Reader comments
Walker ready to plead in election-bribe case

How is this a bribe? | 11:16 a.m. Oct. 14, 2008

Since when is assuring your opponent that he/she can keep their job regarless of the outcome of the election a bribe?

People and political parties discuss and negotiate deals like this all the time. The same discussions and negotiations were going on between the Obama and Clinton camps towards the end of the Democrat primary and were reported openly in the media, but nobody felt the concept of Obama offering her an important posistion in his adminisration in exhange for her calling it quits, was a "Bribe".

What's the big deal???

And why drag it out past another election deadline??? So the doubts are still out there?

Who stands to gain from these alegations remaining an unknown for the remainder of the election cycle?

Get a clue. | 11:26 a.m. Oct. 14, 2008

Walker was offering Ellis a substantial pay increase that could only be authorized by our squeaky clean Legislature or more specifically someone in the Legislature who felt they had the power to push such an increase through. Thus the grand jury investigation nimrod! Seriously, what would life be for some of you if you let the facts cloud up your lives? Could you function in the real world?

Get a clue? | 11:32 a.m. Oct. 14, 2008

this investigation will now turn toward ellis and empey. That is why its still going. one down two more to go

Comments continue below

Are you not reading the paper? | 12:15 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

TO: How is this a bribe? - 11:16 a.m.

The bribe was, if you drop out of the race, you can keep your job and have a $50,000 salary increase.

He claimed he had backing for the raise from what I would call his GOP "buddies" in leadership. I can only assume Curtis, Valentine and others. (All GOP for those caring to know.)

Let's keep voting for those Utah R's everyone. I like reading about them weekly in the newspapers.

Curtis/Shurtleff connection | 12:16 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

Recall that Utah House Speaker Greg Curtis and Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff backed Mark Walker -- who by his guilty plea will stand convicted as an election law violator -- in the Utah Treasurer's race.

Birds of a corrupt feather flock together.

Johny Fairplay | 12:21 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

Sweating yet Curtis?

Citizen | 12:24 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

What do you bet that Hughes, a huge supporter of Walker and facing his own ethics' violation probe, and other pompous "we control the state" legislators, were involved.

Hello | 12:45 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

People need to realize the bribe was the sexy story that could never be proved because it was hearsay at best. The concrete evidence will go toward ellis and empey and their self admitted "negotiations" with Walker.

Those men are the real ones in trouble.

To: Hello | 1:00 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

Your comment makes no sense. If it can't be proved, then why has Walker just plead guilty (usually you don't plead guilty if there's no admissible evidence and there is no fear of a grand jury indictment).

But I think you're right on one point: there may be others besides Walker who are in trouble here.

2 Get a clue. | 11:26 a.m. & | 1:13 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

Too "Get a clue. | 11:26 a.m." and "Are you not reading the paper? | 12:15 p.m."

I'm not only reading the paper, but I'm doing my own investigating and thinking instead of letting the paper tell me what's what. Are you?

Neither of you even touched the question in my posting.

Why is Obama offering Clinton the job as his VP to end the Primary race different?

Would Clinton not receive a pay raise if she because VP? Was Obama not giving her something to drop out and end the Primary earlier so they could prep for the convention?

Oh... and so much for the theory that the high and mighty Demo supportes never call names (like Nimrod) if you don't agree with them. You have no room to complain when other posters do it when you do it yourselvs. Personally I think Demo supporters are the quickest to start throwing out the names and insults to make their point.

Welcome to the Communist Party | 1:27 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

Just another story about the Utah Communist Party. It is sad that the "People" cannot do anything about the head of the dragon. People in UT have been brain washed that they will never vote against their beloved GOP. What do you think when you read all about these people? Chairmain Mao is laughing in his gave. Vote the other party in, change keeps this corruption down. It will never change but if you keep changing the parties it will be less.

sick of corruption | 1:31 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

As a life long Republican I am sick of individuals that feel like Republican means "i can" do any thing I want. "i can" hint at rewards for those who drop out of political races, "i can" offer special interest money if one votes a certain way on vouchers, etc. They discrace not only themselves, but their party, their culture and their "so called" belief in conservative values. Let's get come Republicans in that say "i can" serve others and not myself.

JMT | 1:33 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

Obviously, by offering a plea there is an admission of guilt.

The question is, who else is being investigated? Ellis and the Zion's employee? Likely. And I would bet they snoop around Curtis and Valentine as well.

