boundaries and Utahns for Ethical Government. He even made a few videos to hopefully inspire others to walk for Fair Boundaries. He allowed UEG and Fair Boundaries utilize his three retail locations so that Utahns would have a set destination where they could sign the two petitions.
Sam has won endorsement after endorsement because of his discussions with Democratic leaders and delegates and because of his leadership and involvement in the Party.
He is the candidate supported by the Labor Caucus and working families. He is the candidate supported by the Stonewall and Southern Utah Stonewall executive boards and the Salt Lake County and Utah State African-American Caucus. The Young Democrats of Utah unanimously endorsed Sam as their candidate after meeting and interviewing both candidates. And, Sam has won the endorsement of our Disabilities Caucus Chair, Miriam Hyde.
He has won the endorsement of our gubernatorial candidate, Peter Corroon. He has won the endorsement of Congressman Jim Matheson while also building a lasting friendship with Claudia Wright and her supporters. He has won the endorsement of the majority of our Democratic county chairs. He has won the endorsements of all of our Democratic State Senators and the majority of our Democratic members of the Utah State House of Representatives, as well as the support of the majority of our Salt Lake County elected officials. These endorsements are not given away lightly, they have to be earned and Sam has done the work to earn their support.
Sam can also raise money. To raise money after gaining the nomination one must show that they can do so before the convention. Sam has done so, his opponent has not.
Sam has also helped other Democratic entities raise money. Sam has donated time, food and his retail deli's floorspace to promote and support other candidates and causes. He was a major sponsor for this year's Salt Lake County Politisauce Dinner. He is a major sponsor for tonight's Jubilee Celebration and tomorrow's convention. Simply said, Sam is a great example of how all Democratic candidates and elected officials should work to build our Party.
Over the last two weeks I have been speaking to delegates all over the state. I am grateful that they see what I see, that Sam Granato is the right person to represent us as our candidate for United States Senate. It has been a honor to work with Sam. I have enjoyed watching Sam's common sense and genuinely fun personality win over delegates and voters, and it is an honor to give Sam Granato the endorsement of The Utah Amicus and Friends Blog.
Please join me and so many others by supporting Sam at tomorrow's convention.
With every best wish,
The Utah Amicus and Friends
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Final thoughts
Over the past 24 hours I have been engaged in a lively debate with the energetic and active supporters of Claudia Wright, who is challenging congressman Jim Matheson.
I have been accused, as have many of Jim's supporters, of supporting him "only because Claudia can't win." In all fairness, they are right. I haven't given my reasons why I feel Jim has done a good job and why I will stand behind him in spite of the fact that he has not always voted "with the progressives" on issues that are important to many Democrats.
Here is my short list.
1. Jim voted "YES" to expand the Federal stimulus
2. Jim voted "NO on the Chrysler and GM bailouts
3. Jim is a co-sponsor of the Employment Non-Distrimination Act.
4. Jim voted "YES" to pass Hate Crime legislation.
5. Jim supports Embryonic Stem Cell Research
6. Jim voted "YES" to expand CHIP
7. Jim voted "YES" to extend Unemployment Benefits
8. Jim voted "YES" to increase the minimum wage
9. Jim voted "NO" to make the Bush tax cuts permanent
Jim receives a 56% rating by the ACLU. Hatch and Bennett receive 12% and 14%, respectively.
Jim receives a 64% rating by the League Conservation of Conservation voters. Bennett: 27%, Hatch: 18%
Jim receives 67% rating by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal employees. Hatch & Bennett: 9%
Jim receives a 30% rating by the Christian Coalition. Bennett & Hatch: 90%
Jim receives an A plus for from the Shriver National Center on Poverty Law. Hatch and Bennett: FAIL
Jim has also done a lot for my community. He supports funding projects that have a direct impact on the Iron County Children's Justice Center, the Family Support Center, Public Education, our social workers, police officers and other public servants.
Jim comes to Iron County several times a year and has always been accessible whenever I have needed to speak to a member of his staff, or even to him personally.
As for Jim's NO votes... all I can say is that 90% of the people within Jim's district do not support federal health care reform as it has been done (and whether progressive democrats like this fact or not, it is a fact). Jim voted the will of the people in his district. Maybe it wasn't my will or yours... but he was listening to the overwhelming majority.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
The Utah Amicus endorses...
