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Shurtleff mistakenly 'tweets' campaign plans

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Anonymous | 5:50 p.m. May 12, 2009

Shurtless rocks!

AG twitter no accident! | 5:55 p.m. May 12, 2009

That twitter was no accident by the AG. Imagine, 45 minutes before the 5 o'clock news and his twitter gets sent to some 2,000 followers?

And by coincidence it happened the same day that a potential co-challenger also twittered that he was running. Yeah, right. Accidental.

Shurtleff = Clueless | 5:59 p.m. May 12, 2009

Wow, Shurtleff's egotistical opinion of himself couldn't handle that Bridgewater was getting all the attention while he was out on his trip to Israel. Nobody is sure why the AG went on this trip other than to spend taxpayer money, but still Shurtleff gets jealous from halfway around the world- Good to know!

It's just stunt after political stunt with Shurtleff and he has totally lost my respect. If it was just an "accident" as he claims than clearly he is not competant. Either way, he will not be getting my vote at the Convention.

Comments continue below

HA Ha HA!!!` | 6:03 p.m. May 12, 2009

Do we really want to vote for a guy who can't even handle his Tweets? As a delegate this does not inspire confidence in Shurtleff!

gb | 6:10 p.m. May 12, 2009

2 morons taking on a moron. Go Dems!

Know before you vote | 6:34 p.m. May 12, 2009

This is a good example of what Shurtleff is all about--and it does not bode well for Utah if he becomes senator. I'm disenchanted with Bennett, but there's little doubt that Shurtleff does not offer anything better.

Oh, | 6:40 p.m. May 12, 2009

Is someeone trying to get a rise on here?

Joe Moe | 11:21 p.m. May 12, 2009

I for one look forward to a spirited race here, something lacking in the past.

CP | 2:01 a.m. May 13, 2009

I would love to have anybody take Bob Bennett's place! He should have been replaced along time ago! He hasn't done much to help anybody here at all! I would vote for Mickey Mouse to get rid of Bennett.

UTAH Bill | 5:57 a.m. May 13, 2009

I've worked with Shurtleff and would not vote for him.

Ugh | 6:22 a.m. May 13, 2009

Shurtleff: a perfect example of a politician with no credentials or qualifications - just all talk and opinions. Mr Ego.

Anonymous | 7:00 a.m. May 13, 2009

I won't argue with "Ugh", but doesn't the same apply even more to Jason (Mr. Look at Me!) C. in the 3rd District? While Bennett did not keep his promise on self-imposed term limits, he is actually a pretty good Senator. It would take a newcomer many years to help Utah as much as he can in a Congress that is controlled by the Dems and will remain so for a while, in part because the GOP messed it up big time, provide no ideas and are rudderless.

I'm just saying | 7:06 a.m. May 13, 2009

Mark Shurtleff is the attorney general of the state of Utah, having won three elections to serve in that office. I would consider that a credential and/or qualification to serve as US senator for the state. Many here are saying they would not vote for the man and I would like to hear some specifics. What is it that he has done or not done that disqualifies him to be US Senator?

Mark Shurtleff = Showhorse | 7:18 a.m. May 13, 2009

Mark Shurtleff is off wasting tax payers money on a trip that no AG should have went on and with Bridgewater taking advantage of his absence, Shurtleff couldn't handle that he was out of the spotlight.

I still remember when Shurtleff was Salt Lake County Commissioner. He left us with higher taxes and more debt and the county was in shambles. Shurtleff will not be getting my vote and Bennett seems to be the best in the race.

Tough one | 7:23 a.m. May 13, 2009

Mark Shurtleff is one of my all time favorites! I have no doubt he would be an amazing Senator. I do not think Mark Shurtleff would be anyone I'd want for an opponent.

I also think Mark Shurtleff would immediately make a difference in the Senate even without seniority. It's his very presence that commands respect.

I have nothing against Bob Bennett. He is a good man and a good Senator. The only one I would cast my delegate vote for over Shurtleff is a heavenly being.

