Notes from the 2010 Utah Republican Nominating Convention, 8 May 2010
[My notes in this kind of bracket.]
{Summary of speaker remarks and presentation in whatever kind of brackets these are.}
[Standard caveat on my notes from speeches: People typically talk faster than I type. As a result, many of my notes aren't exact quotes, and I will leave some parts out because I can't capture it all. My intent is to relate as much material as close to the intent of the speaker as I can.]
Prayer
Pledge
Roll Call
3098 delegates registered so far
CHALLENGES
3 credentials challenges filed by the May 3 deadline by: David Duncan, David Duncan, and Lowell Nelson
Determination: 2 have no merit, 1 has merit
Challenge 1: Disqualify ex officio delegates under the charge of the party not following its own rules.
Result: Unfounded.
Challenge 2: Charge that Tooele county improperly applied the rules in allocating delegate spots.
Result: It was determined that they did not exceed the total number of state delegates. While the distribution may not have been ideal, the county faces a difficult demographic and geographic situation.
Challenge 3: Challenge of Nancy Lord’s suspension. (Likely the result of the lawsuit.)
Result: After careful review, the committee recommends she be reinstated. It does not dispute the county party’s right to make such determinations.
Chairman Dave Hansen addressing the imminent attempt to raise the ex officio delegate issue again.
8 years ago, the party adopted Standing Rule 1. [The Chair pretty much ran the whole automatic delegate discussion through in less than 5 minutes.]
Motion to continue with convention business proceeding: Passed
Convention Rules: Passed
Agenda: Passed
Chairman Dave Hansen
A lot of emotion has built up over the past several weeks. Remember to maintain proper decorum and order. No booing, hissing or catcalls. Cheer as much as you want for your candidate. While candidates are speaking, avoid the booing. Booing in your heart, the desire for booing, is okay. Here’s a chance to get it out of your system… {Pictures of Pelosi, Reid, Obama, Matheson.} Get the booing out of your system. Violations will forfeit the remainder of their time.
I vigorously support the caucus system. These are the best educated, best informed delegates. You research and understand the issues. I tell people, “these are the kinds of folks that record C-SPAN for later viewing.”
I appreciate the great honor of being your chair. For the past six weeks you have been the center of the political world in Utah. I’ve said that any delegate who pays for a meal between caucus and convention is not doing their duty. However, just because convention is over, your duty is not over. The primary is June 22. Our job continues to help those candidates and make sure they get elected this November. That’s the charge I give to you.
SENATE – Round 1 of 3
Tim Bridgewater
{Video that covers his roots. Theme – The voice of the businessman.}
Today the countdown is on. We are 178 days away from taking back Congress & retiring Harry Reid. No more taxes, irresponsible spending, trampling states rights, telling terrorists they have the right to remain silent. No more apologies for greatest nation on earth. Do you want to take back our country? Then vote for Tim Bridgewater. It will take more than legal maneuvering. More than seniority. Oil from our own lands, not our enemies. It will take a constitutionalist who is also a capitalist. I am a small businessman who has created jobs in Utah. I understand payroll and taxes. The Obama regime is crushing us. Pat Toomey will beat “Benedict” Arlen Specter. Shipp will replace Dodd. A businessman or businesswoman will replace Harry Reid.
To progressives and liberals, the constitution is a right wing relic that needs to be revised every time someone mentions God. We do not derive a single right from the federal government. That is an issue way above Obama’s pay grade. Our inalienable rights come from God. We have all seen America diminished by the party in power. We owe our children so much more. Less debt, more opportunity. Leaders who put the needs of the USA over the demands of the ACLU. States rights, limited constitutional government, the right to life, no amnesty, no cap and trade, no more funding the UN. Count on this gun owner to protect our right to bear arms. It will take a businessman to reform earmarks. The US military is not administering social programs in Afghanistan, they are risking their lives.
Bob Bennett
Mitt Romney – It is an honor to be among men and women of great spirit. I’m here to introduce a man so engaged in our battles, he rarely speaks up for himself. He is a man of faith and family who loves freedom and free enterprise. He faces an uphill battle at this convention. Some may disagree with a handful of his votes, or may just want a new face. We need Bob Bennett’s intellect, skill, loyalty and power. Utahns work together and honor fair play. I’d like to introduce a fighter, a man with wisdom, that America & Utah cannot afford to lose. Senator Bob Bennett.
