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Walker resignation ends Utah legislative probe
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obvious | 9:28 a.m. July 7, 2008
This is the obvious result. He was already a lame-duck legislator. Walker
couldn't testify to defend himself because of the ongoing criminal charges,
so all this political grandstanding would be is a bunch of hearsay. It is too
bad the committee couldn't figure that out before today. I guess they can
look into Mascaro now . . . they have nothing else to do. Maybe they should try
to be productive for a change.
Johny Fairplay | 9:40 a.m. July 7, 2008
Yahoo, let your wife think for herself.
Comments continue below
Jeff | 9:41 a.m. July 7, 2008
Congrats to Richard Ellis, Sheryl Allen and David Irvine for taking politics to
its lowest possible form. The character assasination of Mark Walker will only
keep more good people from entering politics. You should be ashamed.
Mascaro's next | 9:42 a.m. July 7, 2008
They really do need to go after Mascaro, even if he opposes vouchers and
supports higher taxes on the rich. Right is right, wrong is wrong.
Concerned | 9:44 a.m. July 7, 2008
I just hope we discover the truth. The allegations are serious and should
still be taken seriously. If the allegations are true, Utahns should not
tolerate it.
Curious | 9:46 a.m. July 7, 2008
Hey, Yahoo,
Do you always tell your wife how to vote? Just wondered.
Do you always tell your wife how to vote? Just wondered.
This is a sham.... | 9:50 a.m. July 7, 2008
...to quench a much-larger investigation into the top reaches of Utah's
Republican party.
Unfortunately, it will probably work.
Unfortunately, it will probably work.
Don't get it | 9:56 a.m. July 7, 2008
To Jeff: why are you still defending Walker? If he did nothing wrong, then he
should have nothing to fear in front of an investigation. In fact, he should
welcome an investigation to clear his name. He even admitted in the resignation
letter, "I may have made some mistakes in judgment."
If you want to help Walker, don't post here; help him find a job.
If you want to help Walker, don't post here; help him find a job.
The Good Soldier | 9:57 a.m. July 7, 2008
Talk about falling on your sword for Curtis and the boys. Walker was the good
soldier even to the very end.
Carl | 9:57 a.m. July 7, 2008
The graft of so many Republican years in absolute power is starting to surface
and it stinks.
To: This is a Sham... | 9:57 a.m. July 7, 2008
I agree. Walker either resigned to cover himself or a fellow legislator
(Curtis?).
Jason | 10:02 a.m. July 7, 2008
The man resigned. Do you not think an innocent person would want to clear his
good name? He saw the writing on the wall. There were plenty of witnesses
other than Empey who were going to testify. The only unfortunate part of this
is that we will never know for sure that Greg Curtis was the person who
ultimatley would see that the bribe would happen.
I somewhat feel sorry for the guy but he never should have been so arrogant to think he would get away with doing something like this.
I somewhat feel sorry for the guy but he never should have been so arrogant to think he would get away with doing something like this.
Anonymous | 10:02 a.m. July 7, 2008
Lets build a memorial for walker and and praise what a hero he is for falling on
the sword. Just remember, Don't blame me I voted democrat!
Observer1 | 10:22 a.m. July 7, 2008
The Republicans in Utah have become so entrenched with entitlement and power
that even when a legislator resigns, there are still citizens defending him.
I'm sorry, but if he were innocent he would not have resigned. It's
time to clean up politics in this state and I wish they would all resign. And
when I say all, I mean every single one - both Democrat and Republican.
Loose Lips Sink Ships | 10:24 a.m. July 7, 2008
To review, Mark Walker doesn't sign anything to affirm his innocence
(probably doesn't want to commit perjury), hides behind the Lieutenant
Governor's decision not to investigate the "allegation" against
him when the claim was made and now decides to resign before having to expose an
unnamed legislator (i.e. Greg Curtis) for his part in extending a bribe.
If he weren't guilty, he would have been the first person demanding an immediate investigation into the matter and/or appearing before the ethics committee to clear his name. However, this hasn't happened for obvious reasons.
The next step to facilitating real change within the GOP of this state is by removing the cancer that is Greg Curtis, the chief puppet master. Wake up Utah and make sure to vote him out of office in November. He is an embarassment to the Republican party and to this great state.
If he weren't guilty, he would have been the first person demanding an immediate investigation into the matter and/or appearing before the ethics committee to clear his name. However, this hasn't happened for obvious reasons.
The next step to facilitating real change within the GOP of this state is by removing the cancer that is Greg Curtis, the chief puppet master. Wake up Utah and make sure to vote him out of office in November. He is an embarassment to the Republican party and to this great state.
