Reader comments
2 party insiders may take on Bennett
72 comments | Read story
go for it | 2:54 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
I'm in Id. but I say go for it.... all incumbents need to be booted for the
way they have got rich off taxpayers and voted the way they have...I'm 100%
for getting rid of all incumbents. I'm sure there are some that are honest
and hardworking for their state and people they are supposed to represent..but
who knows???? I just went down last Tues. and voted against every
incumbent..only one was booted because people are stuck in the way they have
always voted..too bad but I hope others will get it and send the message to
ALL..we're sick of it...Thank you
Wrex | 3:01 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
I know who they need:
ENID! ENID! ENID!
Come on, guys, install Enid Greene! She is so awesomely possumly awesome!!
ENID! ENID! ENID!
ENID! ENID! ENID!
Come on, guys, install Enid Greene! She is so awesomely possumly awesome!!
ENID! ENID! ENID!
Comments continue below
C | 3:09 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Mike Lee is an amazing Constitutional Scholar with Supreme Court experience. I
hope someone like that runs for the senate.
Anonymous | 3:09 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Bennett is the real conservative in this race and will school both of them.
Just a concerned Citizen | 3:13 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
I think Fred would be an awesome candidate to run against Bennett. Eagar is a
joke and Bridgewater isn't fiscally conservative. Run Fred Run!
Mike Lee? | 3:14 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
I've been involved with Utah politics and a State Delegate for the last few
years and I have no idea who Mike Lee is. We already have Cherilyn representing
the far right I think he is in over his head. Wait and run as a state Senator or
Legislator- you are just shooting too high.
I Like Mike | 3:32 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
If said attorney understands the Constitution, is willing to vigorously defend
the values upon which we are founded then YES!
Mike is an honest man, passionate scholar of the Constitution and just what the doctor ordered.
Mike is an honest man, passionate scholar of the Constitution and just what the doctor ordered.
Dan | 3:36 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
I do not know Mike Lee, but the article mentions he is a constitutional scholar.
I would like to learn more about each candiate and see some debates between
them before making a decision.
Anonymous | 3:37 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
turnout for a primary or general election is important, Too few and the
incumbent or name gets it, and too many they do too.
State gop convention with 95% turnout, that isn't going to matter.
In june this year, with just under 2000 of the 3500 showing up in an off year, Bennett's reaction was poor, where 4 out of the 5 (now 3 of the 4) had booths and were seen by more than have the current delegates.
Many thousands have heard Eagar there and at the rallys, lunches, meetings since.
No one getting in now can totally make up for not being at last years convention, no matter the amount of time or energy spent.
My opinion only.
State gop convention with 95% turnout, that isn't going to matter.
In june this year, with just under 2000 of the 3500 showing up in an off year, Bennett's reaction was poor, where 4 out of the 5 (now 3 of the 4) had booths and were seen by more than have the current delegates.
Many thousands have heard Eagar there and at the rallys, lunches, meetings since.
No one getting in now can totally make up for not being at last years convention, no matter the amount of time or energy spent.
My opinion only.
@anon 3:09 | 3:41 p.m. Nov. 9, 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.
Bennett abuses earmarks and spends in the 10% of the senate. He isn't conservative. Even his healthcare bill he sponsored had an abortion clause, requiring any insurance company to provide abortion coverage, except church owned companies.
Bennett has to go. The question is who.
Bennett abuses earmarks and spends in the 10% of the senate. He isn't conservative. Even his healthcare bill he sponsored had an abortion clause, requiring any insurance company to provide abortion coverage, except church owned companies.
Bennett has to go. The question is who.
@Lee | 3:50 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Lee would be an awesome Judge. He doesn't have the experience than Eagar
has dealing with getting things passed or not and she hasn't been elected
yet.
Chris | 3:50 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Fred would be a great candidate. Hope he runs.
Fred Lamp.. | 3:52 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Lampropolous may have the money, but he lost against Huntsman at convention. Can
anyone tell me why?
Brigewater has made it out of convention and lost twice.
I would like to see what Eagar can do.
Brigewater has made it out of convention and lost twice.
I would like to see what Eagar can do.
Someone Just Someone! | 4:09 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Anybody, just put a qualified person on the ticket, these incumbents MUST go all
of them!
Last Year's Convention?!? | 4:11 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Anonymous wrote, "No one getting in now can totally make up for not being
at last years [sic] convention, no matter the amount of time or energy
spent."
