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Want a GOP office in Utah? Best get your glove on Mitt

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I have to laugh | 4:58 a.m. May 27, 2009

Good old Dave Hansen.
I've known Dave for probably 30+ years as a neighbor in Farmington.
Every time I see Dave or hear about him and his politics it makes me glad I'm not a Republican.
Keep up the fight Dave.

Utah Republican | 5:52 a.m. May 27, 2009

The alternative to Bennett is a huckster for multi-level marketing schemes who as attorney general sold out Utah to illegal aliens...

Come on Utah... we can do better than these despots!

Ronald Fox | 6:57 a.m. May 27, 2009

Dave Hansen is one of the hardest working and most intelligent political operatives and strategist that Utah has produced. I met Dave over 15 years ago it's good to see that someone who understands politics as well as he does wants to take this Job that is nothing but hard work, and little thanks. Most people who have been in politics know to listen to Dave's advice. He will serve the Republican Party well as its next chairman, Democrats look out!

Comments continue below

vote for Mickey | 6:58 a.m. May 27, 2009

If you are so weak in your views that a slick talker can come and sway you to get off the message...then you deserve what you get...

People need to get their own point of view..not have it given to them.

Bennett is a do nothing..

Bennett | 7:03 a.m. May 27, 2009

I've followed Bennett's voting record. He's the best we have. You'd be surprised at how many votes he opposed Hatch on. Sad, really. We ought to get rid of Hatch not Bennett. Bennett is our only conservative Senator left. Put in Shurtleff and we'll have one fiasco after another.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT Shurtleff had no problems taking away the rights of a Utah parent in deciding what was right for their son who had cancer! If the media did not get involved, those parents would have lost their parental rights! At the very same time, he turns a blind eye to the atrocities of child brides in our Utah polygamy groups.

Shurtleff scares me to death! He's a wolf in sheep's clothing! Please remember his record! And look at his donation record......be looking for polygamist money and organizations. It may not be easy to find, but I'd bet my bottom dollar those funds will show up!

I like Dave Hansen | 7:15 a.m. May 27, 2009

Dave Hansen is the best choice we have had for years for State Party Chair.

Dave has the necessary experience and qualifications to lead the party.

He has 30 years of political experience - knows what works and what doesn't.

He hears our frustrations and anger at the current administration and he is the only candidate who can unite the party to focus on successful solutions.

He stands firmly behind our core republican values.

He will be fair and promote a level playing field.

He has proven fund raising skills and will bring in the money necessary to fund successful programs.

Dave is not obligated to any candidate or elected official,

He is not currently compensated by any candidate or elected official. It took a lot of guts to walk away from that.

He has a great laugh and his wife likes horses.

Anonymous | 7:17 a.m. May 27, 2009

So, Utah is ga-ga over a rich, Massachusetts quasi-liberal (or at least a moderate). The reality is, if he was not LDS, he would have substantially less support. This all supports the argument of the GOP-LDS link. Is there no chance Romney might be w=rong on some issues or does not walk on water?

Bennett | 7:24 a.m. May 27, 2009

I am not sure Bennett is going to get my vote, despite being endorsed by Mitt Romney.

Chris Cannon was endorsed by Mitt Romney, George W. Bush, Hatch and Bennett, and I didn't vote for Cannon.

The two best candidates to replace Bennett haven't even announced yet. I am pretty sure we will get at least one more choice.

david jay | 7:35 a.m. May 27, 2009

All I know about Mr. Bennett, is that he ignores his constituents. I have written to him on occasion and received one reply only and that was a form letter. I know that he doesn't represent me in any way. Perhaps I am in the minority in Utah, but I deserve the common respect and decency that one person pays another. I'm not a big money donor and it shows in his response to me.

Anonymous | 7:39 a.m. May 27, 2009

Endorsing Bennett hurts Romney more than it helps Bennett.

Bennett record | 7:41 a.m. May 27, 2009

If you've really "followed Bennett's voting record," then you must have missed the part about the ill-fated TARP legislation that he all but begged Americans to get behind and support in a rush to judgment without due diligence that has proved to be not only reckless, but irresponsible. Bennett was the public voice urging swift passage of the bill. He was the beneficiary of the campaign donations from the recipients of TARP funds, and he returned billions of dollars to his benefactors. How these simple facts have escaped the level of scrutiny and condemnation that was received by Dodd and Frank is incomprehensible to me. He's like the Teflon Dons of old who could never seem to be hammered into prison for their ill-gotten gains. Bennett is as the very root and mainspring of corruption in Washinton D.C. Severing his ties with the monied interests who put him in senior positions in the Senate Banking Committee and have sustained him in office is at the very core and essence of the reasons why he cannot be returned to office. He has breached the public trust, and must be held accountable by voters in 2010.