Bennett – Thank you so much Mitt. Your support is much appreciated. No one is better prepared to lead our party in 2012 than you are. In talking with delegates, two questions always come up. 1) Are you really listening to us? 2) Why do you want to do this again? Yes, I am listening. I hear you when you say you want a fighter. I want to repeal Obamacare and I want to repeal Obama. I not only agree, I believe that we will do it. You want more accountability in government. I sponsored a bill to audit the Federal Reserve. I voted for a balanced budget amendment three times. I’m making sure there won’t be a tax increase for the Democrats. Taxes are already too high. The fire in my belly is brighter than ever. I have an oath registered in heaven to support and defend the Constitution. With every vote I make, I ask the question “will this decision strengthen America or weaken it? Fighting al Qaeda strengthens us. States rights strengthen us.
Locking up 9.4 million acres of land in Utah weakens us. I have blocked the land grab every time. I have tools I lacked as a freshman. We cannot postpone the day of reckoning. I will retire in 6 years when we’ve solved this problem. Ronald Reagan faced unemployment higher than now. He believed that Americans can solve any problem they put their minds to, and so do I. I have faith in America and faith in God. Faith drives out fear. Utahns have not been taken in by the special interest groups who have tried to take over this campaign.. Utahns reject doomsayers and fearmongers. Utah is convinced that God will continue to bless America. That’s where I stand. I ask you to stand with me.
Jeremy Friedbaum
In Utah we have a song to bolster us. Do what is right, let the consequence follow. Some would say that is wholly inadequate when applied to politics. Rationalizing a choice that is wrong wounds you. The party establishment campaigned for Arlen Specter over Pat Toomey. We all know the results of that wrong choice. Specter went independent and Republicans lost a filibuster proof majority. Government has become a Goliath. We need someone like David, proven by god and willing to fight with unconventional weapons. My grandfather was rabbi, who disinherited me when I converted to the LDS faith.
I felt called to challenge Chris Cannon. The delegates forced a primary. The Independent American party asked to run for governor as the only constitutionalist. I went on a hunger strike to get into the debates. After 39 days of fasting, they let me in on last debate. I don’t ask for any money. I run a frugal campaign. I will only run one term to not have a reelection fund to allow legalized bribes. I will be free to make bold, morally right choices. I will use all powers available. The time to drug test Congress has come. {Argument for adopting rules for drug testing in both houses of Congress.} I advocate expanding the use of imminent domain for commercial gain. A conventional candidate’s first concern is getting reelected.
Leonard Fabiano
I’m here to apply for the job of US Senator. I wanted to get you all together before I mentioned this so I could get all your opinions back. I’m from New Jersey. I was in the US Air Force in Korea. I went to Colorado, met wife, have eight kids, and have served two mission for the Church in Italy. My primary job was training leaders. I first went into business in 1968. I’m still in business and do fine, thank you. I haven’t accepted any donations for the campaign. I will not accept any salary. When it’s time to retire, I wont accept any retirement benefits at all. To me it isn’t a job, its a mission. It’s something that needs to be accomplished for our country. You probably want to know what I stand for. I’ll give you an example. When the flag passes by, you put your hand over heart, showing allegiance to the flag. What does it stand for? The Constitution. That’s what it’s all about. We need to understand as a people we cannot maintain our freedom or liberty if we are ignorant or immoral. This problem has got to be solved. There’s a way we can do it. I want to talk to you about it right now. We solve it by reaching everyone in the country about what the Constitution is and what it means.
The place for that to begin is Utah, because you of all people know this is a God-given document for the regulation of the affairs of men. You people are used to serving. I want more service out of you. I want to put together an organization. It’s called the Renaissance of Liberty foundation. I want to organize today, with you. When you get back to your precincts seek out two volunteer teachers to teach a six week course. The subject will be the book The 5000 Year Leap. That book teaches principles the founding fathers used to create the Constitution. This is what we need to know an understand. After one course is delivered, for each class, carry it on. In five months, can have 105,000 classes teaching the Constitution in our state. Soon we’ll have the capacity to teach 1 million people. In the next six weeks, we’ll cover the state if everyone is willing to do it. After voting, a friend will loan us a room to meet in. {Gives directions for getting two delegates per 400 people in each county.} This can only be done if all of you are willing to help out with this. Can I get your help? This is the greatest service we can do for our country. We’ll announce later on the time and where to meet.
Merrill Cook
Of all the candidates running, one has the experience necessary to defuse the crisis in DC. Only one warned the people that Fannie & Freddie’s economic policies would harm the US. Lets do it right this time. Lets send Merrill Cook to the US senate. Jefferson warned that if we ever let a federal bank take control, the freedoms that patriots fought for would be lost. I am here, committed to ending corruption in Washington. I offer substance, truth and honest representation. Too many fine, upstanding citizens have fallen on hard times while banks get rich. I hold them responsible for the problem. I have been told they are too big to fail. That argument is without substance. It puts the burden on you and jeopardizes the American dream.