Anonymous | 10:33 a.m. July 7, 2008
Corrupt party.
Corrupt representatives.
Corrupt good ol' boys club.
Corrupt representatives.
Corrupt good ol' boys club.
Fred | 10:36 a.m. July 7, 2008
This so-called ethics committee was just a kangaroo court. The only 3 witnesses
that mattered here were Walker, Ellis and Empey. All 3 are subject to an on
going criminal investigation. I guarantee all 3 have criminal defense lawyers
telling them not to testify. That leaves a bunch of bystanders to discuss
hearsay.
Ellis and Empey already filed an affidavit that they knew the offer was illegal and yet continued discussions with Walker. The prosecutors will slap all 3 on the wrist. Walker is already out of a job; Ellis and Empey are next.
Ellis and Empey already filed an affidavit that they knew the offer was illegal and yet continued discussions with Walker. The prosecutors will slap all 3 on the wrist. Walker is already out of a job; Ellis and Empey are next.
Nothing at all | 10:40 a.m. July 7, 2008
Another one with dirty hands gone. When will the others be gone?
Curious | 10:42 a.m. July 7, 2008
Wonder who told Walker that they would take care of him if he just resigned?
Good old boys protecting the good old boys. If now we could just get rid of the
Curtises of the world.
Light | 10:52 a.m. July 7, 2008
Seems that Walker and the other legislator (Curtis?) cannot operate in the
light. What does that tell you Utah?
Vote Dick Clark in November | 11:16 a.m. July 7, 2008
I could care less about the Treasurer's Office generally, but this activity
stinks. I agree that Walker, Ellis, and Empey all get slaps on the wrist.
For the first time this November, I will actually vote, in good conscience, for a Democrat to be State Treasurer. I never cared before. But under the current circumstances, I cannot stand to see the dirty political games Ellis played be rewarded. May he lose hiw own job, just as Mark Walker did. I guess if you're an R like me, and you have to give in to the Ds, Treasurer is the place to start.
For the first time this November, I will actually vote, in good conscience, for a Democrat to be State Treasurer. I never cared before. But under the current circumstances, I cannot stand to see the dirty political games Ellis played be rewarded. May he lose hiw own job, just as Mark Walker did. I guess if you're an R like me, and you have to give in to the Ds, Treasurer is the place to start.
Reserve judgement | 11:17 a.m. July 7, 2008
The real investigation is ongoing, so let justice run its course and reserve
your judgement until all facts are heard. In this country we are all innocent
until proven guilty.
RE: Fred | 11:18 a.m. July 7, 2008
Don't forget the other witnesses, Fred. Plenty of other witnesses and
documents ready to go. Why wouldn't Ellis and Empey testify? They have
both already signed sworn affidavits of what happened. It's Walker who has
legally signed his name to nothing. Although I guess he did sign the
resignation letter someone wrote for him.
Does Curtis have his defense attorney yet?
Does Curtis have his defense attorney yet?
ulibsneedrealjobs | 11:22 a.m. July 7, 2008
it's always u same conspiratorial crackpots posting about this story. You
all need to get a life, none of you know what you're talking about which
means you could all qualify as journalists under the SL Trib standards. Go get a
job there and leave the rest of the world alone. You should all be investigated
for your crime against the people; painful stupidity.
JustSayNoToRepublicans | 11:22 a.m. July 7, 2008
The Republican leadership of this state stinks. The biggest rotten apples
remaining are Curtis, Shurtleff and Huntsman. They all need to go. Join me and
fight for them all to be removed this November. Curtis just has to go, he's
done so many dumb things and plays the retribution game to the hilt. Salt Lake
County has been irrepairably hurt by his actions. Stop the Retrubution in Utah,
get these bad apples out of office. Note: I've voted Republican in every
elections since 1972. But not this year no way.
Mark Walker was the good solider for the the bigger apples that's for sure. He was their yes man and now look at all the mess that has been revealed.
Mark Walker was the good solider for the the bigger apples that's for sure. He was their yes man and now look at all the mess that has been revealed.
Bribe | 11:30 a.m. July 7, 2008
I wonder how much he was offered to resign?
joe j | 11:53 a.m. July 7, 2008
GOOD WE DO NOT NEED PEOPLE LIKE HIM TO MAKE LAWS.
Lost GOP | 12:00 p.m. July 7, 2008
Just watch Walker land in Curtis's law firm or doing grunt work in the AG
office. The GOP leaders take care of their scapegoats.
In response to Hypocrite Jeff | 12:28 p.m. July 7, 2008
Jeff,
"Congrats to Richard Ellis, Sheryl Allen and David Irvine for taking politics to its lowest possible form. The character assasination of Mark Walker will only keep more good people from entering politics. You should be ashamed."
