Deseret News | GOP entrepreneur throws his hat in U.S. Senate ring

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GOP entrepreneur throws his hat in U.S. Senate ring

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Utahn | 3:00 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Bennett has been there too long. I will be voting for Bridgewater.

Joe | 3:01 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

He says he wants to represent people like him.
Is that the trailer park folks, or the millionaire?
What about us folks in the middle that are paying the way for both of those groups?

New Idea | 3:12 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Mr. Bridgewater has run for political office several times without success.
He must have unbelievable funding to keep doing this over and over.
Wondered if he has ever thought of donating some of his wealth to those similar to his stepfather, rather than wasting it on unsuccessful campaigns.
He could help with schooling, healthcare and numerous other needs for struggling folks.
He could mirror Oprah and those like her. Mr. Bridgewater could become much more loved and respected than any politician.

Comments continue below

Cougar Blue | 3:15 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Smart step-father, Tim. Republicans don't represent the working man anymore. Haven't for 25 years or more. You have any plans on changing that scenario?

Re: announcing again | 3:18 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

I really don't want Bennett, or Shurtleff. I have been disappointed that it took Bridgewater 5 months to announce AGAIN he was running.

Bridgewater backed McCain, even when Romney was running. He is very nice to talk to, but I am not sure he is who we are looking for.

He ran for Congress twice, made it out of convention and lost in the primary.

He ran for Utah State GOP Chair, against Dave Hansen, and pulled out just before the election.

He seems to show up between fishing trips.

He is smart, but I am not sure about the commitment.

I don't think he was county gop party chair very long, (a few months) so I don't know what he has done to track what he will do.

Spiff | 3:25 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Strange, I heard this story before. Seems to Spiff that this is just another "bored," white, and rich, man that wants more power.

Vote for Cherilyn Eagar | 3:27 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Bridgewater has tried 3 times, and didn't win, or dropped out. He is nice looking, nice guy, has a pretty wife.... he is a real smoozer.

Will he follow through. He announced 5 months ago, didn't file with the FEC, even though he had signs and T-shirts printed and showed up at the gop convention and other places as a candidate. The book the FEC gives you to follow says you can't do that, unless you file.

He can't follow the rules. I am waiting for Bennett or Shurtleff to have him for lunch re: FEC rules.

Is he going to last a week this time?

Campaign Debt from last time | 3:34 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

$221,935. That is what the campaign is in debt from the last time he run. Yes, the debt is his, as opposed to Chris Cannon who owes others $ tens of thousands and isn't paying.

This is a nice man. I echo the concern as to his committment. When he was running for Party Chair, he would show up 5 min before and just talk and leave. He had a nice booth in June, but I guess he just went fishing this summer.

Go Tim | 3:43 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Dont listen to the naysayers Tim. You can do it!

Anyone else? | 3:45 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

If we're not happy with Bennett, do we have to choose between two disciples of John McCain? These guys don't reflect Utah Republicans at all. Is it really that hard to find a true Utah conservative to run who isn't one of the kooks?

Tims Plan | 3:52 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Tim is about as far from the trailer community as he can get. Living in a million-dollar home in Draper. Like most BYU businessmen, he is a Mormon Capitalist. Making money hand-over-fist off anyone that he can. Tim wouldn't represent anyone but his business associates. Using the trailer community for campaign background is a cynical ruse.

Good Guy | 4:21 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Tim is a good guy. Although I would vote for Bridgewater hands-down over the other challengers, Bob Bennett will still get my first vote. Bennett has been and continues to be a great voice for Utah. He may have made some mistakes, yes, but we all do that. He is, in my opinion, one of the good guys. He tries to do what is right. I hope clearer heads will prevail in the elections next year. Benneett is one of the best things Utah has going for it right now.

Anonymous | 4:28 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

oh yeah

CWB | 4:30 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Represent "people like him." What, other multi-millionaires. He is no longer like those he grew up with. How many of them are millionaires? Another rich candidate--that is all he is.

