PoliticIt Exclusive Interview: The Peter Cooke Campaign for Utah State Governor

Thank You!

Sam Granato-Salt Lake County Council District 4

The Winning Team -- Cooke and Rampton

Utah Foundation survey says Gubernatorial candidate Peter Cooke's priorities are most in line with Utah voters

Utah Foundation recently released The 2012 Utah Priorities Survey, which provides a summary of the findings of a statewide Dan Jones & Associates survey assessing which issues are most important this election year and how voters feel about Utah’s economy, society and politics. For the first time, Utah Foundation also requested that the gubernatorial candidates complete part of this survey. All of the Republican and Democratic candidates and two of three third-party candidates completed the survey.

The candidates were asked to complete two main sections from the 2012 Utah Priorities Survey. The first gauged their feelings on quality of life in Utah, and the second asked them to prioritize 19 policy issues that were previously identified by voters as important in the upcoming election. This allowed Utah Foundation to not only compare the views of voters to candidates, but the priorities of each as well. This report is not an endorsement of any party or candidate, but is merely provided to educate and inform voters and the delegates to each party’s state nominating convention.

More here
Read the report

Utah Democratic chair condemns religious bigotry by MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell and others

Salt Lake City – MSNBC commentator Lawrence O’Donnell joined The Southern Baptist Convention’s Richard Land, The American Family Association’s Bryan Fischer, The Christian Broadcasting Network’s David Brody, and the Santorum Campaign’s former honorary Florida Chairman O’Neal Dozier in repeating bigoted claims about Governor Mitt Romney’s LDS faith. The Utah State Democratic Party reaffirms, once again, President Obama’s principled stance that religion is off the table, and calls on Lawrence O’Donnell and all others who would use religion as a partisan wedge in this presidential campaign to immediately cease, apologize to LDS faithful across the world, and assume a more civil tone.

Utah State Democratic Party Chair Jim Debakis said, “Unfortunately, Mr. O’Donnell has a long history of Mormon-bashing. I won’t stand for it, and I know the President doesn’t stand for this type of disrespect and incivility either. It is terrible that pundits and political opportunists on both sides of the aisle keep forcing this issue into our national debate. I have the utmost respect for my LDS brothers and sisters, and I strongly condemn these uncivil, prejudiced attacks on the faith. We are better than this, and our discourse should reflect it.”

Meet Dee Smith, Candidate for Utah State Attorney General

• DeeSmithforAG.com
• FACEBOOK
• Standard-Examiner: Weber County attorney to run for Utah attorney general position
• Fox13: Weber County Attorney to-run for utah's AG
• Standard Examiner: Dee: Attorney general campaign won't hurt current job
• KSL: Weber County Attorney Dee Smith to run for AG
• Standard-Examiner: Attorney: Year-old injunction led to drop in gang activity 
• KSL: Prosecutor tired of 'shenanigans' in Stewart case
• KSL: Millerbergs charged in Alexis Rasmussen homicide case
• Standard-Examiner: Gang a 'public nuisance' / Weber prosecutors file injunction against Ogden Trece

Democratic candidate for governor visits Davis businesses; others seek office

Democratic candidate for governor visits Davis businesses; others seek office

More than 400 candidates signed up to run for office in Utah | ksl.com

More than 400 candidates signed up to run for office in Utah | ksl.com

Weber County attorney to run for Utah attorney general position

Weber County attorney to run for Utah attorney general position

UTAH DEMOCRATIC LEADER TODD TAYLOR’S MEMORIAL DETAILS ANNOUNCED

Dear Friends,

The out pouring of support for our late friend, Todd Taylor, has been incredible. Phone calls from every corner of Utah, across the entire country, and even from Europe have made it to our office, to say nothing of the memorials on Twitter and Facebook. Todd had an astonishing impact on all of us, and has left an irreplaceable void. He will be missed.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, March 11, 2012, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary (260 East South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah).

A memorial will be held in Todd’s honor at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center at 138 West Broadway (300 So.) in Salt Lake City on Monday, March 12th, 2012. The family will receive friends from 11:45-12:45 p.m. The service will begin at 1:00 and will be followed by an internment at the Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park on 3401 South Highland Drive.

Following the service, an open house celebrating Todd’s life will be held for friends and family at the Utah Democratic Party Headquarters on 825 North 300 West in Salt Lake City, from 2:30-5:30 p.m.

Todd’s contributions to our world and politics can never be forgotten. In lieu of flowers or cards, the Taylor Family has requested contributions to a “Todd Taylor Intern Scholarship Fund,” to be used to at any of Utah’s colleges or universities for students engaging and supporting Democratic politics. Contributions can be sent to the below address or made online here: Taylor Internship Fund c/o Utah State Democratic Party 825 N 300 W, Ste C400 Salt Lake City, UT 84103

Sincerely, Jim Dabakis
Utah State Democratic Party

Paid for by the Utah State Democratic Party. 825 North 300 West, Suite C400 Salt Lake City, Utah 84103

Utah Gubernatorial Candidate Peter Cooke's Secret Weapon

Heather Nelson Cooke introduces her husband, Peter Cooke, at his kick-off news announcement for Governor of Utah. Josie Valdez and Karen Hale also introduce Utah's future governor. Learn more at cookeforgovernor.com.

Peter Cooke Announcement for Governor of the State of Utah - The Video

Learn more at cookeforgovernor.com

Meet Utah's Next Governor!

President Obama Signs Utah Disaster Declaration

THE WHITE HOUSE 

Office of the Press Secretary 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2012

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Utah and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe storm during the period of November 30 to December 1, 2011.

Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storm in Davis County.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Gary R. Stanley as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.

FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT: FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@DHS.GOV

Fear Factory & Gimme Sugar Gourmet Donuts

On October 25, 2011 Utah's newest haunt, FEAR FACTORY, opened for business after struggling to open their gates earlier in the month due to permit issues with Salt Lake City. Fear Factory owner Rob Dunfield who was interviewed by KSL.com said, " It originally began as a dream, but in the last few months it's become a nightmare."

