Letter: Does Utah really have a two party system?

It is rumored that in an attempt to secure statehood Brigham Young divided his congregation meeting in the Tabernacle into two equal parts. One half was told they were now Republicans and the other half were Democrats. True or not, for many years Utah has had its share of Democratic governors, representatives and senators.

Recently, however, the state has become so red that even a great Democratic candidate doesn't seem to have a chance. Case in point, the governor's race. Why is it that Utahns will most likely vote for Gary Herbert? In my view he has not shown a vision for the state nor has he given us leadership.

Peter Cooke, on the other hand, is a highly respected two-star general and a known leader. He has a great desire to take Utah forward but needs the opportunity to do it. For those who care, he is also an active Mormon. Yet, because Cooke is a Democrat, it is a forgone conclusion that his chances are slim.

As an independent, I find this embarrassing. Isn't it time we look at the candidate instead of blindly voting just for the party?

Susan Marzec

Cottonwood Heights