Deseret Dawg | 4:36 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Tim Bridgewater may be a decent guy, but he couldn't make up his mind which office to seek, and he waited far too long to jump in. Mark Shurtleff and Cherilyn Eagar got too big of a jump, and James Williams is still in the picture.

True conservatives need to unite behind Cherilyn Eagar. Shurtleff may be a conservative, but it seems like he has too many "issues".

Anonymous | 4:46 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

I know and like Tim Bridgewater. He's a good man and would be a great representative for the people of Utah. I agree with much of what he believes in. But I think Bob Bennett is a good man too and is doing a good job. I'm willing to give him one more term.

Hallelujah! | 4:47 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Finally, a credible alternative (sorry, Cheryl) to Big Bank Bucks Bennett and the guru of all multilevel marketeers and payday lenders and prepaid legal, none other than Mark Shurtleff. Bridgewater better watch out. Bennett will spend him into the ground and Shurtleff will offer folksy stories while he cuddles up to crooks like Marc Jenson and Rick Koerber.

Three-time Loser | 4:50 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Come on. Doesn't everyone deserve a fourth chance?

Henry Drummond | 4:54 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

I met Tim several years ago and do find him sincere and easy to talk to. Its really not clear to me however exactly what he would do different than our current junior senator. How about giving us some specifics on how you would have voted differently?

Cantfoolme | 5:35 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

I know Bennett. I know Shurtleff. I know Bridgewater. They are all good men. And I think they all try to do the right thing.
I don't know Cherilyn Eagar. But I would assume that she would try to do her best also. I am not a delegate, so I'll wait for the GOP convention to narrow down the choices for a primary runoff or chose who will represent the GOP. Then I'll get to know him/her or them better for the election.

What? | 5:45 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Republicans have never represented workers and never will.

Vote for Bennett's skill, wisdom, and honesty.

Nacilbupera | 5:54 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

If FEC rules have been violated then, he had just better keep his money. He has had his website up and running for some time in addition to the other activity previously mentioned by others.

Cherilyn Eagar has all we could ever want in a candidate: principled conservativism, business experience, smart, fearless, oratory skills, & approachability.

Brian | 6:12 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

If the Republicans hadn't blown it so badly when they had the power the Democrats would have never been given the power they are now wielding with such destructive force. I am sick of voting for the lesser of two evils!

A good, serious contender | 6:26 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Tim is conservative, articlute and a successful business man. The goverment's involvment in free markets is a serious threat to our freedoms, opportunities and way of life. If he can articulate why Americans should be alarmed - and what the consequences are if we continue down this path - then he has a shot at winning.

Huh from above | 6:31 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Republicans have always represented the working people better than the democrats. Just look at the way the dems take over private industry, take away private property and bow down to foreign dictators. Lets all find people of charecter, and traditional values, and get rid of those in DC that are throwing those values in the toilet.

Cherilyn Eagar fans | 6:45 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

She would get her lunch eaten by the likes of Durbin, Leahy and Reid. She is like the the high school student body president that suddenly believes he can save the world. Mrs. Clueless goes to Washington. Bridgewater is a definite improvement over Shurtleff, both in ability and character. If he plays his cards right he could end up in the primary with Bennett - good luck beating Bennett in a state-wide primary - a very tough row the hoe. Tim Bridgewater would be a credit to the State of Utah. Mark Shurtleff would be a constant foot-in-mouth problem and Cherilyn Eagar would win the award for the most clueless member of Congress. Bennett screwed up on the TARP funding but I believe he knows it wouldn't do it again. In these troubled times we need more than red-meat rhetoric, we need good, wise, policy makers who know how to work with others not just throw brick-bats and insults at the Democrats. The insult machine makes good convention rhetoric but it sure doesn't solve any problems. Mr. Brigdewater is my back-up option.

