Reader comments
Utah House Speaker Curtis is unseated
58 comments | Read story
to Utah Democrats | 5:32 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
You failed for the most part to convince Utahns you deserved a stronger voice in
the state houses. Until you can convince us you will truly champion the values
of a majority of Utahns nothing is gonna change. Seems there were no Obama
coattails this time around. Moreover, Democrats, Obama included, just don't
get the message that higher taxes is the surest way to slow down an already
struggling economy.
A Good Start | 5:49 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Cleansing the Utah legislature had to start somewhere - why not at the top of
the House.
Sad to see the job was more complete, but a great start.
Hopefully those that survived learned something. Doubt it, but still hoping.
Sad to see the job was more complete, but a great start.
Hopefully those that survived learned something. Doubt it, but still hoping.
Comments continue below
Dave Hansen | 7:12 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Amen. Now they won't have Greg Curtis as their whipping boy to blame for
everything that's supposedly wrong with the best managed state and #1 to #5
economy in the US (depending on who did the ranking).
Jake | 7:16 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
no.... Utah is just blind and thinks that to be "good" Mormon you have
to be republican! That's why I moved to the East coast. I was so closely
involved in politics that was hampered by ignorance! Utah is not bliss. Most
Mormons are democrats and they don't know it.They are too stupid or lazy to
even know anything about what it means to be a Republican or a Dem... So
frustrating!
Buttars won? | 7:17 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Too bad. He should have been removed from office too. He's a true
embarrassment to this state.
To Holland | 7:18 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Utah voters are the most uninformed People in America
It is the R thing
I don't trust those counting the vote in Utah
It is the R thing
I don't trust those counting the vote in Utah
M | 7:22 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
I wish Utah County Republicans had voted at least one Democrate in. It is so
unbalanced to have not a single Democratic representative from Utah county. It
just makes the Utah County Republican coalition unresponsive to moderate
Republicans and gives the far right too much influence in party politics. Most
people in Utah county are not "Eagle Forum" members, but because of
the Republican stranglehold, that brand of Republicanism holds a
disproportionate level of influence on local party politics.
suzyk | 7:23 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
To Holland...it would sure be nice if you would refer to Obama as Obama and not
putting the sir name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with that. There is
only one Jesus Christ and no soul on earth today can claim to be him. Show
respect please for God and his son Jesus Christ...without them you wouldn't
be here and that is a fact.
Holland | 7:27 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
They are now your leaders nationally. Accept this, Holland. The Second Coming
is here.
I am proud of the party | 7:27 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Ousting the Speaker is a huge deal. Sandy voters did what they needed to do
despite the fact that all the big donors (Energy Solutions and other terrible
companies) backed Curtis. Curtis spent $500,000 more and lost. Pathetic.
This was huge.
This was huge.
County man | 7:49 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
It's because Utahns still vote for Rs for no reason but the R after their
name. Glad to see Curtis gone, glad the County Council is now democrat
majority, which you forgot to mention.
Curtis | 8:07 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Thanks, thanks for the Hurtful district splits that have divided our valley like
nothing in history. Thanks for making our County west siders pay for a Tom
Dolan soccer stadium that no one wanted, thanks for listening. Thanks for
Vouchers we wanted it and you tried to give them to us, thanks for listening.
And esp thanks for your shining example as the Leader of our State Leg. You put
Sandy and Draper last and the state first like you should have. All in all youve
been a great example and leader.
Thanks Greg Curtis!
Thanks Greg Curtis!
Anonymous | 8:14 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Sounds like 'holland' and 'to Utah Democrats' had sour
grapes for breakfast this morning.
Re to UT Democrats | 8:15 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
You are glib. Of course we didn't expect Obama's coattails to extend
here. How could they? People here are too uninformed! But in 2004 Bush got
72% of UT's popular vote and McCain only got 66% so that is significant to
me.
As far as taxes go, well, how else would you like to pay for the bailout? Lend more money to China so they will own us outright? You think that will help an ailing economy?
As for my uninformed stmt, well, you prove it right. McCain ALSO pledged to raise taxes, only on a different demographic. How else could he pay for his "subprime mortgage bailout" idea?
As far as taxes go, well, how else would you like to pay for the bailout? Lend more money to China so they will own us outright? You think that will help an ailing economy?
As for my uninformed stmt, well, you prove it right. McCain ALSO pledged to raise taxes, only on a different demographic. How else could he pay for his "subprime mortgage bailout" idea?
A good start | 8:19 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Getting Curtis out of there and Lavar Christensen is a good start to cleaning up
the arrogance of the House and the bullying tactics. It's just too bad that
Mike Morley will still be allowed to push through all of his pet projects and
continue to get rich off being a lawmaker.
