From Deseret News archives:
Utah Demos hope for converts
But none believes Kerry could be victorious in state
Thursday, the last night of the four-day convention, was intended to introduce the Democratic presidential nominee as a man who can make Americans safe at home while restoring respect in the world.
The Utah delegation was fired up after hearing Kerry's acceptance speech, in which the candidate pledged to restore trust and credibility to the White House in the city celebrated as the cradle of America's liberty.
Now they need to spread the word, said Ed Mayne, the head of Utah's AFL-CIO. "Take it home to be the missionaries," Mayne told the delegation. "Even though we're not a battleground state."
Kerry's supporters in Utah do have their work cut out for them. A new Deseret Morning News/KSL-TV poll shows President Bush leading Kerry 63 percent to 28 percent in the state.
Nevertheless, "he will do better than people would expect he'd do in Utah," delegate Debbie White, a teacher from Sandy, said. "Especially after the primary we had."
In 1992, Bill Clinton won the presidency but came in third in Utah.
Four years ago, Al Gore received a scant 26 percent of the state's vote, his worst showing anywhere. George W. Bush easily won in Utah with 67percent, with only Wyoming and Idaho giving him a bigger share of the vote.
"Kerry should not do as badly," Salt Lake County Councilman Joe Hatch said Thursday.
Hatch, head of Kerry's campaign in Utah, said his candidate could approach 40 percent of the vote come November if voters have been paying attention to the convention.
"And that's the trick," Hatch said.
Utah delegates praised the party for delivering a message emphasizing the values Democrats share rather than those issues that divide them.
"The issues we discussed here are the bread and butter issues that all Americans care about," said state Sen. Patrice Arent. "Issues Utahns care about, such as health care, education and good jobs."
The convention's special focus on military matters is a message that should resonate with Utahns, the delegates said. A number of top military leaders, including retired Gen. Wesley Clark, have endorsed Kerry, as have the men who served on his swift boat in Vietnam.
Comments
- Sen. Dems at odds over health bill 1:17 p.m.
- Arrest in suspected child abuse 1:13 p.m.
- Mammogram guidelines spark debate 12:57 p.m.
- Man dies after SUV backs over him 12:39 p.m.
- At 6-5, hard time arguing firing Weis 12:24 p.m.
- $27M transfer for state Route 193 12:20 p.m.
- 'Christmas With King Family' DVD 12:16 p.m.
- Youn men help fill food-pantry needs 12:15 p.m.
- Who is Oprah's heir apparent? 11:39 a.m.
- Florida No. 1, TCU 4 in AP Top 25 11:34 a.m.
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
- BYU records with win
- Jazz outlast Pistons in overtime
- Police link alcohol to murder
- Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals
- Utah Utes whip SDSU
- Former BYU professor remembered
- Cougars put the fun back in football
- Kirilenko heating up for the Jazz
- Y. coach Hill up for Portland State job
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
199 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
174 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
170 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
123 - BYU records with win
119 - 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
87
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:
He is NOT a good example. He broke the Sabbath for a simple game and money....
Yes - the Catholic Church can take any stand they want for the Catholic...
Let it be heard and RISE AND SHOUT, the UTES are out. We claim ownership of...
IN 50 years of membership I have yet to hear a person of whatever position in...
It is non-sense to say one has to have religion to do good or to be good....
Please don't spend any taxpayer money on this.
be a Dietmer because he can never win big games. He will never be a Steve...
I find it interesting that so many who are so vocal about a perceived threat...
Fireboylen, you make want to drug test you with that comment, are you out of...
Oh really. "How many places other than DN..." is a stupid thing to say....


You can be the first to comment on this story.