Deseret News | Buttars, Curtis fighting for political lives

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Buttars, Curtis fighting for political lives

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Curtis | 10:09 p.m. Oct. 31, 2008

Curtis fights for his constituents. He has always represented them well, and is the clear choice for re-election. He is a good family man that has the values and skill set to lead this district.
Please vote Curtis back to the house. It is important for our district.
With Curtis as our Representative we have the strongest voice up at the legislature.

Prop 8 | 10:14 p.m. Oct. 31, 2008

I know this is an issue in California, but with the local impact it is having I think it is important that people know where each man stands on this important issue. Greg Curtis is a strong supporter of traditional marriage. Mr. Seegmiller has come out against the traditional definition of marriage.

The reason this is important is it speaks to the value set that each man has and how it relates to us as voters in Utah.

Please elect the man with our values as his core beliefs. Vote for Greg Curtis!!

MadMax | 10:32 p.m. Oct. 31, 2008

In one way, it is good that these races ares so close now because it means that many Republicans have decided to cross over to vote for a Democrat. On the other hand, one can wonder why the 2 incumbents are this close still after their past records with questionable ethics, blatant support for vouchers, abrasive personalities and apparent non-responsiveness to their constutuents. Can the voters be so blinded by the magic 'R' that they are willing to accept these obviously controversial incumbents over candidates who offer a fresh approach with a promise that constituents opinions will actually be considered when making political decisions? It appears that we will discover if money and special interest lobbying will defeat idealism and populism only after Nov. 4. Power to the people. Let's hope that we see more balance in our legislature too.

Comments continue below

Tax Cuts = Curtis | 10:40 p.m. Oct. 31, 2008

Greg Curtis is responsible for our state income tax going down to 5%. He also is responsible for the sales tax on food being lowered. These two tax cuts have saved Utah families a lot of money.
He has committed to take the rest of the sales tax off of food if reelected!!
We need to elect a man that has proven himself time and again in the legislature. Actions speak louder than words and Greg has proved his worth in getting things done for Utah.

Both should be gone | 10:55 p.m. Oct. 31, 2008

Anyone who votes for these guys has no concern for ethics. Both are loaded with conflicts of interest.

Swezer | 11:10 p.m. Oct. 31, 2008

Hey, Greg, Doesn't this make you want to order a pizza and pay cash, with a really good tip??

alternate | 11:37 p.m. Oct. 31, 2008

this is a hate election. Not sure I would vote for a seegmiller who ran on a hate ticket.

Reason | 11:50 p.m. Oct. 31, 2008

I live in sandy and Jay Seegmiller has came to my door. He gave me his personal cell phone number. That is accountably if I have ever seen it. Curtis has been sending out last-minute negative ads that are untrue. Seegmiller is right, it is time to get Curtis' real-estate friends out of politics.

To Prop 8 | 11:59 p.m. Oct. 31, 2008

Your characterization of Jay Seegmiller's position on traditional marriage is a lie. Jay has refuted that point many, many times.

And, as for tax cuts off food, Mr. Curtis is not responsible. There are many, many Democrats who worked to move this issue along long before Mr. Curtis ever joined the legislature and stole our idea.

Todd Taylor
Executive Director
Utah Democrats

Curtis needs to go | 12:01 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

It's time for someone who cares about ethics up there.

Change | 12:50 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

I hope Buttars loses this is where change needs to happen bad. No more racist comments to listen to and a bad example for Utah.

CougarKeith | 2:54 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

Buttars said something really really stupid before he thought about how it would be interpreted. He wasn't being racist, it was just interpreted that way because of all the political correctness that is going on. He deserves to lose for such a STUPID COMMENT! HOWEVER HE DIDN'T MEAN a BLACK BABY as in a Black person baby, but a "DARK EVIL THING", that is what he was trying to convey. But everyone is going to vote him out of office because he said something stupid. Funny how Obama hangs out with domestic terrorists, buddies of the late PLO leader Yaser Arofat, and other anti-Jewish people, also Black Power and Black Theology guys, such as Reverend Wright and Louis Pharakhan, and everyone and their brother is on his bandwagon, I don't get the double standard at all?

ONWARDS | 3:55 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

OUT with the OLD and IN with the NEW, with both of these.. It is TIME for a CHANGE, not a TIME to continue with the past and reduntantly expect the future to be any brighter with them both in office. Show the world that even Utah cant, and WONT stand for improper usage of public office and its statements that are placed within it. We, as Utahns, are worth more than this that is in office at the present time. No further renewal of ignorant behavior and unintelligible actions is needed.

