Deseret News | News analysis: GOP still on top in Utah

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News analysis: GOP still on top in Utah

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Anonymous | 12:23 a.m. June 5, 2008

Vouchers are dead, and Republicans know it. Bernick and Rolly will keep playing the voucher card until they retire.

Utah will be the last or one of the last states to implement vouchers, about twenty or thirty years from now.

Enough of the GOP Treatment | 12:37 a.m. June 5, 2008

GOP still on top in Utah?

No kidding!

When are they going to get off and let the common people breathe?

This just in. . . | 12:38 a.m. June 5, 2008

. . .water is still wet and things fall down when you drop them.

Please wake me when the media reports on Obama's total lack of relevant work experience. The only thing Barak has run is his mouth.

Oh yes, I forget - he is for "hope" and "change". So remember kids, the next time that you run for political office, just tell people that you are for "hope" and "change". You don't actually have to tell people how you are going to accomplish that, nor do you have to show how your background demonstrates an actual ability to get things done. Just say that you are for "hope" and "change".

I'm sorry, I forgot that being a "community activist" fully qualifies someone to run the most complex technological, political, economic, military organization that ever existed. Oh yeah, and three years as junior Senator, when he pretty much ignored his responsibilities for 2/3 of his time in office, trying to get another job. Sounds like a huge improvement over Bush to me. Because he is for "hope". And "change".

Comments continue below

GOP on top? | 12:40 a.m. June 5, 2008

I want someone else on top. My wallet is empty.

Mike Ridgway | 1:43 a.m. June 5, 2008

So the Republican Party is strong in Utah. Problem is, in 49 other states, the trend, as two years ago, is decidedly downward.

Thankfully, Republican voters in Utah's 3rd Congressional District have an opportunity to help our country chart a new course -- by choosing a new kind of Republican to represent Utah in Washington.

On or before June 24th, 3rd district Republicans can take a stand against status quo sellouts whose arrogance and self-promoting agendas will guarantee Democrats even greater gains in 2008 than those achieved in 2006.

Accomplishing such a turnaround will not be easy. It will take an extremely concerted effort from conscientious, ethical, conservative Republicans and their independent compatriots. Each of us must take on the commitment to contribute more than our share in time and financial support to help Congressional candidate Jason Chaffetz win the election that he was cheated out of at the Republican convention on May 10th.

So please. Get yourself to the polls -- and then get 100 of your friends there voting as well.

Let no man count these as small things, for there is much which "lieth in futurity" pertaining to America and her freedoms which depends upon these things.

I wasn't asked!! | 4:15 a.m. June 5, 2008

My wallet is empty too!!! I bet the GOP's wallet's aren't! I've had enough of red! All they want is to keep a war alive in other off countries while their own people here in the good ol' USA are losing houses cause our wallets are empty cause all the money goes to keep that war going. And Bush's treasure sec. doesn't even want to give anymore help to us here by allowing another stimulus check - but I bet he would give it to support the war!

Brother Chuck Schroeder | 5:40 a.m. June 5, 2008

Just what are John McCain's and Barack Obama's positions on the issues important to our country?. Obama says he would meet unconditionally with the worldï¿½s worst dictators, from Ahmadinejad to Castro to Kim Jong Il. Obama says he will retreat from Iraq no matter what the situation on the ground is, and no matter what advice he receives from military commanders. Caving to isolationist sentiment, Obama would reverse our path to lowering trade barriers to U.S. products. Obama opposes free trade agreements with Colombia and Korea, and would unilaterally renegotiate NAFTA. Obama proposes to increase federal spending, further increasing the burden that we will pass along to our children and grandchildren. Obama voted for the same policies that created the problem. Obama has consistently shown poor judgment about the nature of the terrorist threat and the policies needed to keep America safe. Obama proposes to raise taxes on millions of Americans and small businesses. Obama would nominate judges that would continue the judicial activism that has characterized the federal bench for years. This is why he opposed Roberts and Alito.

