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Bob Bernick Jr.: What a mess Utah Republican Party has made
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Roobah | 2:16 a.m. April 18, 2008
Wow, what a nice story to summarize everything in one fell swoop. Nice resource
piece to say it all in a nutshell. Every Republican should read this article.
Thank you.
Rep. Morley | 6:01 a.m. April 18, 2008
If the federal government is suing Mike Morley, then Mike must have done
something right. the federal government, when contracting services, has a
monopolistic advantage in all industries.
Comments continue below
Utah | 6:28 a.m. April 18, 2008
One Party Rule Brings One Party Arrogance--Vote the Scroundrels Out!
government and the people? | 6:41 a.m. April 18, 2008
You cannot have a closed mind to everything, resist change, fool yourself into a
false sense of moral superiority, and run a government at the same time.
It will always end up self-serving.
It will always end up self-serving.
apalling | 7:09 a.m. April 18, 2008
I literally feel sick after reading this. These leaders act as if this were
some kind of game. It smacks of the same bullying and clique-building you see
in junior high, only the consequences affect the rights and laws of Utah
citizens. Of course you see the dilemma of simply voting them out is that this
arrogant clique controls who you get to vote for and unless you are willing to
vote democrat (heavan forbid) they win. Good luck Utah County.
BBKing | 7:50 a.m. April 18, 2008
To the Morley lover, what a poor sense of logic you have. Don't play on the
anti-Fed angle, deal with the issue.
First, Morley has not been charged with a crime. Innocence takes on a new meaning now.
Second, Molrey invested money in a fund run by his counsin, and when things collapsed the last thing his cousin did was take money from other clients, and give it to Morley. The Feds say that he should give the $3million back since his counsin had no authority to give it to Morley.
Third, who cares about one and two. The issue here is that Morley and his cronies rigged a debate, harrassed and threatened the challenger and ultimately ensured that certain things could not be talked about. Read First Amendment Right of free speech gone.
Morley did this with the blessing of the same Utah County GOP clan run by the Lockharts-Brambles.
Back to the clique, I am glad all of this is happening with the Lockharts-Brambles. I really am!
They want to run for higher office. Becky for Governor and Bramble for US Congress or Senate. we now know CLEARLY they are not fit for those offices. Period!
First, Morley has not been charged with a crime. Innocence takes on a new meaning now.
Second, Molrey invested money in a fund run by his counsin, and when things collapsed the last thing his cousin did was take money from other clients, and give it to Morley. The Feds say that he should give the $3million back since his counsin had no authority to give it to Morley.
Third, who cares about one and two. The issue here is that Morley and his cronies rigged a debate, harrassed and threatened the challenger and ultimately ensured that certain things could not be talked about. Read First Amendment Right of free speech gone.
Morley did this with the blessing of the same Utah County GOP clan run by the Lockharts-Brambles.
Back to the clique, I am glad all of this is happening with the Lockharts-Brambles. I really am!
They want to run for higher office. Becky for Governor and Bramble for US Congress or Senate. we now know CLEARLY they are not fit for those offices. Period!
HelpUsAll | 8:02 a.m. April 18, 2008
I applaud this article, but I also am alarmed that those in the Democratic Party
will take this as a "now we can do anything we want with immunity"
mandate. We all ned to realize that honest men and women exist in both parties
and evil men and women exist in both parties, too. I am sure that we can find
the same type of shenannigans all over the place.
Vote for the Conservative Dem. | 8:07 a.m. April 18, 2008
I've had enough of Bramble and Lockhart and the corruption of some of these
politicians. I'm a Republican but I'm voting for the Conservative
Democrats running against them to send them a message that Utahns won't
tollerate this. I'm not sure who is running against Lockhart but RaDene
Hatfield is running against Bramble. She has my vote. I hope other Republicans
will join me in sending a message that we expect more from our party.
Dave Perry | 8:20 a.m. April 18, 2008
Thanks for spelling it out for all to see.
Time to reclaim our freedoms! Snapping fingers won't do it. The answer is a restoration of the founding principals. Vote principal over politics. Check into the 50 or so Constitution Party Candidates running for office this cycle.
Time to reclaim our freedoms! Snapping fingers won't do it. The answer is a restoration of the founding principals. Vote principal over politics. Check into the 50 or so Constitution Party Candidates running for office this cycle.
