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Chaffetz considers challenging Bennett

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Constitutional Age Requirement | 1:52 p.m. July 6, 2009

I don't think the Constitution will allow Chaffetz to run for Senate until he turns 30.

Compassionate Conservative | 2:23 p.m. July 6, 2009

I hope that Mr. Minuteman, Jason Chaffetz won't try to bring his far-right agenda to the Senate. The day that it happens, Utah will end up turning it's back to Reagan/Bush Compasionate Conservatism and will go for Liberal Democrat agendas. You see? Republicans are under the impression that Utah is 100% Republican, that's not so. There are more conservatives than liberals, but that doesn't necessarily turn Utah into Republican Utah. Hasn't the Republican "strategists" noticed they're losing ground? I wonder why? I'm LDS and a strong Conservative, but I'm also an inmigrant who hates the anti-immigrant rethoric of Chaffetz. Last year I voted Republican but didn't support Chaffetz as many other anti-bigotry conservatives did. I'm affraid for Utah. Republicans should be too!

Anonymous | 2:26 p.m. July 6, 2009

Bennet lost my vote when he turned his noe up at voter and voted for the first bailout. Plus he is very liberal on Immigration laws. He has lost touch with Utahns. Same for Mr Hatch.

Time for change!

Comments continue below

Provo Dad | 2:27 p.m. July 6, 2009

No matter what we the people need to vote Bennett out of office because of his continued support of ILLEGAL Aliens!

Chip | 2:33 p.m. July 6, 2009

The Constitution? Since when is anyone in Washington abiding by that old, worn out document?

Anonymous | 2:35 p.m. July 6, 2009

What a joke!

Fact checker | 2:41 p.m. July 6, 2009

Rep. Chaffetz is 42.

Requirement: Fulfilled | 2:43 p.m. July 6, 2009

Perhaps you are making a joke, in which case, it was funny. If not, I think the fact that he has been married for 18 years most likely puts him over the minimum age for Senate.

NotFromUtar | 2:47 p.m. July 6, 2009

Lets kick Hatch and Bennett out!!! There both Libs!

anonymous | 2:58 p.m. July 6, 2009

Chaffetz's unbridled ambition exceeds his grasp of the nuances required to be an effective United States senator. He is a clown.

Sandy | 3:03 p.m. July 6, 2009

I agree - get Bennett and Hatch out. They're two old men who have outlived their time serving. They should gracefully retire and let some younger folks who are still in touch with reality serve.

Media Pig | 3:05 p.m. July 6, 2009

I am tired of Chaffetz doing anything he can to get his name in the press. He is a phony.

huh | 3:06 p.m. July 6, 2009

I wish Chaffetz could get his facts straight.

Please No | 3:07 p.m. July 6, 2009

Chaffetz will only make Utah the laughing stock of the U.S. I certainly hope that rational thinking Utahns win over and stop the extreme right from dominating the state.

LDS love to immigrants | 3:08 p.m. July 6, 2009

We don't need anymore immigrant haters in this state.
I am ashamed of anyone who belongs to my faith and shows a bad name by their hatred toward immigrants. You display a bad message to everyone and do not follow the teachings of the church. I hope people will find it in their hearts not to support Chaffetz!

Wrex | 3:12 p.m. July 6, 2009

Oh, bummer....I was hoping Chaffetz would run to become one of the judges on American Idol....

Interesting | 4:04 p.m. July 6, 2009

I would be willing to entertain the idea of voting for Chaffetz simply on the basis of his anti-illegal immigration stance. I will, however, have to see how he does between now and then with regard to other important issues.

I worry about the intelligence of those who slander their fellow Utahns as "immigrant haters" without making the very obvious distinction between immigrants and illegal aliens. That is a form of hatred/bigotry in and of itself. I personally have always and will always give immigrants a warm welcome; it is an honor to know those who enrich my life.

I do absolutely hate anything illegal, including illegal immigration. And just in case someone wants to bring up the silly speeding/illegal immigration argument, no, I do not speed - even when no one is looking. I also have American Indian ancestry so that equally ridiculous argument won't work either.

To : | 4:24 p.m. July 6, 2009

L.D.S. love for illegal aliens. I'd vote for Mussolini if he would enforce the laws on illegal aliens.

In love with himself | 4:28 p.m. July 6, 2009

Go for it Jason. Then when you lose to Matheson, we can all say "goodbye" and "good riddance."

Out Chaffetz | 4:31 p.m. July 6, 2009

Get over yourself Chaffetz

Redpublican delegate | 4:35 p.m. July 6, 2009

It looks like Chavfetz' arrogance will make him a two year political boy wonder without a job. Oh well, there's always the Alpine City Council.

Actually Compassionate | 4:41 p.m. July 6, 2009

"Compassionate" doesn't equal "illegal". Bothered to read Chaffetzs position on immigration? Pretty reasonable. Come here legally, fix legal immigration, and stop running illegals under the radar, not paying their fair share, etc. Seen California's budget crisis? Your so-called compassionate position doesn't work.