Thank goodness for haunted house geeks like me that Rob's permit nightmare is over because Fear Factory is now my favorite for-profit haunt in Utah.

Fear Factory is located at 666 West 900 South in the old industrial section of Salt Lake City.

From the Fear Factory website: "Deep in the industrial trenches of downtown Salt Lake City, lies an old forsaken factory that was built in the 1900′s. This decrepit concrete factory that crawls across an entire city block was used and abused for decades before being abandoned and left for dead. Since then, many unsolved violent crimes have been committed here by wandering trespassers. The owner still refuses to disclose what was found when the underground tunnel system was excavated earlier this year. During its use, the combination of extreme heights, rock crushing conveyor belts and underground tunnels led to an accident rate that was so high the factory had an on-site infirmary. To this day, those who pass by can still hear the blood curdling screams from the tortured souls of those factory workers who clocked in… but never clocked out. Prepare yourselves for Industrial Grade Fear!"

From City Weekly: "While the old-guard haunted houses remain, they’ll have to keep looking over their shoulder at a new crop of attractions popping up. Fear Factory has taken a decrepit, abandoned cement factory and turned it into one of the most exciting new haunts. The building was already creepy, and Fear Factory has captured that essence—as well as added to it—by utilizing every available area of almost an entire city block in a run-down industrial zone. Fear Factory is also able to move visitors inside and outside, making sure they never get too used to one area; one of its greatest strengths is being able to take advantage of just how tall certain parts of the building are. Be warned, though: If heights aren’t your thing, you might want to consider staying outside in the safety of lurkers from the graveyard—who might just be some of the building’s former employees. 666 W. 900 South, $25 or $35 VIP, FearFactorySLC.com"

Another great reason to visit Fear Factory is the concessions. The atmosphere created by the Fear Factory crew should keep you entertained while you wait in line to pay the piper, but it was the gourmet donuts that kept me happy as I waited to purchase our V.I.P. wristband.

Gimme Sugar Catering has a stand featuring their gourmet donuts.  My suggestion is to ignore the price and try their caramel apple pie gourmet donuts.  At first I purchased three cinnamon and sugar donuts which are made fresh as you order. While waiting for my treat I started a conversation with the owners of Gimme Sugar Catering and told them if their donuts where as good as Boopie's Donuts in Sparks, Nevada, that I would mention them on this blog.  Understanding that word of mouth is worth it's weight in donuts they also handed me a caramel apple pie doughnut (Spelled donut).  Well, their sample worked because minutes later I was back at their stand buying two more caramel apple donuts for my friends.

Here's to Fear Factory and Gimme Sugar Catering!  Halloween is now better and tastier in SLC!

REDISTRICTING: UTAH DEMOCRATS BLAST TODAY'S GOP CLOSED CAUCUS

SALT LAKE CITY: Once again, Utah's Republican legislature has gone behind closed doors to discuss the congressional map. "This is the type of arrogant, pretentious, and disdainful behavior Utahns have come to expect from Utah's Republican leadership," said Utah Democratic Party Chair Jim Dabakis. "The state spent nearly $1 million , sat through dozens of public meetings, and heard hundreds of comments begging for fairness and transparency. Thousands of people signed petitions, hundreds drew maps, dozens wrote letters to the editors. With this move today, Republican leadership has shown that the public process has been, at best, a waste, at worse, a complete and utter sham!"

"Today's closed caucus is an insult to the people of Utah and the Constitution. Utah's Republican power brokers are determined to tear asunder the founding principles of our great country. They've dropped all pretense of bipartisanship and transparency; all in favor of infighting over raw political power,"charged Dabakis.

Dabakis issued a challenge to Utah voters: "Next time you vote, send a message about the secrecy and back room deals. Tell the Republican power brokers that you won?t stand for it, that you won't allow Utah to operate in the dark. The solution is this: elect more Democrats! We?ll open up government. We'll stand for integrity."

Vile - a warning to Utah's public employees

This comment is being circulated by e-mail to Utah residents: "Anyone who works for ANY government agency should receive 60% or less of what a comparable private sector employee would make because of the stability of the source of the income not subject to the vagarities of the "free" market and the fact that they never have to provide any of the capital to the creation of that job which someone in the private sector has to provide." 

Hatch’s Disgrace? A Bankruptcy Two Months After Federal Grant

Salt Lake City — Over the past month Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) has been attacking federal loans to solar energy company Solyndra, going so far as to call it a “disgrace” on national television. What Hatch failed to mention is his shepherding of a $33 million grant to his solar pet project, Raser Technologies, that recently went bust. The company filed for bankruptcy just two months after pocketing the federal cash.

Utah State Democratic Party Chair Jim Dabakis said the real disgrace is the Senator’s glaring hypocrisy. Dabakis asks, "Senator Hatch, is this use of the taxpayers' money due to your influence 'disgraceful', too?" "In order to please the far-right wing Patrick Henry/Tea Party elements, Senator Hatch, seems to be willing to say anything – attacking Obama when he has done the same thing and his flip-flop on the Dream Act are just two examples. The Senator is displaying an abundance of hypocrisy. The Senator’s ‘do as I say, not as I do’ arrogance is duplicitous." The record shows that Hatch has been involved in direct communication with Raser’s leadership for years and championed tax incentives that directly benefited the company.

“Being so heavily involved with a company that secured millions in taxpayer grants while criticizing the current administration for supporting loans for a similar company shows a glaring lack of integrity and consistency,” said Dabakis. Dabakis concluded, “In a time when the federal deficit is soaring, it is maddening that Senator Hatch cares more about currying favor his past donors than he does about stopping the federal money hemorrhaging. We suggest the Senator stop worrying about winning a popularity contest with the far-right wing and instead come to the table offering substantive solutions to create jobs for Utah workers.”