Timj | 4:02 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

Finally, individual voters can actually make a difference.
Elder Jensen said, ten years ago, that the one-party system hurts Utah. Here's hoping for some more political diversity.

Vote Libertarian | 4:35 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

Charles Bonsall is the Libertarian candidate in Sandy's House District 49.

Curtis aspires to higher office. Patriots need to end his political career now.

Voting Libertarian sends Curtis a reminder that the record growth in the State of Utah's government under his watch as Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives won't go unpunished.

Peter L. | 6:13 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

Todd Taylor,

You show very little understanding of the issues. Curtis "stole" the idea of removing the sales tax of groceries from then Rep. Waddoups, who tried to pass it years ago. The Democrats in the legislature never had the skill, will or ability to repeal it. Not until Curtis became Speaker did this ever happen. $150 million in sales taxes on food was given back to the people who buy groceries.

So much for Curtis being in it for the real estate industry.

Seegmiller is probably a decent guy, for a union rep who wears an earring. But the truth is he opposed Amendment 3, which 71 percent of his district supported, so it seems like Seegmiller's support of gay unions is out of touch with his constituents.

Peter L.

Ned | 6:15 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

Voting is like childbirth.... We soon forget the difficulties and pain caused by the event and jump right back in bed with the perpetrator. ;)

Joe "The Hair Dresser" | 6:32 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

I'm sorry to say I'm not at all surprised by Sen. Buttars' "Black baby" remarks. Clearly, his apology rings very hollow. In fact, in a way, it exacerbates the immeasurable harm he has done and continues to do to the GLBT residents of Utah. Where is the apology they deserve? While he may not have been caught making such a blatently bigoted statement about this group, the expression on his face as a gay woman testifies (as photographed and published by The Tribune on 2/12) says it all! Chris Buttars obviously represents only those Utahns exactly like him, including those who share his bigotry. For this reason, he is unworthy to serve as a representative of all our people. I intend to support his opponent in this fall's election in every way possible in hopes of encouraging the voters of West Jordan to send a person of honor and integrity to next year's legislature.

Finally a Good Choice! | 6:47 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

There are other better choices in these two races. In house District 49 Wayne Crawford, a health care provider, has the only health and ethics reform plan that makes sense. In Senate District 10 there is Steve Maxfield a Recovering Republican . This is not his first Show down with Buttars. In Fact Mr. Buttars has been agreeing with Mr. Maxfield in the Debates. Mr. Maxfield issues with Buttars stem a little deeper than the general Populace. Mr. Buttars has saddled up to Law enforcement and has sponsored and passed wome of the most damaging legislation to Constitutional rights of any senator in Utah,

Do not waste your vote on the same old political rhetoric.

Want't Change? Change YOUR Vote!

liberal Larry | 6:57 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

It doesn't matter if Utah continues to be dominated by republicans, we really need to have a term limits law. These guys get elected and slowly get corrupted by the power, and "the emperor has no clothes" syndrome.

To Both Buttars & Curtis | 7:04 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

Don't count on my family that are registered republicans in your district for votes!

Dancing Poetry | 7:04 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

Ive often wondered why Rendell won't answer a simple straight answer to the question of: Do you or do you not support Gay Marraige. He evades it and dances around it by saying: Its not an issue. The last thing we need is another evasive politician. For me the Gay Marriage is an important issue because it reflects part of his moral values. Butters is clear where he stands on issues and he isn't owned by anyone by any policial interest group. So I'm voting for Buttars.

poison | 7:10 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

Greg Curtis is poison for the Republican Party. He is one of the main reasons the east side is moving Dem. He is a bully and a poor example of conservative principles at work. Jay may not be able to get the sweetheart, backroom deals for us but at least he would only do minimal damage compared to the serious harm Curtis has done to Utah politics.

myopia | 7:15 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

if the constituents of the districts represented by buttars and curtis choose to re-elect these near sighted, insensitive, party line, haven't had an original thought since they were 7 politicians, they deserve what they get. this will also be an indication several new optical shops may be needed in those districts to deal with the pervasive myopia.

Remove Good Old Boys | 7:23 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

Curtis is unethical and only does the bidding of those who put up the $400,000 for his campaigns. Buttars is a pure embarrassment to the good and kind people throughout his district. It's definitely time to clean house and put these good old boys out to pasture.

Dutch | 7:32 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

Just as it should be

Life long Republican | 7:48 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

One can only hope we get rid of Curtis and Buttars at the same time!

