Reader comments
Huntsman, Shurtleff riding high in polls

Jobu | 12:22 a.m. June 30, 2008

Springmeyer's campaign serves one legitimate purpose. By focusing on campaigning, he has less time to work on RDAs that needlessly divert property tax increments from school districts and other local governments to subsidize retail and recreation projects do not create economic activity that otherwise would not have appeared on its own.

Carl | 12:39 a.m. June 30, 2008

Make the Republicans accountable for their war record. 4000 plus US soldiers dead and rising for a war of deceit and lies. Their performance is much like the deception of the Iraq war" weapons of Mass destruction" that really never eventuated.Money drives war and those with money have power to wield.
Huntsman and Shurtleff are pawns at Washingtons bidding. It was Jesus wo said seek the lowly in heart and humble who are the true leaders, if they can be found.

Huntsman = Democrat | 1:02 a.m. June 30, 2008

I am a Democrat, and I am very pleased with Governor Huntsman--he's essentially a Democrat! (see giving teachers raises, defeating vouchers, wanted to extend health care, keep a lower tax-rate on the poor).

I can't think of a single thing that a Democrat governor would be doing differently! Huntsman is a wonderful governor! (the Utah public blindly votes for him because of the "R" by his name).

Comments continue below

So What | 1:04 a.m. June 30, 2008

The only problem I can see is that these polls are WRONG quite often.

As the economy sours, Richie Rich Huntsman will lose popularity. He will have to bend over backwards to shake that elitist image.

Ace Ventura | 1:36 a.m. June 30, 2008

Trust me--the first time we get a viable Republican challenger for Shurtleff, he's going to be scrambling like Chris Cannon. His views on immigration, hate crime legislation (let's call it what it really is--making your thoughts a crime...) and opposition to Amendment 3 (Marriage Amendment) have not been forgotten by Utah voters. His swagger and constant "subtle" reminders that he's a "faithful" member of the LDS Church only serve to further irritate.

Huntsman's not far behind in thumbing his nose at conservative values. Chris Cannon's demise should put both on notice re how far out of step they are with Utah voters. We aren't liable to forget by 2010 boys!!

James Tucker | 3:15 a.m. June 30, 2008

I think Huntsman is the best "Democratic" Governor Utah has had. His not endorsing Mitt was and no backing Cannon was right on!

Utah Libertarian | 6:11 a.m. June 30, 2008

There are Libertarian candidates in both the gubernatorial and attorney general races.

Interesting that the newspaper run by former Utah Republican Party chairman Joe Cannon decided not to include the names of both candidates in these polls.

I wonder what the purpose of the omission was, other than to exclude those candidates from any upcoming debates, and the minds of the voters ... some of whom turned out Joe Cannon's brother, Rep. Chris Cannon, during last week's primary election?

Shurtleff's Endosement | 7:18 a.m. June 30, 2008

Don't forget that Shurtleff wanted Rep. Walker to become the next state treasurer. I am hard pressed to find a candidate that is less qualified than Walker and yet here is the AG pushing for his election.

Either Shurtleff has bad judgement because of an unqualified candidate or he has been working to create the same "Bush" league politics that exists in Washington. Either way it surprises me that so many people think that he is doing a wonderful job.

Cats | 7:21 a.m. June 30, 2008

Carl: That's one of the stupidest remarks I've ever heard--like state officials have anything to do with federal or international policy.

There certainly are a lot of bitter people here.

Wake Up Utah | 7:38 a.m. June 30, 2008

Look I've voted Republican all my life EXCEPT for 1972. You can count the democrats I've voted for on two hands. But Utah government under Huntsman/Shurtleff is very BAD. Look at what they've given us (1) School Vouchers (2) Stole from SL County to fund a soccer stadium (3) decided that Utah shoiuld be run like the federal goverment where it is OK to put both good and bad in a single bill and pass it (Education Omnibus bill), (4) put public school heads in charge of higer education when they don't know a thing about it, (5) supported Mark Walker for treasurer when he had no qualifications for the job. (6) Convicted Warren Jeffs of rape as an accomplice when the courts have never proved that a rape actually occured. Stripped Salt Lake County manicipalities of their powers to zone if the state thinks the local government is wrong. Jon Huntsman is NOTHING LIKE HIS FATHER. He has none of Dad's brains, or compassion. All he does have is a large chunk of Dad's money. Vote Democratic in 2008.