Utah Democrats File GRAMA Request on Behalf of People of Utah

Democrats Charge that Republican Leadership is Taking a 2x4 to the Democratic Process

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah State Democratic Party filed an official GRAMA request today with the Utah State Legislature regarding the closed door, secret conversations leading to the current "fiasco" over Utah’s congressional maps.

“Utah’s Republican leadership is forcing our hand.  The Utah Democratic Party has been compelled to demand transparency and fairness on behalf of all Utah citizens,” said Jim Dabakis, Chair of the Utah Democratic Party.

“The poster children of closed cronyism in government – Representatives Dave Clark and Carl Wimmer – are working backroom deals to support their selfish political ambitions. They're throwing out months of work and hundreds of thousands of dollars of public money," continued Dabakis.  "Someone must speak for the people of Utah.  Someone must smash a battering ram through the closed doors.  Moral and public pressure has not worked so far -- so today -- the Utah Democratic Party is being forced to file a GRAMA request to ensure our government is acting in a fair, open, and transparent manner.”

“This is not a decision we are making lightly. We don’t want to tie up the legislature and drag on an unnecessary process.  BUT THE REPBULICAN PARTY BOSSES ARE TAKING A 2X4 TO THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS AND THEY MUST REPENT!" Dabakis proclaimed. "They must open the doors, come to the table, and develop a compromise.  We are willing to compromise - are they?”

Dabakis concluded: “The GRAMA request is the first step towards preparing a lawsuit on behalf of the people of Utah.   We do not want to go the next step of subpoenas, affidavits, depositions, testifying under oath and official legal claims, but today, we feel we have no choice but to begin moving in this direction and we are reluctantly taking this step to ensure that ALL Utahns are represented.”

UTAH DEMOCRATIC STATE PARTY CONDEMNS PERRY SUPPORTER CALLING THE LDS CHURCH A CULT

SALT LAKE CITY -- LDS Dems Interim Chair Senator Ben McAdams and Interim Vice-chair Crystal Young-Otterstrom issued the following statement in response to Robert Jeffress's comments calling The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a cult. Jeffress is a pastor at the First Baptist Church in Dallas and made the comment to reporters following an event for Governor Rick Perry.

"As Latter-day Saints -- and Democrats -- we are appalled and disappointed by Jeffress' statement that Mormons are not Christian," stated McAdams and Young-Otterstrom. "As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we know that the foundation of our belief is the divinity of Jesus Christ. Members of the LDS Church are compassionate, caring individuals who seek to follow the example of Christ to love our neighbors as ourselves."

Utah State Democratic Party Chair Jim Dabakis added, "On behalf of all Utah Democrats, I heartily condemn Jeffress' insult. Mormon-phobia should have no place in America. Latter-day Saints are good, honest, and hard working people! I love Mormons. The Democratic Party is welcoming to followers of all faiths and creeds and I invite those who feel unwelcome in the Republican Party -- because of their faith -- to join us."

A message from USDC Chair Jim Dabakis on redistricting

Dear Utah Resident,

I am outraged by the Republicans in the Utah Legislature. Before our very eyes, Republican Party bosses are drawing ridiculous districts to protect their incumbents, putting petty political interests ahead Utah citizens, and presenting terribly flawed maps that hurt all Utahans for the next TEN years.

DEMOCRATS WILL NOT stand silently and watch our freedoms be seriously eroded! Will you join us? All over the state, Republican manipulators are damaging our democracy. Ogden and Weber County are fractured into four Senate districts. Tooele City and County are split to protect Republican incumbents. Summit County is yanked to all corners of the state to divide the Democratic stronghold. Southern Utah and rural residents HAVE BEEN CLEAR – they want a Southern Utah Congressional District – but THEY ARE BEING IGNORED.

 Don’t believe us? It’s not just the Democratic Party that is outraged.

• The Deseret News recently called this year’s redistricting, “Legal, but not Ethical.” 
• The Provo Daily Herald attacked the proposed congressional maps, stating the “justifications are really shaky”. 
•  The Associated Press described the process as akin to The Godfather. 
•  And even the Tooele County Republican Chair stated “To slap the people…with a map like this shows that the public has no place in the process”.

Fair minded people like you need to step up to this arrogant bullying! Today, we are taking the stand and we URGENTLY need people all over Utah to BE BRAVE, lend your voice to the cause, and join the fight!

 We have no time to lose. Utah’s State House, Senate, and Congressional Districts are being GERRYMANDERED RIGHT NOW! You can stand up to their abuse and STAND WITH US by doing the following:

1. Tell EVERYONE how shameless and BLATANT the Republican gerrymandering is. Tell your neighbors, tell your mailman, tell your clerk at the grocery store!
2. Sign our LETTER OF PROTEST and join us by standing with the people of Utah for fair minded redistricting.Then FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO YOUR FRIENDS by clicking here. Proudly add your name so that THIS TIME, Republican bosses know we will not stand for this blatant political power brokering – not at the expense of our representation, our communities, and our voice.
3. Attend the OCTOBER 3, 2011 RALLY. Good government groups from across the state are joining forces to oppose this corrupt process. Come to the State Capitol at 11:00 a.m. on OCTOBER 3, 2011, and let the Republicans know we will not stand silent as they blatantly disenfranchise Utahans.
4. SEND YOUR STATE DEMOCRATIC PARTY A CONTRIBUTION NOW! Or better yet, SIGN ON AS A MONTHLY DONOR. Putting a halt to this arrogant abuse of power is not cheap! The domination of our State Legislature by untouchable, closed-caucus Republican Leaders is damaging Utah's ability to create jobs, attract tourists, and create the quality of life we all desire.

We have a legion of fabulous volunteers that contribute their time, enthusiasm and effort. Rest assured, that they are certain every dollar you donate is stretched to its absolute limit. But make no mistake, THIS BATTLE NEEDS CASH! 

Any amount helps - from $5 to $1,000 – but HELP US TODAY. 100% of your donation will go to fight the fight – even if it means TAKING THE REPUBLICANS TO COURT! Utah Democrats do not have the long lists of lobbyists and special interests that bankroll Republicans. We DEPEND on your grassroots support. Without your help---we simply cannot fight our fight.