Draper resident | 7:52 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

Rep. Curtis and Sen. Buttars may have done some good things while they have been in the Legislature, but I think the far majority of voters recognize that both have big conflicts of interest and certainly do not represent most voters when it comes to honesty and integrity. Rep. Curtis has done all kinds of things that smack of dishonesty, including school vouchers, the REAL Salt Lake stadium, and matters relating to land deals. We all know of the blatant things that Sen. Curtis has been involved in, including the threats to the judge in Utah County and racist things that relate to the NAACP. Those who haven't yet voted would do well to take notice of these and other matters. The Republican Committee has joined forces to get them re-elected at all costs!

Re: Prop 8 | 8:13 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

I would like to remind you that we do not live in California and Curtis has nothing to do with Prop 8. Once again, we have emotional arguments made in behalf of Curtis rather than logical ones as well as local ones. I bet Curtis' challenger doesn't even support gay marriage. Using California Prop 8 as a fear tool to re-elect Utah Rep. Curtis is absolutely ridiculous. Proposition 8 in California is a state's right issue and will not impact our state in any way. You make it sound as if Utah is going to have to follow the California law. I see Utah as the last state to every support gay marriage and that probably won't happen for another century or two.

Please | 8:14 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

Greg Curtis is a good guy. Please vote for Dad (oops, I mean Greg).

Values | 8:15 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

Buttars signs claim he represents Utah values. This could not be further from the truth. Sure he will tell you he is a moral person against abortion but that is about where it stops.

Buttars racist comments have shown him to be a bigot and a fool. Intolerance of others is NOT a Utah value.

Buttars abused his position to try to illegally influence a judge. Ethics, which Buttars lacks, is a Utah value.

It is time to get rid of Buttars so we can quit being the laughing stock of the state and country.

Anonymous | 8:20 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

Curtis is simply part of the corrupt Dolan and Cullimore circle, along with Mark Crockett on the County Council. All three make decisions that suit their own personal agenda rather than represent their constituents or the good of the whole.

Curtis' routine disregard of ethical standards is not excusable by his claims to be an upstanding citizen. Truly ethical people do what is right all the time, not just when they think they might get caught. Of course, in Buttars' and Curtis' cases, they know it doesn't matter if they get caught, their buddies will protect them from any responsibility.

Vote out the corrupt and lets start anew.

Vote for Curtis | 8:34 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

Curtis has shown time and time again how he fights for his constituents. Just ask anyone who knows him and you will find out what kind of values and morals he holds to. The media has painted a very untrue portrait of his character. He is a good man with integrity. Keep him on the hill where he can continue fighting for us. Go Curtis!

Jud | 8:41 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

Both Curtis and Buttars are examples of the worst kind of bullying politics. Their style is not the style of our democracy. Please, voters, turn them out.

Utah Bill | 8:43 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

Well, the Eagle Forum coming out in support of Buttars is a deal-breaker for me. Whenever that hate group gets behind someone, it's wise to run the other way.

The black baby comment | 8:50 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

Was just another in a long list of stupid comments that over time create a pattern. In my opinion, it is the least of his offenses.

John H. Pierce | 8:58 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

The major question that I would like answered is this one. If Greg Curtis was so concerned about Ethics Reform why has he not helped pass any meaningful ethics bills? Meaningful in that the law would not allow for gifts, limit donations by individuals and business to $1,500, and not allowing Candidates to keep their campaign money after they leave office or suspend their campaign. Curtis has not wanted to pass any meaningful ethics reform. Curtis has managed to get every other piece of Legislation he or his rich fat cat friends want passed. This can be seen by Curtis's arm twisting to get the Voucher Initiative, District Split, Charter Schools, and Soccer Stadiums. Curtis also supported passage of the law limiting Citizen Initiatives. Curtis has also run a dirty campaign trying to paint Seegmiller as supporting gay marriage, abortion and legalizing marijuana. Curtis should be ashamed of himself. The voters of South Valley need to send him packing and stop the abuse that he has inflicted on the citizens of Sandy and the rest of the state. Vote for Ethical Government. Vote for a Change. Vote for SEEGMILLER!!

1

Remember | 9:00 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

"Buttars' problems arose when, during the 2008 Legislature,"

No his problems are much older. Remember his anti-evolution bill?

Vote Constitution Party | 9:05 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

Wayne Crawford is running in House District 49 and Steve Maxfield is running IN Senate District 10.

If nothing else at least the candidates have read the constitution.

Elkman | 9:06 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

Republicans = Special interest bought politics. Bad government like Vouchers, School District Splits, Limiting Citizen initiatives. Dirty politics by trying to smear Seegmiller as supporting abortion, gay marriage, and smoking Marijuana.