If you call asking for an ethics investigation and drawing attention to facts character assassination you are as corrupt as Walker yet more importantly you are a hypocrite since you attack the character of Ellis, Allen and Irvine in your post.
"Congrats to Richard Ellis, Sheryl Allen and David Irvine for taking politics to its lowest possible form. The character assasination of Mark Walker will only keep more good people from entering politics. You should be ashamed."
If you call asking for an ethics investigation and drawing attention to facts character assassination you are as corrupt as Walker yet more importantly you are a hypocrite since you attack the character of Ellis, Allen and Irvine in your post.
GOP club | 12:32 p.m. July 7, 2008
So I wonder who will be appointed to fill Walker's vacancy. Could it be
Brian Monsen as a way to give the GOP candidate a leg up just before the Nov.
election?
MadMax | 1:17 p.m. July 7, 2008
The corruption now prevalent in the Utah GOP is a disgrace! I have been an
independent voter ever since I began to vote 35 years ago. I have often voted
for GOP candidates believing they would serve the principles of our founding
fathers. The track record of our Utah 'Rs' runs contrary to what
those principles are. My disgust is so high that I served as a delegate to the
recent county and state Deomcratic conventions. While I can't vote for
Sen. Obama I will vote for a nearly full slate of state and local Democratic
candidates this year. The fault lies with the Utah Republican Party.
It is past time for Republican officials to be held accountable for their actions. Instead of excoriating Richard Ellis, Sheryl Allen and David Irvine we ought to thank them for beginning this accountability process. Others must be held accountable too - Rep. Curtis, Sen. Buttars, Sen. Bramble, Sen. Stephenson, AG Shurtleff and even Gov. Huntsman.
Utah you must investigate what your elected officials have done, not what they say. You will be surprised that they often act differently than what they tell us they will do. Elect folks who will represent us.
It is past time for Republican officials to be held accountable for their actions. Instead of excoriating Richard Ellis, Sheryl Allen and David Irvine we ought to thank them for beginning this accountability process. Others must be held accountable too - Rep. Curtis, Sen. Buttars, Sen. Bramble, Sen. Stephenson, AG Shurtleff and even Gov. Huntsman.
Utah you must investigate what your elected officials have done, not what they say. You will be surprised that they often act differently than what they tell us they will do. Elect folks who will represent us.
JustSayNoToRepublicans | 1:41 p.m. July 7, 2008
I'm with you MadMax!
Mike Richards | 2:13 p.m. July 7, 2008
Some people would use any excuse to promote their Liberal Leftist agenda. Mr.
Walker vacated his office. He must have had a good reason to do that; otherwise
he would still be in office.
That takes courage. That takes valor. Even if he is guilty, it takes courage to step aside.
For the Liberal Left to make an issue against Conservatives because Mr. Walker did the right thing, is to show that they have no honor nor valor. They look for any opportunity to smear anyone on any subject.
Everyone should be applauding the fact that Mr. Walker admitted by his resignation that things were not as they should be in his office or in his conduct. What more should we expect?
How about if some of the Liberal Left bigots resign from their position of public trust for their thoughtless and self-centered comments as they try to advance their agenda at the expense of the public?
That takes courage. That takes valor. Even if he is guilty, it takes courage to step aside.
For the Liberal Left to make an issue against Conservatives because Mr. Walker did the right thing, is to show that they have no honor nor valor. They look for any opportunity to smear anyone on any subject.
Everyone should be applauding the fact that Mr. Walker admitted by his resignation that things were not as they should be in his office or in his conduct. What more should we expect?
How about if some of the Liberal Left bigots resign from their position of public trust for their thoughtless and self-centered comments as they try to advance their agenda at the expense of the public?
Anonymous | 2:20 p.m. July 7, 2008
The far-righters will defend this sort of corruption until hell freezes over.
Try as they may to blame the liberals, this will never happen.
People are much smarter and politically savvy than the ignorant conservatives would like to think.
That's why people are registering in droves to vote Democratic in November.
Try as they may to blame the liberals, this will never happen.
People are much smarter and politically savvy than the ignorant conservatives would like to think.
That's why people are registering in droves to vote Democratic in November.
RE: Mike Richards | 2:26 p.m. July 7, 2008
Mike:
Mr. Walker, in stepping aside, in fact admitted to ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! He still claims, despite his own "mistakes in judgment," it's others who are really at fault here and out to get him. It doesn't take "courage" and "valor" to step aside- again smearing your accusers in the process- to spare yourself the shame that you deserve for your conduct and lies.
