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Pignanelli & Webb: Candidates are sprinting to finish line

Frankly, I do not admire the "punches" thrown by the "rock star" Palin. (And I am confused....so now it IS okay to be a celebrity, and one who is able to give a good speech ? Isn't that what McCain mocked all summer ? )I found the speeches given by Guliani, Romney, Thompsen, and Palin to reflect a new low in American politics...mockery, sarcasm, and crude innuendo will never be the mark of true statesmanship or bring to fruition the progress so needed by our beloved country. I cannot imagine Lincoln ever resorting to such low rhetoric and "punching". I hope that we might encourage more inspired and thoughtful leadership, and that "we the people" will demand up a higher standard....one which will elevate the national conversation instead of reducing it to ugly, divisive punchlines.

Utahns would do well to prove our favorite conflicted lobbyists wrong on this one and show them that they can vote in individual races based on the individual pluses and minuses of individual candidates.

Case in point: The Utah County race between incumbent Republican, Curt Bramble and Democratic challenger, Radene Hatfield. Shame on any voter, Republican, Democrat, third party, or independent in that Senate district (16) who votes for Curt Bramble on the basis that he is a member of the same party as John McCain or Sarah Palin. It's that kind of mindless voting that has made Utah one of the most dysfunctional political landscapes in America.

This Republican will be working hard for Radene Hatfield. So should any other citizen who cares about ethics in government or about the future of Utah.

Mike Ridgway
Former member, Utah Republican Party Executive Committee, Central Committee, Salt Lake County Republican Party Executive Committee, Central Committee, current Republican State and County Delegate.
Currently StalkingBramble, politically speaking

She's nothing more than a novelty, folks. She moose hunts and she talks tough and she appears to be the antithesis of the politics-as-usual McCain. The reality is that she is a desperate attempt to convince everyone that they are voting for "refreshing change."

Who sits on top of the ticket, people? McCain isn't going anywhere, and you can rest assured that once Palin has done her job of wooing and wowing the American public McCain will be sure to take the reigns firmly in hand and carry on playing the usual games of dirty pool and posturing expected of the good old boys club. Palin will deliver the occsional colorful press conference to make everyone smile, feel American, and support whatever "patriotic" measure Mr. McCain is cooking up. Conservatism by its very definition does not embrace change, folks. If you can't see through the smoke and mirrors, you deserve what you get by electing the GOP for another four year run. Count me out. I'm voting for whatever third-party candidate strikes my fancy. Anything from the "big two" means the same ol' same ol', no matter how they package it.

Pignanelli seems to have forgotten the basics of Utah politics, that the republican will win Utah's 5 electoral votes no matter the candidate. This year the democrats have to worry about their candidate coming in third again behind the Constitution Party candidate.

Many conservatives, like me, are so disappointed in McCain that we will have to vote for Chuck Baldwin. We will vote, but would never consider voting for Obama. For example: Both McCain and Obama are amnesty open borders supporters as indicated by their support for the "Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill" last year.

Since the Utah voters really don't count in the presidential election, they need to pay attention to their congressional candidate and their Utah Legislature. The Third Congressional District has already done their share in getting rid of Chris Cannon. Spencer Bennion has no chance. Sorry you 3rd CD liberal dreamers. I have even heard that they spray for democrats in the 3rd CD.

Palin: Is a wedge VP candidate.

Rove couldn't get the Abortion issue inserted into the 2008 elections to bring back the theory that all Democrats must be baby killers. Insert Palin with a daughter that decides to keep her baby. McCain knew of Palin�s daughter being pregnant prior to picking Palin.

Rove was disappointed Obama didn't pick Hillary so Rove could reconnect Hillary to Bill C. and then subsequently connect Bill C. to is Obama to devalue Obama�s character. Insert Palin as a woman. The Democrats denied a woman to be VP. The Republicans force the issue to play partisan politics.

Rove can't get the media to latch on to the Not Ready in 08 argument that Obama is seemingly unqualified. Insert Palin who is unqualified to be a heartbeat away from the presidency. That way the Obama campaign is forced to discuss the issue.

Palin is a pawn in a game of Presidential wedge issues. Utahns don't be stupid to fall to your same ignorance by voting like a pawn in a game of straight ticket stupidity.