Whatever. This is such a stupid position, and is only being articlated by Eager and her ilk.
Just so you know, last June's convention (June was five months ago and was actually part of THIS year0 was an "Organizing" Convention where party officers were elected to two year terms. It has NOTHING to do with next year's "Nominating" convention. Furthermore, the two year term of every delegate who attended this year's convention will expire in March 2010 WHEN NEW DELEGATES ARE CHOSEN. Historically, 60 percent of each new crop of state delegates are first times. So the majority of delegates who met candidates at their booth's in June will not even be delegates next year.
Whatever. This is such a stupid position, and is only being articlated by Eager and her ilk.
Just so you know, last June's convention (June was five months ago and was actually part of THIS year0 was an "Organizing" Convention where party officers were elected to two year terms. It has NOTHING to do with next year's "Nominating" convention. Furthermore, the two year term of every delegate who attended this year's convention will expire in March 2010 WHEN NEW DELEGATES ARE CHOSEN. Historically, 60 percent of each new crop of state delegates are first times. So the majority of delegates who met candidates at their booth's in June will not even be delegates next year.
To @ Lee | 4:14 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Lee has worked closely with judges, justices, and executive and legislative
officials at the very highest levels of the state and federal government. He
understands the law and the constitution far better than any of the other
challengers could ever hope to understand them. He is exactly the kind of guy
we need in Washington right now.
AyreWolf | 4:19 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Don't matter none, Bennett will win since has the LDS backing. If
ya'll want real change vote Confederate National Party.
Dear Cherilyn | 4:33 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
It is very unseemly, not to mention counterproductive and downright weird, for
Cherilyn Eager and her campaign staff to tell others that they can't enter
the race against Bennett. But that is exactly what they are doing even in their
comments to this article. If they are so unsure of themselves and their
candidate that they have to resort to telling others that they can't get
into the race, then they must lack confidence in their own message. Cherilyn:
your job is to win us over as delegates by telling us why you think you're
the right candidate, not why other possible challengers are not. We will decide
on our own what we think of the others, and many of us find it very insulting
when you try to do that for us. Even worse, when you focus on everyone else, it
makes us think of you as an inferior commodity, and I'm sure you don't
want to portray yourself that way. Aside from the damage your strategy might
cause to the vitally important and growing movement to unseat Bennett, your
strategy harms your own campaign far more than anything else.
katamb | 4:41 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Ok, everybody who has been at their jobs for more than 15 years - it's time
to quit!!!!! Come on peeps! Experience is still worth a lot. It takes years for
a senator to get on the choice committees so he/she can fight for our state.
Besides, I'd like to see a conservative woman run.
NL | 4:48 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Eighteen years a long time for a person who said he would be a one term Senator.
Term limits much needed. I am 80 years old maybe I should try and only run for
one term if I lived that long. Time for a change and replace Hatch as well as
Bennett. They have had their time and no complaints on their service we just
need new people to pick up the battle.
To @Lee | 4:55 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Did you have a typo in your comment? Cherilyn has no experience with getting
anything passed in any elected position. Or did you mean because she has
lobbied, she is somehow more qualified? Please. She is shrill and she is mean.
Look at what she sent out when Mark Shurtleff dropped out of the race. She
quickly turned into a piece all about her. Mike Lee is an awesome choice.
Fred may have the $$ but he can't get out of convention.
Fred may have the $$ but he can't get out of convention.
See Fred Run -Go Fred Go | 5:07 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Fred's convention loss to Huntsman was two-fold. The UEA default when Olene
[siting Gov] went out & Convention Media Presentation difficulties-
combined. Take away either and he would have been in the Primary. Easily
overcome this time.
Fred would be a great and a credible candidate. If Fred enters and is serious, depending on who he hires for his team- I think he wins.
Fred has everything the delegates would look for to defeat Bennett, including the cash to stay up with him.
Bennett must be wishing Shurtleff was still in the race. lol
Fred would be a great and a credible candidate. If Fred enters and is serious, depending on who he hires for his team- I think he wins.
Fred has everything the delegates would look for to defeat Bennett, including the cash to stay up with him.
Bennett must be wishing Shurtleff was still in the race. lol
Hm. | 5:15 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
This Lee guy sounds legit. I would like to learn more about him.
Constitutional scholar? Sounds right to me. I don't care about
experience. In fact, I'd say this vague thing we refer to as
"experience" is looking worse and worse as time goes on (Bennett,
Hatch, etc).
