Reader comments
Tough Pittsburgh kid Hughes still standing in the Utah ring

Hughes is | 8:00 a.m. June 29, 2009

The best conservative legislator in Utah.

CK | 8:15 a.m. June 29, 2009

Hughes is the real deal -- a great guy. We need more people like him willing to give public service and take on the tough issues.

Fred T. | 8:47 a.m. June 29, 2009

It is a pretty shameless strategy some democrats, dishonest media clowns, anti-voucher advocates,and RINOs have taken to by trumping up ethics charges against Hughes that were dismissed, (many of which were not on party lines) yet they still want to define him by the allegations. I followed Greg Hughes this year in the legislative sessions and I see why his enemies would need to stoop to such an embarrassing low level to taint his integrity. I hope the people of Utah will put themselves in a position to judge for themselves.

Comments continue below

He's | 9:05 a.m. June 29, 2009

a pretty good guy.

Anonymous | 9:17 a.m. June 29, 2009

Those ethics complaints had validity. It was determined they weren't sufficient to remove him from office and he barely won re-election.

He can do less damage being second in command of the state since nobody ever heard of that other guy who will be Governor once Huntsman goes to be an ambassador. Let's face it, Hughes isn't going to have an easy run at re-election so he has to do something to keep his career going.

Aaron | 9:23 a.m. June 29, 2009

It is good to see a columnist like Bob Bernick Jr. break away from the dirty political mudslinging/ intellectually lazy articles written by hacks that are punch drunk under the influence of David Irvine (let's not forget that David Irvine is the UEA attorney who tried to make a connection between Bush torture policies and the LDS Church because several federal employees and attorneys were members of the LDS Church).

Re: Anonymous | 9:28 a.m. June 29, 2009

"Those ethics complaints had validity. It was determined they weren't sufficient to remove him from office and he barely won re-election."

Those ethics complaints were utter baloney. He "barely" won re-election because the ethics thing was all over the press. I sat there with Greg, family, and friends on election night, watching the returns come in. And guess what? He won off of election day votes, because the early voters bought the baloney sold by Irvine. Greg will trounce any person who challenges him in 2010, and I'll be there to make sure of that.

No Vote | 10:01 a.m. June 29, 2009

If Gary Herbert selects Greg Hughes as his Lieutenant, Herbert will not have my vote in 2010.

Vulnerable | 10:16 a.m. June 29, 2009

Hughes is already the most vulnerable incumbent in the House for the 2010 election cycle. Count on him to either spend at least $100K trying to get reelected or running for something else. The R's and the D's both know this.

Bob P. | 10:49 a.m. June 29, 2009

Everything I have read about this guy I like. He makes mistakes, admits them and moves on. He is what he is.

May be a kindred spirit, I too had to explain a black eye to my mission president and lived as a token white in a native town. Learned to fight and to be tolerant.

Re: Vulnderable | 11:14 a.m. June 29, 2009

Did you not see what just happened? He had the perfect storm come against him, and he rode it out. Democrats would be foolish to think they have ANY shot at unseeding him. They couldn't do it with the most coordinated, slimey scheme in Utah politics in 2008. They'd be wise to keep away from Greg. He'll bury the competition under an electoral landslide.

Tolerant? | 11:21 a.m. June 29, 2009

Listen to Hughes on his "Red Meat Radio" program. He is about as intolerant as they come. He is the biggest whining baby in the legislature.

He's | 11:30 a.m. June 29, 2009

just what utah is about..."more butters" for the brothers!!!

Tolerant | 11:33 a.m. June 29, 2009

Why do you say all this yet still listen to the radio show? If you don't like him then don't listen. The ethics hearing was very thorough. Witness after witness was brought in - and guess what, he was cleared of all charges. At what point do people give this guy the benefit of having gone through this and been proven to be innocent by members of both parties?

GOP | 11:42 a.m. June 29, 2009

We need more Republicans willing to fight, not more passive-aggressiveness like we see from most legislators like Greg Bell who stand for nothing but offend no one. Speak truth to power and take a black eye now and again fighting for what you believe in. That's the kind of Republican I want to see Herbert pick to help run the state.

Re: Tolerant | 11:48 a.m. June 29, 2009

The ethics committee unanimously said that Hughes was guilty of conduct unbecoming that of a legislator. The bribery charge (the one that could have sent him to prison) was deadlocked 4-4 straight down party lines. He never apologized to the state of Utah for his disgusting behavior. Instead, his lobbyist buddies hold a party for him to raise money to pay for his attorney's bill.

Bryce Edwards | 12:08 p.m. June 29, 2009

I would like to think that we could admire someone who grew up with nothing and went on to live the American dream. That he would subject he and his family to the scrutiny and criticism of those who grew up privileged and who look down upon those who succeed go on provide public service is a testament to his deep feelings about his community and country. Furthermore, while he is not personally claiming to be a role model, I have personally witnessed his inspirational interaction with young people who will be needed as future leaders and share that experience of not being afraid of or intimidated by public service. If you have the opportunity to sit down with him for a few minutes instead of taking for granted what you "hear", you would be inspired as well. I a 66 years old and I like the kid. Future Governor Herbert and the State of Utah would be well served by Lt. Governor Hughes.