Utah Democrats - Balance. Ethics Reform. Thoughtful Legislation. Good open Government. No back room dealing with Developers and rich fat cat campaign donors.

Vote for Seegmiller and bring about good open government!!!

West Jordan - No! | 9:19 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

For the last time, Buttars lives on the outskirts of West Jordan and represents few of its people. It is the voters of South Jordan and Herriman who keep re-electing this Neandrathal. Give them the "credit."

John L. Atwood | 9:25 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

Peter L. you should be ashamed of yourself. Seegmiller is a decent LDS Democrat with an excellent family. He does not wear an earring. Your comments just prove how hard you right wing wacko Republicans want to stay in power. You should stand up and be a man and quit back stabbing a decent man just because he is a Democrat. I know both candidates and they have excellent families. Curtis has proven to be an arrogant power monger in many ways. I know of several incidents where he has belittled educators and public employees. I overheard a conversation where he bragged about dumping Olene Walker in the Republican Primaries four years ago. He called her weird and out of touch with the mainline (MALE) Republicans. Curtis has crammed vouchers, school district splits, and soccer stadiums down our throats. I wonder if it was Curtis or Hughes who offered the bribe money to Walker to entice Ellis to drop out of the Campaign? Curtis does not support ethics reform. He is bought and paid for by Special Interest money. It's time for him to go. Vote SEEGMILLER!!!

West Jordan Resident | 9:32 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

You can insult me and say whatever you want, but Rendell is running on the anti-buttars platform. I won't vote against something when I don't know what I am getting in exchange.

Sorry folks...I know where Buttars stands on the issues and while I disagree with some of what he stands for, Rendell is a completely unknown commodity and I can only assume that as a democrat he is in opposition to some of my values.

Buttars gets my vote.

Anonymous | 9:40 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

I can't believe that anyone would re-elect Mr. Buttars or Mr. Curtis. They both have betrayed the people and are beholden to special interests. It's time to get some new people are aren't bought and paid for in our state's legislature.

JMT | 9:50 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

Sadly, I have noticed that the commentators rarely allow posts that are critical of the actual survey. Here is an attempt at fair journalism on their part.

A State Senate seat in Utah is almost 3 times as large by population as a House seat. They surveyed fewer callers and yet still have a 5.9% margin of error? Not necessarily a red flag but no confidence either.

5.9% margin of error is pretty big. That is roughly 6% and outside the range of professionalism that most pollsters use. One way that professionals read this is to subract 6 points from one candidate and add 6 points to the other. Thus instead of being 45-44 it could be as spread as 39-50. or the other way 51-38. That is an enormous margin of error. Good polls work to get the margin of error down to less than 3%.

In years past Dan Jones has released polls with margins of error as high as 14%. Why anyone reads a single poll he does is beyond me.

He falls into the category of propaganda more than anything else. Remember how he called it for Eskelson over Cook and Cook won by 11%?

Ug

JMT | 9:53 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

Also, considering the controversy I would expect that Dan Jones also surveyed the Greg Hughes, Lisa Johnson race. I believe it overlaps Buttars but not positive there. It is close in any case.

The fact that they are not releasing any numbers there tells me that Greg Hughes is winning by a large margin and since that doesn't jive with the political editors agenda, don't cover that part of the story.

Speculation but easy to come to. Just presume that the political editor of the Deseret News likes Democrats this year and make reasonable assumptions based on it. You will not be spot on but ball park close every time.

Cap | 10:14 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

Curtis had 14 years on the hill to do something about ethics reform, he did NOTHING. He pushed school vouchers through after a Dan Jones poll showed the Utah population was overwhelmingly against it. Curtis cares about Curtis, not Utah. This was evidenced 4 years ago by "gas-gate". He's had his chance and has proven it's time for him to GO!

Vote them OUT | 10:14 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

Vote These Men Out!!!!!!!! Curtis should have been charged with a felony for travel reimbursement theft a few years ago and Buttars is not only an embarassment to himself but to all Utahns for his racist ideas.

Anonymous | 10:37 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

Seriously if you think the "black baby" comment is the reason to get rid of Buttars you havent been paying attention!

DSG | 10:44 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008

RE: Dancing Poetry

"Butters is clear where he stands on issues and he isn't owned by anyone by any policial interest group. So I'm voting for Buttars."

He is owned, lock stock and barrel by Gayle Ruzicka and the Utah Eagle Forum. If Gayle wants something done in the Senate, Buttars is at the top of her list to call.

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