Businesslike Ashdown says 'the little guy' comes first

Ashdown believes Hatch has sold out to special interests and he does not agree with some of the incumbent's votes on technology issues and that it is just time for a change in Utah.

"This race is an uphill battle on my side," Ashdown said. "The best way to replace seniority when it needs to be replaced is to replace it with clout."

As an eerie coincidence, the motor home broke down, leaving Ashdown stranded outside Cedar City. He said they will still use it for some local events but will not drive it long distances anymore.

As Ashdown spoke to local Rotary Clubs, community groups, chambers of commerce and other organizations, Democrats and Republicans reminded him that when Hatch first ran in 1976 one of his main topics was that his opponent had been in the Senate too long.

"This race is an uphill battle on my side," Ashdown said. "The best way to replace seniority when it needs to be replaced is to replace it with clout."

Internet revolution

But Hatch is a tough opponent to beat. Brian Walton, a spokesman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said having someone with Hatch's seniority and status in the Senate is a "huge bonus for the citizens of Utah."

Hatch is running on his record and the promise of a Senate Finance Committee chairmanship in 2009, but Ashdown says if the Democrats take control of the Senate, Hatch won't have the leadership positions.

Ashdown said Utah should have one Democrat and one Republican senator to balance the state's representation in the Senate.

Kelly Patterson, director of the Center for the Study of Election and Democracy at Brigham Young University, said Ashdown has lots of "fine qualities.

"He's innovative, energetic and not afraid to campaign," Patterson said. "But think of the differences between Pete Ashdown and Jim Matheson."

Patterson said Matheson, a Democrat who represents Utah's 2nd Congressional District, not only holds public office but has name recognition and can raise more money. This makes an incumbent work harder. Ashdown does not have the statewide name recognition or any proven ability to raise money from supporters, which Hatch has.

Ashdown said many people expected him to put up a lot of his own money to finance the campaign, but he pledged to spend only $500,000 of his own money. He may end up putting in only about $50,000.

"I feel very strongly about (Hatch) buying the election by pouring millions of dollars into it," Ashdown said.

He said lack of money is one of the main barriers to entering into public office, which makes Congress not representative of the American people. Members are out of touch with everyday life, including using the Internet, he said.