STEP-FATHER | 7:17 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

As an EVANGELICAL CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIAN REPUBLICAN, I think all candidates should be able to pass a "litmus test" of "family values".

I am not sure that having a "step-father" is in line with what we want for a candidate in the CONSERVATIVE PARTY.

He seems to be good at fund raising. Maybe, he can fit the needs of the party by being a fund-raiser.

confused dems | 7:18 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

I agree that dems try to represent the working class by they go about it the wrong way. Rent caps on apartments and unemployment pay ruin an economy more than any big business man could. I was lucky in having Tim Bridgewater as a religious teacher in my church and from personal experience I know he is a man that can make miracles happen. If any one thinks his money has changed him from his trailer park upbringings they should get to know him first.

Bruce | 7:20 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Tim Bridgewater wants to make a difference and I applaud that. However, he doesn't have a chance in unseating Bennett. Shurtleff is in the driver's seat and his name recognition and fundraising abilities will overpower all other challengers.

Losses | 8:25 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

I don't hold previous losses against Bridgewater--Lincoln also had a bad track record before winning the presidency. Bridgewater is a smart conservative with the economic knowledge to really help the country right now. He would serve the right well. Unfortunately, I think Bennett will probably win this one. But hopefully people this race will position Bridgewater to unseat Hatch.

Lady Liberty | 8:51 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

I recently met Tim Bridgewater and I found him to be sincere and impressive. Abraham Lincoln also failed many times before being elected into office.

I also met Mark Shurtliff and I was not at all impressed. His confidence borders arrogance and it has been my experience that arrogant representatives don't care to listen to constituents because they "already have all the answers". I will not be voting for him or Bob Bennett.

Bennett is 76 years old and the Founding Fathers, in their great wisdom, never intended for Washington to be full of veteran politicians. They do lose touch and play all the stupid political games there. Bennett is no exception and it's time for him to come home.

anyone but bennett | 9:19 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

I'm voting for anyone but bennett

Miner | 9:43 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Tim would bring a fresh new perspective to the US Senate. He is bright, energetic, and personable. Plus he's a Bingham Miner! You have my vote, Tim!

Nathan | 9:46 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

I will not vote for "Bailout Bob".

I broke into tears ---- | 9:57 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

to even hear that yet another millionaire is running on the "I represent the little guy" campaign wagon.
I've never, ever seen a Republican represent the little guy unless you count the little corporations with some little tax cuts.
The only comment Tim made was Bennett is out of touch and needs to be replaced.

George | 10:07 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

I agree Bennett needs to go. He is part of the Washington establishment and they all need to be voted out.

Tab L. Uno | 10:34 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

The article didn't really provide any thing specific as to how Bridgewater plans to directly address the needs of the working people of Utah like his step-father. So it appears he has a long way too go to convince working people to vote for him or the Deseret News left out some important information that Bridgewater said about working people.

Anonymous | 10:46 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

I'm certainly willing to give Bridgewater a look. I would also like to hear more about Eagar. Why isn't she getting more information out to the public? I will not vote for Bennett again. Come on ALL candidates, let us know what you stand for!

Dear Joe | 10:50 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

NO he is going to represent thinking people. You missed the whole concept of the story. Sorry about your missing that point.

Dear What | 10:55 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Another cluelss, foundless comment, with absolutely no clue of history.

Anonymous | 11:32 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

18 years is too long? C'mon, that isn't the real reason now. If it was, you would be going after Hatch! The real reason is that Bennett is a moderate that at least tries to work for the interest of the people. It is about purging anyone that is not extreme enough for the party.
Unfortunately, this is the cause of the parties demise, they are unable to work with anyone. It is all about the party, corporate welfare and reelection first, the country and people last.

RE: confused dems | 12:21 a.m. Oct. 23, 2009

So are you saying Tim Bridgewater is rich trailer trash?????