And it's not the "liberal left" going after Mark Walker. Keep in mind, that election he lost in a landslide was a closed republican primary. I am a conservative republican person and have no issues with the truth being brought to light at Mark's expense.
You say, "What more should we expect" of Mark Walker. How about some accountability? Some humility? An apology?
Mr. Walker, in stepping aside, in fact admitted to ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! He still claims, despite his own "mistakes in judgment," it's others who are really at fault here and out to get him. It doesn't take "courage" and "valor" to step aside- again smearing your accusers in the process- to spare yourself the shame that you deserve for your conduct and lies.
And it's not the "liberal left" going after Mark Walker. Keep in mind, that election he lost in a landslide was a closed republican primary. I am a conservative republican person and have no issues with the truth being brought to light at Mark's expense.
You say, "What more should we expect" of Mark Walker. How about some accountability? Some humility? An apology?
Wow Mike | 2:40 p.m. July 7, 2008
You are starting to sound like your tinfoil hat is worn out and needs to be
replaced.
Bart | 2:39 p.m. July 7, 2008
I don't think that Mike Richards and the rest of us have been reading the
same article. Too bizarre.
Walker's lawyer works for Curtis | 2:44 p.m. July 7, 2008
Check out Curtis' law firm (hbcalaw). Curtis is using one of his own
lawyers to defend Walker in order to make sure Curtis' name stays out of
this. Why else would a real estate lawyer be defending a legislator's
ethics violation?
Re: "Jeff | 9:41 a.m." | 2:52 p.m. July 7, 2008
I agree with "Jeff | 9:41 a.m.". If Walker is guilty of bribery,
Ellis is also dirty (he attended several meetings where he KNEW the offer at the
root of the scandal was going to be discussed, then he didn't say anything
to authorities until revealing the information could do maximum damage to his
apponent and there wouldn't be enough time to resolve the issue or prove
Ellis' involvement before the election was over).
Those who say, "Congrats to Richard Ellis", are congratulating someone for perfectly executing the dirtiest form of politics if you ask me. Ellis is just as dirty in this as Walker is. Neither of them deserver to be anywhere NEAR our government nor our money. (just my opinion).
Those who say, "Congrats to Richard Ellis", are congratulating someone for perfectly executing the dirtiest form of politics if you ask me. Ellis is just as dirty in this as Walker is. Neither of them deserver to be anywhere NEAR our government nor our money. (just my opinion).
v | 2:54 p.m. July 7, 2008
Corruption happens when there is a one party system. The Utah GOP proves power
corrupts. It is too bad that many of today's Utah Democrats are not social
conservatives like many of the Utah Democrats of the 60's and 70's.
Gov. Rampton, Gov. Matheson, U.S. Rep. McKay, and others were excellent
conservative Democrats. I miss 'em. Our current state legislature is a
corrupt mess.
I am pleased that Rep. Matheson is a good middle of the road representative. He's a keeper.
I am pleased that Rep. Matheson is a good middle of the road representative. He's a keeper.
Anonymous | 2:59 p.m. July 7, 2008
Give me a break!
Walker vacated his office because (like so many conservatives) got caught doing something he shouldn't have geen doing.
This is the problem when the far-right really believe right is right. They thing they can get away with anything.
Walker vacated his office because (like so many conservatives) got caught doing something he shouldn't have geen doing.
This is the problem when the far-right really believe right is right. They thing they can get away with anything.
civicsguy | 3:14 p.m. July 7, 2008
This mess is what we've earned with a one party system in Utah. Walker
obviously resigned under presure to avoid the ethics investigation. By the time
they get around to the criminal side of this mess it will be old news, The
Republican Leadership will proclaim that he's paid enough penalty already
and the fiasco will be swept under the rug. No wonder our upstanding leadership
in the legislature always kill ethics reform bills yearly on arrival. If voters
don't wake-up we'll see more of the same.
To "JustSayNoToRepublicans | 1:4 | 3:17 p.m. July 7, 2008
Too "JustSayNoToRepublicans | 1:41 p.m." and "Anonymous | 2:20
p.m."...
This isn't a simple "Elect more Democrats" or "Don't vote Republican" issue (though I'm sure that is the only solution partisan hacks can comprehend).
While this IS a black-eye for Republicans, I haven't seen any proof that Democrats are immune to this type of corruption. No policical party (R or D) has a corner on Morality. So just switching Democrats for Republicans doesn't necesarily fix the problem (unless your real goal is more Democrats).
Booting all Republicans and replacing them with Democrats DOESN'T guarantee this problem will end (unlike the rhetoric the partisan hacks will give you).