Anonymous | 8:20 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Greg Curtis was a strong arm, arrogant house leader. That's what brought
him down.
Ed Allen | 8:27 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
I was glad to see Democrat Ed Allen lose in his race against Republican Brent
Wallis. Allen kept using his Mormon religion as a reason to vote for him. He
even took out a full page ad in the Tribune, saying "Democrat. Physician.
Grand father. Latter-day Saint." That backfired. And its a good thing.
To Holland | 8:39 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Utah voted what they thought was best for Utah, luckily the country voted what
was best for our nation. Now let's make it work without the childish name
calling.
Iceman | 8:55 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Jake, I am glad you left this great state if you have such animosity towards it.
As much as I disagree with you I give you credit for moving away. I wish more
of you Utah haters would do the same. As for our nation, I disagree with the
chosen President but we as a nation must band together and speak up and out for
what we believe to be true. Just because we don't agree with Obama and
many of the other democrats (and some republicans) we need to be loud and
respectful but get our voice heard. We can't just sit and be idle. We
need to speak up for what we believe. Be doers, not followers. I love the USA,
lets make it even better for future generations.
El Toro | 9:07 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Adios Amigo!!!!
Re: Holland | 9:26 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Holland:
Where do people like you come from? If the Democrats were to say the sun was coming up tomorrow, you would probably argue to the opposite.
Where do people like you come from? If the Democrats were to say the sun was coming up tomorrow, you would probably argue to the opposite.
Oh Please | 9:36 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Goodbye to the bully in the Speaker's chair! Woohoo!
r hayes | 9:46 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Getting rid of Curtis is a minor miracle in a state that always votes Republican
no matter what the ethics of the individuals are. WE NEED ETHICS REFORM.
That is a sad comment to make in Utah but it is true. Our leaders need to
represent us not their own self interests.
Josh Daniels | 9:57 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Wow, I can't think of anyone that would be more happy about the outcome of
the Curtis race than the authors of this article. That is based on the stories
we have seen on this race for the past 2 months.
Ironic | 10:44 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
I find it ironic that when a Democrat wins the presidency, it seems that most
people will say, "Though I did not vote for him, I will support him in his
presidency," or �it is time to get over this divide
and work together.� Why when someone in local government
wins, most especially when it is a Democrat, everyone who did not vote for this
person will not offer the same concessions? Is there a double standard between
support for local leadership and the President? So Buttars won, he is in,
working with him is far better than fighting and complaining. The same goes for
Segmiller, the people have spoken, now we should come together and work out our
differences for the betterment of society.
RE: Jake | 10:54 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
I completely agree with you. I love Utah, and love living here, but it is crazy
how niave most people are. They think Rep = good, moral family man/woman, and
Dem = bad, same-sex marriage wanting, abortion approving, etc. No matter where
you live, it's good to have a better mix in representation at every level.
Utah sometimes verges on a dictatorship. (And I actually read the ballot when I
vote. I voted both Dem. and Rep. yesterday. I bet most Utahns can't say
the same. STRAIGHT PARTY = Communist
ThinkerUT | 10:58 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
It would be much better if the news media would not allow any reference to a
candidates number of children or grandchildren and religious affiliation. Those
have nothing to do with a persons qualifications for office.
RE: to Re to UT Democrats | 11:26 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Dear Utahn,
Now you know the Democrats think you are a bunch of idiots. These are the people that know what is better for you than you do! I guess your mother never told you that you were getting too big for your britches, but buddy you are too big for your britches. Thanks for insulting us for voting against your socialist machine!!!!
Now you know the Democrats think you are a bunch of idiots. These are the people that know what is better for you than you do! I guess your mother never told you that you were getting too big for your britches, but buddy you are too big for your britches. Thanks for insulting us for voting against your socialist machine!!!!
To Suzyk | 11:45 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Jesus is not a surname (I'm assuming that's what you meant by
"sir name"). It is a given name, the New Testament equivalent of
Joshua in the Old Testament. It is also a very common given name in Hispanic
cultures.
HBC | 11:46 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Congratulations, Jay. You ran a strong race, and deserve to win at last.
Me think for self? Unpossible! | 12:08 p.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Me love how Democrats think me Utahn not have brain. Me sheep that vote only
Republican. But Democrats not trash California. California also have super
majority in state house and senate. But it Democrat majority so they must be
smart. Oh well, me continue to live in state with top 5 managed budget while
California legislature continue to take short-term loans to cover day-to-day
operations.