Anonymous | 8:21 a.m. April 18, 2008
A Republican Head doesn't decide on the issues. Delegates do. There are
grassroots efforts all around the nation to change the Republican Party back to
it's conservative foundation. It will take about a decade or two to
overthrow all these clowns and seize control of the party. Just be patient and
next year be sure to register as a republican and get voted in as a delegate.
Delegates decide and delegates can change everything.
Loyal Republican | 8:25 a.m. April 18, 2008
We need a two-party system to keep legislators honest on both sides. Keep our
Republican Party strong and vote Democrat or moderate Republican against these
right wing extremists. Utah County leadership is bringing all of us down.
Observer1 | 8:33 a.m. April 18, 2008
This is exactly the type of thing that happens when one party gets so much
power. The Lockharts and the Brambles are deeply entrenched in these nepotistic
and exclusionary practices because of the sense of entitlement that has become
commonplace amongst Utah Republicans. Having pretty much unlimited political
power causes people to become seemingly invulnerable. This is exactly the
reason that we need to elect more Democrats in Utah - to balance out the power
structure here.
one-party rule = fascism | 9:00 a.m. April 18, 2008
A one-party system is what the 3rd Reich pulled off.
For some peculiar reason, the same system suits many Utahns to a tee.
For some peculiar reason, the same system suits many Utahns to a tee.
IM | 9:08 a.m. April 18, 2008
I know all these folks and at the end of the day, they haven't done
anything wrong. Whether it looks wrong or not no one strayed for the rules and
bylaws that outline the process.
Anonymous | 9:10 a.m. April 18, 2008
Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Meanwhile, accepting gifts continues to be legal.
Meanwhile, accepting gifts continues to be legal.
Bart Grant | 9:54 a.m. April 18, 2008
This makes the case for moving to a system that gives less control to the
political parties to chose which candidates appear on the ballot.
One big motivation here is to eliminate the opposition before the voters even have their say. It nakes no sense to me that candidates pay a filing fee to the state to run for office and then have to be subject to this corruption in order to make it to the primary election. Many HONEST candidates never even appear on the ballot, so why did they pay the state a filing fee?
Since the taxpayers pay for our primary elections EVERY candidate who files should be on the primary ballot. The parties could still have their conventions and they would still have some influence (maybe a lot) over who the voters chose, but they wouldn't have absolute control of the ballot through super delegates, denying access to lists, party funded mailers, and corrupt rules that favor the insiders.
Thanks Bob, for giving the public a rare look into party politics and an understanding of why many good Utahn's don't want to sink to the level of those they should be able to look up to.
One big motivation here is to eliminate the opposition before the voters even have their say. It nakes no sense to me that candidates pay a filing fee to the state to run for office and then have to be subject to this corruption in order to make it to the primary election. Many HONEST candidates never even appear on the ballot, so why did they pay the state a filing fee?
Since the taxpayers pay for our primary elections EVERY candidate who files should be on the primary ballot. The parties could still have their conventions and they would still have some influence (maybe a lot) over who the voters chose, but they wouldn't have absolute control of the ballot through super delegates, denying access to lists, party funded mailers, and corrupt rules that favor the insiders.
Thanks Bob, for giving the public a rare look into party politics and an understanding of why many good Utahn's don't want to sink to the level of those they should be able to look up to.
Strong Republican | 10:09 a.m. April 18, 2008
The Republicans do have Reagan's Eleventh Commandment, speak no ill of
another Republican. Well, it seems they will protect Morley with this one, but
where were they when Lorie Fowlke did her nastiness on Rep. Mike Thompson? He
went to the party about the Eleventh Commandment and was told there was nothing
that could be done. Could is possible, no, no, no, could it possibly be that
Lorie Fowlke is a relative of Rep. Becky Lockhart, also related to Rep. John
Dougall, who is related to Speaker Greg Curtis, etc., etc., etc. We have
nothing except Republican incest here.
good job, Bob | 10:40 a.m. April 18, 2008
In this case, I say thank you to Bob Bernick for helping to expose this obvious
favoritism that needs to end. I am a Republican, but this is disgusting. Too
much power exists in the two families mentioned in this article.
Dave Hansen | 11:00 a.m. April 18, 2008
Bart,
First, if a political party chooses its candidate at the convention, then there is no primary and no taxpayer money wasted on a primary election. Your reasoning for why everyone who files should be in a primary doesn't make sense.
Second, the fee for filing is $10. Even a homeless person could round up $10 if he wanted to file.