GERRYMANDERING IS HAPPENING NOW! It is URGENT that you act IMMEDIATELY. Tell your friends, come to the rally, JOIN OUR EFFORT and CONTRIBUTE TODAY. Pass this message on so we can fight together!

Jim Dabakis State Party Chair

Utah State Democratic Party Announces Launch of LDS Dems

Utah State Democratic Party 

Announces Launch of LDS Dems

Kick-off Event will be a Pre-General Conference Breakfast in Murray Park 

Prepared by LDS Democrat Elected Officials

SALT LAKE CITY -- Newly elected USDC chair Jim Dabakis has repeatedly stated that he wants more Latter-day Saints to feel welcome in the Utah State Democratic Party. Party organizers today announced the formation of LDS Dems which will soon be an official caucus of the Utah State Democratic Party. 

“For far too long, too many of my fellow Latter-day Saints say that you must be a Republican in order to be a good Mormon. That’s just not true!” states Senator Ben McAdams, interim chair of LDS Dems. “We’re here as LDS Dems to show you that can be a good democrat and a good Latter-day Saint.”

Steve Olsen, chair of the Weber County Democratic Party and an LDS Dems member, agrees: “No official statement from the First Presidency is more ignored by Latter-day Saints in Utah than the counsel: ‘All major American political parties have values consistent with gospel.’ Our main purpose is to help our fellow Latter-day Saints wholeheartedly accept this counsel from the Brethren.”

The caucus’s first event will be a pre-General Conference Breakfast. The breakfast will be from 8:00 - 9:30 am on Saturday, October 1st at Pavilion #3 in Murray Park. Former Representative Trisha Beck is chairing the breakfast. Pancakes, bacon, and fruit from the local Murray Farmers Market will be prepared by currently elected democrat officials who are also LDS. 

“I am truly excited for LDS Dems. I'm a democrat because I feel that democrats best reflect the values of charitable love, family, and community that are the basis of my faith,” states Utah Common Values Executive Director and LDS Dems member Craig Janis. 

“Whether you’re a conservative, moderate, or progressive Democrat -- or you’re a moderate and belong to no party -- you’re welcome and invited to join LDS Dems!” says LDS Dems member Diane Stewart.

LDS Dems will host activities that allow its members to get to know each other and provide a means to introduce moderates to democratic ideas in a comfortable, LDS-based setting. It will also conduct a comprehensive outreach effort.

“As I prayerfully and seriously consider the issues facing our State and Country today, I'm convinced that as a ‘good Mormon’, I must be a Democrat.  The values that I hold dear as a Latter-day Saint -- agency and accountability, charity, defending this promised land of America while respecting our role in the world,  and respecting everyone's God-given rights -- are all more at home in the democratic platform than any other political party,” states Doug Hawks, chair of the Iron County Democratic Party and an LDS Dems member.

Concludes Erika Munson, also a member of LDS Dems, “My commitment to the Democratic Party answers the question ‘Have I Done Any Good in the World Today?’ One of the great blessings of democracy is that citizens can do more good for more people by working and sacrificing together than they can alone.”  

To become a member of LDS Dems, go to ldsdems.org/join. The complete website will be launched on October 1, 2011. 

LDS DEMS’ STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES:

Utah has a rich heritage and a bright future. Our families are the basic units of society, and their success determines the success of our communities. For this reason, our mission is to reduce economic stress, create safe neighborhoods, and provide quality educational and community resources. We take our stewardship over the natural world seriously. We strive to make our communities welcoming and safe for all of Utah's people without regard for when they first came to our great state. We recognize the hand of Divinity in the US Constitution, and we seek to ensure that the rights and freedoms it provides are available to everyone. 

UDP Press Release: Another attack on Utah’s teachers by Republican Leader Greg Hughes

Utah Democrats responded today to a statement made by Representative Greg Hughes, R—Draper, who in response to the House and Senate Democrat’s unveiling of their “Best Schools Initiative” called it “fiction” for Utah to have both small class sizes and great teachers.

In an AP newswire quote, Hughes called the two proposals “diametrically opposed,” and said it would be a “lie” to claim that Utah could have better paid teachers and smaller class sizes with more individualized attention.

Utah Democratic Party Chair Jim Dabakis called Hughes’ comments “an insult to the greatest teachers in America. I am appalled that GOP leadership continues its relentless attack on Utah’s underpaid, overloaded, and under appreciated teachers,” said Dabakis.

“Representative Hughes and others in the Republican caucus do not seem to want Utah’s school children have great teachers, or be in an environment where learning can thrive,” he said.  “They want to starve  the system so that they can advance their own ideology and dismantle neighborhood schools altogether.   Quite frankly, Republican domination has failed Utah's school system, failed Utah teachers, and most importantly, failed Utah's children.  Our schools continue to rank 30th in the nation in student achievement and we're dead last in per student funding.  Representative Hughes and the negative Republican legislators continue to say 'we can't fix this"  but Utah Democrats say 'we can, and we will bring a great education, using neighborhood schools, to every child in the State.'  Utah's teachers are not the problem. Representative Hughes, Republican leadership and their defeatist rhetoric is the problem.  Until we have 'real' leadership who will make Utah's public schools the top priority, we will continue to fail Utah's children.  Utah Democrats will not accept this defeat."

UDP Press Release: Utah Democratic Party Blasts Senate Redistricting Proposal

Utah Democratic Party Blasts Senate Redistricting Proposal

Proposed Utah Senate Map is a clear example of gerrymandering and incumbent protection

(Salt Lake City, UT) - Earlier today, the Utah State Legislature's Redistricting Committee recommended a Utah State Senate map.  The map is clear example of gerrymandering and incumbent protection. The map divides Tooele County and draws a narrow peninsula to make a seat for Senator Thatcher and prevents a Tooele voice.  Ogden City is fractured - splitting a community that has been working hard to build its economic base and define itself as an outdoor recreation hub - so that Senators Reid and Christensen will not need to face each other in an election.  Springville is thrown into a district with Bluff, two cities separated by nearly 300 miles, so that Senators Hinkins and VanTassell can keep their seats.

