Deseret News | Time for Utah County to vote for change

Reader comments
My view: Time for Utah County to vote for change

Jane | 2:11 a.m. Oct. 29, 2008

Voting for change is good if the change is good. Change for the sake of change alone is not necessarily the wisest course of action. Each situation is different. In the 3rd District race, any vote will be a vote for change after all these years of Chris Cannon. Of the three candidates running in the 3rd District, I think Jason Chaffetz presents the best choice. Although I must agree with a statement Jim Noorlander made about change in Washington. He said that it wasn't change that was needed, but a restoration of Constitutional principles. We need to restore our country to these principles. I believe that Jason Chaffetz has the will and the drive to do that.

arc | 6:28 a.m. Oct. 29, 2008

I always like a choice. Sometimes the republican candidate is worthless, and the democrat is worth voting for. It doesn't happen that often, but sometimes.

I am voting for Jason Chaffetz. He is worth voting for.

Anonymous | 6:39 a.m. Oct. 29, 2008

Mr Davis:

Why do you continue to lie to the public? Why do your candidates try to deceive the public by avoiding disclosing their affiliation with the Democratic Party? Your candidates do not represent out values. Government-run healthcare, higher taxes, preserving the status quo in schools, abortion as a lifestyle choice continue to destroy this country.

Comments continue below

Wendy Gunderson | 7:42 a.m. Oct. 29, 2008

I agree that if a candidate will conceal that they are a Democrat, what else are they concealing. All of the campaign literature hides the fact they are Democrats. The majority of voters in Utah County are LDS and so candidates like Paul Thompson parade the fact they are LDS. Harry Reid is LDS and who in Utah County would want that man representing them.

Utah county Republican | 7:47 a.m. Oct. 29, 2008

I have to agree with anonymous - Mr Davis, most of your candidates don't even put a little D on their signs or their literature. How do you know it's a Dem? If you can't find party affiliation anywhere. Not to mention that you are the party that just re-approved supporting Roe v Wade and ensuring that all women can abort at will, that supports gay marriage, that supports gov't intrusion at all levels and is now running a candidate who proposes socialism for all. I've seen your billboards to "vote for the person". I did that last week - I voted for individuals based on their positions. THey all happened to be Republicans, too.

Anonymous | 7:54 a.m. Oct. 29, 2008

What can you expect if Utah County Democrats win? Nothing. Just like the Salt Lake County Democrats, they will be ineffective, unable to make any change, and take away the entire voice of their Utah County constituents.
They make look conservative, but they are not. They don't take much about it, but most of them would vote to raise your income tax (calling it support for education), restrict all progress in public schools (calling it support for "traditional" education), and ultimately support and expand the nanny/welfare state by pushing a bunch of new socialist programs.
Fortunately, if any of them do win, they won't be able to get a majority in either chamber to go along with them, so in two years, they will have to campaign on their frustration in not getting anything done.

Doug Cortney | 8:29 a.m. Oct. 29, 2008

Oh, look. It's my good friend Anonymous. Having been utterly unable to provide specific examples to back up the vague accusations he was throwing around on another thread, he's thoughtfully moved here.

I'm particularly amused by the fact that a fellow unwilling to put his name on his posts is just *so* righteously indignant about candidates who print signs without a little donkey.

As I told you when you were busy accusing RaDene Hatfield of opposing truth in advertising, her signs don't say that she's a Democrat just like her opponent's don't say that he's an incumbent.

I can't speak for all of the Utah County Democratic candidates, but the ones with whom I've worked do not avoid disclosing their party affiliation. Like RaDene, they don't start a conversation with "I'm a Democrat" because there are people like you who'll stop listening as soon as they hear that.

Just because you can't comprehend that a Utah County Democrat could share the values of Utah County doesn't mean that it isn't true.

It can be reasonable to oppose these candidates. But do so on the basis of their positions instead of some make-believe, pre-conceived notion of what their positions must be.

Doug Cortney | 8:56 a.m. Oct. 29, 2008

Wendy:

I'm not familiar with Thompson and have never seen his campaign literature so I can't speak to it directly.

