'Superdell' Schanze fights reckless driving conviction, mulls run for governor

OREM — Dell "Superdell" Schanze on Tuesday gave Utahns what they've been waiting for since November 2008 — a strong hint that he will run for governor again.

"If you vote for anyone but Superdell, what do you think the chances are that taxes will go down and freedom will go up?" he asked outside 4th District Court in Orem.

The occasion was an appeal of his August conviction in Saratoga Springs Justice Court for reckless driving and three seat belt violations. Schanze was cited in August 2008 after he was spotted weaving on a Utah County road. He later said he was driving that way to entertain his children, who police said were not wearing seat belts.

Schanze was sentenced to 10 days in jail and ordered to pay a $670 fine.

A weapons charge related to a gun police said they found in Schanze's fanny pack was dismissed because of a change in state law permitting the possession of a handgun in a vehicle.

On Tuesday, the former computer salesman labeled the resulting court proceedings "blatant fraud" and "the terrorism of the injustice system," claiming he had been denied access to an attorney.

A hearing on his appeal is set for April 8.

Schanze received less than 3 percent of the vote in the 2008 gubernatorial election. He also fell short in a Saratoga Springs mayoral campaign last year.

— Paul Koepp