Taxpayers Union backs Christensen

Second District GOP candidate LaVar Christensen, who is also a state representative from Draper, has been endorsed by the National Taxpayers Union.

The taxpayers group endorses candidates it feels stand up for taxpayers and fight for lower taxes and less government spending.

At a Wednesday press conference announcing the endorsement on Capitol Hill, Christensen also got the endorsement of Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert and several dozen GOP members of the state House and Senate.

Herbert, apparently referring to 2nd District Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, said the state can't afford to have a congressman who "sits on the sidelines" as important issues are debated and bills passed.

"We must have active representation, and that is LaVar Christensen," said Herbert. He added that Christensen brings common sense to complicated problems, and supports education funding.

Both Herbert and Christensen referred to recent public opinion polls that show Matheson way ahead of Christensen.

"(Christensen) can win this race," Herbert said. "It is not over until it's over."

Sen. Howard Stephens, R-Draper, who is also president of the Utah Taxpayers Association, said there is a good reason the national taxpayers group endorses Christensen. Matheson gets a "D" grade from the union in voting for taxpayers. Other Utah congressmen, all Republicans, get a "B" grade.

Christensen said the race isn't about local issues, but national issues — like whether the House should be run by Republicans, who share Utah values, or by Democrats, who certainly don't.

Putting Democrats in control of the U.S. House "will have terrible unintended consequences," Christensen said. "It would be a huge mistake. It would be wrong for Utah; wrong for America."

He asked whether Utahns want a congressman who is moved by a firm compass of beliefs, or by the weather vane of perceived public opinion?

"Don't pay attention to the polls," said Christensen. "I look forward to Nov. 7."