Deseret News | Shurtleff has decided he'll run

Reader comments
Shurtleff has decided he'll run — or not

Good Candidate? | 1:01 a.m. May 9, 2009

Okay, so we have a guy who cannot make up his mind. Is that what we want in a U.S. Senator?

In addition, he goes on TV and announces to the world that his wife and family do not want him to run -- but his ego is telling him to do it. I cannot imagine that impressed very many people, especially the women voters.

So what we have here is a candidate who lacks judgment and cannot make a decision. Nice.

Frying pan to fire | 2:20 a.m. May 9, 2009

If this is the only way we can get shurtleff out of government let him run then get voted out, along with Bennet. Shurtleff is a coward with no integrety and doesn't know his present job, we definetly don't want him in Washington being another yes man to the highest bidder. He follows the money in his pursuit of happiness and fortune.

Some day and one of these years the Utah sheeple will learn how to vote on a split ballot and elect the man and not his party and false promises.

Marriage???? | 5:14 a.m. May 9, 2009

Will Utah voters really elect a senator whose wife asked him not to run? Women can vote and represent maybe half of the voters.

Comments continue below

Big B | 6:38 a.m. May 9, 2009

Run Mark run!! Run Mark run!! This is your big chance to make it back to Washington and launch your ultimate bid for the White House. It's been your dream ever since you first learn about bullying people around. You'll be our best President yet. Run Mark run!! Run Mark run!!

Cats | 7:09 a.m. May 9, 2009

Wow! It sounds like the FLDS are blogging again. They hate Mark Shurtleff because he has had the guts to go after them for their crimes. They've already had a mass prayer effort hoping it would cause him to die. Since that didn't work, they're hoping to turn everyone off to his chance for higher office.

Don't be fooled by the blogs you read. Many of them are from interested parties.

Shameless | 7:15 a.m. May 9, 2009

So Shurtleff does an interview with the DesNews to say that he's made a decision, but won't tell us what it is for another week.

This is a shameless attempt to get as much free press coverage as possible. He's trying to make it so that we just have to tune in next week to see how things turn out. Well, Shurtleff, I for one will not be glued to the television while you waste our time once again.

Thank You... | 7:18 a.m. May 9, 2009

Frying Pan to Fire you hit the nail on the head. Good Candidate you are exactly right too.

When will the votes wake up and smell the dung?

Wyoming Tom | 8:04 a.m. May 9, 2009

My wife went to school with this narcissistic character. The comment by "Good Candidate?" has it right. "Frying pan to fire's" a moron. If you don't like Utah, go back to LA or SFO or wherever you're from.

Get rid of him! | 8:04 a.m. May 9, 2009

Shurtleff is one of the most arrogant people Ive ever met. He is all about himself and couldnt care less about anyone he claims to be serving. It's also evident that his arrogance gets in the way of his family as well. He's only concerned about the title he holds, but I guess that means he would fit in pretty well in D.C. Good Luck Shurtleff and dont let the door hit you on the . . .

Shurtleff no family man | 8:21 a.m. May 9, 2009

I can't believe Shurtleff doesn't give his wife's opinion more respect. I have to question why he is running if his wife as well as daughter (which the article doesn't mention) is so against it. Are there skeletons in his closet or does is he just so full of himself that even his wife's opinion not matter? His total disregard for her opinion makes me sick. I mean, that's why he keeps pushing it back. Do us a favor Shurtleff and listen to your wife. We need a true conservative in the race!

Shurtleff No Conservative | 8:34 a.m. May 9, 2009

I certainly hope that people don't buy the lies Shurtleff has been selling. He speaks out of both sides of his mouth on every issue- immigration, gay marriage,...EVERYTHING. I read with interest his blog about cinco de mayo and thought, "This guy actually thinks he has us fooled?" I hope we are smarter than Shurtleff, he is not an improvement.

B. vs. S. | 9:13 a.m. May 9, 2009

Let's face it, Bennett is a bad senator. He sold out on the illegal immigration issue and cancelled out Hatch's vote against the poorly conceived reform bill fashioned by Kennedy and McCain. His service to constituents is horrible--try writing him a letter and you might get a response six months later. However, Shurtleff would be worse. He is the ultimate grandstander who thinks only about his political future. When will we get some politicians who are serious about representing the people. Both of these choices are undesirables.

Great Mother's day gift` | 9:15 a.m. May 9, 2009

I think that it is a great way to honor his wife this Mother's Day by saying, "Hey, honey, I know that you don't want me to run, but because I am only concerned with myself, I am going to do it anyway. I am sorry, but your opinion doesn't matter!"

Bennett Letters, Shurtleff Wife | 9:54 a.m. May 9, 2009

If you mail letters to Senators it may take months to get through the screening process due to the anthrax attacks. That may be a reason why it takes so long. I interned in a Senate office and you would have no idea how many letters Senators get. They really do their best to try and get back as soon as they can. I wish there was a better way.