Letters... | 7:43 a.m. May 27, 2009

re: david jay

Bennett will write back, IF you send him a message using his gov website, IF make sure you click that you want the extra special autographed answer for your scrap book response.

Hatch always writes back, as does Chaffetz.

Mitt Romney's endorsements | 7:52 a.m. May 27, 2009

Mean nothing to me. Telling me how to vote is not a motivating factor to me whatsoever. I'll figure it all out on my own, thank you very much. Money begets money in politics today, and it's out of control and it is all corrupt. Bennett is attempting to buy votes at the state delegate level, sending donations via Romney's PAC to them (all perfectly legal, mind you), but influence peddling nonetheless. Getting re-elected is what politicians think about, raise money to do, and it is an all-consuming endeavor. Serving the people, truly being a servant to their masters who elected them, is only a distant afterthought at best.

The 17th amendment to the Constitution that replaced legislative appointments of Senators with the popular vote is what has led to the creation of a privileged and elite class of citizens. One representative with whom I am acquainted likened the Senators to sovereigns and potentates totally and completely out of touch and unaccountable to their constituents. At least we get a chance every two years to re-elect the entire roster of House members. Giving Senators six-year terms ensures corruption. Repeal the 17th Amendment NOW.

Dave Hansen | 7:57 a.m. May 27, 2009

I want Dave Hansen to win state gop chair.

I am hoping someone instead of Bennett gets out of the convention next year with over 60% and I don't want that person to loose to a democrat in the fall.

If the republicans stand firm on really basic values, they win.

Bennett ALWAYS writes back | 8:39 a.m. May 27, 2009

I love it when people get on here and say so and so never writes back. I find that ridiculous and highly unlikely. The only reason Bennett or any other official wouldn't write back is if you don't provide an address (seems like a no brainer but believe me, I was an intern, it happens), the person sends 5 or 6 letters a week and it becomes impossible to respond, the letters don't comment on an issue they are just ramblings or rantings, or they send it to the wrong person (i.e. a state issue to the federal government).

I have written Senator Bennett as well as other leaders from Utah and all have responded.

Mike | 8:40 a.m. May 27, 2009

Yes, look at Bennetts voting record, look at legislation sponsored and passed. You will find both lacking. Bennett hasn't made any noise in the Senate until two weeks ago when he "opposed" that guy's nomination for the second seat at the Interior Department. Now, the guy's nomination passes and Bennett is laying low saying that the guy addressed his concerns. The only reason Bennett even comes out from under his rock is that he is up for re-election. My recommendation is to vote ABB (Anybody but Bennett).

Anonymous | 8:54 a.m. May 27, 2009

I would never vote for Bennet because of his efforts to kill Amtrak, does anyone remember? He tried to cancel the California Zephre, and why? because Bennet is Mormon and thinks that Mormons don't need to take Amtrak; he is a pretty poor example for a Mormon. I suggest that the Church call on a Mission, and get him out of the US Senate.

Bennett staffers, attention | 8:55 a.m. May 27, 2009

What ever happened to Senator Bennett's "investigation" into the Utah inaugural attendees who were shuffled off into an underground tunnel? Amazing how he was so quick to step up to the need for an "investigation" at the time, but then nothing happened. So typical of Bennett.

I seem to remember it was the same Senator Bennett who warned of the sky falling with the Y2K bug. Again, nothing happened. I detect a pattern here.

So, staffers who are so quick to respond to these negative comments about the Senator, please step up and defend him.

I would be ever so grateful if someone from his office, ANYONE, would please explain his votes on TARP, then the subsequent votes, earmarks, and no votes on the stimulae bills.

I can't detect a dime's worth of difference between Bennett and the liberal elite who are spending this country into oblivion. Even Obama has now admitted "we're out of money."

And this is the kind of business as usual for which Mitt Romney's endorsement has been sought and obtained?

Please, loyal Bennett staffers, step up and defend your man.

He needs to explain his convoluted dysfunctional voting record.