Utah Republican | 7:24 a.m. May 13, 2009

Come on... is this the best we can do?

re: Tough One | 7:45 a.m. May 13, 2009

Hey Mark Shurtleff, I thought you learned your lesson from your tweeting escapades...apparently not because here you are commenting about yourself on the DesNews comment board!

UT observer | 7:56 a.m. May 13, 2009

Check out the story on RedState. He's got a history of messing things up.

Anonymous | 8:00 a.m. May 13, 2009

Here's to hoping the Dems guy/gal is better...chances are he/she will be.

JD | 8:13 a.m. May 13, 2009

So Mr. Shurtleff is running for the Senate? This doesn't sound like a very auspicious beginning to a campaign--especially for a man who's generally so adept at promoting himself.

I will vote. . . | 8:17 a.m. May 13, 2009

. . . in a NY minute for ANYONE other than Bennett.

Shurtleff = Tweet | 9:10 a.m. May 13, 2009

Shurtleff can't even run his campaign so why does he think we will trust him to run a Senate office. He has been an awful attorney general. Maybe he should have listened to his wife and not ran. It doesn't look like it is turning out well for him. As for Bennett, I have found him accessible and responsive. As a resident of Brigham City, I so appreciated him taking time to come up for Rural Business Conference. Brigham doesn't get much attention from the other representatives but Bennett has always been willing to help. Bennett has my vote!

Bennett for Senate | 9:14 a.m. May 13, 2009

Bennett is by far the best choice for ALL of Utah. He is one of the most, if not the most, respected Republican in the Senate. Bennett has my vote, but I will so interested to see how his campaign is run for this election. I predict another landslide victory.

Robert | 9:24 a.m. May 13, 2009

When I think back over the years that Senator Bennett has served Utah in Washington, nothing stands out in my mind as remarkable. Yes, he got federal funding for the 2002 Winter Olympics and the TRAX and Trains projects, but federal funding comes as just be a matter of favors; that is, one Senator's state needs money for a project, Bennett agrees to vote yes, then Bennett gets the favor returned when Utah needs money.

But when it comes to really taking a stand on a very important national or international issue, Bennett is nowhere to be found. Some say he picks and chooses his issues carefully and, by his nature, stays out the limelight. But, for me, that's just a way to avoid making mistakes. I want a representative in Washington who isn't afraid to shoot his mouth off occasionally and speak up for his state on important issues.

For these reasons, I'm going to seriously consider another candidate during this coming Senatorial election.

LOL | 9:30 a.m. May 13, 2009

He can't ride a motorcycle and he can't tweet. My 11 year old can do both maybe he should run for Senate.

Anonymous | 9:38 a.m. May 13, 2009

These are amazingly inept comments. "He's not quialified to be senator because he made a mistake in Twitter." "An AG shouldn't be on a trade mission to Israel." Wake up, people. I'm a professional writer and I commit typos everyday. It's no big deal. When the Guv (a non-lawyer) is negotiating possible multi-billion $$ trade deals or discussing trade law, he definitely NEEDS his lawyer standing by. Mark Shurtleff isn't a perfect candidate, no one is, but Sen. Bennett has compromised with liberals too often, he is not serving conservative Utah well. The AG will be a big improvement.

Wowzers | 9:40 a.m. May 13, 2009

Wow! Can't believe how we all sit in personal judgement of a man few of us know well. If you disagree with him politically, fine. But, do we really need to crucify the poor man personally?

Hank | 9:48 a.m. May 13, 2009

Shurtleff is all about one thing -- Shurtleff. I remember the state convention last year. Shurtleff gave a long speech and had a massive balloon drop and spent a bunch of money to promote himself -- and he was running unopposed! He wasted the delegate's time and his money for no reason. This twitter stunt just reeks of typical Shurtleff. He can't stand to be out of the limelight. His huge ego will be his undoing. If it's true that his wife doesn't want him to run, why is he running? His ego won't let him drop out. Bennett has always been accessible as a Senator and has (to me at least) focused more on getting things done than promoting himself. I think Shurtleff would be exactly the opposite. Not what I want in my senator.

