From Deseret News archives:

Democrats looking to make move

Published: Sunday, May 4, 2008 12:30 a.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
PROVO — The sole Democrat in Utah's congressional delegation told delegates gathered Saturday for the Utah County Democratic Convention that 2008 can be a watershed year for their party — in Utah and the nation.

The Republicans dominating the Utah Legislature are not listening to their constituents, and the GOP is out of touch nationally, as well, said Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, who is seeking re-election this year. He pointed specifically to a school voucher law passed by state legislators that was overwhelmingly overturned in voting last November by the people they represented. That is a Legislature made up of those who do not listen to their constituents, he said.

"There's a different environment now," he said. "People are taking their vote more seriously."

Matheson said he always tells people that their elected officials will affect their lives, for good or bad — which is why voting matters. This year, people are willing to take a look at Democratic candidates because of what has happened recently in the Legislature and nationally.

"In 2008, we belong nationally to the party of fiscal responsibility," he said.

Story continues below
In general, a calm atmosphere prevailed at the convention, for there wasn't much intraparty competition. With only two contested races — in House District 57 and Senate District 16 — most of the Democratic candidates simply met with district delegates and residents.

In those two races, Mary Lou Huffmon and Terry Jensen were vying for the nomination in House District 57, while Fred Desposorio and RaDene Hatfield fought it out in Senate District 16. Huffmon and Hatfield received enough votes to gain their party's nominations for the November election.

Hatfield will face Republican incumbent Senate Majority Leader Curt Bramble, R-Provo, for the Senate seat, a fight she wasn't initially thrilled to wage.

"At first I didn't want to run and take on the Goliath of Curt Bramble," she said. But she changed her mind and decided she should run to try to change the Legislature and make a difference. She said she can get Republican votes, and the delegates clearly agreed with her.

"I believe we can beat Curt Bramble," she said to loud applause.

Ethics, health insurance, education and the environment were at the top of the list for all the candidates, as well as stressing that the Legislature needs to have two parties to work together in order to accomplish the things the people of the state want.

Richard Davis, Utah County Democratic Party chairman, said every race would be difficult, but the party will have a great slate of candidates.

Recent comments

It is too bad that you can't admit that our local legislators are out...

Utah Valley Resident | May 4, 2008 at 11:31 a.m.

Unseated
Let's not forget the covered parking for them was more...

Incumbunts all need to be | May 4, 2008 at 10:42 a.m.

Wow, are you ill-informed!

"I hope someone will come along to...

Bosoxnut | May 4, 2008 at 9:00 a.m.

Image
Dan Lund, For The Deseret News

Rep. Jim Matheson, who said this could be a watershed year for Democrats, speaks at the Utah County Democratic Convention Saturday.

previousnext

Latest comments

Sounds like a good option if you can't or won't switch to AT&T for the...

I worked with and around Bill Sederburg for 5 years while he was at...

Price injured; Miles has cast removed

hand. He needs to work on his moves to the basket and rebounding. Lateral...

Jazz blow big lead, hang on

play Fez or Koufos tonight. He went with a smaller line up and Boozer, Okur...

I've met Bennett before and he is a nice man. He also knows the Constitution...

Thousands protest health bill

That's never been a secret. Everyone will pay for it except those that don't...

What exactly were Nephite interpreters?

I agree with NonMormon. I am active LDS, and I enjoy Ash's articles, and I...

I kept saying don't resign Milsap, especially after Portland offered that...

U. hopes to keep clicking

BYU is the slowest team that has ever been in the top 25. Utah will put up a...

NFL: Midseason grades

i think u have the cowboys ranked too low! at least an A- LOL nice work!

Advertisements
Advertisement