Just me | 7:55 a.m. June 30, 2008

I'm an independent, and I think the governor is doing a GREAT job. Who can complain about having the #1 economy in the nation--especially as states all around us are hard hit and sinking. Governor Huntsman is a breath of fresh air from all the ultra-right-wing politics that seems to permeate much of Utah.

Not so sure about Shurtleff. He seems like a good man, but I wonder how much the immigration and polygamy issues will hurt him with voters. IMO he seems more vulnerable than the governor.

To Utah Libertarian | 7:56 a.m. June 30, 2008

As much as I would love to have the Libertarian Party be a viable party in Utah (and there's no reason it can't be in the future), right now there just isn't the support for it, so I don't think the omission of the Libertarian Party candidates from the story was motivated by partisanship; they also didn't include any candidates from any other of the smaller parties.

My guess is that when Bob Bar does well this election, and (hopefully) costs John McCain the election, that the Libertarian Party will begin to be mentioned more as their public image improves and they are seen as a political force of some consequence.

Note to Springmeyer | 8:01 a.m. June 30, 2008

Jon Boy is going to be nearly invincible in November but there is a small crack in his armor that can be exploited. Many people in this state are tired of the legislative leadership. Most of these so-called leaders are corrupt, arrogant, petty, and vindictive. Jon Boy does not have the backbone to stand up to Curtis, Stephensen, Bramble, Valentine, Kilpack, Harper, et. al. He caved on the voucher law and it took a citizen's petition drive to kill it. Springmeyer should campaign against these clowns (legislature)and promise voters that he will veto any stupid piece of legislation that comes his way. If the legislature overides the veto, then so be it. I think he can convince many voters that he can represent at least a small measure of balance in state government. Springmeyer doesn't stand a chance if he does not heed my advice and insists on campaigning on traditional democratic party policies (which most of the people in this state do not agree with).

Mike Johnson Fallon NV | 8:13 a.m. June 30, 2008

To: Utah Libertarian. You had a perfect opportunity to mention "SuperDell" Schanze (gubernatorial candidate) and Andrew McCullogh (attorney general candidate), but then again, they are in the 2% "other" part of each poll.

To James Tucker: Huntsman endorsed John McCain--the guy who won the Republican primaries. That doesn't make him Huntsman a "Democrat." Not endorsing Romney, doesn't make him a "Democrat."

To Huntsman = Democrat: Vouchers in the form that were voted on in Utah were originally proposed by Eugene McCarthy and are a "liberal" idea curiously embraced by some conservatives these days. They are a solution to a problem that doesn't exist in Utah (failing public schools and the inability or poor families to get their children out of failing schools into something else), and given the relatively small number of private schools in Utah (compared to almost every other state), it is highly doubtful the private schools could have absorbed the anticipated flow--thus it was curious to watch my home state go through that process and the ridiculous positions taken by people on both sides of the debate.

Dave | 8:44 a.m. June 30, 2008

Huntsman's high numbers are either a reflection of Utahns underlying love for socialism or their naivete.

Huntsman is the most liberal governor this state has had in my memory. The only reason people voted him in (and I believe, continue to support him) was because of his name (and his party).

The newspapers love him because he's a socialist and so show him almost daily on the front page out "doing good."

Personally, I think he's an arrogant phony and it's only too bad that no one dares question him.

Madden | 8:43 a.m. June 30, 2008

I can't help but feel both of these men are the ultimate politicians. Backing Walker for Treasurer showed me a lot about Mr. Shurtleff - he isn't trustworthy, just another party hack watching his buddies' backs. Gov. Huntsman refuses to do anything that might tarnish his image, vouchers being the prime example. He'll support them with the legislature, but once the public has a referendum he is nowhere to be seen. He's not the worst gov, but I can't figure out his guiding principles. Big plus: he doesn't blindly follow the party - while I may disagree with him frequently, he is no GOP lap dog at least.

Huntsman Yes man | 9:44 a.m. June 30, 2008

Huntsman has done nothing but say yes signing through all the garbage our East heavy handed legislator has sent through. Tolls roads, hurtful district splits, Tom Dolan soccer stadiums, and yes he was a major supporter of the Voucher program.

I am afraid I will cross party lines this year. Huntsman stands the few, not all of Utah.