Third, almost anyone can be on the ballot in the general election. Just file as Independent. Of course, if you want to file as a Republican, then it makes perfect sense that you go through their nomination process to take advantage of having their endorsement on the ballot in the election.
Fourth, political parties are private enterprises formed by volunteers. They can set up their rules however they'd like, and if you don't like them you can 1) join another party, 2) start another party, or 3) try to change the party's rules through its own processes.
I agree that Stan and the Utah County Party have made some mistakes, and it will be up to the volunteer members of the party to decide whether these mistakes are reason enough to boot people out of party offices for it.
First, if a political party chooses its candidate at the convention, then there is no primary and no taxpayer money wasted on a primary election. Your reasoning for why everyone who files should be in a primary doesn't make sense.
Second, the fee for filing is $10. Even a homeless person could round up $10 if he wanted to file.
Third, almost anyone can be on the ballot in the general election. Just file as Independent. Of course, if you want to file as a Republican, then it makes perfect sense that you go through their nomination process to take advantage of having their endorsement on the ballot in the election.
Fourth, political parties are private enterprises formed by volunteers. They can set up their rules however they'd like, and if you don't like them you can 1) join another party, 2) start another party, or 3) try to change the party's rules through its own processes.
I agree that Stan and the Utah County Party have made some mistakes, and it will be up to the volunteer members of the party to decide whether these mistakes are reason enough to boot people out of party offices for it.
What's your point? | 12:10 p.m. April 18, 2008
I miss the point here. This look like republicans being republicans to me.
I'm not shocked when fish swim and rattlesnakes bite ether. The reason the
Republican Party rules in Utah is because Utah has republican values. If it
walks like a ducks and quakes like a duck don't be shocked when it swims
like a duck.
Drew Chamberlain | 1:14 p.m. April 18, 2008
These are serious concerns. I applaud Mr. Bernick for the investigation. Now it
is our turn as Republican Delegates to CLEAN UP OUR PARTY! Attend the county
convention May 3rd. Attend the State convention May 10th. Stand up and make your
voice heard.
Lehiboy | 1:23 p.m. April 18, 2008
A great start will be for voters to actually study the voting records of their
representatives. Becky Lockhart has supported bills designed to benefit the
tobacco industry for example (do I need to say she gets campaign funding from
that same industry?)
Becky is being challenged by Conservative Democrat this fall -- Boyd Petersen. If Republicans want to bring change, support those that espouse your true values, not a person whose only commonality with you is the party affiliation behind their name.
Becky is being challenged by Conservative Democrat this fall -- Boyd Petersen. If Republicans want to bring change, support those that espouse your true values, not a person whose only commonality with you is the party affiliation behind their name.
Oh Please | 1:40 p.m. April 18, 2008
Republicanism = self-interestedness every time.
MadMax | 1:51 p.m. April 18, 2008
It is this kind of behavior that gives politics a bad reputation. While I have
not affiliated with either party over the years, voting for a person or an issue
instead, I am totally disgusted with the attitude of the Utah Republican Party.
It may be that I vote for mostly Democrats this year becasue of this nepotistic,
autocratic, out of touch, self-serving, damn the public mind set of Utah
Republicans. We need balance in our state and it will not come without electing
Democrats instead of Repbulicans. Vote out the incumbents. They deserve it and
they've earned it. That goes for our spineless governor too.
Tom | 1:57 p.m. April 18, 2008
Lucky for Utah County voters. The opponent to Becky Lockhart is Boyd Jay
Petersen, an English teacher at Utah Valley University and award winning
biographer of Hugh Nibley.
Strong Republican | 2:04 p.m. April 18, 2008
To "What's you point" you are right that we are Republicans
because of our values. However, "our" values include more than
opposition to abortion, pornography, gay marriage, etc. It also includes basic
morality. And, we believe here in this valley, that the Lord established this
country and gave us our Constitution and rights. That is part of our values.
So, Republican means basic values of honesty and integrity, not screwing
everyone every chance you get. If that is what you think politics should be,
then maybe the rest of us should not be Republicans anymore. "Our
Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people It is wholly
inadequate to the government of any other." President John Adams. Do we
wonder why we have the problems we have?
childish people | 2:04 p.m. April 18, 2008
RE: Oh Please -
These types certainly do seem to be quite self-absorbed and baselessly arrogant with their "Right is right" childish tirades.