As for Shurtleff's wife, I am going to follow her lead and encourage him not to run. If his family is so against it, he should honor their wishes! Otherwise he is just as slimy as all the other politicians.

'Good Candidate'? | 10:13 a.m. May 9, 2009

Some of these comments are absolutely ridiculous. You read an article and that makes you the authority on Shurtleff's relationship with his wife?

If his wife's opinion didn't matter, it wouldn't have been a factor in his decision making process, am I right?

YoYo | 10:21 a.m. May 9, 2009

Anyone who worked with Shurtleff when he was a SL County Commissioner knows he is for sale to the highest bidder. Why would we want a Senator who paid double for the South Mountain Golf Course than what it was worth, a decision based on the large campaign contributions he had received from the developer, hosing the taxpayers or Salt Lake County? Nevertheless, Bennett has to go as he helped create and voted for the TARP.

Belly up | 10:31 a.m. May 9, 2009

Running for what? No way! This is laughable!!!!

Bennett's arrogance | 10:33 a.m. May 9, 2009

I love that Bennett says that Shurleff has been elected 3 times statewide so he has some general idea how to do it. In case Bennett had forgotten that is the same number of times that he has been elected statewide.

Shurtleff v. Bennett | 12:38 p.m. May 9, 2009

If it's a choice between Shurtleff and Bennett, Bennett has my vote. I remember when Shurtleff was SL County Commissioner and he left the Commission after raising taxes and in more debt than when he started. Shurtleff is NOT the person we want as a Senator.

bill schurman | 1:40 p.m. May 9, 2009

Who will champion the death penalty like this politican, in Utah??

HAD ENOUGH... | 1:51 p.m. May 9, 2009

of career politicians. Shurtleff needs to ride into the sunset and end his career.;preferably on a motorcycle.

split the Republicans | 4:20 p.m. May 9, 2009

As a Democrat, I encourage Shurtlieff to run against Bennett so the entire state can see how split the Republicans are and how their old ideas on the economy and health care are bankrupt.

I know that Utah is not quite ready to elect a Democratic Senator, the big corporations have done a great job scaring people with social issues. But look to our neighbors in Nevada and Colorado, which have elected LDS Democrats Harry Reid and Udall, people who care about regular working families and not just Republican billionaires.

Hang in there, Mark | 4:22 p.m. May 9, 2009

Mark, you've done a better job than most any of these bloggers could have done. Bennett will be a formidable opponent but youth is on your side. Be true on the issues, and you may succeed. My best to your great family, and especially Missy.

Realist | 4:40 p.m. May 9, 2009

The problem with Shurtleff is that he just won't be able to raise enough money to beat Bennett. Bennett has experience fundraising, and already has a head start. In a federal election, by law, corporations aren't allowed to donate money to candidates. Bennett is just too strong, and already has too big of a head start. Electing a new Senator would be a mistake for the state of Utah. Bennett is established, and respected on the hill. He's representing the views of the people of the state, so why should Utahans elect a new senator who doesn't have an established and important role in the leadership in the senate?

Cats | 4:48 p.m. May 9, 2009

When you read "split the Republicans" comment about how "the big corporations have done a great job of scaring with social issues" you can see just how out of touch with reality the Dems actually are. That, unfortunately, is how we got the current administration in Washington.

Oh and P.S., I don't believe that either of the Democrat Udalls ("who really care about working families") are active LDS. So much for that theory. Utahns vote for the principles they believe in and not just based on religion.

I don't have any problem with Mark Shurtleff running for higher office. He's done a great job as attorney general. Anyone who goes after polygamous criminals, who victimize women and children, has my vote without any problem.

@Cats | 5:01 p.m. May 9, 2009

If Democrats are out of touch, why do we have huge majorities in the House and Senate? Why was President Obama elected with a 6 million vote majority? Why are the Republicans wiped out except in the Old Confederacy and Utah? Why do only 21% of Americans identify as Republicans? Why did Republicans lose young voters by 30 points?

Republicans are servants of billionaires, wake up!

The Republican Split | 5:03 p.m. May 9, 2009

There is only one way the Republican party will split to the extent that a Democrat even has a chance: If Shurtleff beats Bennett and the Democrats finally get someone who a palatable conservative and has his/her head screwed on straight.

Robert - St. George | 5:17 p.m. May 9, 2009

Wow. I don't get it. I can't understand why Shurtleff wants to run against Bennett. I am not sure how much "splitting" he will do. Bennett is a good Senator and so I think Shurtleff is just patting his ego here. I will be voting for Bennett in the Primary, unless Shurtleff is ousted in the convention. Either way I don't see Shurtleff going anywhere with this.

Bennett Cares | 5:36 p.m. May 9, 2009

Bennett was recently down here in Roosevelt doing a Rural Business Conference and he sat and talked to constituents for several hours and really listened to us. We expressed our concern about the jobs lost due to the oil leases and he has really gone to bat for us and stood up to the Obama administration. Bennett really listened to us and that has really impressed me.