Good for a laugh | 12:35 p.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Buttars is re-elected. How can so many fools live in one senate district?
to jake and re jake | 12:36 p.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Ironically it is your patronizing attitude which leads many people to the
deroagatory image that they have regarding Democrats. I too belive that the
state would be better off with balanced leadership - but I am not going to vote
for someone that appalls me in order to get there.
re: to Utah Democrats | 12:36 p.m. Nov. 5, 2008
You state raising taxes will slow the economy. Wait until you file your flat
tax return this next year. If you make between $16,000 and $250,000 you will
pay more in taxes than you have in the past years. Think that will slow the
economy more. This is your republican governors idea remember. If you are
above the $250,000.00 income, you probably will come out smelling like a rose
and will think this is the best thing since sliced bread.
The problem we encounter is we want services, roads, all those things provided by or through the government, we have to pay for them somehow.
The problem we encounter is we want services, roads, all those things provided by or through the government, we have to pay for them somehow.
I agree with HBC | 12:51 p.m. Nov. 5, 2008
My congratulations to Jay as well!! You did run a strong race! You did deserve
to win at last! THANK YOU for hanging in there for us! VERY GLAD to see you
surrounded by new friends in the House and Senate (Black, Beck and Morgan)!!
same old same old | 1:08 p.m. Nov. 5, 2008
As the saying goes: As Utah goes, so goes... St. George. Nationally, Utah
means nothing. No impact. Politically speaking. I live out of the state and no
one cares what happens in Utah, and with good reason. No new ideas. No
vitality. No support for the obvious changes that have to be made.
PS -- Obama won because he was the better candidate.
PSS-- but I have to admit, that Palin lady was good for laughs!! Thank you Gov. Palin. You were fabulously entertaining.
PS -- Obama won because he was the better candidate.
PSS-- but I have to admit, that Palin lady was good for laughs!! Thank you Gov. Palin. You were fabulously entertaining.
Re: Me think for self? | 1:36 p.m. Nov. 5, 2008
If you actually did think for yourself, or were half educated, you would know
according to Utah law, our budget has to be balanced every year. We can't
go in the hole......... Buttars is reelected - proving most don't think
for themselves.
Jake | 3:07 p.m. Nov. 5, 2008
I for one knew and worked with Rep Curtis in many ways and I'm glad that
this smug little man is gone!
Just so the record is clear I'm a member of the faith in question that teaches that GOP.com is where we go to find out who to vote for in "Elders Quorum." I also really like the "you can't be a Mormon and a Democrat" comments I frequently heard while I was born and raised in Utah.
All I'm saying is that people need to open their minds and get rid of the Republican super majority so ideas can pass freely. So much bad legislation is passed in Utah in the name of a majority. I loved the state of Utah but hated the sheep like quality that resides in much of the population. follow follow follow. It's simply time to use the brains God gave us.
Just so the record is clear I'm a member of the faith in question that teaches that GOP.com is where we go to find out who to vote for in "Elders Quorum." I also really like the "you can't be a Mormon and a Democrat" comments I frequently heard while I was born and raised in Utah.
All I'm saying is that people need to open their minds and get rid of the Republican super majority so ideas can pass freely. So much bad legislation is passed in Utah in the name of a majority. I loved the state of Utah but hated the sheep like quality that resides in much of the population. follow follow follow. It's simply time to use the brains God gave us.
Re: Me think for self? Unpossibl | 3:34 p.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Umm. California is not a one-party state like Utah. Did you notice they've
got a Republican governor? And that they've had a Republican governor for
29 of the past 41 years?
Me say what | 3:35 p.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Me say something about balanced budget? Me thought me say managed budget, but
me not smart like you. You right. Payday loans for states much smarter than
balanced budget. You very smart. Me got to go. Democrats giving out free
entitlements. Me no want to wait in long line. Me save you spot, re: me think
for self?.
What, me worry? | 3:51 p.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Chris Buttars must have borrowed the Alfred E. Newman motto, "What, me
worry?"
What does a guy have to do to get thrown out of office? This one really blows me away...that the race was even close.
That "R" really means a lot to the voters, evidently.
What does a guy have to do to get thrown out of office? This one really blows me away...that the race was even close.
That "R" really means a lot to the voters, evidently.
utahmn | 3:51 p.m. Nov. 5, 2008
It is unfortunate Buttars was re-elected, Gayle Ruzicka must have pulled all the
stops. But looking at the bright side: We can all get a laugh at his
"Buffoonery" in the next session.
Thankfully | 4:00 p.m. Nov. 5, 2008
I to was glad to see Rep Curtis get tossed out of office. I have seen him
behind the scenes and he is one arrogant legislature. I think that is what did
him in. Also to have Brad King lose is icing on the cake. The second most
arrogant man in the state legislature.