I'd take Chaffetz and no bailouts over Bennett / Hatch everyday.

re: LDS love to immigrants | 4:42 p.m. July 6, 2009

I am ashamed of anyone that belongs to my faith who does not uphold the law of the land. The issue isn't immigrants. The issue is ILLEGAL immigrants. Chaffetz is a breath of fresh air.

Anonymous | 4:57 p.m. July 6, 2009

The jury is out re Mr. Chaffetz, he has been a world traveler and made a few comments but we need to wait and see what the near future brings. As for Mr. Hatch and Mr. Bennett I agree with the many it is time for a change. Mr. Bennett should retire now.
He has reaped all the benefits from his postion he can, retirement for him self and family. For a one term promise he has extended his time beyond his ability. His promise of one term only is a true politician speaking, very few keep their promise.

Jason is a selfish jerk | 5:01 p.m. July 6, 2009

"Among media attention he attracted includes an ongoing CNN series following him and another freshmen House member, plus appearances on the Colbert Report comedy show, the Glenn Beck show, and Fox News. He gained much attention for choosing to live in his office and sleep on his cot, and to offer "cot-side" chats on issues via the Internet."

Who the hell does this guy think he is? Saving money for his family at the expense of the taxpayer. If he thinks we are okay with paying extra in utilities and providing additional security, etc to him while he's sleeping in a building paid for and operated at taxpayer expense then he is sadly deluding himself.

Take the salary we paid you and rent an apartment like other normal people. If you want to save us money the don't accept your salary and pay for your own housing while in D.C. but stop living off of the taxpayer dime while accepting a salary from us. Other legislators get the same salary and they don't sleep in their offices because they aren't selfish enough to make taxpayers incur extra operating costs. Selfish jerk!

Helen Waite | 5:05 p.m. July 6, 2009

Hatch and Bennett are Lifetime politicians, its time they both got voted off The Island.. Let the Tribe Speak!!!!!!!!!

Alugh out loud | 5:22 p.m. July 6, 2009

Let him run--as long as he resigns his seat in the House.

Where is Chris Cannon when you need him?

One Way | 5:50 p.m. July 6, 2009

That is one way to get rid of Chaffetz. Good riddance, I say.

Can't spell it without Chaffe | 6:03 p.m. July 6, 2009

Bennett will roll this one issue newcomer.

Oh Brother... | 6:49 p.m. July 6, 2009

GAG! I can't stand the thought of voting for someone who sticks his finger in the wind and waits for it to blow him in a direction.

Here's a message for Mr. Chaffetz - SHOW SOME LEADERSHIP AND DO SOMETHING! He's too busy pandering to his small group of people who think he's a rock star.

Oh, and here's a note to everyone out there... He DOES NOT save you money by sleeping in his office on the cot. He saves money for himself. Mr Chaffetz still gets the same salary whether he sleeps in his office, on the streets, in a hotel, or in an apartment. I'm TIRED of him claiming he saves us tons of money by lounging in his office.

Digbads | 7:02 p.m. July 6, 2009

I could see him winning by acclamation at the Republican convention. Ask Cannon how it felt to get "run out of town" by the convention.

I'm 100% for Chaffetz and will all I can to get him elected to the Senate. Count on very very many of us working to get delegates to the convention.

oh yeah! | 7:13 p.m. July 6, 2009

I'd LOVE to see Chaffetz run against Bennett. Love it. Chaffetz has done a spectacular job of ratting chains of the good old boys network in DC. Young, innovative, willing to think outside the box and actually stand for solid conservative principles - follow the rule of law, limited government, fiscal discipline, accountability. I'm a precinct chair who would get to vote for him at convention and I'd volunteer to campaign for him as well.....

Life time politicians | 7:16 p.m. July 6, 2009

Chaffetz is on his way to becoming another life-time politician. You have to work harder at re-election if you are in the house of reps, but a senator only has to run for re-election every six years. We need to have term limits in the legislative branch or people need to wise up and vote out incumbents more frequently no matter how good or bad they appear to be doing.

arc | 8:45 p.m. July 6, 2009

Rep. Jason Chaffetz said the quotes are OK, the Headline isn't. (If I remember correctly, the writer doesn't always get to write the headline).

Jason has no attention of getting in the race, but like most people, he isn't closing any doors.

JJL9 | 8:45 p.m. July 6, 2009

Re: Life time politicians.

The first part of your last sentence is misguided. The second part is spot-on. We can't continually pass new rules, regulations, etc... to make things better. If re-electing people over and over is the wrong thing to do, then let's do our part to educate our neighbors on why this is the case and find good replacements for them, even the good ones.

Please run! | 8:50 p.m. July 6, 2009

Chaffetz will lose to Bennett so I hope he resigns his house seat and runs against Bennett. Shurtleff and/or Chaffetz will go down!

Chaffetz could win... | 9:14 p.m. July 6, 2009

but so could just about anyone over Bob Bennett. He is toast.

Chaffetz is so well liked.