Why am I running? I love this country. We must act fast and be decisive. Your senator must represent your interests, not the interests of DC. In the two terms I served as your Congressman, I demonstrated my commitment to you. I battled special interest groups. I battled Hatch and Bennett who were for big banks. Ron Paul, Richard Baker and I were on record fighting against the bill. Senator Bennett, you should have been there with us instead of refusing to help us. Running a business equipped me with the experience to be prepared. It takes hard work to build anything of value. I know a scam when I see one, and I’m convinced you do too. I have the education to outwit those who would deceive you. I have the integrity and experience to represent you. I have established the critical relationships necessary. Not enough to preserve America. I’ll hit the ground running because the time to act is now. {List of things to change and repeal: Department of Education, no more bailouts, etc.}
David Chiu
Jean Chiu – I was not born or raised here, but I am grateful to be an American living in Utah. Thank you for stepping forward so this will remain the land of the free and the home of the brave.
David Chiu – My fellow Utahns. You can see my wife is beautiful. She is also an amazing cook. If you’ve not read Mitt Romney’s book Turnaround, please do. It will reinforce the belief that we can turn around our difficulties. Sarah Palin has been polarizing, but she is a living founder, and has passed the modern day test of Abraham. Her son has gone to war. She knows what it means to have to offer something more valuable than her life, fortune and sacred honor. She was informed prenatally that her son had Downs syndrome. 90% of parents who find that out do not choose life. She chose life. My wife also had that choice with our daughter. Her older brother, when he was 17, his parents signed papers when he pledged his life, fortune & sacred honor.
What do I add to the ticket? I am an immigrant father, with a heritage of fighting tyranny. As Republicans and conservatives, we are right to be wary of claims of victimhood. Freedom is the utmost priority, and the purpose of our Constitution. As was said and written, the truth will set you free. The constitution is such truth. {List of important issues.} I offer an unmatched stature for having an immediate impact in Congress. {List of other candidates by name and their strengths.) It has been a high privilege to associate with such great Utahns. We are the most internationally connected of all the people of the US. We care deeply for all people. We know that freedom has the best capability to help people progress. Thank you. America is worth whatever it takes.
Mike Lee
My name is Mike Lee, and I want to be your next US Senator. Our federal government is too big because the Constitution has been ignored by Congress for too long. Remember the power is in our hands. This is not about any one individual. It’s about the friends and neighbors we represent. It’s about children and grandchildren. Journey back to a time of great division and unrest not unlike our day with Washington. It is with a deep and heavy heart I left my room today, not thinking so much of myself, but of our country. {Excerpt from the writings of George Washington.} “I was just plain George Washington now, not a general or president. I noticed people were following me. A few at first, then a crowd. Providence was showing me a vision of America. What it would become. Come what may, no matter what may come, our country rests in good hands. The hands of the people.” A similar but larger crowd has gathered here today. There is a division that would shock the founders. I see web designers, school teachers, etc. The fate of our country is in good hands: the hands of the people.
Now, what makes 2010 different that other elections years, the people remember what has always been true. The future is in the hands of the people. The tea parties, 9/12 project, 75,000 attending precinct caucuses. Many are studying Constitution for the first time. They are claiming right to a Constitutionally limited government. How do we ensure power remains in the hands of the people? We return to the document that placed the power in the hands of people to begin with. Ask the same question that was placed before the founding fathers. Are we tired of an oppressive national government? Are we ready to restore power to local government? Are we ready to get government hands out of our pocket and off 79% of our land? If so, join with others through history.
We have proved time and time again that we can do hard things. Today we will repeal government run health care {and a list of other things}. As we recognize that constitutionally limited government, we will. I pledge never to vote for any bill that I cannot reconcile with the original text of the Constitution, regardless of what the Supreme Court of the US says what we can get away with. We need to get away from cradle to grave entitlements. We need bills that can be read before they get a final vote in Congress. We are a people armed with a Constitution in one hand, and a ballot in the other. We are Americans. Hand in hand, we can restore constitutionally limited government. We can, we must, we will!
Cherilyn Eagar
Steve Sandstrom – Cherilyn Eagar has a proven track record.
Gail Uzeka – From the Eagle Forum. You can trust her not to change when she goes to DC.