When push comes to shove, | 9:53 a.m. May 13, 2009

Shurtleff would be bette4r than Bennett, but that's not saying much. ANYBODY would be.

Steve A | 10:07 a.m. May 13, 2009

All I know is that when our group approached Shurtleff regarding an issue, he came back with the comment that it wasn't his job. Bennett took time to listen to our concerns and pointed us in the right direction to get our problems addressed.

Which one is the better public servant? To me there is no question. Bennett will be getting my vote at the convention.

John | 10:13 a.m. May 13, 2009

Shurtleff is a solid conservative, and will not be a RINO or invisible (except in election years like Bennett).

We desperately need Senators who will boldly and constantly fight to stop the Obama train wreck to socialism. Not just with a press release but with parliamentary gurilla warfare on every level.

Shurtleff can do that. Bennett just wants to liked by the other 99 Senators.

SHURTLEFF FOR SENATE-whenever he finally announces!

Voting Libertarian | 10:19 a.m. May 13, 2009

I'll take minimal government, lower taxes, and more freedom over self-righteous Rethuglicans and self-dealing Demonrats anyday.

Clem | 10:39 a.m. May 13, 2009

This so called mistake is a direct result of the economic mess our state is in. If the state government had done a better job of saving money for the rainy day we are having now, Shurtleff would not have been so preoccupied that he exercised complete negligence in releasing this information too early.

Shurtleff Conservative? | 11:00 a.m. May 13, 2009

No Shurtleff is not a conservative. Look who he endorsed for president- John McCain (we all know how conservative he is). He opposed the gay marriage amendment in Utah. He refuses to enforce SB 81 on illegal immigrants because he favors amnesty even though it is his job to enforce the laws. He wastes taxpayer money by going on a trip to Israel for no other reason than to get a free vacation and promote himself. He left Salt Lake county in huge debt after being County Commissioner. And last but not least he doesn't respect women at all. He refuses to take his wife's opinion into consideration and every time I have talked to him he has always talked down to me. Shurtleff is no conservative. Shurtleff is not person we want in public office. Shurtleff is not receiving my vote at convention.

Shurtleff=Passion | 12:30 p.m. May 13, 2009

I've followed Shurtleff for a long time, and if there's anything he is it's principled. I know all of you who've never seen him apart from the 5 o'clock new vehemently disagree (lol), but you don't know what you're talking about. We need someone who is willing to stand his ground against the Obama freight train.

Where would we be is all the Founding Fathers were principle compromising hacks like most of Washington? Shurtleff is a fighter, a real workhorse, not a "showhorse," he's the guy who pushes forward until the dissenting voices have fallen away and start posturing to follow his lead.

Anonymous | 12:34 p.m. May 13, 2009

A bunch of dopes. Bennett or Shurtleff. That's the extent of your choices? Either way, Utah is out of the picture. You can stand on your conservatism, like it is a religion, but that gets you nothing unless you learn to compromise and deal with the majority. Bennett can do it to a degree, but when push comes to shove, he is out in the cold. Shurtleff will be ice-bound. Might as well send him to the North Pole. Want to do something for Utah, elect a Democrat.

Watch out! | 1:24 p.m. May 13, 2009

I hear that Shurtleff has his old buddy Mark "Triple Threat" Walker running his campaign finances...

But seriously, based on that one endorsement, I have to wonder about him as a judge of qualifications (if not character)...

It's interesting to see each of Bennett and Shurtleff portrayed in these comments as self-interested ego maniacs. Well, you're right on both counts- moreso on Shurtleff than on Bennett, IMHO.

I also agree with those who have pointed out how hidious it is to hear Shurtleff tell us it's been a hard decision because his wife doesn't want him to do it, "But guess what!?! I'm going to do it ANYWAY!!!"