These types certainly do seem to be quite self-absorbed and baselessly arrogant with their "Right is right" childish tirades.
Bart Grant | 2:51 p.m. April 18, 2008
Dave Hanson,
You may have misunderstood what I said. I don't disagree with too much of what you said. Your proposed solution to "change the party's rules through its own process" is a joke.
This editorial is all about their rules and how certain privileged people IGNORE them, so what good has that done?
You know we have been trying to change the party's rules through it's own process for years now. As evidenced by this editorial there is still TOOOO much corruption in the parties.
These corrupt organizations don't deserve, and we don't have to give them, free access to our publicly funded primary elections.
Political parties don't always choose their candidates at the convention and then they rely on publicly funded primary election system to finish their job.
I think it is a good that when the voters actually choose who the candidates will be, but they don't get to exercise that choice until the corrupt party bosses have tossed out more than half of (and many times all of the best) candidates.
You may have misunderstood what I said. I don't disagree with too much of what you said. Your proposed solution to "change the party's rules through its own process" is a joke.
This editorial is all about their rules and how certain privileged people IGNORE them, so what good has that done?
You know we have been trying to change the party's rules through it's own process for years now. As evidenced by this editorial there is still TOOOO much corruption in the parties.
These corrupt organizations don't deserve, and we don't have to give them, free access to our publicly funded primary elections.
Political parties don't always choose their candidates at the convention and then they rely on publicly funded primary election system to finish their job.
I think it is a good that when the voters actually choose who the candidates will be, but they don't get to exercise that choice until the corrupt party bosses have tossed out more than half of (and many times all of the best) candidates.
John | 3:01 p.m. April 18, 2008
This article is very enlightening, but unfortunately not surprising. As a long
time republican, I have been disgusted for quite some time with the arrogance of
the current Utah Republican Party leaders. We need new leadership, more
moderates. Extremism and arrogance on either side almost always means the people
suffer.
Orem Man | 3:01 p.m. April 18, 2008
RE: Lehiboy
Do you even know what the tobacco bill did?? Can you tell us how much money she has received from the tobacoo industry??
You fit right in with Bob jr. Don't do your due diligence and then come out and rip on those good people that are making a positive impact for our State. Just so you all know Money Magazine said that Utah is the BEST MANAGED STATE!!!!! Others have said it too because they actually do true reseach!!! That tells you that the CURRENT LEGISLATURE is doing good for the state... i.e. Bramble, Lockhart, Dougall, all the people named in this article and the rest of the conservative Senators and Representatives up on the Hill.
That means that we don't need democrats up there because they don't know which end is up!! If you are man enough let us see you get involved and put your name out there... but wait your a Democrat and so the press will love you because they are more liberal than you!!! Bobby boy is a joke and is writing nothing more than a gossip column!! He should look into People Mag he would fit right in!!
Do you even know what the tobacco bill did?? Can you tell us how much money she has received from the tobacoo industry??
You fit right in with Bob jr. Don't do your due diligence and then come out and rip on those good people that are making a positive impact for our State. Just so you all know Money Magazine said that Utah is the BEST MANAGED STATE!!!!! Others have said it too because they actually do true reseach!!! That tells you that the CURRENT LEGISLATURE is doing good for the state... i.e. Bramble, Lockhart, Dougall, all the people named in this article and the rest of the conservative Senators and Representatives up on the Hill.
That means that we don't need democrats up there because they don't know which end is up!! If you are man enough let us see you get involved and put your name out there... but wait your a Democrat and so the press will love you because they are more liberal than you!!! Bobby boy is a joke and is writing nothing more than a gossip column!! He should look into People Mag he would fit right in!!
Richard | 3:03 p.m. April 18, 2008
Hopefully Boyd Petersen will put an end to Lockhart's run. I've heard
the guy speak. I think he'll do a great job. So I guess I'm voting for
a Democrat...
re Strong Republican | 3:14 p.m. April 18, 2008
So "here in this valley, the Lord established this country and gave us our
Constitution and rights"??? So the Almighty did all that right here in SL
Valley? Who knew?
weird people | 3:32 p.m. April 18, 2008
The problem is that there are those who believe that you cannot be a good Mormon
and be a Democrat too.
This is about as weird (peculiar) as it gets.
This is about as weird (peculiar) as it gets.