There are good people in both parties. We just need to find them.
This isn't a simple "Elect more Democrats" or "Don't vote Republican" issue (though I'm sure that is the only solution partisan hacks can comprehend).
While this IS a black-eye for Republicans, I haven't seen any proof that Democrats are immune to this type of corruption. No policical party (R or D) has a corner on Morality. So just switching Democrats for Republicans doesn't necesarily fix the problem (unless your real goal is more Democrats).
Booting all Republicans and replacing them with Democrats DOESN'T guarantee this problem will end (unlike the rhetoric the partisan hacks will give you).
There are good people in both parties. We just need to find them.
Anonymous | 3:24 p.m. July 7, 2008
I'm a good republican and a card carrying member of the GOP party. But
after all of this I will vote for the Democrat, just because. Eillis is just as
bad as the rest. I don't believe his hands are clean either. I feel for
Mark Walker, he may have made a mistakes and he has paid the price and will
continue to do so. Yes I believe Mr. Curtis is behind if not most of it all of
it. The guy is a bad apple, yes he needs to go. I just hope people will get out
and vote and review the facts.
Craig | 3:26 p.m. July 7, 2008
I have also decided that I will vote a straight democratic ticket because I
simply cannot recall any office holder from the democrat party ever being
involved in scandal or impropriety. Democrats hold themselves to a standard
higher than anybody else in the whole world. They are also smarter than anyone
else in the whole world. God bless the democrat party. Why would anyone vote
for someone who is not in the democrat party?
Walker is a perfect example | 3:37 p.m. July 7, 2008
RE: Mike Richards,
"And it's not the "liberal left" going after Mark Walker. Keep in mind, that election he lost in a landslide was a closed republican primary. I am a conservative republican person and have no issues with the truth being brought to light at Mark's expense."
The silent majority in the Republican Party stood up. They are fed up with the corruption, back-room deals and dishonest shenanigans. When the Republican National Committeewoman denounces the Utah County Republican Party and refers to their recent conduct as a "scheme" and say "It's just wrong and unfair," and "It allows party leaders to control who fills those seats rather than it be done on the precinct level."
The Republican Party Caucuses and Conventions is a nasty and disgusting experience. When you hear the Governor of the State being booed by members of his own party you begin to see that the far-right nuts control the Republican Caucuses and Conventions and that is why Walker came out ahead in the Convention but was overwhelmingly defeated in the Primary.
Even Republicans (the normal ones that is) are fed up with the corruption, dishonesty, and shenanigans.
Let's vote for conservative Democrats and moderate Republicans!
"And it's not the "liberal left" going after Mark Walker. Keep in mind, that election he lost in a landslide was a closed republican primary. I am a conservative republican person and have no issues with the truth being brought to light at Mark's expense."
The silent majority in the Republican Party stood up. They are fed up with the corruption, back-room deals and dishonest shenanigans. When the Republican National Committeewoman denounces the Utah County Republican Party and refers to their recent conduct as a "scheme" and say "It's just wrong and unfair," and "It allows party leaders to control who fills those seats rather than it be done on the precinct level."
The Republican Party Caucuses and Conventions is a nasty and disgusting experience. When you hear the Governor of the State being booed by members of his own party you begin to see that the far-right nuts control the Republican Caucuses and Conventions and that is why Walker came out ahead in the Convention but was overwhelmingly defeated in the Primary.
Even Republicans (the normal ones that is) are fed up with the corruption, dishonesty, and shenanigans.
Let's vote for conservative Democrats and moderate Republicans!
Anonymous | 3:37 p.m. July 7, 2008
Mike Ricards is just another confused Limbaughite who is fulfilling his duty and
loyalty to his conservative guru who recently told his flock to "keep the
pressure on liberals."
Probably sensing the end is near for the new American conservative movement.
Probably sensing the end is near for the new American conservative movement.
Great Timing! | 3:52 p.m. July 7, 2008
If memory serves this will be the 3 time that a republican has resigned their
post with enough time for the GOB (Good 'Ole Boys)to assign a replacement
prior to the election.
This will create the royal flush or holy pantheon if you will of candidates in Utah which is an incumbent Republican.
Hopefully people will get informed and stop blindly voting. Here's to a candidate that actually deserves to be there!
This will create the royal flush or holy pantheon if you will of candidates in Utah which is an incumbent Republican.
Hopefully people will get informed and stop blindly voting. Here's to a candidate that actually deserves to be there!
Reader | 3:57 p.m. July 7, 2008
Hopefully, the voters in November will clean up the rest of this corrupt bunch,
such as Curtis, Bramble, and Buttars.
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