Money is necessary to politics but the love of money is corrupting to politics. This is not a Republican problem but one of excess that is seen in Democratic circles as well.

All people are corruptable. When power gets logjammed you see this. The issue is not that of having Republicans in the majority but of leaders remaining in office too long. When a Speaker of the House or President of the Senate serves for two years their legacy is the legislation they craft that benefits the people. When they are in power longer their legacy becomes the feifdom they create.

That is the issue. If the Democrats were in office as Speaker/Senate President for 6+ years you would see the same abuse of power. The feeling that your feifdom should control all.

Changing leadership trends is the more laudable goal. And those who insist on placing blame on partisan politics are selling the entire state short.

This problem is human nature.

Ellis isn't any better | 1:40 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

Just like with the most recent ethics allegations, Ellis didn't come forth with the bribery accusation when it happened, but instead waited right before the primary election. And if you look at the old stories when the scandal broke, Ellis was complicit with the offer.

Bottom line, I don't trust Ellis anymore than I trust Walker. This is a rare case where I hope the Democrat wins.

Hal Holebrokeloose | 1:42 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

Don't forget:

1) Walker's attorney now admits he is guilty of violating the law after dozens of non-denial denials from his client. He seems to be negotiating with the newspapers instead of the prosecutors, and they can't be happy about that. So Walker is a long way from getting out of the bribery charge. If he sings like a canary, look out.
2) Someone in the legislature that has a strong say in appropriations told Walker he could get and use public money to bribe someone.
3) Stan Lockhart has refused to answer any questions about his involvement from the public or media.
4) The common GOP thread in this and other scandals is to vilify those who come forward and expose their corruption.
5) Follow the money...

Anonymous | 1:43 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

"
Since when is assuring your opponent that he/she can keep their job regarless of the outcome of the election a bribe?"

And this, my friends, is why we are in the state of utter corruption. with our public officials that we are.

The above snippet is a real, live thought, from a real live Utah voter. I guess they cut out "Civics" in order to make room for Seminary.

honestly, I am just gobsmacked that a voter would even ask that question.

Connecting the dots... | 1:45 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

Has anyone picked up on the one common thread in all of the ethics allegations? Every person making or benefiting politically from the allegations is backed heavily by the teachers union.

Although the teachers union likes to shroud itself in the innocence of the teachers they purport to represent, they are the largest union in the US and no strangers to bare-knuckled politics.

I'm afraid they've introduced a new campaign tactic to Utah that will not bode well for politics or meaningful ethics reforms.

I'm all for ending unethical behavior, but it should be done in ethical ways.

CITIZEN | 2:02 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

Possible corruption by GODS chosen people???Say it ain't so joe.

Bigger Fish to Fry | 2:46 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

Let's not worry about Walker; other than he has 5 young kids to feed. There are bigger Fish to Fry here. Key supporters of Mr. Walker were Mr. Curtis and Mr. Shurtleff. They should both be turned our of office this November, if not for corruption, for having the very bad judgement of supporting a candidate for Treasurer who had ZERO training and very little experiences with finance.

Governor Huntsman ought to be sent out of office too. He always was a Walker support and in turn Walker supported everyting the GOV wanted, whether he throught it was correct or not. Apparently Republicans in Utah are not to think by themselves they are to support their leaders regardless. Hum... Where did they get this traning?

-A life long Utah Republican who simply can't stand the stench on Capitol Hill any longer. - The stench up on the Hill is WORSE than that of the Great Salt Lake after a strong Northwest Wind.

blame the teachers? | 2:52 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

Blaming the teachers is a far stretch -

Here are the arguments so far

1. Bribery is not bribery
2. It's the teachers union making stuff up

The grand jury is being requested by two prosecuting attorneys - a Republican and a Democrat, because they believe there's enough evidence to get an indictment.

They're turning down Walker's request to plea down because they think they have enough evidence to get an indictment or multiple indictments without his testimony.

This isn't a sports contest. It's not about team spirit. It's about the integrity of our civilization and the desire of corrupt lawyers to increase their own power and wealth. People of conscience should fight evil and choose the right, even if it means questioning Republican authority.

yea right | 3:02 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

To connecting the dots:
You nailed it!! It was the teachers union who tried to bribe two REPS to vote FOR vouchers. Then they tricked everyone by sending lots of money to defeat it. Watch out for them. They must have mind control and have all of these Reps under their control. You must be a Rep, never wanting to take responsibility for your own actions.