Anonymous | 6:21 a.m. June 5, 2008

No surprise. Utahns have absolutely no will nor initiative. Republicans, and the thugs in office, have a long, long career here because the general culture is one of not questioning authority.

Ya get what you pay for.

If you agree, Vote GOP | 6:22 a.m. June 5, 2008

GOP still on top? There was money to do a tax cut. It could have been done in a way that gave the majority of the give back to those who needed it most. Instead it went to the very rich. If you agree with this vote GOP.

liberal larry | 6:30 a.m. June 5, 2008

The conservative movement seems to be playing itself out in most of the country. It has never been a coherent philosophy for governing, only a political means of using fear and greed to get elected. Baby Bush is the logical conclusion to a movement which is "anti" everything. He subscribes to all the requirements of being a conservative, he is anti government, anti environment etc. the problem is he can't govern worth a hoot. If the republicans are to survive nationally they will have to elect more capable and pragmatic leaders like our governor Huntsman, and California's Arnold.

Reed | 6:33 a.m. June 5, 2008

That's sad news. I've been a life long Republican (except for 1972). I am so upset with the Republican leaders in Utah I could scream!!

Look what they've done lately:

(1) Promoted School Vouchers (which were solidly defeated.

(2) Spent revenues on a soccer stadium that the majority did not want and that will soon sit idle. Where are people going to park - the parking garage that was supposed to take 20 of the 35 million w

(3) Called for municipalities to ban fireworks when taking such action violates state law (the law is dumb, but hey the Republicans did not gid rid of it this past session)

(4) Are trying to work things like the US Congress where you lump everything and the kitchen sink into one bill so that the bad becomes law along with the good. Speaker Curtis is dead wrong in supporting this shameful and disasterous policy.

(5) Brought about the ability to split school districts, which without a solid framework is causing tremendous troubles in SL County

(6) Has basically run rough shod over Salt Lake County to the point that UTA no longer has to abide by zoning laws. VOTE DEMOCRATIC IN UTAH!

KellyH | 6:37 a.m. June 5, 2008

I would have thought that the religious bigotry shown during the primary season--particularly in the south--would have turned many Utahns off to blind loyalty to the Republican party. The Utah Mormons have been the most loyal base of the Republican party for years, and then the southern Evangelical bigots sounded the alarm when a Mormon had the audacity to run for president. The party's base slapped the Mormons in the face. The Mormons should consider abandoing that party as a reprisal but of course they won't.

McCain can rectify the situation by giving Romney the veep spot, but that might be handing several southern states with their bigoted Evangelical populations to Obama.

Old and New | 6:49 a.m. June 5, 2008

I see several issues in Utah. One, it is never good for one party to dominate the political landscape. It means an environment for abuse occurs. Two, people in the state as pointed out in the article vote by party, not by issue or candidate. Until the voting public votes by the issue, or by the record of the candidate, the legislators will feel that once they are in, they are in. Finally, we need campaign refinance reform where legislators cannot keep their extra money when they are done in office. Whether true or not, the perception is that legislators are thus in bed with their donors, not with the public they represent. I do feel it is time for some major change in our state government though and over the next twenty years, it will be coming whether people want it or not.

You Forgot.... | 7:06 a.m. June 5, 2008

Americans are Sick of the President! Never mind, let's keep that one party state in place--just like the old Soviet Union.

Paul in MD | 7:06 a.m. June 5, 2008

If you think taxes and such are bad under the GOP, just wait. Every Democrat running for president this season PROMISED to raise taxes. When you hear Democrats in Congress talk about money, they talk about our post-tax paychecks like it is money they have given us, as opposed to the taxes being money we have given them. It's all backwards.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not happy with a lot of what the Republicans have done in office. They promised smaller government and lower taxes. They DID lower taxes, but were not able to make the cuts permanent. The Dems have PROMISED to eliminate those cuts and increase taxes on top of that.