Walter | 3:16 a.m. Oct. 23, 2009

Tim Bridgewater simply wants to be elected to ANYTHING. He's lost two attempts at getting the NOMINATION, I repeat, the nomination for the Republican Party in the 2nd Congressional District. He then tried his hand at running for the Utah State Republican Chairman, and before he could have lost (what I would have esteemed to been miserably), he decided to run for the U.S. Senate. What can we tell from that? As a voter, it shows me that he's more interested in just the office and not actually doing something good. It shows that he's a weak candidate, and though he may be a great guy, he doesn't have it in him, and what he does have in him isn't what we need, it isn't enough, it's not good enough for Utah. Sorry Tim, I heard however that there are many mayors races throughout the state, maybe you could run for something there? Please, just don't make a fool of yourself and Republicans by running for the U.S. Senate.

re: new idea | 4:29 a.m. Oct. 23, 2009

People with their handout looking for someone else to pay are what is dragging this country down.
Save, don't borrow.
Work, don't whine.
Do, don't talk.

Clueless Bridgewater | 4:45 a.m. Oct. 23, 2009

That would be Bridgewater and his supporters. So, he has the glamour shot photo and a burning desire to be a Senator. Wow, so do a million other people. Get in line. Yes, this is America and lots of little boys have those dreams. Being a Senator is serious business, and it takes years and decades under the system our Founding Fathers set up for a Senator to achieve the status and seniority and committee positions it takes to really allow that person to serve effectively. Senators were meant by founding fathers to be persons of achievement, experience, prominence, and by virtue of 6 year terms, to be there longer as a stabilizing force (but still subject to election from time to time). I don't agree with everything Senator Bennett has done or hasn't done, but I only know that he's an honest, decent man who now has the seniority and committee positions on Appropriations Committee to have real influence. Putting a greenhorn in for no other reason than ambition is short-sighted and hurts Utah in the long term.

John C | 6:50 a.m. Oct. 23, 2009

Bailout Bennett should go into retirement gracefully.
Remember his campaign motto against Joe Cannon
Serving no more than TWO TERMS, then moving on.
Shurtleff is a supporter of Vincente Fox theology, when he actually started crying about illegal aliens and how thety were treated ....he lost me.
Tim is a good person with a good grasp of the issues, if he makes it out of convention, I will vote for him.
Why is everyone concerned about how many times Tim has run, remember Lincoln 16 times before he was successful.

Anonymous | 7:20 a.m. Oct. 23, 2009

Tim Bridgewater saying he wants to represent working-class people is an absolute joke. Tim, when have you helped working-class people? Name one policy you've supported to help out the workers of Utah? This guy loves rich people and his policies show it. After all, he belongs to a party that doesn't give a darn about folks who get their hands dirty for a living. Your stepfather is a wise man, Tim. Don't insult his memory by pretending to be something you're not.

PS: Crying to announce your candidacy? Is Glenn Beck your role model?

tenx | 7:36 a.m. Oct. 23, 2009

I agree with John C 6:50 am. I won't vote for incumbents or those who are special guests of LaRaza. Need someone to represent Utah citizens.

Let's Be Realistic Here | 8:22 a.m. Oct. 23, 2009

Senator Bennett is 78 years old. WIth another 6 year term, he'll be 84 years old. My hunch is that he'll probably retire with one more term. Why put him out to pasture when he's at the very summit of his power and influence, not to mention experience? By then, Bridgewater will be a youthful 54 years old. Plenty of time to start a Senatorial career, heaven forbid. Maybe instead of shooting for a top office, why not start on the city council, or county commission, or state legislature and get some real-world legislative experience first? Oh hey, there's a novel approach!

@Lets be Real.. | 9:15 a.m. Oct. 23, 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.

Bennnett is doing great damage to the US. He is a top spender, earmark abuser and does not represent Utah anymore. He needs to be removed.

The question is by who? Shurleff? Not another attorney. Williams? Too Libertarian and not ready.

That leaves Eagar and Bridgewater and Granato.

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