Kip Meacham | 4:24 p.m. April 18, 2008
These controversies are not creating a compelling future vision of
self-direction at the heart of conservative philosophy. Instead, they're
driving today's youth and tomorrow's leaders away from the Republican
Party.
Do we think the coming-of-voting-age, tech-savvy generation is oblivious to corrupt appearances? Do we think they�ll want to be part of a party that violates its own rules? Do we think they�ll accept filtered candidate-to-delegate and delegate-to-delegate communications? They see this lack of transparency as at best elitist and at worst outright corrupt and it's driving them (and current membership) away from the Republican Party.
If there�s to be a compelling future Republican Party, the electorate MUST immediately raise our voices demanding principled leadership, avoidance of even the appearance of corruption, and requiring complete transparency from Party leadership at all levels. Then, "we the people" must work within Party processes to affect meaningful change.
There is an IMMEDIATE need for today's Republican Party members to speak out against these failures, demand compliance with party constitution and bylaws, and work to change them in favor of principle and disclosure if we�re to attract and retain future minds and leaders.
Do we think the coming-of-voting-age, tech-savvy generation is oblivious to corrupt appearances? Do we think they�ll want to be part of a party that violates its own rules? Do we think they�ll accept filtered candidate-to-delegate and delegate-to-delegate communications? They see this lack of transparency as at best elitist and at worst outright corrupt and it's driving them (and current membership) away from the Republican Party.
If there�s to be a compelling future Republican Party, the electorate MUST immediately raise our voices demanding principled leadership, avoidance of even the appearance of corruption, and requiring complete transparency from Party leadership at all levels. Then, "we the people" must work within Party processes to affect meaningful change.
There is an IMMEDIATE need for today's Republican Party members to speak out against these failures, demand compliance with party constitution and bylaws, and work to change them in favor of principle and disclosure if we�re to attract and retain future minds and leaders.
Jon B. Holbrook | 4:31 p.m. April 18, 2008
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has had as long as I can
remember, a policy of political neutrality. However, I have met Utah
Republicans, who have claimed that the policies of the Republican Party and the
LDS Church are essentially the same when it came to the political arena. In
short, if you are a good member of the Church, then you have to be a registered
Republican and follow the dictates of the Party like you would follow the
Prophet. The Republican Party perpetuated this theory for political advantage
against other political parties and independents. I am thankful for this
editorial because it helps explode that myth. Remember, God, Family, Country.
They come first. A political party afiliation often gets in the way of the first
three mentioned above. Thank-You
Vote for the Conservative Dem | 4:44 p.m. April 18, 2008
Orem Man, the bill was a bill opposed by the American Cancer Association and
the American Lung society because it made the most popular brands of chew more
accessible to children. It was calle the taxation of moist snuff. The movement
to make the change was pushed by tobacco companies in state legislatures all
across the country. Both Bramble and Lockhart received money from the tobacco
companies and both supported the legislation. There is more to running a state
than being best managed by one magazine. There is integrity and some
legislators lack it.
Dave Argyle | 5:23 p.m. April 18, 2008
Kip said: "they're driving today's youth and tomorrow's
leaders away from the Republican Party." I would add that they are also
driving away many older, long-time Republican voters like myself.
About four years ago I became heavily involved in the local party with the naieve notion that things could be improved by constructively working from within. It was the most disillusioning experience I've ever had. What Mr. Bernick reports is just the tip of the iceberg.
I'm glad there are some people who still have the stomach to work from within, but I no longer do. I can no longer support the party as an entity, and am embarrassed to be associated with it. The only reason I maintain my Republican registration is so I can vote in primaries.
About four years ago I became heavily involved in the local party with the naieve notion that things could be improved by constructively working from within. It was the most disillusioning experience I've ever had. What Mr. Bernick reports is just the tip of the iceberg.
I'm glad there are some people who still have the stomach to work from within, but I no longer do. I can no longer support the party as an entity, and am embarrassed to be associated with it. The only reason I maintain my Republican registration is so I can vote in primaries.
Kip Meacham | 6:45 p.m. April 18, 2008
I can completely understand Dave Argyle's position. I'm also sure
he's quite right that there is much more to fix than appears on the
surface.
That said, I also believe the electorate wants and will respond to truth and leadership. If people who find such behavior unacceptable will rise up and go to the caucus meetings, the ultimate power lies with the ballot box. I also believe that the majority of the Earth's inhabitants are inclined to do good, regardless of party affiliation.