Public Servant | 12:21 p.m. June 29, 2009

I too had heard some of the mudslinging about Rep. Hughes last year, and decided to get to the bottom of it. I sat down with him for four hours and asked every question conceivable. I walked away with a renewed respect for him, and he got my vote. I've also seen him doing behind the scenes service for the youth, making time for them, teaching them, talking to them. He doesn't brag about all of the good things he's doing, and I like that he's willing to take a stand for what he believes in. At least you know where he stands on the issues, unlike some of the passive-aggressive legislators.

Midwesterner | 12:56 p.m. June 29, 2009

Greg Hughes is a good friend, a good man, a good husband, a good father, and a great politician. Willing to fight what he believes is best for his constituents. Democrats would not have tried so shamelessly to oust him if he were a mediocre legislator. He is what our Republican party must get back to...passionately striving to conserve the American way of life no matter the cost. Much better than the appease all mankind, drifting in the wind politics of the Democraps.

Way to go Greg...you should have higher aspirations than the state house...governor, congressman, senator etc.

The friends are out | 1:08 p.m. June 29, 2009

Greg's buddies are out today! Let's not confuse cheerleading with the truth that it was fellow Republicans who brought forth the most serious charges against Hughes: bribery and pressuring a public official to not run against him in a primary election. Ironically it took other Republicans on the House Ethics Committee to get him off.

Re: Midwesterner | 1:12 p.m. June 29, 2009

"Passionately striving to conserve the American way of life no matter the cost."

This is exactly the mantra of extremists like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Ann Coulter, Chris Buttars, and Greg Hughes. You couldn't have said it any better.

Re: The friends are out | 2:06 p.m. June 29, 2009

Let's clarify, by "fellow Republicans" you are referring to Sheryl Allen, the Republican In Name Only poster child which makes your comment laughable.

Here is the scenario | 2:18 p.m. June 29, 2009

Herbert puts Hughes as #2. Herbert accepts a Fed post (maybe ambassador to Wyoming) leaving Hughes in charge. This marks the beginning of the end for Utah public education. If I were a teacher in Utah, I would immediately start looking for a job in another state.

Re: Re: Midwesterner | 2:20 p.m. June 29, 2009

The fact that you would call Hughes an extremist demonstrates your lack of credibility and knowledge. Please provide examples of legislation, issues or positions Hughes has taken during his time in the legislature that you would consider extremist and let's address the premise of your statement.

Re: Midwesterner | 2:33 p.m. June 29, 2009

Let's be real. Hughes happily admits to being an extremist. On his radio show with fellow extremist and ethically challenged Wimmer he called upon moderates to leave the party. It is absurd to think him anything but what he is - an ultra-conservative (except when he's using the f-bomb on the House floor - then he's just the tough kid from Pittsburgh).

Steve | 2:43 p.m. June 29, 2009

This story needed to be told during the election cycle. I live in his district and didn't vote for him. Now that I know more about him, I won't that mistake again. He really has more depth and character than i realized. I like the guy.

Re: Here is the scenario | 2:44 p.m. June 29, 2009

"This marks the beginning of the end for Utah public education. If I were a teacher in Utah, I would immediately start looking for a job in another state."

Good luck finding a job in another state as a public school teacher, I'm sure there are many states with all sorts of budget floating around to add new teachers.

Take a moment and relax chicken little, the sky is not falling even in your hypothetical world.

Pittsburgh boy-- | 2:44 p.m. June 29, 2009

So we have Borin Hatch from Pittsburgh and now this dude--- So are we going to continue to elect carpet baggers to fill our legislative seats in the future or our own??
Hughes got off on technicalities and will one day step in a deeper hole as did Greg Curtis the county gas thief.
I believe in karma-- what goes around comes around..

Bitter Bird | 3:20 p.m. June 29, 2009

An extremist in the defense of liberty? Hughes just got my vote.

Lobbyists win | 4:11 p.m. June 29, 2009

Hughes is in the pocket of Utah's most powerful corporate lobbyists and developers. When he gets away with his bad behavior they win. Hughes - defender of greed and rewarder-in-chief for his buddies.

Can't have it both ways | 4:25 p.m. June 29, 2009

Poor guy is in a no-win situation. If he dares soften up as this article implies, he looses his red meat crowd. If he continues being the bully, he is out of office for good.

I guess you can't have it both ways.

Lemmon | 5:05 p.m. June 29, 2009

I love when liberals talk about carpet bagging: Biskupski, McGee, McCoy, Corroon, Johnson all have one thing in common -- carpet baggers!! You libs just need to get over it. You shot. You missed. You pay. I will work my tail off to see that Hughes' little lobbyist opponent gets smacked down for a third time in 2010. Bring it on like Donkey Kong!!!!

