Allegations astonish House candidate

OREM — A state House of Representatives candidate is battling accusations of alleged past business wrongdoings by a self-proclaimed watchdog group that calls itself "Truth in Politics."

Garr Judd, who is running against Keith Grover to become the Republican candidate in the general election for House District 61, said he was "dumbfounded — and that's all I'm going to say" when contacted about allegations on the Web site truthinpolitics.us.

The site names four individuals who are said to have worked with Judd and harbor complaints against him.The site also purports to know reasons why he no longer works for his former employers.

Of those contacted by the Deseret Morning News, only one, Richard Johnson, was willing to comment on the Web site's statements. Johnson said that Judd may have bones to pick with other people "but not with me."

"The least of Garr's worries are me," said Johnson, who filed suit against Judd in 1991 in 4th District Court over a business dispute.

Johnson said the suit was settled out of court and that he has no lasting gripes against the candidate.

"I've forgotten the issues and gone on with my life," Johnson said. "Now, 15 years later, we're friends. Mine is settled."

Aaron Campbell of Truth in Politics says that several former colleagues, including Ken Merrell and Larry Myler, who refused comment when contacted by the Deseret Morning News, have complaints against Judd.

Campbell said the reason these individuals won't discuss the issue with the press is simple cold feet. He, on the other hand, said he will not back off. He suggested earlier this week that Judd should pull out of the June 27 primary election.

"Since Garr Judd announced his candidacy, we've had many phone calls and many e-mails regarding his character," Campbell said. "I don't care if he withdraws or not. I just want him to be a good person in a good position and with all this stuff I've got, I can't just sit on it. If Garr Judd doesn't get into office because of this, if he sues me for slander, I've got testimonies. I'm not afraid of that."

Campbell says he has taped interviews with some of the people listed, but those tapes were not made available to the newspaper by Friday night.

Judd said he has no intention of abandoning the race and that the accusations are "just some craziness."