With every best wish,
The Utah Amicus and Friends.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
My choice for 2nd Congressional District
Why I choose Jim Matheson
by Emily Bingham Hollingshead
In 2002 when the Utah legislature dramatically changed the boundaries of Utah's 2nd Congressional District, I was a little bit giddy. Jim Matheson was going to be my representative in Washington.
Friends and neighbors who lived in Cedar City were not as excited. They told me that come election time, they were going to make sure that Jim was out. I distinctly remember attending a Labor Day Parade in Parowan that year... Parowan is a small town just north of Cedar City, it is where Jim's dad, our beloved former Governor Scott Matheson, is buried... (I think Jim is related to half of the town.) As Jim walked in the parade, there was yelling and booing and even swearing at the congressman... I remember being shocked, as I had never seen such rude behavior in all of my life. I overheard an older couple as they expressed their disappointment that this "abortion-loving liberal" was their representative... and they were going to do whatever it would take to get him out of office.
They almost succeeded - Jim won re-election with barely 49.43% of the vote. His Republican opponent received 48.69% of the vote. In Iron County, Jim received somewhere around 32%, Washington County was even worse. And the moderate and Republican voters in Southern Utah were mad that he won the race... how could this have happened? What business did a Democrat have representing Southern Utah??
A lot has changed about the 2nd Congressional District - but not the voters. They are as conservative as ever. It is important to note that President Obama only received 29% of the votes in the 2008 election. But, even with Obama on the ticket in 2008 - Jim won re-election with a resounding margin. And for the first time since being given the gigantic 2nd Congressional District, he won Iron County and Washington County with over 50% of the vote. Jim is a phenomenon in Utah, where voters typically choose to vote straight party Republican, because they firmly believe that Republicans will always represent them better. Since the Utah Legislature was aware of this habit, Republican legislators purposely and willfully attempted to get Jim out of office by changing his boundaries to include the much more conservative areas of Utah.
It backfired.
Voters in his district - Democrats, Independents and even some Republicans choose Jim because he has worked hard on behalf of the people who live here. Many voters have told me that they vote for him - not because of any party affiliation - but because of how well he does his job. Everything from economic development projects to keeping nuclear testing out of our western deserts has proven that he does care deeply about the people he represents.
I have not always been happy with Jim's votes, though. Sometimes I think he plays it too safe. He has a lot of political capital and I wish he would cash in on it sometimes. But he doesn't always disappoint, and I can remember many times logging in to check his vote on an issue I was following, and being very happy that he voted as I would have wanted him to. His support of hate crimes legislation immediately comes to mind, he did the right thing and showed leadership with his vote. No other Utah congressman voted yes on that issue.
In 2005 we took our boys to Washington DC and the good representative spent 90 minutes with us in his office, talking to the boys about politics and civic involvement. I will not forget that experience, and neither will they. He is a good, decent man who cares deeply about the area he represents.
Today, delegates in the 2nd Congressional district have a very important choice to make - whether to send Jim Matheson back to Washington, or whether to give it a shot with a newcomer, Progressive Liberal Salt Lake City Democrat Claudia Wright.
I have been told by Wright's supporters that she has a chance to win the 2nd Congressional District, but when I go over the numbers, they just don't add up. When I talk to my conservative friends, neighbors and customers and ask them if they would support a more liberal Democrat in the 2nd CD, they emphatically answer "no." They like Jim because he doesn't always follow a national agenda... as a matter of fact, most of independent voters I know would rather see their representatives following an agenda dictated by the residents of their districts instead of Washington politicians. Many of us involved in party politics forget this detail sometimes.
Don't get me wrong, I like Claudia Wright. I agree with some of her ideas and in some other reality, if I thought the district's voters had changed enough to be open minded about electing a left-wing-lesbian-liberal, you might just find me as being her biggest cheerleader. But I'm also pragmatic and know that even though Jim is not as progressive as some would like him to be, he does pay attention to what the voters want him to do.
Isn't that the whole point of a Representative Government? If the majority of the folks in a district feel strongly about an issue, then the individual elected to serve them should take that message to heart and vote accordingly. If having a representative with a more liberal agenda would actually change the minds of the voters, that would be one thing - but we have a liberal President and people (at least from where I live) are more upset than ever. Senator Bob Bennett is being crucified by his own party because he is not conservative enough for them. I hear daily complaints about the USA turning socialist... you know the arguments. This is not coming from just Tea Party supporters, it is coming from your main stream voter. Having Obama in the white house has not calmed the rhetoric, it has made it worse.
