From Deseret News archives:
Long-time Democrat to challenge Huntsman
It is the second run for office by Springmeyer, 64, an urban planner. He ran unsuccessfully for the then-Salt Lake County Commission in 1976, although he has been active in state Democratic politics for years.
"I probably would have more luck in winning the lottery" than this race, said a realistic Springmeyer. He ticked off Huntsman's advantages: "He is very popular. He's handsome. He can raise a lot of money. He has a billionaire daddy. And his wife (first lady Mary Kaye) is drop-dead gorgeous." Utah has not elected a Democratic governor since 1980.
Still, Springmeyer says he will give it go, work hard, bring up important issues. "There are only really three important offices in Utah governor, and the two U.S. senators. I've been asked" by the Utah Democratic Party "to represent my party in one of those. It is an honor and a privilege."
But it's a campaign that may wait awhile.
"You'll see me again in September," said Springmeyer, owner of Bonneville Research, who added he will not put any of his personal money into the race and probably won't be publicly campaigning until after Labor Day. "People who are sitting on the fence don't make up their minds" about whom they will vote for "until the last three or four weeks of a campaign anyway; anything earlier is basically chest-thumping" and self-promotion, he said.
Huntsman, surrounded by some of his staff, Mary Kaye and a number of their children, also signed Utah's "Fair Campaign Practices" voluntary law. It promises, as Herbert put it in explaining the document to Huntsman, "that you will not say any bad things about your opponent which are not true."
Huntsman said he hasn't set a budget for his campaign yet, but imagines he will spend less than $1 million. That would make it one of the least expensive gubernatorial campaigns by a serious, major-party candidate in recent state history.
Springmeyer said he may get "a little atta-boy money" from the Utah Democratic Party, but he's planning on running a skinny financial race.
Recent comments
As a moderate republican, I have been pretty happy with Huntsman....
Moderate Republican | March 15, 2008 at 2:55 p.m.
Long time republican here. I will vote for anyone besides Huntsman....
Me | March 11, 2008 at 11:08 p.m.
Doesn't Utah have anybody better to offer? There have got to be some...
oh no | March 11, 2008 at 9:50 p.m.
- Marine praised at memorial 7:50 p.m.
- Palin tour rekindles 2008 rancor 7:50 p.m.
- Machine explores Big Bang 7:48 p.m.
- McCain: PC played role in shootings 7:46 p.m.
- Fort Hood suspect to remain 7:45 p.m.
- Clock runs out on LSU 7:44 p.m.
- Williams lifts No. 16 Hokies 7:42 p.m.
- The Galaxy's pit bull 7:38 p.m.
- What others say about BYU vs. AFA 7:37 p.m.
- Wheelchair athletes take to court 7:13 p.m.
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
- Can BYU throw vs. Air Force?
- Cougars cruise to victory in Hawaii
- Huntsman blasts media over trip
- Christian leaders not backing down
- Murder-suicide in West Jordan
- TCU still has a chance
- Orem man acquitted in tot's death
- Religion cited in deportation fight
- Hall breaks BYU record with win
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
191 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
171 - BYU, Utah struck gold in coaches
124 - Lies shatter Utah family
123 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
121 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
100 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
98 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93 - Huntsman pleased with Obama
86
A little after midnight Wednesday morning, about 21 hours ago as I write...
There's a lot of reason to leave your plastic home as you shop:
I am concerned about the lack of variety in the play calling. I am...
Vegas Bowl is on ESPN, and when you are snubbed from the BCS for your joke of...
Stuck in Provo | 7:10 p.m. Nov. 21, 2009 wrote: "It was a real treat...
Who would of thought that living close to a mine where they found uranium...
...the pathetic anti-Mormon homosexuals call the Mighty Cougars "Yners" for...
Contrats to Hall. 30 wins (so far) in 3 years is truly an accomplishment. I...
As a former coach of Stefan I couldn't be happier for him. He is as good a...
Palin doesn't really want to be president either. She didn't even want to be...
"WHAT'S TO PREVENT THE GOVERNMENT FROM TAKING MY MONEY AND THEN GIVING IT TO...
would love it so much