So, if it's a windmill I'm tilting at, I think it's a worthwhile one.
That said, I also believe the electorate wants and will respond to truth and leadership. If people who find such behavior unacceptable will rise up and go to the caucus meetings, the ultimate power lies with the ballot box. I also believe that the majority of the Earth's inhabitants are inclined to do good, regardless of party affiliation.
So, if it's a windmill I'm tilting at, I think it's a worthwhile one.
Re: Help us all | 8:53 p.m. April 18, 2008
It was stated that ""now we can do anything we want with
immunity" by the Democratic party. Has anyone thought that maybe all this
negative attention on Mike Morley was brought by the Democratic party? I am
still standing behind Mike Morley.
Nancy Lord | 9:23 p.m. April 18, 2008
I am currently the Republican National Committeewoman. As the highest ranking
female Republican Party leader in Utah, I want to make it perfectly clear that I
do not support, endorse or condone any of the actions covered in this article.
I am opposed to these practices. It is time for some public and party
accountability for party leaders who will "throw the book" at their
political enemies in low places but apply a very different standard to their
political friends in high places.
I know Dave Argyle personally, and he�s right - this IS just the tip of the iceberg. When I ran for National Committeewoman four years ago, I wrote to the delegates that "there are a thousand ways to corrupt the party processes and, subtly or blatantly, push YOU out of the decision making. I�ve seen more dirty tricks than I ever knew existed." Too many people, like Dave Argyle, have left the Party over these less-than-ethical practices.
Nancy Lord,
Utah Republican National Committeewoman
I know Dave Argyle personally, and he�s right - this IS just the tip of the iceberg. When I ran for National Committeewoman four years ago, I wrote to the delegates that "there are a thousand ways to corrupt the party processes and, subtly or blatantly, push YOU out of the decision making. I�ve seen more dirty tricks than I ever knew existed." Too many people, like Dave Argyle, have left the Party over these less-than-ethical practices.
Nancy Lord,
Utah Republican National Committeewoman
Don Guymon | 10:53 p.m. April 18, 2008
As a party, we must do everything we can to insure we have the confidence and
trust of those who we are elected to serve.
It troubles me when I see good men and women leaving our party. All to many have left in the past few years.
I would say to those who have left, while the people in the party may not be perfect the principles are something we can all be proud of and what we can and should rally around. Together we can make our party better.
It troubles me when I see good men and women leaving our party. All to many have left in the past few years.
I would say to those who have left, while the people in the party may not be perfect the principles are something we can all be proud of and what we can and should rally around. Together we can make our party better.
Roobah | 1:56 a.m. April 19, 2008
Bob, I have a great idea. Follow up this story with the "news source"
who has dared dredge up this political trash for your material for this story.
Those of you that follow this stuff real close already know WHO I'm talking
about. NOW VOTE FOR HIM 3/10/08 SO HE CAN CLEAN UP THE REST OF THIS TRASH!
(HINT:1st comment)
Tiani Coleman | 1:58 a.m. April 19, 2008
I had to laugh when I read this article.
I was Chair of the SL County Republican Party from '03-'05 and vice chair for 2 years before that.
I initially ran to help keep the Party strong and vibrant, to keep it from being overtaken by extremists, i.e., single issue people and dissidents calling foul and corruption at every turn.
A few of the so-called dissidents got elected at the same time I did; as they became "entrenched establishment," I couldn't believe what I experienced was real; I had never seen so many dirty tricks, maneuvering, dishonesty and corruption in my life.
What's been reported might seem shocking, but to me, it's nothing compared to some of the things I witnessed in SL County. As said by others, just the tip of the iceberg.
It doesn't take long for a few rotten apples to destroy the whole barrell. Most active Party members and leaders are good, but too often are too busy, too trusting, and too desirous to avoid conflict. That's fine when leaders are diligent and honest, but get a couple who aren't, & it goes downhill fast. Those who speak up get labeled extremist dissidents.
I was Chair of the SL County Republican Party from '03-'05 and vice chair for 2 years before that.
I initially ran to help keep the Party strong and vibrant, to keep it from being overtaken by extremists, i.e., single issue people and dissidents calling foul and corruption at every turn.
A few of the so-called dissidents got elected at the same time I did; as they became "entrenched establishment," I couldn't believe what I experienced was real; I had never seen so many dirty tricks, maneuvering, dishonesty and corruption in my life.