Bennett Ads = Your Tax Dollars | 9:27 a.m. May 27, 2009

Every dime Bennett spends on TV and radio ads is your dime.

Follow this:

1. Bennett bails out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with your tax dollars.

2. Bailout Bob's campaign gets large donations (your tax dollars) from Fannie and Freddie (more money than any other Republican.)

3. Senator Bailout uses Fannie and Freddie contributions (your tax dollars) to run his campaign and by TV ads.

Thanks Bob, thanks a lot. My wallet is begging you to keep your promise and only serve only two terms, not four.

No time for rookies? | 9:35 a.m. May 27, 2009

I remember a recent Bennett quote at his fundraiser with Romney. He said "This is no time for rookies." Wait a minute. Could a rookie do any worse than Bennett? Doubt it. Rookies unite and put up a candidate. It's way past time for some new blood from Utah in the U.S. Senate. Hatch, you're next.

Bennett's thick with theives | 10:00 a.m. May 27, 2009

With the government now slated to own as much as 69% of GM, and turning a Dow component company into "Government Motors" with no end in sight for government takeovers -- realities set in motion by Bennett's advocacy of TARP, which led to more bailouts and more stimulus spending -- does any rational thinking dictate sending Bennett back to Washington for another six years? He's aided and abetted in the single greatest bank robbery in the history of the world without so much as a pea shooter being brandished as a weapon. If that's the kind of political and economic advocacy Utahns want in Washington D.C., then by all means follow the advice of the all-wise and all-knowing Mitt Romney who proclaims Senator Bailout Bob Bennett as a CONSERVATIVE no less than three times in his campaign ad in less than thirty seconds. Saying it just doesn't make it so. Look at the track record for Senator Bennett over the last eighteen years, and then remind yourselves that it was Senator Bennett who first said he would serve for one, no make it two, no I really meant three, oh yeah, I need four terms.

Bennett Letters | 10:01 a.m. May 27, 2009

re: Bennett ALWAYS writes back

Not true. I get letters from Hatch 12 times as often as Bennett, and they get the same information from me.

I always include my full address.

If I use National Write your Congress to send my option to Hatch and Bennett, Hatch will respond, Bennett won't.

If I send Bennett a message and do NOT click the send me a autographed letter back, even though I have my address, Bennett won't write back, and Hatch always will.

I don't agree with Hatch all the time either, but Hatch will forward my letters to someone that can do something to fix the problem. I don't get that from Bennett.

If Bennett really wants to be elected, he needs to stop putting the comments in two piles, or make the default a response back, even if it via email.

If Chaffetz can send back written responses, signed and on letterhead via email, Bennnett can.

arc | 10:29 a.m. May 27, 2009

I voted for Jason Chaffetz. I am not voting for Bennett because he has 17 years of being in D.C.

He will only get my vote if he is the best one running. He hasn't proved that yet.

Jason Chaffetz is endorsing Dave Hansen. Mark Shurtleff is to.

Dave is correct that the delegates make up their own mind. He has my vote.

Senator Bob Bennett | 10:33 a.m. May 27, 2009

Who is the supposed Utah conservative "counter-weight" to liberal-spending Democrats, who defected to join them in the biggest spending free-for-all in the history of mankind?

Who says this is no time for rookies in government in sustaining and defending our country's moral and ethical values, when he himself sells out to special interest groups who donate to his campaign coffers and thus ensure his longevity in office?

Who is singled out by PAC donations from Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, American Bankers' Association, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., with over $1 million in combined donations from a consortium of industry insiders representing securites and investment, commerical banks and insurance companies?

Who wants to "get it done" quick when it comes to TARP legislation?

Who said "If we say, no, we want to take the time to do this right, we want to put this provision in, and that provision in, and lets debate it for another week, and thus send the signal that were not serious, I think the markets are going to fall off the cliff."

Who made sure his benefactors received billions in exchange for support?

My two-cents | 10:56 a.m. May 27, 2009

worth: I also write to both Bennett and Hatch on different matters, and no, I'm not a BIG financial contributor. Hatch always responds, "Bailout Bob" seldom does, or if he does, its a form letter. The initial bailout last Sept. (backed 100% by Bennett) was the INITIAL opening of using public funds to pay for private losses. All of the rest have followed, (and I'm sure there will be MANY more.) Bennetts' support of those initial bailout monies is enough for me NEVER to vote for him. These politicians count on us not remembering these things to get re-elected, its time we showed them that blogs like this and many others WILL reveal their true nature!