But imagine a woman out on the town meets a nice man and they spend the evening talking. Turns out they have a lot in common, and they both enjoy debating areas where they disagree. After a while she's talking about her childhood and asks where he grew up. He tells her he grew up in Gdansk.

Was he concealing the fact that he's Polish?

I suppose there isn't enough information here to know; maybe he was and maybe he wasn't. And I readily acknowledge that there are several deficiencies in this story, as in any analogy.

I would only ask that you not assume a candidate is "concealing" a Democratic affiliation just because it's not prominently displayed on signs and the first thing out of the candidate's mouth upon meeting someone.

In the case of our Polish friend, it seems many folks have heard too many Polish jokes and assume that he's stupid when they find out he's Polish. Unless they get to know him first. So he usually chats a while before bringing it up.

Emily E | 9:02 a.m. Oct. 29, 2008

I've made my vote... on the issues. And it's insulting to assume that the only reason one would vote republican is on the basis of religion or "because that's what I've always done." When there is a democrat on my ballot that represents me and my views on government, leadership and responsibility, I'll vote for them. You can count on that.

Doug Cortney | 9:27 a.m. Oct. 29, 2008

Emily:

I don't see where Davis makes anything approaching the claims with which you disagree. You seem to be taking exception to something that isn't there.

Now, I think there *are* many Republicans who don't bother to study either candidate and who simply check the straight-party box when voting, whether for the reasons you list or for some other reason.

And I think there are many Democrats who do the same thing.

lowonoil | 10:05 a.m. Oct. 29, 2008

I'm sure Utah County Democrats don't put donkeys on thier signs for the same reasons the Republicans will always put enormous elephants on thiers - because of the reality that the bulk of Utah county voters are straight ticket republican voting robots.

Put a donkey on your sign and your positions no longer matter to the electorate.

UTCO GOP voting Democrat | 10:08 a.m. Oct. 29, 2008

I'm a Registered Republican who voted early for a number of Democrats in Utah County this time around. Mr. Davis outlined my reasons for voting a mixed ticket this year quite well. I'm tired of the GOP personalities and would like to focus on the issues.

Oh Please | 11:47 a.m. Oct. 29, 2008

Utah County, vote for Democrats if only to force change in our corrupt, totalitarian legislature.

Charles | 12:20 p.m. Oct. 29, 2008

One has to continue to laugh at the claims that Davis and Holland make about Repubs and the promises the Dems will provide if elected.

One your reasons outlined are nothing but conjecture on your part. You want to vote in the Republican primaries then join the Republican party. It's a simple concept to understand but many fail to grasp.

As for openness and inclusion just look at the Dems on a national scene; they are nothing what you claim; nothing. voting for Matheson means voting for Pelosi and Reid; no thanks!

Matheson's signs are green for a reason. And yes, Doug, those who don't put their party affiliation on their posts ARE doing it for a reason. You've got to be a little dense not to figure that one out.

Utah Dems are no different that national Dems. you have corruption just like you claim Repubs do. The recent Reisen fiasco was all about politics and had nothing to do with what is right.

The problem is people don't vote in primaries where change will be effected. Cannon learned but a great many others on both sides need to go.

Become a community organizer and run for POTUS!

Democrats in Utah County.... | 12:35 p.m. Oct. 29, 2008

Democrats in Utah County would be considered very, very, conservative republicans in any other part of our country or even our state for that matter. As a proud republican I was happy to vote for Steve Baugh. He was an AMAZING superintendent for Alpine SD, beloved by all. I know his principals and what he stands for on EVERY issue.

You are being a demagogue to try to make people think he will now become idealogically opposed to everything I know him to believe juest because of party affiliation.

I see these Democrat challengers this year as people who are largely saying, "I have the same principals as you republicans, but the power structure in our state government is broken and can't be fixed form the inside. I am running as a Democrat simply because there needs to be a counter-balance to the unchecked power of Curtis, Valentine, Bramble, et al."

I fully agree, and was happy to vote that way.