Cato | 3:04 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

Honestly. People, stop quibbling over which party is to blame. Both have corrupt officials and to say that by switching parties will help limit corruption is ridiculous. People will be people. All we can do is select candidates who will do their best without the help of lobbyist. As voters let's all do OUR best to select candidates who will make a statement against corruption and keep it that way. Either Democratic or Republican.

problem with Shurtleff | 3:12 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

I dislike Shurtleff for his involvement in this whole mess, but I am afraid his opponent would not vigorously defend amendment 3 if it ever came to federal court, so I am forced to vote for him again. It's the dems' positions on those types of issues that keep the republicans in power.

It's been addressed twice; I guess some people post without reading the comments. But telling someone they will keep their job if they drop out of the race is not bribery, telling them they will keep their job and get a $55K raise (coming from the taxpayers) is a bribe.

jake | 3:48 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

The word on the street is that high placed and powerful public servants intoxicated by greed, and driven by a junkie-like quest of ever more power lost track of their primary objective,that is to serve the people, and ventured into the grey zone. The people I speak of have all been mentioned in the above comments and possibly the motivation is as simple as lust for control and power, or even an effort to take control of the State Retirement Fund. It is a sad thing, and a terrifying thought as I recall the writings of Friedrich Nietzsche's ï¿½bermensch or superman, a man superior and not subject to rules that govern the masses. If I did not personally know many people in power to who are beond reproach and serve the people of this state with wisdom and honor I would be looking for a place to hide.
Now is time to clean up this mess and the responsibility to do so falls to us and no one else.

RE: jake | 5:08 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

Couldn't agree more. Well said.

Why not just say it? | 5:13 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

Why beat around the bush. Why not just say what you're trying to say people? Just vote out all Republicans in Utah and replace them with Democrats and most of the posters here would be happier.

That's what it's going to take if you want to make these posters happy.

Utah Voter | 5:28 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

To Why Not Just Say It-
Not all Republicans in Utah need to be voted out. Some have proven records of being people of integrity. Some were even willing to stand up for their constituents on the voucher vote and voted with the Democrats against it. If your senator or representative is an incumbent, check his or her record. Show support to the Republicans that have shown support to their people.

To problem with Shurtleff | 9:00 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

Mark opposed Amendment 3, so I wouldn't be looking to him for a strong defense. He's gotten awards and kudos in the GLBT community for his opposition to Amendment 3.

Obviously Undereducated | 9:48 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

Kudos to Davis and Weber's county attorneys, Repub and Dem, respectively, avoided the landmine that was responsibility for making a decision to charge. Turn it over to the grand jury, keep your party's support come re-election time.

Smart guys.

S.O.P.

Elkman | 12:19 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Follow the money and it will lead to the big fish. We need to clean up this state once and for all. Utah voters need to stop being the dumbest in the nation. Just because somebody has an R in front of their name does not make them trustworthy or honest. We need to vote out all of the GOP Leadership and pass ethics reform. Curtis, Bramble, Walker, Hughes, Morley, all need to get the boot in January. Vote for Seegmiller, Beck, Black, Smith and Morgan and save Utah!!!

Lifelong Republican in Utah Coun | 6:59 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

I've read every message on this board. Only once did it mention one of the heads of the two-headed dragon that needs it's heads cut off.

First goal: Throw out Curt Bramble. "Bully of the year".

Second goal: Change leadership in the House and Senate. No Brambles or Lockharts allowed! ONLY ELECT non-incumbants this year in any race. IF they only won by one vote in their convention, THROW THEM OUT. The registered Republicans did not get a chance to vote in any primary elections in these races. So, only a small handful of elites got to pick the candidates. Change this process!

Third goal: Change the Utah County and Utah State Republican Chairs and Vice Chairs. If someone is a current chair, vice chair, secretary, or education chair - THROW THEM OUT. That will be up to the delegates of this coming year's conventions.

Fourth goal: Seek for ethically strong candidates. What do they do when no one else is looking? Bully others to advance their own agendas?

Fifth goal: Throw out any legislators who accepted bribes.

Vote | 7:37 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

I say vote them all out and put new blood in. If they won't do what we want, then vote them back out until we finally have some honest legislators. Oh, but maybe that is not possible. What I would give for a person with ethics and common sense.