If the progressive Democrats in Utah want to affect real change, throwing Jim Matheson out is the wrong way to do it. Remember, the Republicans tried to do it first by gerrymandering his district, and then by putting him through some really tough elections. By changing the district boundaries, they almost got what they wanted. I can guarantee that if Jim Matheson is not our candidate in November, they will finally have succeeded.
Now, to the delegates who are making this tough decision - there are some of you whom I adore and consider to be my dearest friends in Utah. I understand why you are supporting Claudia and I have no animosity toward you. All I ask is that the same respect be given to those of us who who have made the alternative choice.
In the end - we're all in this together. Our numbers are small and we need each other. And in the current political climate, we need each other more than ever.
***
Emily Bingham Hollingshead is a political consultant and Democratic Party activist. She is also the Communications Director for the Utah House Democrats and has worked on several winning legislative campaigns. In 2006, she was the Democratic candidate for Senate District 28, a 6 county seat that encompasses much of the 2nd Congressional district. (No, she didn't win and credits the race for giving her broader insight into the minds of Utah voters).
Emily and her husband Mark and their two sons live in Cedar City where they enjoy running, biking, and exploring the gorgeous Southern Utah mountains. She can be found online by visiting http://www.yourwebsitepro.com
by Emily Bingham Hollingshead
In 20
02 when the Utah legislature dramatically changed the boundaries of Utah's 2nd Congressional District, I was a little bit giddy. Jim Matheson was going to be my representative in Washington.Friends and neighbors who lived in Cedar City were not as excited. They told me that come election time, they were going to make sure that Jim was out. I distinctly remember attending a Labor Day Parade in Parowan that year... Parowan is a small town just north of Cedar City, it is where Jim's dad, our beloved former Governor Scott Matheson, is buried... (I think Jim is related to half of the town.) As Jim walked in the parade, there was yelling and booing and even swearing at the congressman... I remember being shocked, as I had never seen such rude behavior in all of my life. I overheard an older couple as they expressed their disappointment that this "abortion-loving liberal" was their representative... and they were going to do whatever it would take to get him out of office.
They almost succeeded - Jim won re-election with barely 49.43% of the vote. His Republican opponent received 48.69% of the vote. In Iron County, Jim received somewhere around 32%, Washington County was even worse. And the moderate and Republican voters in Southern Utah were mad that he won the race... how could this have happened? What business did a Democrat have representing Southern Utah??
A lot has changed about the 2nd Congressional District - but not the voters. They are as conservative as ever. It is important to note that President Obama only received 29% of the votes in the 2008 election. But, even with Obama on the ticket in 2008 - Jim won re-election with a resounding margin. And for the first time since being given the gigantic 2nd Congressional District, he won Iron County and Washington County with over 50% of the vote. Jim is a phenomenon in Utah, where voters typically choose to vote straight party Republican, because they firmly believe that Republicans will always represent them better. Since the Utah Legislature was aware of this habit, Republican legislators purposely and willfully attempted to get Jim out of office by changing his boundaries to include the much more conservative areas of Utah.
It backfired.
Voters in his district - Democrats, Independents and even some Republicans choose Jim because he has worked hard on behalf of the people who live here. Many voters have told me that they vote for him - not because of any party affiliation - but because of how well he does his job. Everything from economic development projects to keeping nuclear testing out of our western deserts has proven that he does care deeply about the people he represents.
I have not always been happy with Jim's votes, though. Sometimes I think he plays it too safe. He has a lot of political capital and I wish he would cash in on it sometimes. But he doesn't always disappoint, and I can remember many times logging in to check his vote on an issue I was following, and being very happy that he voted as I would have wanted him to. His support of hate crimes legislation immediately comes to mind, he did the right thing and showed leadership with his vote. No other Utah congressman voted yes on that issue.
In 2005 we took our boys to Washington DC and the good representative spent 90 minutes with us in his office, talking to the boys about politics and civic involvement. I will not forget that experience, and neither will they. He is a good, decent man who cares deeply about the area he represents.
Today, delegates in the 2nd Congressional district have a very important choice to make - whether to send Jim Matheson back to Washington, or whether to give it a shot with a newcomer, Progressive Liberal Salt Lake City Democrat Claudia Wright.
