Reader comments
Political March Madness is upon us

How about the fact that substantiated talk is that long time former Representative Dave Hogue is planning to run against Republican Carl Wimmer, only Hogue is switching parties and will run as a Democrat!

Ah, well at least Hogue is finaly being honest about his politcal positions. The guy has been a Rino as long as I have known of him. Go Wimmer!

Precint Captain in Dist 52.

lIberal groups like the UEA?

Webb is ridiculous....

Inside Salt Lake City only Mormon-hating Democrats are allowed to run, by city ordinance.

This is a cheap shot. Mormon candidates do less well in the capital city because so many of them have strange issues with gay people and they can't be reasonable about liquor reform. It is not because they are hated for their religious beliefs.

I think Webb is playin defense - I think Democrats will pick up some seats. Won't be a landslide but I think people are ready for change and balance in our leislature. If Utah's elected Republican deligation keeps up with that attitude they'll lose it too... the minute they start thinkin they can walk into re-election is the minute they will start losing seats. Nobody should feel so secure. Ever.

I love the folks who talk about the public craving "balance" in the legislature. The average voter outside of SLC doesn't think "it's too lopsided at the legislature". As Tip O'Neil once said, all politics is local. The question for the average voter (Read: Doesn't post on blogs) is really about how well each candidate would represent their issues.

It's the reason Jim Matheson survives every year: Despite the "D" by his name, folks can't shake the feeling that he's doing a good job, and is substantially the same on major issues as they are. Republicans who run thinking their "R" entitles them run into the same trap as the "D"s who think that balance in the legislature can win for them outside SLC: It's a pipe dream. Run your race in your district, know your voters and know yourself.

I agree! Cheap shot Webb!

"Liberal groups like the UEA and PTA...Inside Salt Lake City only Mormon-hating Democrats are allowed to run, by city ordinance."

Although it is a editorial and everyone has a right to their opinion. This is the attitude that just creates more bad feelings among moderate republicans and democrats against the Utah republican party.

To MY SLC:

You forgot to add one thing: "Even if it is true".

To "Orem Parent." You don't understand that the UEA is a liberal extremist organization? It is an extension of the NEA, one of the most left-wing organizations in the USA. You ought to spend some time studying the real, publicly available positions of these organizations. I think it will surprise you.

For giving us the Iraq war, the Republican Party, icnluding its Utah contingent, deserves complete destruction.

"Liberal groups like the UEA and PTA" Sounds pretty silly to me. I have heard that the PTA and UEA has been recruiting Republicans, but I have yet to hear that they have helped recruit one Democrat.

Too bad, they should, since they are being labled as liberals by GOP boss Webb.

Dave, The local UEA isn't liberal or consevative. All they care about is who will vote their way. Agree wit them or get trashed. Why the Dems continue to support these GOP hugging wimps is beyond me.

Utahns for Public Schools and several other community based groups have been holding public meetings about party caucuses and inviting EVERYONE to attend. In the past, the Eagle Forum worked the Republican party caucuses with their own tight knit self righteous group and didn't want anyone else to even think about caucuses because it might upset their carefully planned take over. I have to ask myself, which group of people are REALLY the ones to fear.
Everyone, go to your party caucus and make your own decisions. That's the best way to know for sure. Find out if your local teachers and PTA neighbors are really all that liberal and scary. Please!

Finally! Someone in the media who is paying attention and has the courage to speak the truth. The PTA and UEA are very liberal. Just check their national websites to view their agendas. It's time for Utah parents to get a reality check. The PTA does not represent our values. Quit funding their national agenda and koolaid drinking marriage to the Teacher's Union. Take charge of your schools parent organizations and the money you bring in for your school. Discard the old school PTA model and establish PTOs devoted to meeting the needs of your own school. The rest of the nation is far ahead of Utah in discovering that the PTA model is not in the best interest of education, our children, or our schools.

News flash to parents. Utahns for Public Schools was organized by the Teachers' Union as a front group for the voucher referendum. It's a classic tactic used by them in all states where they fight issues at the ballot box. Please educate yourself about the UEA/ PTA relationship. And while you're at it ask the PTA why they opposed a great Open Enrollment bill this session which passed with 97% bi-partisan support in both the House and Senate.