BUT - I personally don't think Shurtleff is much better for a lot of the reasons others here have already alluded to! To me, he's just a younger version of Bennett. Both seem to think the electorate have short memories.

Guppies love Mitt & Bob | 10:58 a.m. May 27, 2009

If you're such a guppie that you can't get this next Utah Senate race figured out all by yourself without a celebrity endorsement from Mitt Romney, then go ahead and vote to send Bailout Bob Bennett back to Washington.

He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, the son of Frances Marion Grant and U.S. Senator Wallace F. Bennett, as well as the grandson of Heber J. Grant, seventh president of the LDS Church. He attended Utah public schools and received a B.S. from the University of Utah in 1957 with a degree in Political Science.

In 1962, Bennett married Joyce McKay, granddaughter of David O. McKay, ninth president of the LDS Church. The couple has six children and 20 grandchildren.

He's got the perfect resume for a Utah politician, and every guppie out there who relates to that resume will continue to ignore that this is a really corrupted old man.

He was born September 18, 1933, making him 77 years old on election day next year, but you won't find that anywhere on his web page. Interesting.

If elected, he would be 83 at the end of his fourth term in 2016.

No To Bennett & Rommney | 11:08 a.m. May 27, 2009

I would never EVER vote for either one! Iv'e had it with the "good ole boys" politics. Just remember voters out with all incumbents. Lets see if we can't head in a different direction than where these people have put us.

If Shurtleff | 11:19 a.m. May 27, 2009

is such a good Attorney General, why are the illegals still here? You'd think the highest law enforcement officer in the state could SOMEHOW find a way to enforce the law!
I love how Shurtleff seemed to get on the "bust the polygamists" bandwagon AFTER Arizona and the Feds did it for him. The polygs. nonsense has been going on for over 30 yrs. that I know of, and NOTHING was ever done until arizona stepped up to the plate.

Randall | 11:34 a.m. May 27, 2009

Don't "Madder" Much.
Utah Don't Got No Clout Anyways.

Mr. Fixit | 1:01 p.m. May 27, 2009

Isn't Mitt a RINO?

If you have an R next to your name in a Utah election, don't automatically get elected?

They Are Both Bad! | 1:55 p.m. May 27, 2009

Bennett's a dinosaur. Shurtleff is a suck-up to Mexico and illegal aliens.

Time for a new face to break out of the crowd!

I think Romney thinks. . . | 2:07 p.m. May 27, 2009

. . . we're all stupid enough that he gets to define what a "conservative" is. Calling Bennett a conservative after his plunge headfirst into the deep end of the TARP pool is like calling a rose a tumbleweed. A rose by any other name is still a rose, and Bennett is still Bennett, whether you call him a conservative or not. His track record on conservatism is anything but. . . sorry, Senator, you just can't have it both ways. Either you're with us, the people, or you stand with Chris Dodd and Barnie Frank. You made your bed, now lie in it.

Mitt | 2:24 p.m. May 27, 2009

While I agree that Mitt saying Bennett is a conservative is not helping Mitt's image, he is doing what many have done in the past, support the person in office against a new person.

That is one reason I want Dave Hansen to win state gop chair. He will help the new person win in the fall elections.

How soon we forget | 2:34 p.m. May 27, 2009

Bennett won the seat that used to be occupied by Jake Garn, who publicly stated that he hated Washington D.C. Now we have an incumbent who just can't seem to call it quits when he should have a long time ago and kept faith with the voters. So now he leaves us no choice but to throw him out on his ear, with or without Mitt Romney's blessing.

If age brings wisdom. . . | 2:39 p.m. May 27, 2009

. . . then why is it so lacking in Bennett? Have the wisdom to step down, Senator, and don't embarrass yourself as so many others before you have. Go quietly into that good night without having to be summarily and ignominiously dismissed at the polls.

Anonymous | 2:52 p.m. May 27, 2009

Hatch needs to go...

But utah is so brainwashed they don't care , just point them to the booth and they'll not read, question, investigate..they just "go along"

fuss all you want to, say what you want to...you know it's the truth

Chachi | 3:03 p.m. May 27, 2009

To "Bennett Letters" at 10:01: I interned at Senator Bennett's office. I can attest that his office tries to answer every letter...until you've sent us 20 letters and we get sick of wasting the taxpayer-funded franking privilege on you. It kind of sounds like you fit the bill--the citizen who constantly bombards the Senator's office with mail, frustrated that your opinion is only one of 2.7 million and holds little more influence than that. Sorry; that's how democracy works. You get one vote, and your influence with your representatives does not continue to rise in proportion to the amount of mail you send in.

