John Swallow got campaign funds from allegedly fraudulent telemarketer

I don't mind people who just work in the AG's office doing some side work, especially on federal cases that will not be a conflict of interest for the state. If they want to work that hard, then good for them. And this story is just boring. Blah.

It would be a mistake for any to side with or against Swallow strictly based on their party affiliation. I'm a strong believer that blind party loyalty is a key contributor to political corruption. This is one of many reasons I choose to stay independent. I ceased to support Shurtleff when he chose to be a lobbyist for his various pet issues. For this reason I could not support someone that directly served under him while he performed duties on the tax payer dime that were outside the realm of his elected office. This is one of many reasons I did not vote for Swallow. I'm now glad I didn't for another reason. If you don't think there isn't a good ol boys club in the Utah GOP that has their, not your, best interest in mind you are living under a rock.

It's unfortunate that so many of us think that a public servant has to commit a felony before he or she is held accountable for actions. Of course we should look forward to a federal investigation into the accusations around John Swallow. The results of such an investigation will determine whether or not he is prosecuted for a crime. However, the facts as we know them right now, and as he has himself acknowledged, have already determined he is unfit to hold the office he now holds. He should step down.

"To "one old man" shout we apply that to the Federal government too? Anytime that we have to investigate something should we put those people on administrative leave?

You realize that if we equally applied what you propose that Bush, Cheney, Bohner, and many other high ranking officials will have to be put on administrative leave while the investigations take place."

Why not?

But let's remember that this Swallow issue is not something some right wing nut job dreamed up. This is real.

what is really bad is the fact that they use auto calling to call you even if you are on a no call list. then if you answer they dont always even talk to you and hang up. they call me about credit card interest and i dont pay interest. i get 3-4 calls a week and they just call from other number. they get away with it because people like swallow let then. our last ag, had the backing of the quick loan places that charge 500 % interest on loans. more than the mob does. the mob will break your arm the loan places might break your life. ive never bought from the phone sales and never will it is too bad they dont get the hint. we can go on line and buy things why would we want people calling us at our homes. the banks back the loan centers by the way. you know the gamble all on home prices people. we trust them huh.

$5k to Swallow is nothing. I lose that in the wash.

But 20 times that amount went to Shurtleff?

Sounds like you are stepping over a dollar to pick up a nickel.

How is one guilty and not the other.

We need term limits in every phase of government! There are too many lifers that gather up the cash and favors and then have to pay everyone back with favoritism of some kind.

To "one old man" shout we apply that to the Federal government too? Anytime that we have to investigate something should we put those people on administrative leave?

You realize that if we equally applied what you propose that Obama, Eric Holder, Hilary Clinton, and many other high ranking officials will have to be put on administrative leave while the investigations take place. Are you prepared to shut down the Executive branch so that investigations can be done accoring to your rules?

Remember during his campaign when
someone painted an "S" after the
W in his last name? Way too funny...........

Another one of those quick rich schemes so many of our LDS are quick to fall prey to. So many of our LDS still don't understand, that if it seems too good, it actually is too good. The upfront costs should scare you away immediately.

How much funds? A lot or a little?

Follow the money and you'll always find out what's really going on. If your the typical, Utah Republican this whole thing is hard to Swallow.

I completely agree with one old man, this shouldn't be about Swallow being a Republican. As we all know nearly every politician lies, cheats, and does unsavory things to get where they are. Shurtleff it seems was bought off by these frauds, and Swallow learned from his former boss and has been on the same course. I think Swallow should step down, period. One week into office and already two stories where he's associated with criminals. I'm a Republican and I think Swallow needs to at the very least be suspended from his position until these investigations are resolved.

@Scott Farcus

Sad but true...

BTW...

Nice screen name!

As sad as it is to say; show me an honest politician and Ill show you a loser.

Something to think about

Call4, if you will try again, you might understand that what you're saying is just about what I was saying.

Don't let party loyalty blind you.

@ Call4Moderation, it seems to me that you are putting party first. This really has nothing to do witht eh Democrats or partisanship. The initial claims did not come from the Dems, but from a friend, aasociate and/or colleague of Swallow. Swallow's role as AG carries a high standard, and the taint is serious. High ethical standards are not, in my view, fully appreciated in the culture of Utah in my experience, especially when the players play the religion card (which is done a lot in many different ways). IF Utah wants to sweep this under the rug because Swallow is a Republican, a Mormon, a BYU grad, or whatever, then it is proof that ethics are relative in this state. Perhaps at one level this is not that big of a deal, but at a level that is really meaningful, it should be. We either stand for a high level of ethics and integrity, or we don't.

So you guys read an article about how AG Swallow DIDN'T accept bribe money, and how one of THOUSANDS of donors ended up being indicted (not convicted) of a crime, and Swallow should resign? Get a grip people.

@ One Old Man
You actually have to OPEN an investigation before putting them on leave. So far, there isn't even enough to open an investigation. That should tell you how premature all these Dems (Dubakis) and Reyes supporters (who are still bitter) are being. Everyone calling for resignations and stepping down just needs to relax. I'm sure that some Romney supporters were indicted for stuff too. Swallow may have done something wrong, BUT...he may also have done absolutely nothing wrong. So just relax.

Perhaps it would be best if Swallow found another job. He will always be tainted, unfortunately, and for this position, that's not a good thing.

@one old man

I agree, especially considering the fact that he is the State's Chief Law Enforcement Officer.

When a school teacher or police officer or other public servant has been involved in an incident that requires an investigation, the person is placed on paid administrative leave until it is complete.

Shouldn't that be the case with Mr. Swallow?

The plot thickens.

Or should that be "The plot SICKENS?"