Huh Lemmon? | 5:30 p.m. June 29, 2009

I just checked out your allegation and according to Johnson's web site she has lived in Sandy and Draper nearly her whole life. How exactly does that qualify as carpet bagging?

I love Greg | 6:00 p.m. June 29, 2009

Greg is a great guy. He is my friend. Everybody who doesn't like him should go jump in the lake. (How was that, Dad?)

Re: Tolerant | 6:11 p.m. June 29, 2009

The ethics committee didn't find him guilty of anything. They editorialized which is not their job. They were to investigate ALLEGATIONS of unethical conduct and vote on that. Again he was not found guilty of anything; he was cleared of all bogus charges. And I love how you people claim that just because Sheryl Allen and Steve Mascaro register as republicans they are considered as such by their peers - they do it to get elected. They are the two least effective legislators in this state.

Selective perception | 6:28 p.m. June 29, 2009

Just a few weeks ago Hughes publicly called for Bernick to get fired. He said Bernick was a lazy good-for-nothing and should turn in his credentials. Why? Because Bernick said some things that Hughes didn't agree with.

Perhaps the bullying has once again paid off for Hughes.

my only questin is | 6:38 p.m. June 29, 2009

will he die in office like hatch and bennett? geeez give some else a chance.

Lemmon | 6:48 p.m. June 29, 2009

re lemmon: Sorry, but I guess you are technically right about Johnson, she has lived in Utah most of her life -- except for the years she lived outside of Utah. I notice you aren't saying much about the other people I named. And while you're busy calling Hughes a carpet bagger, check into Phil Riesen's background. Yes, you guessed it. He's a carpet bagger, too. Would you like to remove the beam from your own eye, now, or shall I keep beating you over the head with the facts??

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

Greg Hughes is the real deal. That's why we call him the "Champ"

Draperite | 7:21 p.m. June 29, 2009

This article is missing one key word and that is "barely". Hughes barely won re-election as almost half of the voters did not vote for him. He barely eeked out a victory in the very district that he lives in. Hughes is as slimy as they come. If he is asked to be Lt. Governor, Herbert would lose my vote. Bring it on in 2010--third time is the charm, Hughes will lose!!

2010 - bring it! | 7:40 p.m. June 29, 2009

Seven...Eight...Nine...Ten! Hughes goes down by knockout in the third round!!!

Re: Draperite | 11:19 p.m. June 29, 2009

I live in Draper and support Greg Hughes. Your comment that "He barely eeked out a victory in the very district he lives in." doesn't make sense. If you meant he eeked out a victory in the very district he lives in and represents, would you be comparing that to legislators who win in districts that they don't live in or represent? If you meant that he barley won the precinct he lives in then you would be simply wrong. Greg's win in his home precinct was by the second largest margin of victory of any precinct in the district! Facts can be burdensome sometimes.

Dismayed Republican | 1:01 a.m. June 30, 2009

Hughes has problems doing real math, so why push him for second-banana, perhaps leading to him as top-banana? Many bills' fiscal notes, including his, infer his bills will cost nothing (why believe that?), or fail to account for inflation. No college graduate, he should identify his most advanced math class, and what he'll do to improve in math. He'll get more schooling? Wanna bet? (Illegal).

He failed to identify conflicts-of-interest on his boxing bill, until caught. Along with realtor Herbert, expect more conflicts of interest like those that helped drive up housing costs, formerly lower in Utah, far faster than inflation. It made Utah less competitive worldwide and helped cause the inflation-based housing bubble's destructive results. Can he be impartial on bills involving housing? Doubtful.

He strikes me (hopefully not literally) as more Libertarian, not Republican, in outlook, as were those others who promoted vouchers we couldn't afford, so he's the real RINO. I'm a moderate conservative, closer to "typical" Utahns, and Republicans, judging from election results. He's far off from most Utahns' views, I'd say, so ought not to be chosen as Lt. Governor.

Gotcha! | 1:43 a.m. July 2, 2009

Dismayed Republican, you sound to me word for word like Hughes' habitually losing opponent -whom I expect will run and loose again, and again, and again...

Anyone who thinks Greg is not a Republican (as opposed to Libertarian) hasn't paid attention to his sponsored bills and voting record.

RHINOs always describe themselves as "moderate conservatives".

Paul C | 9:42 a.m. July 9, 2009

Hughes would make an excellent Lt. Gov. Probably the only thing Herbert could do to keep me from supporting Scott Anderson or Lampropolous.

Dr Derek Chong | 3:54 a.m. July 16, 2009

Gidday Mate! How are ya!
This guy is the real deal. Take it from this Aussie! I investigated the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS because of his testimony and conviction in the work that he was doing. Not conventional by any standards but he got the work done.

Too many times in politics you feel your representatives are robot Yes men. Too busy playing party politics and not achieving outcomes for their respective communities.

This guy is the real deal. To my mate Rep Greg H Hughes. Get the job done mate. We are behind you 100% in Australia.

Sincere Regards
Dr Derek Chong

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