In response, Utah State Democratic Party Chairman Jim Dabakis issued the following statement:

"Today's Senate map is clear example of politicians choosing their voters instead of voters choosing their representatives.   Like the last 20 years and against the strong voice of its residents, Tooele is divided nearly in half, preventing its residents from having strong voice in the Senate.  Ogden, a growing city with a unique identity, is divided so Reid and Christensen can avoid opposing each other in an election.  What could be the rationale for combining Springville and Bluff, two cities separated by over 300 miles?  Utah needs representation that protects Utah voices, cities, and communities  - not one that is made to protect politicians.”

Lindsay Barenz of Centerville, Utah appointed 2011-2012 White House Fellow

WHITE HOUSE APPOINTS 2011-2012 CLASS OF WHITE HOUSE FELLOWS

 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships announced the appointment the 2011-2012 Class of White House Fellows.  The Fellows come from diverse backgrounds, varied professions, and all have shown a strong commitment to public service and leadership.  The 2011-2012 Class of Fellows and their biographies are included below.

The White House Fellows Program was created in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson to give promising American leaders “first hand, high-level experience with the workings of the Federal government, and to increase their sense of participation in national affairs.”  This unique opportunity to work within our nation’s government is designed to encourage active citizenship and a lifelong commitment to service.  The Fellows also take part in an education program designed to broaden their knowledge of leadership, policy formulation, and current affairs.  Community service is another essential element of the program, and Fellows participate in service projects throughout the year in the Washington, DC area.

Selection as a White House Fellow is highly competitive and based on a record of professional achievement, evidence of leadership potential, and a proven commitment to public service.  Each Fellow must possess the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully at senior levels in the Federal government.  Throughout its history, the program has fostered leaders in many fields, including leaders in government, business, media, medicine, education, diplomacy and the military.  Additional information about the White House Fellows program is available at www.whitehouse.gov/fellows.

2011-2012 Class of White House Fellows

Lindsay Barenz, Centerville, UT. Lindsay Barenz most recently served as an Associate with the law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP in New York City. She was responsible for managing complex corporate transactions and counseling clients on mergers and acquisitions, cross border transactions, private equity investments and securities law matters. During her time with Cleary Gottlieb, she served on the firm’s Diversity and Mentoring Committees and provided pro bono legal services to the New York City Investment Fund, the Middle Eastern Documentary Film Foundation and the Name Change Project with the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund. From 2004-2005 she served as a law clerk to the Honorable Betty Binns Fletcher on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.  Lindsay is a graduate of Yale Law School, where she was a senior editor of the Yale Law Journal, Coker Fellow and Co-Chair of Outlaws, the LGBTQ law student association. Prior to attending law school, she was a union organizer with the Service Employees International Union. Lindsay received her B.S. with honors in Political Science from the University of Utah.  Lindsay grew up in Centerville, Utah.  Placement: Office of Management and Budget

Reggie Chambers, Harlem, NY. Reggie Chambers most recently served as an Investment Executive with 3i Group plc, a $20 billion international investment firm in New York and London. At 3i, he helped found and lead its North American infrastructure team and served on the board of a multi-billion dollar UK rail company. Before 3i, Reggie was a Vice President with Citi Investment Banking, executing cross-border mergers, acquisitions and financings for Fortune 500 energy infrastructure companies. Reggie’s transactional work began as a corporate lawyer with Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in New York and Uría Menéndez Abogados in Madrid, Spain. Reggie has dedicated himself to creating educational opportunities for others by teaching entrepreneurship and small business as an Adjunct Professor at Brooklyn College, using his teaching salary to fund the class’s business plan competition, and by serving as one of the youngest trustees ever on the boards of the Graduate Center of CUNY, the Bogliasco Foundation in Italy, and the Teachers Network. Reggie earned his J.D. from Harvard Law School and his A.B. in Political Science, Spanish and Markets & Management from Duke University. Reggie is a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations and grew up in Mequon, Wisconsin.  Placement: The White House

Albert Cho, Tempe, AZ. Albert Cho most recently served as an executive at Cisco Systems, where he directed environmental innovation projects and led development of a new approach for monitoring global deforestation. Prior to Cisco Systems, Albert was an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company, where he helped found the Sustainability and Resources Practice and advised clients in the aerospace, industrial, high tech and financial sectors on strategy and risk management. He has also worked at the United Nations with Jeffrey Sachs on a global plan for achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Albert volunteers as a strategic advisor to the Nobel Prize-winning Green Belt Movement in Kenya and as a consultant to the World Resources Institute. He serves on the board of the Telluride Association, an educational non-profit, and is a trained crisis hotline counselor and hospice volunteer. Albert has lived, worked or traveled in over 70 countries, including a year supporting financial sector reform in north Africa. He is a Rhodes and a Truman Scholar, a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and was a Visiting Business Fellow at Oxford. He received an M.Sc in development economics and an M.B.A. with distinction from Oxford, and graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Harvard College.  Placement: U.S. Department of State