Here in Maryland a few years ago, we lost a Republican governor (Ehrlich) to Democrat (O'Malley) rhetoric. Ehrlich was touting a $500 million surplus in the budget. O'Malley said there was a $1.3 Billion shortfall. What he didn't tell anyone was that was due to $1.8 billion in NEW stuff he wanted the government to do for folks. O'Malley won, taxes have gone up, nothing is better for folks, and the Democrats are happy.

Lee | 7:12 a.m. June 5, 2008

Well spoken,Kelly H! Not only the Mormons were thrown under the bus,but the conservatives were too. Mitt would be the right candidate to appease the Mormons and the conservatives.Mitt can raise the money and potentially bring in 2 "blue" states for the GOP. That would be Massachucetts and Michigan.

Dixie Dan | 7:13 a.m. June 5, 2008

Do you think the state of Utah would ever vote for an African American? Remember Utah was the last state to honor Martin Luther King as a holiday; it has never elected a African American to a national office since 1847; and finally, look how few African Americans hold any positions in the LDS Church, Tabernacle Choir or even at BYU. Utah doesn't even mention in their history books that slavery was part of Utah's early settlement years.

Paul in MD | 7:19 a.m. June 5, 2008

I see a lot of whining on a lot of comment boards about how taxes aren't being cut for folks who need it most. Please remember that (at least for Federal income taxes) the bottom 50% of workers DO NOT PAY ANY INCOME TAXES. Please understand that. 50% of workers in this country earn little enough that they are exempt from Federal income taxes.

The top 1% of wage earners pay 30% of the Federal income taxes. The top 3% pay over 50% of the Federal income taxes.

Most of the tax cuts were in the form of increased amounts for deductions (how much you take off of your gross income) and tax credits for dependents. The tax rates for upper income levels didn't change all that much, and more people at the bottom end no longer have to pay taxes.

I'm sorry, but take a look at history. Democrats have presided over every major government expansion in our history (except following 9/11), and Republicans over every major cut in taxes. If you think Uncle Sam has his hand in your wallet now, the Democrats will want your wallet, pants, shirt, ...

Food for Thought | 7:31 a.m. June 5, 2008

Here's something to consider when voting for members of the Congress and especially the US House of Representatives...

The minority party in the house of representatives wields little if any power or influence. Before 1994, Republican members of Congress (then the minority) complainned that they couldn't get the time of day for their legislation because they were the... minority. Yup, if Utah elects Rob Bishop and Chris Cannon/whoever with an "R" behind their name we won't have much Congressional firepower. Why not vote for a conservative Democrat and at least have some say???

I met the fellow running against Rob Bishop, by the way, I have nothing in particular against Rob Bishop, anyway, this gentleman is an LDS seminary teacher, has been a businessman (owned his own business) and seems to me to be a perfect fit for Utah's ideals. And, he is a Democrat, meaning, if elected he could chair a committee or subcommittee, something Rob Bishop could not do since he is a member of the minority party.

I think people in Utah get fixated on a couple of insolvable social issues and get "con'd" out of their votes and voices in Congress. Time for a change.

jr | 7:54 a.m. June 5, 2008

OK so the Dems are going to raise taxes, mmmm would someone tell how else can we pay the huge debt that has come about the last 7 years. Who's going to pay that if taxes aren't raised? Our grandchildren in twenty years?

cr | 8:04 a.m. June 5, 2008

I am tired of not being able to make a choice. Primaries are decided before the Primary election.
We can't decide on which Republican candidate, and in some elections that is the only choice.

REPUBLICAN PARTY - Let the people have a choice or we will vote for another party in Utah!

Greg | 8:06 a.m. June 5, 2008

The USA can not continue on with a policy of "do as I say and not as I do." The world is changing and we have to adjust, our days as a world dictator are coming to an end. Hopefully we will get new leadership that will succesfully represent us in a new world.

uncannygunman | 8:11 a.m. June 5, 2008

The emperor has no clothes, and neither do the Republicans. Just because Utahns haven't recognized this yet doesn't mean they won't.