I believe Cherilyn Eagar, will get the most delegate votes then Mark Shurtleff then Bob Bennett with less than 40%. Bridgewater and Williams might fix it so Bennett gets less than Williams.

The question is will Cherilyn Eagar win at Convention or will she face Mark Shurtleff in a primary.

Anonymous | 9:25 p.m. July 6, 2009

It's time for Bennett to retire. (I'm one of many who will vote for just about whoever opposes him.)

Its too bad | 9:29 p.m. July 6, 2009

that jason or someone like him could not hold all 3 seats at once.

Rick | 9:39 p.m. July 6, 2009

Chaffetz would do well against Bennett.

Stewart | 10:07 p.m. July 6, 2009

Rep Chaffetz would probably win at the GOP Convention. I assume that those of you that think he couldn't beat Sen Bennett must not have been at the Convention this year.

Bennett is in trouble as I see it for three main reasons:
1. Stood with Sen Kennedy as they tried to convince the Senate to vote for Comprehensive Immigration Reform, better known as "Amnesty" in 2006 and 2007.
2. Voted for the TARP Bailout, telling us that the entire economy was within days of collapse.
3. He has been on the Senate Banking Committee during the entire 18 years in the Senate. All of the bad stuff that now afflicts our economy such as the Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae debacle all went through his committee and he happily supported it all.

I think that without Rep Chaffetz in the race Mark Shurtleff would probably win even though he and Bennett are birds of a feather. My personal choice today would be, Cherilyn Eagar. She would have to win at convention which isn't likely, because she couldn't afford a primary, and no one knows who she is. Tim Bridgewater, no chance.

Northern Utah would support Jaso | 10:13 p.m. July 6, 2009

There are many in Cache Valley who would support Jason Chaffetz. He is willing to ask questions of the old fogies like "why." You should see the dumb look on Washingtons face when he dares to challenge the status quo. We need more like him in Washington. He represents my generation.

And he never said he is saving the tax payers money by sleeping on the cot. He said is saving his family money. Watch the vide on CNN.

Go Matheson | 10:51 p.m. July 6, 2009

I consider myself a Republican, but I don't associate with the far-right crowd that dominates the convention circus.

If Chaffetz runs and steals the nomination from Bennett, I would vote for Matheson in a heartbeat. Bennett seems to be one of the few sane Republicans left in this state.

I like Chaffetz | 10:56 p.m. July 6, 2009

but don't like Bennett. We need someone new to replace Bennett, the career seat warmer (in an inherited seat, no less!).

I would [refer that Jason stay int he House and shake things up there for a while, and that we take out Bennett with Shurtleff or someone. If Bennett gets the nomination, I will not vote for him.

Rob Alexander | 11:28 p.m. July 6, 2009

Matheson isn't running for Bennett's Senate seat. Sam Granato is the likely Democratic nominee in this race.

I would support Chaffetz over the current candidates in this race. I have appreciated his stances in favor of constitutionally limited government and his proactive work with things like the Sunset Caucus, road funding for Utah without using earmarks, preventing privacy-invading TSA full body scans, and the postal workers solution to census staffing.

Senator Bob Bennett | 11:48 p.m. July 6, 2009

In March of this year Senator Bob Bennett was rated one of the ten most liberal Republicans in the Senate by Human Events based on the American Conservative Union Ratings for 2008. Why Bennett would pay money to convince voters he is Conservative is beyond me.

we can expect to see more... | 12:06 a.m. July 7, 2009

Because of the boundless greed that seems to be such a significant part of Utah's social fabric, those of us who care about truth and the Rule of Law can expect to see more Chaffetz-slandering and Chaffetz-bashing by the greedy pigs in Utah who want the illegal aliens here for their cheap labor. We are seeing it already right here in many of these comments. For this reason we cannot just sit on our hands; we need to stand beside Chaffetz - a rare politian who cares about what is right and who is not tainted by corruption.

Liberty | 4:50 a.m. July 7, 2009

Chaffetz could draw me back to vote for a Republican. I'm done voting for RINO's so anybody else and I'll likely stay with third party.

Ego Unleashed | 5:29 a.m. July 7, 2009

It was only a matter of time. The quest for spotlight and power is overwhelming to some people like Chaffetz. But one would think that Chaffetz would at least have waited to have a year or two under his belt and actually have accomplished SOMETHING besides non-stop junkets and cotside chats and endless "twittering." Bennett is outstanding Senator. We're blessed to have him in Washington and can reach across the aisle to work issues for our State that otherwise would not happen.

See How Crowds React? | 5:33 a.m. July 7, 2009

Did I actually read what I thought I read in the article - CHaffetz quote about "how the crowds react?" So is Chaffetz a fan of Following The Crowd? The "string 'em up" reactionary impulse? That's no leader. That's not a leadership quality. To be a real leader, you have to sometimes buck the populist sentiment and do what is really right, and not what will bring momentary accolades from the crowd. Everyone knows that the GOP delegate pool has a strong reactionary element. If officials start kow-towing to those extremes, then they'll lose main-stream Utah. Chaffetz has a lot to learn.

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