Elizabeth Coté, Bangor, ME. Elizabeth Coté most recently served as a resident physician in Anesthesia at Brigham and Women's Hospital. She completed an internship in Pediatrics at Massachusetts General Hospital. In 2010, she provided medical assistance to earthquake victims in Haiti and worked in a relief camp to deploy a mobile medical record system that tracked patients and prevented family separation. While in medical school, Elizabeth started a training program in Chennai that empowered orphanage caregivers to prevent and detect newborn disease. In 2004, she served in the Coalition Provisional Authority as a special assistant to the Iraqi Ministry of Health and volunteered at the main combat support hospital. Working at the OECD in Paris, she managed a study that compared health quality among 20 countries. As an AmeriCorps Fellow, Elizabeth established a program that linked enrollment in the school meals program with access to MassHealth. Raised in Bangor, Maine, Elizabeth earned a Foster Scholarship at Harvard Medical School (M.D. '09) and a Zuckerman Fellowship at the John F. Kennedy School Government at Harvard University (M.P.A. '09). She is a magna cum laude graduate of Wellesley College (B.A. '99).  Placement: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Kisha Davis, Gaithersburg, MD. Kisha Davis most recently served as a family physician at Chase Brexton Health Services, Inc. She practiced primary care at a culturally and socioeconomically diverse community health center. In addition to routine primary care, she has special interest in HIV/AIDS, women’s health, and diabetes. She has taught medical students from both Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland. She earned an M.P.H from Johns Hopkins University and is a member of the Delta Omega public health honor society. Her public health research includes studying health care costs and utilization among Maryland Medicaid new enrollees. She completed residency at the University of Maryland and served as Chief Resident. Kisha is on the board of the Maryland Academy of Family Physicians. She is also active in the America Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), representing the voice of new family physicians within the AAFP and American Medical Association. She has sponsored health fairs, diabetes groups, and an HIV/AIDS prayer breakfast through her church. She has travelled to Zimbabwe, Honduras, and New Orleans on medical mission trips. Kisha received her M.D. from the University of Connecticut where she received the Lyman Stowe Award for humanitarianism in medicine. She holds a B.S. in Biological Anthropology from Duke University.  Placement: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Felice Gorordo, Miami, FL. Leonardo Felice Gorordo most recently served as co-founder, chairman and CEO of Raíces de Esperanza (Roots of Hope), a national non-profit focused on youth empowerment in Cuba. He founded Raíces while in college. In 2009, Felice served as an advisor to 17-time Grammy winner Juanes and helped organize the historic "Peace without Borders" concert in Cuba, with 1.2 million in attendance. Previously, he led government sales for Liberty Power, the fastest-growing Hispanic-owned business in the U.S., generating $14.7 million in revenues annually. Prior to that, he worked as a trade specialist at the U.S. Department of Commerce, managing a cross-sector caseload valued at $1.5 billion in export content. Felice was featured on CNN’s “Young People Who Rock,” and Latinos in Information Science Technology honored him with the “Rising Star Award.” Felice served as a strategist for the CEO of Jackson Health System and as a member of the University of Miami’s Energy Task Force. He frequently appears as a commentator in the media, including CNN, BBC, NPR, CNBC, and The Economist. Felice is a Georgetown University graduate.  Placement: The White House

Ziad Haider, Washington, DC.  Ziad Haider recently earned an M.P.A. and J.D. from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and Georgetown University. He previously served as a Foreign Policy Advisor to U.S. Senator Chris Dodd and Professional Staff on the House Committee on Homeland Security. He previously served as a Research Analyst at the Henry L. Stimson Center developing conflict resolution measures in South Asia, a Fulbright Scholar in Malaysia working on Muslim women’s rights and studying Islamic law, and a Fellow at Human Rights Watch’s China Program and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, conducting field work on governance reforms in Pakistan’s tribal belt. He has also worked at leading international law firms in the United States, India, and Singapore. Haider is the author of The Ideological Struggle for Pakistan (Hoover Institution Press) and a foreign affairs columnist for The Sun (Malaysia). He is the Director of the Truman National Security Project’s Asia Expert Group and a member of the Groton School’s Alumni Committee. He received his B.A. with distinction in Political Science from Yale University. He is fluent in Urdu and proficient in Mandarin and French and has lived in Bahrain, China, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore.  Placement: U.S. Department of Justice

Theodore Johnson, Raleigh, NC. Theodore Johnson is a Lieutenant Commander and information warfare officer in the United States Navy. He most recently served on the faculty at the U.S. Naval War College where he was a cyberspace and information operations military professor. His thirteen years of commissioned service include numerous afloat deployments throughout Asia and the Middle East, cyberspace operations supporting major combat operations, and as aide-de-camp to the Director of the National Security Agency, Generals Keith Alexander, USA and Michael Hayden, USAF. In 2007, Ted deployed with Expeditionary Strike Group SEVEN in support of Operation Sea Angel II, the disaster relief response to Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh. In 2009, he conducted research in Africa, Asia, and South America that led to official U.S. Navy publications on theater security cooperation and in the historic U.S. Naval Institute’s Proceedings. His military decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service and Humanitarian Service medals. Theodore holds a Bachelor of Science from Hampton University and a Master of Liberal Arts with an International Relations concentration from Harvard University.  Placement: U.S. Department of Energy