Really | 8:11 a.m. June 5, 2008

These comments about Obama' lack of experience drives me nuts. Tell me all of you big red's just how much experience and background did this present flunky that calls himself president have before he was elected? NONE. Also doesn't it make you all wonder why this State would be the reddest of the red? Hickville politics? I think so.

SSMD | 8:13 a.m. June 5, 2008

To KellyH,
There are a lot of reasons to be disappointed with Republican performance of late, but Democrats reveal their self-delusion to think that Utah Republicans, conservatives in particular, would switch to the Democratic Party as long as it is the party of abortion, euthanasia, amnesty, ACLU, and, it would seem, surrender. I would never vote for a party that holds innocent life so disposable, that boos down the Boy Scouts, and is too intolerant to allow anti-abortion politicians to speak at its convention.

Paul in MD is right. As a former tax preparer I know first hand that the poor do not pay income taxes. They receive full refunds for any tax withheld, and often qualify for the earned income tax credit.

Politicians who demagogue against the rich are grossly distorting the picture of "fairness" and proposing tax increases that would reduce the cash cow that is funding our government. I am concerned when half of the electorate is being completely supported by the other half, and the poorer half can vote for legislators to increasingly tax the richer half, that an imbalance dangerous dangerous to our economy and democracy is slowly developing.

Lynn | 8:16 a.m. June 5, 2008

If the Republican party wants to stay on top they need to cut out all the delegates to conventions that are not elected by the people. We donot want candidates picked by party leaders.

Dutch | 8:21 a.m. June 5, 2008

These discussions always make me laugh - Here in Utah everyone complains about the Republican fist hold on the state. Those that complain do you not think this may happen in other states as well? Lived in Connecticut for 12 years - The Democrats held both chambers - The Govenor was a Republican - got arrested for corruption and the new governor is also a Republican. Nothing ever gets done - Taxes are some of the higest in the country, social programs drain the state coffers, some of the highest gas taxes in the country.

Same thing happens there as well the same people get voted in making Connecticut one of the "Bluest" states in the union.

Some will say there is a dominant religion in Utah - Again this happens in other areas of the country as well - State Government in many areas of the coutry are reflective of this influence.

JCE | 8:21 a.m. June 5, 2008

Baa! Baa! Baa! Don't complain when the fleecing begins.

Sick and tired of the GOP | 8:22 a.m. June 5, 2008

I am completely sick and tired of the spend thrift republicans who have spent us into oblivion. Here in Utah I am sick and tired of the shear arrogance of the super majority in the legislature. I am sick and tired of the republicans inaction and lack of leadership on energy policy. I am sick and tired of the worst president in the United States, George W Shrub who is even worse than Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter.

But the last thing in the world I want is to elect a group of "compassionate" democrats who want to create more government and social programs to help "solve" our problems.

Anonymous | 8:26 a.m. June 5, 2008

Bob Bernick is just a republican shill. His job is to tell us all that we are republican.

St. George | 8:31 a.m. June 5, 2008

This Republican is voting Matheson, and would have voted Clinton if given the chance by the Democrats.

Vote only for those that want to end the oil based economy

St. George | 8:32 a.m. June 5, 2008

cr | 8:04 a.m. June 5, 2008

You are dead on!

St. George | 8:33 a.m. June 5, 2008

jr | 7:54 a.m. June 5, 2008

Are you kidding me? Bush has spent enough on wars, that we could all be having free electrity, and health care, had the money been spent properly

And they will until... | 8:36 a.m. June 5, 2008

The Utah Democrats at least make some attempt to distinguish themselves from the national party, which is unpalatable to most Utahans.

I tend Republican, but have voted for numerous Democrats in the past based on the stance they take on the issues. That is, I voted for Democrats before I moved to Utah.

Frankly, the Utah Democratic party serves two goals: a) making itself martyrs and b) attempting to get people up to the national party.

The martyr bit is to make life easy. They get elected, and then, when something goes afoul, they can throw their hands up and say, "those darn Republicans!" They've never had to govern and, as such, can make promises of utopia to their constituents and then blame it on the other guy.