What's been reported might seem shocking, but to me, it's nothing compared to some of the things I witnessed in SL County. As said by others, just the tip of the iceberg.
It doesn't take long for a few rotten apples to destroy the whole barrell. Most active Party members and leaders are good, but too often are too busy, too trusting, and too desirous to avoid conflict. That's fine when leaders are diligent and honest, but get a couple who aren't, & it goes downhill fast. Those who speak up get labeled extremist dissidents.
Utah Libertarian | 7:11 a.m. April 19, 2008
Promote a multi-party system that would serve as a better check against the
current incumbent political parties.
Visit FairVote: The Center for Voting and Democracy online for more details about how to establish a more accountable political system.
Visit FairVote: The Center for Voting and Democracy online for more details about how to establish a more accountable political system.
Reality | 7:23 a.m. April 19, 2008
This is another sign that my party has debased itself and lost its moral
compass. It has forgotten so quickly the moral and ethical obligation it has to
lead this country. Self indulgence and arrogance has been born.
That is why I refuse to donate to political parties.
George Washington was right in his farewell address when he said that when party wins the people lose.
That is why I refuse to donate to political parties.
George Washington was right in his farewell address when he said that when party wins the people lose.
sue | 7:26 a.m. April 19, 2008
And above all else cheat cheat cheat the people of utah are too stupid to figure
it out. DON"T COUNT ON IT PAL....... we are on to all of your sleezy ways
wait til november and see how stupid we are.
Anonymous | 8:00 a.m. April 19, 2008
I don't care how much 'corruption" is in the Utah republican
party. Their leaders always deserve our votes and support. They save us from the
horrible infidels, the Democrats. We need to continue to ignore their occasional
inequities and their voting records. Let's just keep reelecting them. I
know all I need to know about a candidate by seeing the letter next to their
name. If it's D I skip it and check the box next to whoever has an R. Stop
thinking about voting, it's suppose to be a reflex.
Mills Levan | 8:04 a.m. April 19, 2008
The arrogance of the Utah GOP power structure boggles the mind. What a bunch of
non-principled, ethics-defying clowns.
Congratulations and thanks to Bob Bernick for writing this piece. (I'm a little surprised his bosses would put it in the paper.) You can bet Bob's already getting and will continue to receive no end of grief from the "Bram-Harts" and others of their stripe.
Hang in there, Robert!
Congratulations and thanks to Bob Bernick for writing this piece. (I'm a little surprised his bosses would put it in the paper.) You can bet Bob's already getting and will continue to receive no end of grief from the "Bram-Harts" and others of their stripe.
Hang in there, Robert!
A Grassroots Republican Mormon | 8:07 a.m. April 19, 2008
I live in Northern Utah County and have been going to my caucuses for a decade
now, but it doesn't seem to make a difference. We sent a delegate who
would stand for change, but our one was no match for Rouzika's many.
The main reason is what I think of as sloppy mormonism.
The majority of Utah Republicans stay uninformed and cherish a belief that the party of President Benson would never do wrong. They re-elect the same party leaders without knowing or seeming to care about the lack of ethics. The corrupt leaders, in turn, pander to the lowest denominators of self importance and exclusion among the members of the church who vote. (Many don't bother.) The corrupt officials know that most people won't study the issues. It's easier to just believe that if Mormons are doing it, it's right.
This year I decided to stay home from the caucus, like everyone else, but my wife reminded me that Church leadership asked us to go. I actually considered going with the Democrats, but the math makes that a silly idea. So I caucused Republican and felt worse.
I've lost my belief in American democracy in Utah.
Oligarchy rules.
The main reason is what I think of as sloppy mormonism.
The majority of Utah Republicans stay uninformed and cherish a belief that the party of President Benson would never do wrong. They re-elect the same party leaders without knowing or seeming to care about the lack of ethics. The corrupt leaders, in turn, pander to the lowest denominators of self importance and exclusion among the members of the church who vote. (Many don't bother.) The corrupt officials know that most people won't study the issues. It's easier to just believe that if Mormons are doing it, it's right.
This year I decided to stay home from the caucus, like everyone else, but my wife reminded me that Church leadership asked us to go. I actually considered going with the Democrats, but the math makes that a silly idea. So I caucused Republican and felt worse.
I've lost my belief in American democracy in Utah.
Oligarchy rules.
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Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
From all of us grassroots Utah Republicans who wish we could snap our fingers and make this nightmare go away.