I have been told by Wright's supporters that she has a chance to win the 2nd Congressional District, but when I go over the numbers, they just don't add up. When I talk to my conservative friends, neighbors and customers and ask them if they would support a more liberal Democrat in the 2nd CD, they emphatically answer "no." They like Jim because he doesn't always follow a national agenda... as a matter of fact, most of independent voters I know would rather see their representatives following an agenda dictated by the residents of their districts instead of Washington politicians. Many of us involved in party politics forget this detail sometimes.
Don't get me wrong, I like Claudia Wright. I agree with some of her ideas and in some other reality, if I thought the district's voters had changed enough to be open minded about electing a left-wing-lesbian-liberal, you might just find me as being her biggest cheerleader. But I'm also pragmatic and know that even though Jim is not as progressive as some would like him to be, he does pay attention to what the voters want him to do.
Isn't that the whole point of a Representative Government? If the majority of the folks in a district feel strongly about an issue, then the individual elected to serve them should take that message to heart and vote accordingly. If having a representative with a more liberal agenda would actually change the minds of the voters, that would be one thing - but we have a liberal President and people (at least from where I live) are more upset than ever. Senator Bob Bennett is being crucified by his own party because he is not conservative enough for them. I hear daily complaints about the USA turning socialist... you know the arguments. This is not coming from just Tea Party supporters, it is coming from your main stream voter. Having Obama in the white house has not calmed the rhetoric, it has made it worse.
If the progressive Democrats in Utah want to affect real change, throwing Jim Matheson out is the wrong way to do it. Remember, the Republicans tried to do it first by gerrymandering his district, and then by putting him through some really tough elections. By changing the district boundaries, they almost got what they wanted. I can guarantee that if Jim Matheson is not our candidate in November, they will finally have succeeded.
Now, to the delegates who are making this tough decision - there are some of you whom I adore and consider to be my dearest friends in Utah. I understand why you are supporting Claudia and I have no animosity toward you. All I ask is that the same respect be given to those of us who who have made the alternative choice.
In the end - we're all in this together. Our numbers are small and we need each other. And in the current political climate, we need each other more than ever.
***
Emily Bingham Hollingshead is a political consultant and Democratic Party activist. She is also the Communications Director for the Utah House Democrats and has worked on several winning legislative campaigns. In 2006, she was the Democratic candidate for Senate District 28, a 6 county seat that encompasses much of the 2nd Congressional district. (No, she didn't win and credits the race for giving her broader insight into the minds of Utah voters).
Emily and her husband Mark and their two sons live in Cedar City where they enjoy running, biking, and exploring the gorgeous Southern Utah mountains. She can be found online by visiting http://www.yourwebsitepro.com
Monday, May 03, 2010
Corroon's running partner is...
Throughout her time in the Utah Legislature, Representative Allen has been a champion of children and Utah's educational system. She has been an outspoken advocate for stronger ethics reform and transparency in government, and she has been a tireless leader in economic development and international trade.
Representative Allen is the co-chair of the Utah International Trade Commission and the co-chair of the Economic Development and Revenue Appropriations Committee. She is also a member of the House Revenue and Taxation Committee and the House Judiciary Committee.
Sheryl has received numerous awards including: the Susa Young Gates Award, the Utah Hotel and Lodging Association Legislator of the Year in 2003, Utah School Board Association Legislator of the Year in 2005, and the Utah Medical Association Legislator of the Year in 2006.
Representative Allen has served many community organizations, including: board of directors for Hogle Zoo, board of directors for Utah Humanities Council, National Conference of State Legislators Economic Development Committee member, and George Washington University Elliott School of International Business Trade Advisory Committee member. She is a current member of the board of directors for KUED Television, a board member of the Forum on Democracy and Trade, a board member of the Colorado Plateau Archeological Project, and she serves on an advisory committee to the United States Trade Representative (IGPAC).
Prior to her legislative service, Sheryl was elected to the Davis Board of Education form 1978-1990, and served as president from 1984 to 1990.
Currently, Sheryl is the Special Projects Director for the Davis School District. From 1995-2009 she served as the Executive Director of the Davis Education Foundation, and from 1985-1995 she was the public relations director for the Davis Applied Technology College. Sheryl has also been an elementary school teacher and an elementary curriculum writer.
Sheryl earned her B.S. in Elementary Education and her M.S. in Educational Administration, both from the University of Utah.
