Political newcomer joins U.S. Senate race

Vowing to wage a low-cost grass-roots campaign aiming to return the country to constitutional principles, Republican James Russell Williams III formally announced his candidacy Wednesday for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Bob Bennett, R-Utah.

"We have to change the way our politicians are running the government. The best hope for our country, and for our families, is to return to our core conservative principles of fiscal discipline, accountability, strong national security, limited government and immigration reform," he said.

He enters a crowded race. Already in it are Republicans Bennett, Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, and former congressional candidate Tim Bridgewater, and conservative Cherilyn Eagar is expected to formally announce her candidacy on Thursday. Also in the race is Democratic food business owner Sam Granato.

Williams, 36, of South Jordan, owns a small business called Creative Customs, which provides electronics work for car dealerships. He said he has never run for political office.

He announced his candidacy in a telephone conference call instead of a rally. Only reporters from three news media outlets — two newspapers and a radio station — joined it.

Williams vowed not to vote for or promote any bill contrary to the Constitution, which he said would return power to the people. "People of Utah are ready for a change," he said.

While Bennett, Shurtleff and Granato have all said they hope to raise $2 million each for their campaigns, Williams said he will run a "low-cost grass-roots campaign, delegate to delegate and individual to individual."

He said that will not require millions of dollars, and will prevent him from being beholden to any large campaign donors or special interests. He said he will soon begin mailing information to state GOP delegates, and holding meetings with them and other interested voters.

By Utah law, if any candidate receives 60 percent of delegate votes at the state delegation, they are a party's nominee. Otherwise, the top two party candidates face off in a primary election.

While Williams said no one may be more qualified as a senator than Bennett, Williams said he is "extremely motivated" and would bring a "new outlook and strong opinion on how government should be run."

He said he hopes to cut the size of government by identifying redundant programs and eliminating them. He said he opposes the No Child Left Behind Act in education, and feels control of schools should be returned to the states.

He noted that he is a member of the National Rifle Association, and always carries his NRA card with him, but does not have a concealed gun permit nor does he carry a concealed weapon.