Bob Bernick Jr. is a liberal! | 3:36 p.m. May 27, 2009

This article is a lame attempt at journalism. To compare Mitt Romney's minimal following to Ronald Reagan is not only irresponisble, it is downright dishonest.

Mitt Romney appeals to a small faction of liberal voters in Utah. Essentially, the type of voters who believe that George W. Romney was right for walking out on Barry Goldwater's speech and the type of voters who support abortion on demand, high taxes, and a ban on assualt weapons - those are the liberals who support Mitt Romney.

To suggest that an aspiring politician in Utah wants the endorsement Mitt Romney, is to say that the politician is liberal. Why else would Jason Chaffetz kowtow for a Romney endorsement if he wasn't such an ardent backer of the Michael Dukakis Presidential Campaign.

Face it: A good majority of the Deseret News is liberal - just like Mitt Romney.

Anonymous | 3:37 p.m. May 27, 2009

Let's not forget that Bennett's father was a senator too and all I can say is like father, like son. I was pretty young when Wallace was a Utah Senator and I recall he was about as exciting as Bob and got about as much done. What ever happen to the Jake Garns and Frank Moss' whom looked out for the people of Utah?

yes, Dave | 5:41 p.m. May 27, 2009

I like Dave. I have supported him for many years and find his intellect to be superb. He states opinions clearly and with conviction. He will put the gop back on track! He is an admirable leader, with great common sense.

PS -- I have never met Dave and I confess that I just made up everything above. Like many of you do.

Here is what I think.... | 5:45 p.m. May 27, 2009

I think Romney's son...Josh will become Gary Herbert's Lt. Governor....He needs the exposure and the name to be re-elected in 2010.

Skippy | 5:57 p.m. May 27, 2009

Run Mitt Run!

gene | 6:26 p.m. May 27, 2009

How old was Reagan when he left office?
80 years old! Hmmmm?!
The far right is never going to put a person in the Whitehouse again.
Noticably to the right of center is the only thing that is going to win !Some conservatives would love to see us in trees and caves!
Aaaand for the record, Reagan was not far right
he was conservative/practical!
Just giving you facts folks.Remember the gipper who gave AMNESTY,supported abortion(Calif.)?

ROMNEY 2012!!!!!!!! | 7:22 p.m. May 27, 2009

Come on, Mitt, run in 2012!!!!!!!

Ignore all the liberals who can't see clearly at all. They are just people who are so open-minded that their brains have fallen out.

If our country ever needed a man of honor, integrity and common sense it is now. If Obama doesn't set our country on the path to COMPLETE destruction it will be a miracle.

arc | 12:50 a.m. May 28, 2009

re: Bob Bernick Jr. is a ..3:36 p.m. May 27, 2009

Jason Chaffetz won both the convention and the primary without Mitt Romney's support or endorsement.
Mitt did support him in the General Election.

Cherilyn Bacon Eagar has a great resume' and should do well against Bob Bennett in 2010. She really is a conservative.

Obviously Undereducated | 7:49 a.m. May 28, 2009

Hansen's really the only choice for chair.

Hansen | 8:25 a.m. May 28, 2009

You are correct, Dave Hansen is the one that will do what we need. Dave Hansen isn't the only choice, but he is the bet choice.

Hansen | 8:26 a.m. May 28, 2009

..but he is the best choice

Pam W | 10:31 p.m. May 28, 2009

Chachi (3:03 PM) Bob Bennett works for us. He is a servant of the people he represents. If he feels about his constituents they way you do, then all the more reason he needs to go.

Love the comments here. Agree with most. Lost respect for Mitt when he endorsed Bennett. Won't vote for Shurtleff and hope that Bacon-Eagar runs. She's great. Hatch has to be next to go.

I hope the politicians read these comments. They might have a better understanding of what is happening in Utah. We're sick of the nonsense. Give me a senator with some integrity!!!

Cherilyn Bacon Eagar | 7:22 a.m. May 29, 2009

did tell KSL she had formed a committee to see about running against Bob Bennett. It will be fun to see if she does. She could win.

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