DD | 5:27 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
I was at the convention when Huntsman was elected, as I recall, it was a pretty
tight race between Huntsman and Fred until the round when Walker dropped off,
and most of her 2nd votes went to Huntsman, letting him win.
Do It! | 6:18 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
I too don't like so many attorneys in Congress but this Mike Lee sounds
interesting. I say, let's have everyone run....Bennett needs to defend his
TARP vote. That one still kills me.
Jim | 6:37 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Bennett has manifest disdain for his constituents. Both our senators have been
in too long and should be replaced.
Anyone but Eager and Bennett | 6:44 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
I pray to high heaven that this state will not have to suffer another term of
Bennett or Eager. I don't necessarily dislike Shurtleff, but I see his
withdrawal as a potential blessing of having someone REALLY good run. I loathe
that folks think they have to vote for the lesser of two evils. The lesser of
two evils is still voting for evil. And believe you me, Eager and Bennett are
very, very much the same.
what! | 7:56 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Bennett is a conservative, BWAHAHA...
I needed a good laugh.. thanks
2007 | 7:59 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
I am still angry about Bennett's support of the Bush, McCain,and Kennedy
2007 Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill, Commonly referred to as the
"Amnesty Bill." So, for me it is almost any port in a storm, but
Bennett. I am a state delegate and I hope to be elected again in March, so that
I will have several chances to vote against Sen. Bennett.
I have met and discussed issues with Mrs Eagar, who seems a little shallow. I had a discussion last year with Mr. Lee, who I found to be very impressive. I also, have no problem with Mr. Lampropolous. I am beginning to feel better already! I am very pleased that Mr. Shurtluff has withdrawn, since he and Sen. Bennett are birds of a feather. He hope that both Mr. Lee and Mr. Lampropolous join the campaign for the Senate.
What would be really choice, would be if Sen Bennett loses the the first round ballot at the convention, leaving Lampropolous, Lee, and Eagar.
I have met and discussed issues with Mrs Eagar, who seems a little shallow. I had a discussion last year with Mr. Lee, who I found to be very impressive. I also, have no problem with Mr. Lampropolous. I am beginning to feel better already! I am very pleased that Mr. Shurtluff has withdrawn, since he and Sen. Bennett are birds of a feather. He hope that both Mr. Lee and Mr. Lampropolous join the campaign for the Senate.
What would be really choice, would be if Sen Bennett loses the the first round ballot at the convention, leaving Lampropolous, Lee, and Eagar.
cookie | 8:18 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
I to think it is time to see Bennett go. I will not be voting for him. I also
think it is time for Hatch to find the door!
JTG | 9:36 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Lee is brilliant. I certainly hope "he's in". This guy is EXACTLY
what we need to replace Bennett. He's brilliant, committed to the
Constitution and a true Conservative. Go Lee!!
I had the chance | 10:47 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
to meet Lee his wife and daughter recently. Nice family. I like Mike. He is
friendly real and down to earth. Hey there is their slogan! "I like
Mike!"
I hope he goes for it and grassroots wins again, with Mike Lee for Senate.
Boot BENNETT!
I hope he goes for it and grassroots wins again, with Mike Lee for Senate.
Boot BENNETT!
vjsing | 11:24 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Boot Bennett? And elect whom? Nowadays a 'conservative' in Utah is a
Glenn Beck loving person who needs a basic lesson in history, economics and
politics. Embarassing to say the least! Moderate Republicans are a dying
breed. Now let's all go to a 'Tea Party' and shed some tears
over our embellished version of the founding fathers...
pathetic!
pathetic!
Go Bob! | 11:35 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
I've met Bennett before and he is a nice man. He also knows the
Constitution is true, so the grass roots definitely will vote for him. Go
grass!
Bennett is for Big Government | 12:44 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Bennett's lips may draw near to the Constitution, but his heart is far from
it. He's too old, he has been in Washington too long, and he is still
trying to expand the role of the federal govenment. Get him out now, please.
We need Mike Lee to take him out.
Perfect Storm | 1:36 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
This election cycle is starting to look like the perfect storm to clean house.
If the US Electorate just had the juts, they would vote every incumbent out of
office and allow a new, fresh perspective into Washington. Sure things
won't be perfect, but anything is better than what we got now
Good News! | 4:33 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
I was a Fred L. fan when he ran for Gov., I think he will be great. He has
principles and is Conservative!