WatchDog | 1:09 p.m. Oct. 29, 2008

One thing for sure. We can live without the BrambleHarts playing God within the Republican Party.

Make no mistake, we are not voting for Republican or Democratic principles here, we are challenging the Republican party's vise grip control - in spite of the principles that Curt and company proclaimto have. Most of us recognize the self-centered party named RINO! That is the party that we are trying to get rid of in the county.

Doug Cortney | 1:41 p.m. Oct. 29, 2008

Um, Charles? Did you even bother reading any of my posts?

I never once even suggested that there isn't a reason why candidates don't put their party affiliation on their signs. Quite the contrary -- I actually explained what that reason was.

'Course, I used a little story to make it more interesting, but a fellow'd have to be awful dense not to have figured that one out.

Quick show of hands. Everybody else catch the hidden message behind the Story of the Dating Pole?

Yeah, that's what I thought. Sorry, Charley.

Dave | 4:09 p.m. Oct. 29, 2008

This must be the comic section of the paper. Pretty funny stuff.

Utah County is as tightly connected with the Republican Party as the LDS Church is with the Celestial Kingdom.

The only way Utah County will divorce itself from the GOP is if the party embraces all that Davis's party stands for: bigger government, higher taxes, gay marriage, abortion on demand, secularism, open borders, UN favoritism, giving up US sovereingty, Marxism, etc.

Keep dreaming.

factchecker | 5:28 p.m. Oct. 29, 2008

conservative democrats are the mainstream and republicans aren't!?

LOL! LOL! LOL!

Does not compute.
Does not compute.
Does not compute.

I believe President Monson, you? | 5:42 p.m. Oct. 29, 2008

Wendy Gunderson,

"I agree that if a candidate will conceal that they are a Democrat, what else are they concealing. All of the campaign literature hides the fact they are Democrats. The majority of voters in Utah County are LDS and so candidates like Paul Thompson parade the fact they are LDS. Harry Reid is LDS and who in Utah County would want that man representing them."

No Utah County Democrat is trying to conceal that they are Democrats. That is why they are running. Not only is Paul Thompson LDS but he was a Mission President. Don Jarvis has been a Bishop and Stake President while Steve Baugh has served as a Stake President.

I think that if they are such bad people who lie that Heavenly Father wouldn't have called them to lead Missions, serve as Bishop or Stake President. Campaign literature shouldn't include their Party affiliation because the LDS Church has made it clear that we should vote for the person and not the party. Why make it easy for others not to follow the counsel of the prophet and Church leaders? That's what posting party affiliation everywhere will do.

You should be able to tell right?

CORRECTION: I believe President | 5:43 p.m. Oct. 29, 2008

"Don Jarvis has been a Bishop and Stake President while Steve Baugh has served as a Stake President."

What I should have written was Don Jarvis has been a Bishop and MISSION President while Steve Baugh has served as a Stake President.

Idiots vote straight ticket | 5:55 p.m. Oct. 29, 2008

Utah county Republican,

"I have to agree with anonymous - Mr Davis, most of your candidates don't even put a little D on their signs or their literature."

"How do you know it's a Dem? If you can't find party affiliation anywhere."

Here is what Karl Snow, former Republican Majority Leader of the Utah Senate had to say about Paul Thompson, a Democrat, "Those who have worked with Paul Thompson over the years can testify of his keen ability to solve problems and obtain consensus. I know him to be a man of integrity, a unique problem solver who listens carefully while considering alternatives for the greater good. He is a proven quantity, uniquely prepared for the challenges Utah faces."

The LDS Church of which I am a member has repeatedly taught that we should vote for the person and not the party. You will know what party the candidates belong to if you do your responsibility and research them and if you don't than you will still know what party they are affiliated with when you go to vote so no one is hiding anything. Why should they make it easy for those who don't think or research.

Rep's use, then discard prophet | 6:16 p.m. Oct. 29, 2008

Doug Cortney,

"Quick show of hands. Everybody else catch the hidden message behind the Story of the Dating Pole?"