Debra Kurshan, Brooklyn, NY. Debra Kurshan most recently served as a consultant with the Recovery School District in New Orleans, Louisiana. She worked directly with the Superintendent to develop the strategic vision for the district. Prior to that, she served in a variety of leadership roles at the New York City Department of Education, including the Executive Director of the Office of Portfolio Planning, the office responsible for opening new schools, closing under-performing schools and planning the portfolio of the city’s 1,700 schools. She also served as Chief Operating Officer for the Office of Innovation, the office responsible for the District’s first large scale online learning platform. Debra served on the board of Minds Matters, a nonprofit dedicated to preparing low-income students for college and is also a member of the Columbia Business School Social Enterprise Program Alumni Circle. She served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ghana where she worked with the community to create and implement a technology center. Debra received her M.B.A. from Columbia Business School where she was honored with the Board of Overseers fellowship, and her B.A., Phi Beta Kappa, in Urban Studies from the University of Pennsylvania.  Placement: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Jennifer Lee, Fairfax, VA. Jennifer Lee most recently served as a practicing emergency medicine physician and Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at The George Washington University, with a joint appointment in the Department of Health Policy. She directed the Emergency Medicine Health Policy Fellowship Program, where she taught and mentored medical students in health policy. Her research focuses on the impact of health reform on ER utilization and how medical schools can train socially conscious physicians. Jennifer is on the board of the Arlington Free Clinic, where she volunteers and chairs a health reform planning committee. She was also co-chair of the Northern Virginia Access to Health Care Consortium, a coalition of safety net providers that advocates for the uninsured. Additionally, Jennifer was board chair of the Hepatitis B Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating liver disease caused by hepatitis B. In 2008, Jennifer was appointed by Governor Tim Kaine to the Virginia Board of Medicine. She was a health fellow on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee from 2002-2003. Jennifer completed her residency training at Johns Hopkins University, received her B.S. from Yale University, and her M.D. from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.  Placement: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Rodney Lewis, Oklahoma City, OK. Rodney Lewis is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force and an Air Force C-17A pilot. As Commander of the 4^th Airlift Squadron, he was directly responsible for the Department of Defense’s only Prime Nuclear Airlift Force, which handles our nation's most sensitive cargo and provides tactically qualified C-17A crews who stand ready to airdrop combat troops and supplies anywhere in the world. In 2008 and 2009, he was the McChord AFB Chief of Safety and his office was awarded Air Mobility Command Safety Office of the Year. Previously, he was assigned to the Office of Legislative Liaison, Secretary of the Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, DC where he served as the Executive to the senior General officer, supervising the internal coordination of Air Force legislative proposals and issues. In 2004 he received the Bronze star for his service in Iraq. In 2010 he was awarded the Air Force Association National Medal of Merit for his work supporting medically challenged children in the Pilot for a Day program. Rodney earned a Systems Management M.S. with Honors from the University of Southern California, and a B.S. in Human Factors Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy.  Placement: The White House

Clay Pell, Providence, RI. Clay Pell is a JAG and Lieutenant in the United States Coast Guard. He has served as Admiral’s Aide, Appellate Government Counsel, and Adjunct Faculty for the Defense Institute of International Legal Studies. Clay executes regular Coast Guard exchanges with China to improve military diplomacy, instructs courses on human rights and military justice, and has prosecuted crimes for the U.S. Marine Corps. Prior to military service, Clay worked for the CIA, State Department, and the international law firms of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Baker & McKenzie, and Uría Menéndez. He helped lead a national campaign to increase funding for inexpensive, lifesaving medicines for children under five. In Rhode Island, Clay supported Progreso Latino, the International Institute, and the China Working Group in their drive to instruct foreign languages in local schools and provide critical services to communities of new Americans. Clay is fluent in Chinese, Spanish, and Arabic and studied law in China and Argentina. He graduated first in his class from the Coast Guard Direct Commission Officer School, earned his J.D. from Georgetown University, and graduated from Harvard University with high honors in Social Studies and a Citation in Modern Standard Arabic. Clay is a recipient of the CIA’s Exceptional Performance Award.  Placement: The White House

Wizdom Powell, Norfolk, VA. Wizdom Powell most recently served as an Assistant Professor of Health Behavior and Health Education (HBHE) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) Gillings School of Global Public Health and a UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center faculty member. Her community-based domestic research examines the impact of neighborhood, healthcare, and socioeconomic resources on racial health disparities, with an emphasis on vulnerable Black males. She has published over 15 scientific articles and book chapters. In 2009, she gave invited expert testimony to the President’s Cancer Panel about racial/ethnic minority healthcare experiences. Prior to her positions at UNC, she was a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health and Society Scholar at the University of California, San Francisco and Berkeley. She is an American Psychological Association (APA) Minority and Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellow who received a Ph.D. and M.S. in Clinical Psychology and M.P.H. in HBHE from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. In recognition of outstanding dissertation research, Wizdom received APA’s Division 51 Loren Frankel Award. Wizdom obtained her B.A., summa cum laude, in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice where she received the Thurgood Marshall, Malcolm-King Leadership, and Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program Alumnae of the Year awards.  Placement: U.S. Department of Defense

Jaron Wharton, Birmingham, AL. Jaron Wharton is a Major in the United States Army. He most recently served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense where he was a Special Assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. In this capacity, he focused on Afghanistan and served as a liaison to the President’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan. His military assignments include four combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. He graduated with honors from the United States Military Academy with a B.S. in International Relations and earned an M.P.A. from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Jaron is also a term member at the Council on Foreign Relations. His military awards and decorations include three Bronze Star Medals (including one for valor), the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for supporting multiple projects for wounded warriors, the Ranger Tab and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.  Placement: United States Agency for International Development

Tony Woods, Fairfield, CA. Tony Woods most recently served as the Director of ServiceNation’s “Service as a Strategy” initiative. In partnership with Mayor Bloomberg’s Cities of Service coalition, Tony managed a program that develops volunteer-driven solutions for American cities. Before joining ServiceNation, Tony campaigned in 2009 to represent California’s 10th congressional district in the US House of Representatives. Tony has also served as an aide to New York Governor David Paterson and as an officer in the US Army. While in the Army, he deployed twice to Iraq as a platoon leader and earned the Bronze Star for his service. Tony’s extensive community service activities include leading reconstruction trips to New Orleans and Haiti, bicycling across America to raise money for Habitat for Humanity, and mentoring low-income students through the college admissions process. Additionally, Tony has written op-eds for The Washington Post, Daily Beast, and Huffington Post. Tony received an M.P.P. from the Harvard Kennedy School and a B.S. in Economics and American Politics from the United States Military Academy at West Point.  Placement: U.S. Office of Personnel Management

State Rep. Patrice Arent to be honored for public service

Salt Lake City, UT – The Utah State Democratic Party is pleased to announce the 2011 Eleanor Roosevelt Award recipient will be State Rep. Patrice Arent.

Democratic State Party Chair Jim Dabakis praised the selection saying, “Representative Patrice Arent is a modern example of the courage and values we saw from First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Eleanor Roosevelt was a woman ahead of her time, a warm, loving, sincere, kind, wise, strong, disciplined, and very human person who used her talents and position to help bring about much needed social change for which she will never be forgotten and will always be treasured. We think the same can be said for Patrice.”