No Huntsman | 10:08 a.m. June 30, 2008

The only way I would vote for Huntsman is if he were running against Rocky Anderson and then I would need to think about it. I am a Republican and always have been. I voted for Huntsman because he was a Rebublican. But not this year. I wish other people would look and see what he has done. His political grandstanding during the Crandall Canyon Mine incident was disgusting. He follows Annold Schwarzenegger around like a little puppy. This is Utah not California. I am proud that we are not like other states. However Huntsman with his Energy Policies and social agenda has Utah following in the footsteps of one of the most socialist states of the Union.

Anonymous | 10:27 a.m. June 30, 2008

Huntsman is very liberal, but not as liberal as Olene Walker (and possibly Mike Leavitt).

Observer | 10:34 a.m. June 30, 2008

A lot of people don't realize how good they have it. Governor Huntsman is doing a commendable job.

I urge a reconsideration | 10:34 a.m. June 30, 2008

I urge a reconsideration of my fellow citizens misplaced support for all things republican. Honestly, our wages in this state are below, well below, what they would be elsewhere. I am living proof of that. The governor signed a rich kid scholarship program into law that had to be repealed by a ballot measure. He is a former member of the trilateral commission. He has authored papers (with others) on integrating the US and Mexican economies. He is NOT a friend of ordinary Americans. ANYONE ELSE would do better. Ask yourself...are you bette off today than you were 6-8 years ago? I am definitely not, many people I know are not better off. Why not consider a power shift, let us see what the other guys can do. Abortion need not be the only issue keeping us voting republican. It won't make a difference at the state level. Remember Scott Matheson? The world did not end when he was governor. Put a man of the people in, not a rich kid. Put a man who puts our interests first in.

Anonymous | 10:42 a.m. June 30, 2008

Thanks for your thoughts Carl. I'm sure the next time Huntsman wants to invade a country he'll think twice...

Huntsman's popularity will go down the toilet along with our states job growth numbers.

Wake Up Utah | 11:13 a.m. June 30, 2008

I'd never realized it, but perhaps Huntsman is a liberal democrat mascurading in Republican clothes. His efforts on Climate Change just about have me convinced that you are correct. I can't belive all the people calling him a democrat! It makes me realize why he is SO BAD for UTAH.

Kudos to "Madden", "Dave", "Huntsman Yes Man", "No Huntsman" and "I urge reconsideration", you've proved that I'm not the only one who's awake in Utah.

The WORST vote in my ENTIRE LIFE was for Huntsman over Matheson. I'll regret that vote until the day I die.

Oh and just for laughs. Remember last summer when Huntsman begged municipalies to ban fireworks for the 24th of July? Hum... turns out any municipality that did so violated Utah law which states "No county nor municipality may reglate fireworks more strictly than the state does".

Dumb law, but he didn't get it repealed in the last session either. He probably doesn't even know about it. Dummy!

Why? | 11:37 a.m. June 30, 2008

Why do you liberals pick on those who supported the Voucher Bill yet you have NEVER given a viable alternative to help make our Public Schools better? You liberals and you nitpicking on this subject are extremely offensive. To stop a viable try at helping out our education by your selfishness has done nothing for your needs except to show your own foolishness, arrogance, and total stupidity.

jr | 11:56 a.m. June 30, 2008

I question the polls? The AG needs to go big time, he is becoming corrupt and was involved in the latest fiasco with Walker, a crook

Give Me A Break | 11:56 a.m. June 30, 2008

For those that oppose vouchers, I say great! Let's eliminate all government vouchers: food stamps, Pell Grants, medicare and medicaid, etc.

Can you say small government?

TheActuary | 12:35 p.m. June 30, 2008

Due to my profession and schooling, I feel I have a very good understanding of statistics. One key to a scientific poll is a random sample. If that is satisfied, Dan Jones et al. should be able to obtain accurate data. However, Dan Jones & DesNews polling are consistently way off base. The most recent example was the Cannon v. Chaffetz race. While polling had the race at a tie, the actual results, as we all know, were 60% Chaffetz to 40% Cannon. This result was well out of the margin of error given.

New Yorker | 12:45 p.m. June 30, 2008

Barbie and Ken are so cute. As jonny jr. said last week, "Utah is a happening state." Is he going to high five or knuckles his fan base. Jonny jr. was born of wealthy parents. That is the only reason he is governor. Jonny jr., why can't you get a real job, like your brother Peter?

Oh Please | 1:21 p.m. June 30, 2008

Huntsman has accomplished nothing. Where's the scoreboard on his accomplishments? What has changed for the better? What has he achieved? Huntsman, like all silver-spoon Republicans, is an empty (and very expensive) shirt. Give us Springmeyer and the veto!!!