She is married to John Allen, who is the chief statistician for the Utah Jazz. They have four children and 7 grandchildren and live in Bountiful, Utah.
Sheryl is the running mate with Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon. This is the first joint ticket for Lt. Governor and Governor of a Republican and Democrat in Utah's history.
Today Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon selected Utah State Representative Sheryl Allen to be his running mate for Lt. Governor.
This is a historic move for Utah -- never before has a joint ticket for Governor and Lt. Governor from different political parties run together in our state.
Utah face unique challenges and our state is at a crossroads. We need to move beyond partisanship and ideology if we are going to take on our toughest challenges. This bold leadership decision shows Mayor Peter Corroon believes public policy and governing should be driven by good ideas and not ideology.
Mayor Corroon and Representative Allen's priorities include: providing a quality education for Utah children; creating small, honest, and effective government; creating Utah jobs for Utah families.
Mayor Corroon is a fiscal conservative who is the type of independent leader Utahns can vote for. Peter is a proven leader. His track record of running the 2nd largest government in the state shows his fiscal discipline, his bi-partisan cooperation, and his no-nonsense leadership style.
The delegates of the State Democratic Party will welcome this very bold leadership choice and will enthusiastically support Mayor Corroon for Governor and Representative Allen for Lt. Governor.
Today's announcement is a direct example of Peter Corroon's commitment to a bi-partisan approach. We're excited for what is going to be the most competitive race for Governor in recent history.
Sheryl Allen's experience:
State Representative Sheryl Allen has served the residents of Davis County, District 19, in the Utah Legislature since 1994. In 2008, she was re-elected to her eighth term garnering over 80% of the vote.
Throughout her time in the Utah Legislature, Representative Allen has been a champion of children and Utah's educational system. She has been an outspoken advocate for stronger ethics reform and transparency in government and she has been a tireless leader in economic development and international trade.
Representative Allen is the co-chair of the Utah International Trade Commission and the co-chair of the Economic Development and Revenue Appropriations Committee. She is also a member of the House Revenue and Taxation Committee and the House Judiciary Committee.
Currently, Sheryl is the Special Projects Director for the Davis School District. Prior to the position, she served as the Executive Director of the Davis Education Foundation. She is a former Elementary School teacher as well as an elementary curriculum writer. Sheryl earned her B.S. in Elementary Education and her M.S. in Educational Administration both from the University of Utah. She is married to John Allen, who is the chief statistician for the Utah Jazz. They have four children and seven grandchildren and live in Bountiful, Utah.
Mike Lee removes "anchor babies" from website - will Tim Bridgewater follow suit?
Ethan Millard noticed that Mike Lee’s website has removed the term “anchor babies.”
MikeLee2010.com before:
MikeLee2010.com after:
I’ll be honest, I’m pleasantly surprised.
The term “anchor babies,” though offensive to some moderates and liberals, posed absolutely no threat to Lee at convention. None. As I noted earlier, if anything, he stood to gain from it’s use- especially if he were criticized for it.
It’s just a couple of words.
But Mike Lee deserves to be recognized for doing the right thing- especially when the right thing isn’t necessarily the politically expedient thing.
Candidates for high office don’t often behave like this.
Way to go Mike!
The next question is- will Tim Bridgewater also pull anchor babies from his website?
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Should Mike Lee & Tim Bridgewater stop using the term "anchor baby"? Is it dehumanizing?
From Ethan Millard:
As part of his immigration platform, Senate candidate Mike Lee promises to fix the “anchor baby problem”.
“Anchor baby” implies that while you and I have babies out of love, illegal immigrants have babies to trick the United States Government.
You an I may want to build a family, illegal immigrants just want to build an economic advantage. Because they’re not like us. They don’t value the same things we do.
It is a shameful way to maliciously dehumanize illegal immigrants and I call on Mike Lee to remove the language from his website immediately.
In the mean time I would love for Mike Lee to demonstrate how an illegal immigrant can win citizenship by having a baby in the United States.
Even if mainstream Utahns found the term to be dehumanizing, Mike Lee & Tim Bridgewater probably get a lot of mileage from it among Republican delegates.
I tend to agree with Ethan. The term assumes that illegal immigrants only have children to game the system. The baby is not a person but a means to an ends. The parent-child relationship is one of convenience, not of love.
Seems pretty dehumanizing to me.
So, what do you think? Is the term “anchor baby” dehumanizing or is Ethan Millard wrong?
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