Chaffetz redux | 5:45 p.m. May 9, 2009

Shurtleff saw Chaffetz unseat Cannon and decided to do the same, though I am sure he always had the aspirations.

Shurtleff might win, but I doubt it. If he does, he'll be incredibly ineffectual as a right-winger in a center-left congress.

Testimony Tom | 6:16 p.m. May 9, 2009

I've heard Shurtleff's stump speech - he sounds like he is in testimony meeting - you even get the tears and snotty nose as he tells heart rending stories about valley forge. He does very little talking about specific solutions to specific problems. Amen, brother, amen.

@testimony tom | 7:37 p.m. May 9, 2009

The Republicans are reduced to pure symbolism because their policies have demonstrably bankrupted our county. Bennett was part of the Bush majority in the Senate, he voted for immigration amnesty and for billionaire Wall Street bailouts.

Meanwhile, Shurtlieff will snivel about symbolic "values" while ignoring the fact that jobs, health care, education and the environment are the ultimate Family Values. Republicans like Bennett and Shurtlieff have no positive solutions to America's problems. All they do is practice divisive symbolic politics and make sure that big business is protected.

Re. Good Candidate? | 7:45 p.m. May 9, 2009

The funny thing is that we know how much Shurtleff cares about his wife's opinion. He says he is 99% sure. That means his wife's opinion accounts for 1% of his decision. Wow, sure glad he gives so much respect to his wife!

IM | 7:48 p.m. May 9, 2009

No one posting comments can honestly say that they understand Mark's relationship with his wife. This is a BIG undertaking and Mark should NOT make the decision by himself. It's clear he wants to do it and it's clear that he respects his wife and family enough to talk about it.

I'm supporting Mark. He's a straight shooter which I respect.

Trial Balloon | 7:51 p.m. May 9, 2009

Shutlieff's dodge of whether he is running or not is known in politics as a "trial balloon." He leaks a non-committal position wanting to see the reaction; only after that will he announce one way or another.

My 2 cents.. | 8:42 p.m. May 9, 2009

I like Shurtleff.. and I like Senator Bennett. So if Shurtleff decides to run against Bennett I would be faced with a decision. Bit it's not a tough decision for me to make.

Bennett would be my choice. Save your time and money and forget challenging the Senator Mark. You'll lose a lot more than the election if you do.

Henry Drummond | 8:45 p.m. May 9, 2009

I got to know Mark a little bit before he became Attorney General. Make no mistake about it, he really is devoted to his family and what they think makes a big difference. I can't tell you how many times I have seen him get choked up talking about his family. I've worked on the inside of a senate campaign before and I've seen how much it takes out of the candidate. It is a tough decision to make.

I'm not sure how much I agree with Mark politically but I do think his presence would be good for the race and I wish him well.

wandrew | 10:04 p.m. May 9, 2009

He made up his mind a long time ago, and his wife won't talk him out of it, any more than she did when she asked him not to run for AG again last year. He has been running hard, and he has been raising money. The money, it appears would not qualify for a Senate campaign, as it includes large contributions form those seeking favors. But now we are told that it can be "laundered" -- he can do what he pleases with money raised for state campaigns; then he can pay income taxes on it, declare it to be his own money, and THEN use it in his Federal campaign. Kinda stinks, but apparently is at least legal on the surface. I worry about someone who wants this kind of thing so badly that he will bend the rules to get it. Didn't Nixon do that?

Anybody. . . | 10:54 p.m. May 9, 2009

. . . but Bennett.

Met Too! | 11:39 p.m. May 9, 2009

Anybody but Bennett.

I think half the comments above are from Bennett campaign workers, not real readers.

Shurtleff us a good solid conservative who stands up for what is right, regardless of political rishts (going after the polygimists and taking n te U of U in their illegal gun ban, for example).

I will be happy to votre for and campaign for Shurtleff.

Or anyone else running against Bennett (Republican or Democrat!)

Anybody | 12:01 a.m. May 10, 2009

...but Shurtleff!

Hay stuffer | 12:10 a.m. May 10, 2009

What's Shirtleff stuffing his shirt with these days?

Truth | 12:13 a.m. May 10, 2009

Shurtleff is not a leader. He's a good old "which way is the wind blowing" politician who is misjudgding the Utah electorate. We have shifted to the center. We don't want (well, most of us, anyway) any more Bush-type wing-nuts. Give it up, dude.

Anyone | 1:04 a.m. May 10, 2009

but either one.

Just FYI | 2:56 p.m. May 10, 2009

I am not a Bennett campaign worker and I support him. I love how that's the best argument that you can come up with when there are people who have a differing view than you do.

Shurtleff | 12:06 p.m. May 11, 2009

Shurtleff is better than Bennett. He's got my vote. And I am a delegate.

State Delegate | 1:42 p.m. May 11, 2009

I've been a state delegate the last two years from Utah County. I'll probably run for SD again and really I'd probably vote for Bennett. Nothing against Mark but I think he'll try to make mountains out of molehills. I don't see a strong reason coming from Shurtleff for me to switch at this point.

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