I got the message loud and clear. You don't do those who are ignorant a favor. If they aren't able to vote based on the issues, experience and abilities of individual candidates than why not make them all wait until election day to find out whose a Democrat and whose a Republican since they would already know if they even bothered studying the candidates.

Elder Jensen, speaking for Church leaders in an official capacity, said that "The Democratic Party has in the last 20 years waned to the point where it really is almost not a factor in our political life right now. And I think there is a feeling [among the leadership of the church] that that is not healthy at allï¿½that as a state we suffer in different ways..."

Every election the Church speaks out and tells us to study the candidates and issues and vote for each on an individual basis but those who vote straight party profess to follow the prophet and apostles all the while ignoring their counsel. It seems they use them, not follow.

why vote demo | 9:08 p.m. Oct. 29, 2008

if they don't subscribe to any of your core beliefs?
A vote for a demo would bolster their strength in Washington, enabling demos to run rough shod over things like the constitution, moral sensibilities and, also they will spend and tax us into oblivion.
Bush has just spent us and they will do both. Obama has an agenda to do just that. So, just vote demo and see how that works out, no checks and no balances.

Ramor | 9:36 p.m. Oct. 29, 2008

Shouldn't a well-functioning democracy invite voters to examine important issues and carefully consider the qualifications of potential office-holders? This year the Democratic Party of Utah County has fielded a slate of very well-qualified candidates who understand the issues with surprising clarity. Unfortunately, rather than considering the issues and these candidates on their merits, so many people simply look at a label and then make a snap judgement based on that label. Take Claralyn Hill, for example. She has been on the board of a pro-life counseling organization and has helped many women find alternatives to an abortion. Yet, many voters will miss that and see only the "D" label. She worked as an attorney at the Utah Court of Appeals and knows how laws are made and interpreted. She has helped several organizations in the state improve their ethics policies. Yet many voters may skate over those valuable experiences. I found it informative to actually read online the new Utah County Democratic Party platform. I admit I was very surprised at how much it tracks with the values of most people I know in Utah County. And the Democratic candidates this year are similarly in line with most of us.

Voting the Person | 10:05 p.m. Oct. 29, 2008

The Democrats running in Utah County don't need to identify themselves as such because they are qualified PEOPLE first, and Democrats second. I find it much more telling that the Republican candidates in Utah County want you to know that they are REPUBLICAN before you know who they are as people - as if they are afraid they won't get any votes if we knew them as people first. I know a lot of people I would NOT vote for, no matter the party, just because of the people they are. I know a lot of people I WOULD vote for in spite of the party, just because of the people they are. Thank goodness several of the best happen to be running as Democrats in Utah County this year.

If we want a local Democracy we had better start researching the PEOPLE who are running and stop assuming things based on party labels.

Doug Cortney | 11:49 p.m. Oct. 29, 2008

why vote demo:

I think you're right on one point and wrong on another.

First, I agree with you 100% that it makes no sense to vote for a candidate who opposes your core beliefs. If after investigating the candidates you conclude that the Utah County Democrat's beliefs and values are inimical to yours, by all means vote for the Republican! (Most of these races do not have a third-party candidate.) But I think most will be surprised to discover that this isn't the case; I think even most of those who end up voting for the Republican candidate will find their beliefs and values are remarkably similar to those of the Utah County Democratic candidate's.

My second point is that I disagree with your assessment that voting for a Democrat necessarily bolsters the Democrats' strength in Washington. There are many fine Utah County Democrats running for state House and Senate seats. The winners of these races do not affect the makeup of Congress, and they have nothing to do with the checks and balances on the President's power.

Republican Leader | 12:25 a.m. Oct. 30, 2008

This year it is important to look at the Democrats. The brainwashed Republican zealots will only do one thing and that is vote Republican. Has anyone taken a long look at the incumbents? Their intra-party challengers were worth the long look. The "save the incumbent" Republican leaders took sides against all of the challengers. It would be wise to vote against all Republicans since they won their party's nomination by sheer cheating.

VOTE DEMOCRAT and then vote to rid Utah of the convention/caucus system. Let's get back to primaries and open elections.

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