Many posters do not seem to get it, Republicans used to be conservative, but not so much any more. The problem with Sen.Bennett is he is NOT conservative enough. His position on Health Care, Immigration, and the Banking Mess(Freddie Fiasco) are out of touch with the MAJORITY of Utahans. He also (with Hatch) voted for Obama's Regulation Czar which is a BIG MISTAKE that doesn't get enough attention.
A conservative state (which Utah IS) deserves to be represented by a true conservative!
Many posters do not seem to get it, Republicans used to be conservative, but not so much any more. The problem with Sen.Bennett is he is NOT conservative enough. His position on Health Care, Immigration, and the Banking Mess(Freddie Fiasco) are out of touch with the MAJORITY of Utahans. He also (with Hatch) voted for Obama's Regulation Czar which is a BIG MISTAKE that doesn't get enough attention.
A conservative state (which Utah IS) deserves to be represented by a true conservative!
Bennett must go. | 4:59 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
People are on the wrong track in selecting representatives. How nice they are is
not even relevant and most of the time just a front for deception. Especially
for those with mormon beliefs.
My belief is that no lawyers should ever be allowed to run for representation in the administrative side of government. They are already prejudiced by judicial government and does not keep a separation of powers in government.
Other requirements are honesty, openness, and willing to buck the system and think of the people first. If representatives would think of people first, party affiliatiion is not important. Party affiliation on means who will control them and the people. I want a representative that can discriminate and make decisions based on people needs and open and honest government.
We can't depend on the news media for unbiased and honest reporting either. Power brokers already control them and what is reported in the news.
My belief is that no lawyers should ever be allowed to run for representation in the administrative side of government. They are already prejudiced by judicial government and does not keep a separation of powers in government.
Other requirements are honesty, openness, and willing to buck the system and think of the people first. If representatives would think of people first, party affiliatiion is not important. Party affiliation on means who will control them and the people. I want a representative that can discriminate and make decisions based on people needs and open and honest government.
We can't depend on the news media for unbiased and honest reporting either. Power brokers already control them and what is reported in the news.
Out | 5:57 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
There is a pay-back time. If you vote against what we want you don't get reelected.
Amnesty Bill!
Out you go Bennett. You are working for us not yourself. We the people will be heard !
D Barlow | 6:03 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Mike Lee is the real deal! He is truly a constitution scholar and is looking
out for Utah's interest. I think we all know what happens to our interests
when our senators and representatives have been in Washington too long.
Let's get some new blood in there and make something happen.
Anonymous | 6:56 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
This really isn't about whether Bennett is a nice man or not. It's
about whether a person will stand up to the progressives in Congress. It seems
that someone who understands the Constitution might have a better chance up
upholding it. There needs to be no compromise on one thing when serving in the
Senate. Their very PURPOSE is to uphold the constitution. Every piece of
legislation they pass must fall within the constrictions of the Constitution. I
think all the long term incumbents need a come uppance!
Fred Wins | 7:27 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
The headlines will be saying Fred wins after convention. He is such a great guy,
a good speaker and he has the backing of a lot of party loyalist. Eager is a
joke. Her self obsorbed, entitled attitude will be no different than Bennett.
Fred has my vote.
No, please | 7:39 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
I am not a Fed L. fan. I can't spell his name and don't want to
learn how. He should stay in the business field. No, no, no to Fred for
Senator or Governor or anything else.
Anonymous | 7:43 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Oh, the egos. These challengers will fail. And the mere idea of Chaffetz is
ridiculous. Bennett is a shoo-in.
Micah | 8:38 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Fred's loss in 2004 was the first time that the preferential balloting
really had a major effect on a big race. With preferential balloting, the
voters list the candidates in order of preference. For Fred L. Fans, that meant
that Fred was at the top of the list, with their number two choice listed below
and so on down the line.
When a candidate is knocked out, all of the votes that counted for that person then go to the number two person on the ticket. For instance, if you voted for Olene Walker as your number one choice, your vote counted for her each ballot count until she came up last with the fewest votes. Each ballot that had Walker at the top was then recounted giving the next candidate down the list those votes.
Walker and Karras were both "education candidates" drawing from the same voter pool. Lampropolous and Huntsman were both businessmen drawing from the same pool. Lampropolous' split of the "business vote" was less than the entire "education vote" that got pooled once Walker came up last in the balloting.
Fred's 2004 loss should not reflect poorly on him.