A true Utah man. But not my choice for Senator.

OP | 1:27 p.m. May 13, 2009

Look at the old news articles about Shurtleff. He is a shameless self promoter. Self promoters lookout for themselves and will step on whoever they can to get to the top.

Let's hear it for the wife | 1:38 p.m. May 13, 2009

I think Shurtleffs wife should run in his place. She's a swell gal with great potential and smarter than him.

Re: Shurtleff = Passion | 2:06 p.m. May 13, 2009

First of all your comment about Shurtleff not being a showhorse is comical. Shurtleff is the epitome of showhorse!

As for compromise and the Founding Fathers have you studied history? The entire Constitution was a series of compromise. That's the problem in America is that people either don't know history or make up an alternative history to fit their view. The Founders were famous for compromise. What about the slavery issue- COMPROMISE! What about big states vs. small states- COMPROMISE! What about length of terms- COMPROMISE!

So now let's look at where compromise got us!?

mac google | 2:11 p.m. May 13, 2009

i like turtles

Cautious | 2:52 p.m. May 13, 2009

I feel apprehensive.
I was there when on April 9, 2006, the Attorney General gave a rousing speech to over 30,000 people at Washington square in Salt Lake City. Pledging his support of their cause, this great crowd (Who also cheered and applauded Che Guevara the communist) went on to march on the Utah Capitol tearing and soiling U.S. Flags, demanding citizens rights for their illegal status.

It will take a lot of work to gain my trust.

Mark Jensen | 3:28 p.m. May 13, 2009

Will Mark Jensen be contributing to Shurtleff's campaign? I rather think so, considering they're great friends. Mark Jensen will be running Shurtleff's campaign.

Jowers said it all | 4:51 p.m. May 13, 2009

Shurtleff, I might have been interested the first time you almost-maybe-kind of-announced your possible-potential-theoretical candidacy for the Senate, but by now you're a running joke and the punchline ain't funny anymore. Hope you enjoyed the attention, because our patience and your credibility is all spent.

Sam | 7:24 p.m. May 13, 2009

Anyone here seen the movie dumb and dumber?

Anonymous | 7:29 p.m. May 13, 2009

Isn't it a given that politicians are self promoting? Doesn't it take a healthy if not over the top "ego" to be a political figure? I would certainly need more self assuredness to read all of this personal criticism. Exercise your right to vote, and certainly to let political leaders who represent our interests know your opinions. But, why is it that if we aren't seeing a perfect performance that we turn to ugly character attacks? This is a man with a family & friends just like the rest of us. I wonder how we and our families/ friends would feel if we were treated this way!

Dispare | 7:32 p.m. May 13, 2009

All politicians can jump off a cliff. I can do a better job than any of them, without any "valueable public expierience". They are all a joke. No faith, no more.

Shurtleff Tweets, Bennett Fights | 9:04 p.m. May 13, 2009

While Shurtleff is off spending tax payer money on a trip he doesn't belong on in addition to his all important tweeting, Senator Bennett is fighting against the Democratic Administration. Bennett deserves our support, Shurtleff deserves to be taught a lesson about what it takes to fight not tweet! Less talking and Tweeting Shurtleff more Action! Bennett is doing a great job of talking to talk but also walking the walk!

Sad | 9:29 p.m. May 13, 2009

This makes me sad. All this talk is fluff. Where are the real leaders?

Laurels | 9:43 p.m. May 13, 2009

@ Shurtleff Tweets, Bennett Fights 9:04 p.m.

I sure like the way Bennett fought on the banking committee these last few years. His efforts and gross incompetencies on that committee helped land us in the subprime mortgage mess we are dealing with. He also did not keep his promise to limit himself to two terms. He is going to have a fight on his hands because enough of us realize the lack of leadership he has provided in Washington especially on the banking and business front. He does not walk the walk and he obviously does not know enough about the banking world and the economy to talk the talk. I don't know who I am going to vote for, but it will definitely not be for Bennett!

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