Perhaps worse, though, is that the Utah Democrats see themselves as a great funnel to get locals into the national party. Most of the up and coming Democrats get shoved to the national party quickly, leaving behind second-string has beens (i.e. Rocky Anderson) to swing for the Dems.

The Democrats have shot themselves in the foot in Utah, and don't really have anyone else to blame.

Instereo | 8:37 a.m. June 5, 2008

The polls may say the Utah is still republican but they are surveying people who haven't really thought about things yet but they will be thinking the closer we get to November. People who are thinking now already realize the republican party has had a long run in Utah and have failed in their governing.

The Deseret News saying that people in Utah are still very republican does nothing but server their own needs since they are owned and operated as a republican voice. So it doesn't really matter what they say because they may not represent reality.

Finally if Utah goes republican as the article says it will, it will show that Utah is the most out of step state in the country. When 90% of republicans vote for Romney, it shows that people don't really think here but vote as a block in spite of the issues. It's not really a proud legacy for a state or the predominate culture of the state. There is a lot more to morality then abortion or gay marriage. Things like health care, immigration, education, the national debt, and war are also moral issues where republicans are wrong.

a thought | 8:44 a.m. June 5, 2008

These types of surveys are useless. Polling in Utah to see which party remains on top is a waste of time and is journalistically lazy.

It's like asking if the sun is coming up in the morning and setting at night and is just an attempt to make up some news to fill space. Why dont you either poll about some significant issue, or go out and find some real news to fill the space.

Better yet, if you MUST waste your time, just DONT publish the results unless suddenly the democrats are on top. THAT would be news. The other is nothing but meaningless drivel.

3 Largest Spenders in History | 8:47 a.m. June 5, 2008

Who are the three biggest spending presidents in our country's history?
1. George H. W. Bush
2. Ronald Reagan
3. George W. Bush
To those who think the Democrats spend more than the republicans: the facts have proven otherwise. It's just a matter of where the expenditure priorities lie. Democrats spend money at home on social programs. Republicans spend money on the military. Our money is going to be spent regardless of whom we elect. Ask yourself this: when was the last time the deficit was balanced? We didn't like his personal life, but it was under William H. Clinton.

Libertarian | 8:50 a.m. June 5, 2008

Comunist, Socialist, Liberal,Progressive, Democrat.
You can keep changing your name, but I still recognize you!
No money in your wallet huh? THATS NOT THE GOVENMENTST JOB!!!!!
Take responsibility for yourself! Stop asking the goverment to steal from me and give to you!

Southern Utah | 8:50 a.m. June 5, 2008

Just found out that Obama is a red diaper baby.

And if you don't know that "Read Diaper Baby" means, go read the article on it in "Wikipedia."

What's the point? | 8:54 a.m. June 5, 2008

Utah: 161 years of history undisturbed by cultural progress.

Mike in Texas | 8:54 a.m. June 5, 2008

The conservative republican "revolution" has been nothing less than a train wreck. Consider, what it stood for. Less goverment intrusion (wire taping) Smaller Goverment (Home Land Security)Family Values (Hitting on Congressional Pages,a wide stance senator, key republican leaders having multiple wives and affairs) And, look what it has done for the American middle class (jobs in india and mexico, 2 wage earners just to survive, 47 million without any health insurance. Add to that, an uncessary war in Iraq, Katrina, rampant cronyism, Halliburton with its no bid contract, political manipulation of the Justice Department,and obstruction of justice in the Wilson matter. But on the positive side, if you are rich or a corporate executive, the tax cut and other republican policies have helped you considerably.

Wake up Utah, I know you are much better than most of the county thinks you are.

To Paul MD: | 8:56 a.m. June 5, 2008

This article was about local politics not national politics. I agree that national Democrats will try to tax us like crazy, but local Utah Democrats are are very, very conservative and nothing like their out-of-state counterparts. The problem in Utah is that the majority of "Republican" politicians in Utah are outside the mainstream and are more of a fringe or fanatical brand of Republicanism. They try to come across as mainstream, but more and more voters are starting to wake-up to that reality. Just by reading the responses on this forum (and this is a very conservative newspaper with a conservative readership), Republicans are in increasing trouble in Utah.

