'Citizen candidate' picked to challenge Rep. Matheson

SALT LAKE CITY — It started with a Craigslist ad.

"Progressive congressional representative wanted to represent the people of Utah's 2nd District in the United States House of Representatives," the ad stated. "Must have solid moral values and resistance to selling out to corporate interests."

Two months after the ad was posted, more than 100 Salt Lake residents gathered at the Salt Lake Main Library Saturday morning to hear some of those who responded to the ad. Participants voted for John Weis, a scientist and professor at the University of Utah, to run against Jim Matheson, D-Utah, in the upcoming election.

"It was kind of a 'tongue in cheek' application at first," said Annette Ephroni, with www.everybodyin.org. "But then when applications started coming in, we thought, 'Why not? Let's make it real.' "

Activist Tim DeChristopher (known for his false bids in a federal oil- and gas-lease auction in 2008) was the one who listed the want ad, but other organizations have joined him in his efforts.

The top four applicants were chosen to speak to the public Saturday morning.

Panelists with expertise in health care, climate change, equal rights for gays and lesbians, labor unions, immigrant rights, the environment and nuclear proliferation sat on the stage with the candidates and asked questions.

The candidates then had 10 minutes to respond.

In addition to Weis, candidates were Claudia Wright, a retired high school history teacher; Terry Mitchell Nani, former Utah Pride Festival Director; and Victor M. Perri, a lawyer of 26 years.

Applause rang out from the crowd every few minutes after statements like "stop burning fossil fuels today," "health care is a fundamental human right" and " 'Don't ask or don't tell' is appalling."

Then it was the audience's turn to ask the questions.

The first to speak up was Camille Pouliot, a 39-year-old Salt Lake resident who said she wanted to get involved after hearing the Supreme Court's decision on corporations a couple weeks ago.

"I just feel disempowered and disenfranchised, and that's why I'm here," Pouliot said to the crowd. "This is an act of citizenry."

Some asked about health care and others about what party the candidates aligned themselves with, to which all four said Democratic.

Many in the audience were excited about what they called a "grass-roots effort."

"This gives you the sense that maybe you can make a difference," said Marlene Herazo, 58.

After all the ballots were counted, Weis was declared the winner and everyone in the room gave the candidates a standing ovation.

"Let's do it," Weis said to the audience just seconds after being chosen. "This is not candidacy; this is peoplesy."

Weis said the political process is new to him and he will have to come up to speed quickly, but he is excited to be the voice of the people. He said he hopes to give a scientist's perspective to the issues.

Flora Bernard, who will be working on the campaign, was happy about the response. She said no matter if the "citizen candidate" wins or not; the process has already been successful.

"This will force (Matheson) to engage with his constituents," Bernard said. "To see that people have power to do this type of thing is exciting, and it's healthy for democracy."

e-mail: slenz@desnews.com