First elected in 1996, Patrice served for a decade in the Utah House and Senate.  After completing her term in 2006, Patrice moved out of her Senate district to the Millcreek community.  During her legislative tenure, the Deseret News repeatedly named Patrice as one of the five “Most Effective” members of the Senate and House. She was elected to the State House in her new district in Millcreek in 2010 and currently serves as a member of the Democratic National Committee where she has been nominated to serve on the powerful DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee.

As a legislator, Patrice worked hard to increase support for education, health and human services, and preservation of open space. She helped lead efforts to stop higher-level nuclear waste from being stored in Utah.  She also worked to amend or defeat legislation that wasted tax dollars.

Patrice works with her husband David Mock in a small family business and teaches part-time at the University of Utah's S.J. Quinney College of Law.  She is the proud mother of Sarah and Josh, fifth-generation Utahns. Patrice is a graduate of the University of Utah and Cornell Law School.  She was a division chief in the Utah Attorney General's Office, Associate General Counsel to the Utah Legislature, and practiced in a private law firm.

Patrice has been actively involved in community service for most of her life. She has volunteered on several boards including the University of Utah Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, AARP, and committees at Skyline and Olympus high schools.  Patrice volunteers at the homeless shelters and in the public schools, and is active in Rotary International. She has won many awards for her community and legislative service.

Patrice worked as a parking lot attendant, gift wrapper, buyer, and sales clerk for her family business, “Arent’s Doorway to Fashion.”  Working in her family's business taught Patrice the value of hard work, the importance of listening to your customers, and providing good, honest service. She has also worked as a waitress, substitute teacher, and law clerk in federal court. 

In their free time, Patrice and her family enjoy exploring Millcreek Canyon, music, skiing, theater, and hiking in Boulder, Utah.  Patrice's wonderful father, Marvin Arent, often joins them on vacations.

Patrice Arent was selected by a committee of past award winners from nominations submitted by members of the public and party activists. Special recognition will also be given to the Utah Democratic Women’s Club, the longest continuing Women’s Democratic Club in the nation at over 100 years of activity.

The award will be presented at the eighteenth annual Eleanor Roosevelt Award Luncheon to be held on October 27, 2011 at the Garden Place at This is the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Past award winners include former Congresswoman Karen Shepherd; Utah First Ladies Lucy Beth Rampton and Norma Matheson; former Attorney General Jan Graham; Salt Lake County Clerk Sherrie Swensen, former State House members Judy Ann Buffmire and Beverly White; State Senator Karen Mayne and former State Senators Karen Hale and Paula Julander; Party activists Fae Beck, Rosa Vida Black, ShaRon Nelson, Louise Henson and Helen James; former Executive Director of the Utah Education Association Susan Kuziak; former Utah AFL-CIO political director Beverly Saathoff; well-known community activists Annette Cumming, Esther Landa, Robyn Matheson and Peggy Swenson.

For specific questions regarding arrangements for the Eleanor Roosevelt Award Luncheon, please contact Matt Lyon at 801-328-1212 x 207.

More than 55,743 Job Losses in Utah would Result From GOP’s Extreme Policies

Salt Lake City, UT – In advance of tonight’s GOP Presidential debate, Utah Democratic Party Chair Jim Dabakis released an estimate of the number of jobs which would be lost in Utah as a result of the Republican Party’s presidential candidates support for extreme economic policies, including a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution like that which is included in the Tea Party budget plan passed by the U.S. House of Representatives this summer. 

The analysis found that just the balanced budget amendment called for in the plan, if in place in 2012, would result in the loss of 9.5 million American jobs and 55,743 jobs right here in Utah. The loss of so many jobs could sink the U.S. into a depression the likes of which the country hasn’t experienced since the Great Depression.

This new analysis looked at the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) August deficit projections for 2012 ( $991 billion deficit with CBO options for Iraq drawdown, extension of all tax provisions and Alternative Minimum Tax indexing and accounting for the so-called “Doc” fix), and using the conservative Romer-Bernstein rule of thumb that 1 percent of GDP equates to 1 million jobs, concluded that if the plan were fully phased in in 2012 and nearly a trillion dollars in federal spending was slashed, the balanced budget amendment would cost 9.5 million jobs nationwide. 

Because of the balanced budget amendment’s strict requirements for deep cuts, hard spending caps and a two-thirds majority to raise revenue, Congress would be virtually helpless to reverse the negative effects of these Tea Party Republican policies.  Despite these negative consequences, every Republican presidential candidate, courting the extreme Tea Party vote, has come out in favor of a balanced budget amendment to the constitution or the Tea Party plan which contains one.

Prior to the Republican debate, State Chair Jim Dabakis released the following statement on the report:

“The plans advocated by the GOP could cost as much as 9.5 million American jobs and 55,743 jobs here in Utah. It could possibly bring on a second Great Depression and devastation for the middle class, small businesses, students and seniors. Ending Medicare as we know it and slashing Social Security is the price Mitt Romney, Rick Perry, Michele Bachmann, Ron Paul are willing to pay to appeal to the most extreme and narrow elements of the Tea Party. There’s not a Democrat or Republican in this country who doesn’t think we need to get our fiscal house in order, but what this crop of Tea Party-loving Republicans has signed on to would lay ruin to our country and is beyond irresponsible. 

The drastic cuts to education, health care, infrastructure, research and development, higher education, Social Security, Medicare and job training supported by Republicans would cost us millions of jobs if the plan were fully implemented in 2012 and would ensure that we aren’t making the very types of investments we need to create jobs and be globally competitive in the 21st Century.  The Republican approach is like setting dynamite to your home to fix a leaky faucet – and these wrongheaded policy choices are the result of a Republican Party which has turned over an increasing amount of power to its Tea Party fringe.

“Americans want real solutions to the problems we face and they want a plan to create jobs in the short term and lay a foundation for long term economic prosperity.  What Republicans are proposing falls devastatingly flat on all fronts.”

Link to Report: http://my.democrats.org/DNC-report