Mr. Reality | 9:01 a.m. June 5, 2008

Yes, we need change. A change from the mindless, politically correct, left-wing extremism that has become the de-facto law of this land. That which has given us excessive government, excessive bureaucracy, excessive taxation, excessive regulation, excessive litigation, environmental extremism, homosexual marriage, single parenthood, open borders, victim mentality, entitlement and all the rest of the self-inflicted maladies plaguing this land at the insistence of dingbats who like to portray themselves (pompously & self-righteously)as
"progressive". What a bunch of losers......

The rest of the story | 9:03 a.m. June 5, 2008

"And half a dozen anti-voucher GOP candidates who thought they had a chance to unseat the Republican incumbent who voted in favor of the private school voucher subsidization bill in the 2007 Legislature ï¿½ only to see voters kill vouchers last November ï¿½ went down to defeat in GOP county and state conventions. Pro-voucher incumbents won nearly across the board."

You conveniently forgot to mention that the incumbent Republican candidates had to secure financial help from their own general election fund to "beat back" other Republican challengers. The fact that the establishment Republicans are being questioned and challenged more vigorously should be troublesome for the far-right Republican branch of the party.

The Rest of the story II | 9:07 a.m. June 5, 2008

Even embattled state Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, eliminated all of his GOP challengers in the Salt Lake County Republican Convention, getting 60 percent of the delegate vote and winning renomination outright.

Yes, Buttars won the nomination outright, but you forgot to mention how close that outright election was. He won outright by the skin of his teeth (1%). Normally, Buttars would have handily won the nomination, but it is clear that more and more voters are becoming dissatisfied with him. Is this a future trend or just a blip on the radar. I think it all depends on how upset the voters become with future Republican legislation and outrageous behaviors.

To SSMD | 9:07 a.m. June 5, 2008

You say that you won't vote for a party that "holds innocent life so disposable", yet you cast vote for warmongering Republicans? Is an innocent life in the Middle East worth less than an innocent unborn here? The best vote is for an anti-abortion Democrat like Jim Matheson.

Utah Valley Resident | 9:15 a.m. June 5, 2008

You people moaning about empty wallets, look into the mirror. It's your fault. Listening to crybaby liberals talking a humans causing the temperature rise, which is a lie, and worrying about the caribou and polar bears (there are more than twice as many as in the 1960's). Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi and their posse and predicesors have passed leftist liberal legislation to prevent the U.S.A from taking advantage of our domestic resources and to continue to reduce our need for Middle East oil. By the way, the Middle East is big time in the U.S.A stock market. We need to vote for conservative values oriented candidates for public office and not for the looney toon leftists like Reid, Pelosi, and yes, Matheson in our State. I'm sick of hearing about people like Obama, who has no credibility whatsoever to be running for the highest office in the land.......change? hope? The next thing we will be hearing is he has a 'dream'. Get a clue people. Even though someone like Mitt Romney would have been a better choice, John McCain is far superior to what the democrat party is offering. Vote for McCain early and often. Vote Republicans for Congress!

Are you listening? | 9:15 a.m. June 5, 2008

All of the red opinions I have seen posted are quotes from rabid conservative pundits whose livelihood depends upon sewing strife. If you are LDS, you don't want people to learn about the cjurch from anti's? I suggest you work up the courage to actually listen to what the Democrats say, not what is said about them. Your mind might just crack open a bit. On the topic of fiscal responsibility, do you know who has run up the biggest and fastest growing national debt? Hint - it hasn't been Democrats. Its been done under a Republican president with a fawning majority congress.

Anonymous | 9:22 a.m. June 5, 2008

Utah is one of the most backward states in the country. Most of the population is intolerant, narrow mined, and sanctimonious.

Mr. Reality | 9:27 a.m. June 5, 2008

When one wishes to measure the ingorance of the population, all they have to do is get on the internet and go to message boards like this one.....

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