Cali. not a one party state? | 4:03 p.m. Nov. 5, 2008
While I understand "Me think for self", I hate his condescending
attitude. But I also don't get what the point is about California having a
Republican governor for 29 of the past 41 years. So? If you go back 41 years,
Utah has had a Democrat governor for 17 of those years. Democrats have had
control of California's legislature since 1970 and that's with term
limits in place since 1990.
Utah is #1 | 4:14 p.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Utah is a great State!!! Mormans are not stupid or lazy. I am sure mistakes
are made, but we have a good economy in Utah compared to a lot of other states.
If you do not like a state run by Republicans.....leave!!!
randy | 4:21 p.m. Nov. 5, 2008
just stupid voters in this state ... vote the same idiots right back in again
... let them do it all over again to us ... this state hasnt got any sense to
vote out the incumbent and vote in the challenger ..
so from now on .. this state cant say a word to what happens ... just live with it and enjoy it
all those afraid to vote out the incumbents ... just bend over and grab your ankles and enjoy what you voted for AGAIN
too bad hatch and bennett will enjoy the same stupidity when their turn comes around ...
past actions prove party doesnt matter ... just get the current people out and get new people in .. then next election do it again and again again
enjoy utah .. you voted them back in again .. so they can do it again to us ...
so from now on .. this state cant say a word to what happens ... just live with it and enjoy it
all those afraid to vote out the incumbents ... just bend over and grab your ankles and enjoy what you voted for AGAIN
too bad hatch and bennett will enjoy the same stupidity when their turn comes around ...
past actions prove party doesnt matter ... just get the current people out and get new people in .. then next election do it again and again again
enjoy utah .. you voted them back in again .. so they can do it again to us ...
Tom | 4:22 p.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Reelecting Chris Buttars gives West Jordan a bad name. When will the voters in
his district ever wake up?
Re me say what? | 4:24 p.m. Nov. 5, 2008
Nice. Very mature.
If you're so smart, then name one free entitlement the Dems give out? The EIC? Oh wait, I have to have a job to get that. The Child Tax Credit? Oh wait, I'm Mormon with 20 kids so I get PLENTY of those, even as a Republican.
Seriously dude. You may find yourself clever, but you are not intelligent. I dare you to answer my question.
If you're so smart, then name one free entitlement the Dems give out? The EIC? Oh wait, I have to have a job to get that. The Child Tax Credit? Oh wait, I'm Mormon with 20 kids so I get PLENTY of those, even as a Republican.
Seriously dude. You may find yourself clever, but you are not intelligent. I dare you to answer my question.
Re Utah is #1 | 4:25 p.m. Nov. 5, 2008
And if you don't like Obama as your president.....leave!!! Not so kind
when the shoe is on the other foot.
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
Democrat Jay Seegmiller, who defeated House Speaker Greg Curtis, hugs a supporter at the Democratic State Party gathering Tuesday at the Salt Lake Radisson.
Related content
- Top 25 roundup: Texas wins big 11:33 p.m.
- Packers beat Ravens, 27-14 11:23 p.m.
- 'Ham' operator helps with rescue 11:23 p.m.
- Guv taps atty to be general counsel 11:22 p.m.
- Refinery will make flares quieter 11:20 p.m.
- Trio Da Paz serves up plenty of heat 11:18 p.m.
- BCS reform still needed 11:15 p.m.
- Opposition to soccer complex 11:15 p.m.
- Vietnam vet finally gets Purple Heart 11:13 p.m.
- Winter weather is here to stay 11:11 p.m.
- Cougars going back to Vegas
- Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
- TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
- Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
- Bring the true spirit of Christmas
- Witness: Mitchell stalked victims
- Utes excited to go to San Diego
- BYU professor remembered
- Answers for the BCS
- Winter weather is here to stay
- Letters: Liberal because LDS
278 - Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing261
- TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl203
- Letters: Global warming a lie152
- Cougars going back to Vegas147
- Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil134
- George lost in rivalry hatefest119
- Ed Smart 'appalled' at testimony100
- Harpring's NBA career is over96
- Utahns want health care reform bills78
For the latest news in the health care debate and how it affects you...
Amazon.com, Target.com, Sears.com, Walmart.com, Kmart.com and...
Latest comments
Louis may GOD bless you so much.The word of GOD says that it is more blessed...
You Zoobs amaze me. We might not understand football but we do know that...
Homers, if the rest of the country is so right about how good the BCS...
Couldn't ask for a much better matchup then this one, going against Oregon...
Go Jazz!! Awesome game to watch!
None of the global warming models predicted steady or slightly-decreasing...
to oops!: Because it's not. Clearly you don't know the definition of...
I'm guessing as the season rolls on, USU's wings will feel more comfortable...
All year long I have read numerous complaints from MWC fans that BSU didn't...
at least it will be nice to see boise get killed by a real team, they play...
Advertisements
Pathetic.