When a candidate is knocked out, all of the votes that counted for that person then go to the number two person on the ticket. For instance, if you voted for Olene Walker as your number one choice, your vote counted for her each ballot count until she came up last with the fewest votes. Each ballot that had Walker at the top was then recounted giving the next candidate down the list those votes.
Walker and Karras were both "education candidates" drawing from the same voter pool. Lampropolous and Huntsman were both businessmen drawing from the same pool. Lampropolous' split of the "business vote" was less than the entire "education vote" that got pooled once Walker came up last in the balloting.
Fred's 2004 loss should not reflect poorly on him.
Anybody Besides Incumbents | 9:08 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Run all of you, we will elect you, this time the incumbents on both sides will
taste defeat! We just have to clean house voters, and start fresh with others
and hold them to the fire or it's out with them to in 1 term.
Ted | 9:36 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Fred L. is not the man. We have enough self-preservationist egos in DC without
sending another. And not being able to shun or get rid of constituents like he
does wives could be a real distraction for him!
Mike Lee could well deserve a hard look. Having someone in DC who knows and respects the Constitution would be a refreshing change.
Mike Lee could well deserve a hard look. Having someone in DC who knows and respects the Constitution would be a refreshing change.
No Joke | 9:39 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Let's get someone who really cares about the state, like Olene does. She
had principal and support but lacked the funds. Hopefully we can get someone
that doesn't have the means to buy the seat, which will work for the people
and not the special interests.
jakedaute | 9:41 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
For anyone considering running against Bennett there are a number of voters that
are not satisfied with Senator Bennett's "conservative" voting
record on illegal immigration issues. Nor are we fooled by his recent attempts
to try and create a different image of his voting record on these issues with
Utah voters.
Add this to the bill healthcare reform he co-sponsored with a liberal democrat that many observers called "very little different than the Obama, Pelosi and Reed plans" and there are a number of conservative Republicans that would support, work for and contribute financially to a candidate with conservative views that would vote that way once they got to Washington.
Add this to the bill healthcare reform he co-sponsored with a liberal democrat that many observers called "very little different than the Obama, Pelosi and Reed plans" and there are a number of conservative Republicans that would support, work for and contribute financially to a candidate with conservative views that would vote that way once they got to Washington.
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.
Related content
- Aria Resort opens in grand style 9:40 p.m.
- Utah Jazz gameday 9:39 p.m.
- Gun buffs target ethics reform 9:31 p.m.
- Blog: Quick-hits from BYU vs. Wagner 9:29 p.m.
- Aggies get commitment from lineman 9:26 p.m.
- Health care revamp in doubt? 9:22 p.m.
- Aggies face former Big West rival 9:16 p.m.
- More Filipinos flee, volcano spills 9:15 p.m.
- The mtn. owns rights to Y. games 9:13 p.m.
- Foreign adoptions hit 13-year low 9:13 p.m.
- Susan Powell's family saddened
- Susan Powell notebook seized
- Conan mocks Orrin Hatch, Mormons
- Here are Max Hall's Top 10 wins
- It's official; Heaps signs with BYU
- Genetic testing, ethical dilemmas
- David Archuleta's different mission
- Watching over the Sacred Grove
- Frances Monson recovering well
- Jazz open road trip with victory
- Here are Max Hall's Top 10 wins
149 - Conan mocks Orrin Hatch, Mormons143
- It's official; Heaps signs with BYU139
- Letters: 'Liberal conceit'134
- Stay the course with our president117
- Jazz stunned by Timberwolves114
- TV mom gives birth to 19th child113
- Susan Powell notebook seized113
- Josh Powell meets with WVC police109
- Susan Powell's family saddened107
These days, more than half of adults actually want gift cards, those...
Latest comments
Pencil us in for BCS Championship next 4 years! Jake is our Moses who will...
"A Man's Perspective". And it took a Utah Fan to say it. I agree 100%.
the mtn!!!!!!
The AP ignored Pitta. WOW what a surprise.
In hindsight, Alex Smith's success should be attributed to Urban Meyer....
Re:Overcoat clue "Certaintly, all her friends and family members could...
The Copenhagen talks on climate change were convened with a sense of urgency...
Congressman Bishop for cutting through the political balogne and getting down...
A hearty "well done" to the Living Planet visionaries, staff, volunteers....
It looks like both parties are selfish enough to be the parties of No....
Advertisements
Do we need another one?
Mike Lee is a great guy, but we don't want to replace our only non-attorney too liberal businessman with an attorney that would be better used somewhere else.