Let him move on | 8:50 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Let Mr. Walker put this behind him now. It is surprising to see how many people want blood over this issue. Everyone makes mistakes but most of us don't do it in the public eye. I believe Walker took some bad advice and used poor judgement but let the guy move on with his life for the sake of his family. He will have to live with his actions the rest of his days. While others will forget about it after it is no longer politically useful for their causes.

elizabeth | 10:49 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

THROW THEM OUT! THROW THEM ALL OUT! IF WE EVER GET AROUND TO "TERM LIMITS" WE WILL HAVE LESS OF THIS GOING ON. IF OUR PRESIDENT CAN ONLY SERVE TWO TERMS WHY NOT EVERYONE. NO TIME TO BUILD CASTLES AND CHEAT THE PEOPLE THEY ARE ELECTED TO SERVE. NO POLITICAL POSITION SHOULD BE FOR LIFE.

Garbage | 10:50 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

"He will enter this plea, and he will not be the subject or the target of the grand jury proceedings"

The slimy slippery East sider gets privy from the uppities! Glad their also going after bigger fish, but Walker gets off with a slap on the back!

This is corruption, Utah (as a conservative, LDS resident) is one of the worst corrupt governments! It is because our conservative people put TOO MUCH trust in our GOP strongholds (Huntsman, Curtis, Hughes, etc)! They are using it for back room deals for lobbyiests and east side communities!

STOP IT!

Fahgettaboutit? | 11:30 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

This so-called conservative tried to use hundreds of thousands of your tax dollars to bribe a public official and feather his own nest. The only place he should move on to is prison.

re let him move on | 11:31 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

are you kidding me? If this were a Democrat issue this board would be 10 times as long with messages calling for the blood of every Democrat in the State. Just because they are Republicans they are getting a pass....what a joke. This State is sick.

Walker | 12:01 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Yup, he's ready to say, I lied about lying so now I will take some pumishment before the real truth comes out about my lies.

Re: let him move on | 1:11 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008

I don't think Walker should be given a "free pass" to move on. He lied over and over again about his involvement and only now that he is cornered is he willing to fess up. Maybe if he had been honest from the get-go I would think people should drop the issue. But not now- not after all the lying and manipulation. He should nailed. Hard.

Bill Johnson | 1:25 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008

Hey Politicians, how about focusing on the real issues in the State of Utah like exhorbitant gas prices (the 5th highest in the nation) instead of the "he did this; she did that".
Clean up your act now!

SP--Gratitude for the Honest | 2:56 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008

For being a one-party state, Utah certainly has more than its fair share of political corruption.

However, we cannot overlook the hard-working ethical people that serve in our local cities, counties and state. After many years of political involvement, itï¿½s sad to see how many honest and well-meaning people get torn apart in politics and how many people serve all of us with little to no appreciation or gratitude.

Although greed and a thirst for power are always corrupting influences in politics, the biggest problem we face in Utah are constituents and politicians that vote and run that are religiously motivation with a strong bias of religious dogma and superstition. Far too many politicians head to Utahï¿½s Capitol Hill whose local citizens have labeled them as a SAINT and have placed them beyond the scrutiny of logic and reason. The best politicians are those that seek genuine understanding and knowledge on real issues and then vote for real solutions to these real problems and leave their religious bias at the door.

(I miss all the comments by the Limbaughites on this forum. Itï¿½s a shame that Limbaugh doesnï¿½t cover state politics so they can participate in this debate too.)

Re: Let him move on | 9:34 a.m. Oct. 16, 2008

Not a chance! This guy is arrogant, self-absorbed, and completely un-repentant. Pleading to a technicality but not bribery? That works, if that's what you really did. But you tried to bribe Ellis to get out of the race.

I laughed out loud when I saw that the first headline about "Walker accept[ing[ a plea deal" was actually incorrect. There hasn't been a plea deal offered, he's just trying to save his bacon before things get ugly.

I will let walker "move on" when he admits what he did and accepts responsibility for it. Instead of continuing to be incomprehensibly full or himself and indignant.

partisian politics | 5:24 p.m. Oct. 16, 2008

Clearly, the prosecutors can't agree on what to do because of their political parties. The Repub wants to drop it to take heat off the Rs; the Demo wants to charge everyone to put heat on the Rs. So they agree to take it to a grand jury.

There are 3 targets of the investigation. Walker has admitted (and always did) that he told Ellis he could keep his job. The other two targets are Ellis and Empey. Their complaint and affidavits are self-incriminating for solicitation. The grand jury will seek to indict Ellis and Empey based on their own statements that they solicited a job offer from Walker.

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