I don't believe the results... | 1:40 p.m. June 30, 2008

I agree with the commentor earlier...Dan Jones has a track record of getting it wrong...for some reason. I don't sense high support for Jr. Huntsman or Shurtleff. I think someone is cooking the numbers. I think the D-News is in on it. I think Jr. Huntsman has been selected by the trilateral commission for higher office so phoney high poll numbers are required to prop him up. He'll be going for Hatch's seat when he passes away in the Senate Chamber singing softly on C-Span.

Barney | 1:56 p.m. June 30, 2008

Put an oversized police hat on Jon Huntsman and what do you have?... Barney Fife. Am I right?

Re: Barney | 2:37 p.m. June 30, 2008

If you were to put a sweater and white canvas deck shoes on Jon Jr., you'd have an arrogant, self-serving, egotistical Mr. Rogers. The only way he'd play with kids is if there were cameras present.

Sam Song | 3:34 p.m. June 30, 2008

People are just beginning to know Hill. If Utah residents would actually look at Shurtleff's record he would gone.

I predict that Jean Hill will beat Shurtleff, she's more ethical and has an higher IQ. To Shurtleff's credit he comes off as a nice guy, that is until you piss him off by being honest. We need a change, and Shurtleff just isn't taking care of the people's business.

Dan | 3:51 p.m. June 30, 2008

I definately won't vote for Shurtleff, he's already made a mess of things!

Anonymous | 4:37 p.m. June 30, 2008

I quit taking intrest in Dan Jones polls long time ago after it became obvious that they are used to influence a political agenda called The Machine".

Pollsters | 5:06 p.m. June 30, 2008

There are lies, d___ lies, and Dan Jones. Did funding for this "poll" come from the governor's office or the AG's office?

From Wikipedia/ Mark Shurtleff | 6:41 p.m. June 30, 2008

Immigration: Shurtleff is an advocate of amnesty for people living illegally in the US. He is a supporter of John McCain's presidential campaign, citing McCain's support for amnesty as a major factor. Shurtleff opposed the amendment making English Utah's official language, has opposed efforts to deny driver's licenses to illegal immigrants and to assist the federal government in enforcing immigration laws, and supports Utah's policy of giving in-state tuition to illegal aliens. In November 2006, Shurtleff was given Mexico's Aguila Azteca award, for "for foreigners who serve Mexico or humanity" for his support for illegal immigrants.
Gay Marriage: Shurtleff opposed Utah Constitutional Amendment 3, the 2004 amendment which banned gay marriage/civil unions in the state.

HOW CAN ANYONE SUPPORT THIS GUY?

BLM | 7:07 p.m. June 30, 2008

I find it interesting that everyone on here seems to vehemently dislike Jon Huntsman Jr. The conservatives hate him because he's liberal and the liberals hate him because he's liberal. That should tell us all something about the liberal mind. The first time we've all agreed on something is that we dislike liberals. Even the liberals do.

Park City Resident | 7:37 p.m. June 30, 2008

Dan Jones is about as right on this one as he was on Cannon/Chaffetz.

Don't know why anyone thinks that he has a shred of credibility.

Andrew | 7:54 p.m. June 30, 2008

As Utah Chair of the Libertarian Party, I thank those who have given us support here. I am also running for Attorney General, and I guarantee that I will poll better than 2%. I am as serious a candidate as my Democratic opponent. But, there is lots of work to do. Please contact us to help, and please spread the word to your friends. There is a real alternative. The first thing is to let the people know, and that starts here.

Change | 9:44 a.m. July 1, 2008

Lets not totally rip on good ole Mark to quick, when he was first elected to the office he did a decent job, because he took it serious as a law enforcement leader, not a politician. It was in his second term that the politician started to come out (looking at that Governors chair). His decisions of late are motivated by pleasing the leaders of his party, so when that next carreer opprotunity arrises, he will have their support. The AG cannot be part of partisan politics, it is about the law and not party support.
Vouchers and lack of ethics(Walker supporter) are just the tip of the iceburg with this guy. Research your candidates this time people, it is time for a change and more balance in our state government. let's face it, our legislature will keep its Republican majority, our Governor will be re-elected, the only balance left is the AG's office, as Jean Hill has stated, this office needs to be a watch-dog for the people, not a lap-dog for our state politicians.

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