Cherilyn Eagar – A father bought his son a globe. The son loved that globe. He took it everywhere. The son fell asleep with his arms around the globe. The father gently took the globe and went to put it on a shelf. The son woke up and said “Daddy, what are you doing with my world?” What are we doing with our children’s world? If we are going to preserve the world for our children and grandchildren, we must stand committed to Ronald Reagan’s shining city on a hill.
It’s time for Republicans to stand up and act like Republicans again. Time for a second Reagan revolution. Let’s start by defunding and repealing Obamacare. Then we’ll fulfill Reagan’s dream to dismantle the Department of Education, followed by his desire to withdraw from the UN. It’s time for our elected officials to start living like the rest of us. It’s time to end automatic pay raises, with million dollar pension plans. It’s time to audit the federal reserve, and end backroom deals and pork earmarks. I cannot be bought traded, or sold.
As for 2nd amendment, what part of “shall not infringe” do you not understand? Arizona understands the difference between documented and undocumented and so do I. Are we all not proud to be American? If Reagan were hare today, I imagine he’d have a tear in his eye. He would repeat his words of warning: “If forget we are one nation under God, we will be one nation gone under.” I will continue to fight for the sanctity of life for the unborn and the elderly. I have a vision for America where we are no longer a debtor nation, a nation no longer dependent on enemies for energy. I will stand up proudly and say “We are America!” Our Constitution will not be trampled by the UN, WTO, or any other global tribunal. This is not about health care, about who controls health care, banks and businesses, land, natural resources, jobs, lives, liberty, faith, family, freedom. This is about “we the people.” We the people are here to day to say “no more big government.” {Senator Carl Shultz quote.} God bless you and God bless America.
CREDENTIALS
Final Credentials Report as of 10:30
3441 registered. 10 delegates, duly elected, arrived after the 10:30 cutoff.
3451 = 98.6% “The record should reflect that matches my GPA.” ~Scott Simpson, Credentials
11th delegate also. 3452 final tally.
David Chiu did not supply a disclosure form.
[Just voted for Mike Lee with my Bob Bennett pen. Hey, use the tools you have to do what needs to be done! 
]
GOVERNOR – Round 1 of 1
Richard Martin
We are not economically conservative. {Chart showing budget growth.} Budget has grown 34%, compared with 24% in California. Our budget has grown dramatically more than many liberal states. What has UTA has been doing? The head of UTA has been paid $339,000 per year. That is excessive. What is wrong with this picture? We lost $4 billion in our state investment fund. We have another $7.2 billion invested the same way. If there is a financial downturn, we could have a major issue. I have written 33 books. I have a financial business where customers have never lost money. If we invest properly, we can become the richest state in the country. If we go with the “best run state in the country” mentality, we will not be prepared. We need to make a change, and soon, while there is still time. I am a direct descendant of the family of Thomas Jefferson. My father was a WWII tank commander. In one battle, his tank was only one to survive. I have the blood of patriots in me. I need your support to get into the primary. The people of Utah need to hear these ideas so all of us can move forward in a positive manner. I seek your vote as governor. Thank you.
SuperDell Schanze
Chuck Smith – I was asked to come speak for SuperDell. I probably have the hardest job in this facility today. For the last two years I’ve been searching the world to find out if there is intelligent life living on this planet. I’m sorry to say I’m still questioning that. Most of us I speak to are all very passionate about being governed by law, and about picking the correct representatives for our government. Whoever has the gold makes the laws. This is also known as the law or rule of the jungle. Our country was not established to be ruled by law. It was established to be run by principles. The first and most important principle is that government should not do for the people what the people can do for themselves.
We’ve had a great show today of some incredibly perfect people. The parade of people we’ve heard from in the last few hours are some of the best people of this state. SuperDell is not part of that group. He is not perfect. He knows we should not be governed by gods, but by ourselves. The people here are upset about the public medical program put together by Obama. What is the difference between health care and education? The two most important things in our lives are education and health. Should they by public or private? He has in idea on how to get a 1:5 teacher:student ratio without a penny of taxation. He can’t accomplish it. It takes the people of the state to take things back into their own hands. It would be great if entire government system was volunteer. I see my time is up. I appreciate the hard work of all of you. We’ll see what the ballot box brings.
Dan Van Oaks
Paul Allen – Dan Oaks is worried about what career politicians and federal encroachment is doing to our country. He is smart, fearless, and charismatic. I trust Dan because he puts principles ahead of politics. He loves the Constitution and limited government. He has great ideas. In business, he has learned to listen, test, and measure. I have seen him in the classroom inspiring and motivating hundreds of business students. His software company has been a leader for more than 10 years because he listens to his customers.
Dan Oaks – Paul Allen is an amazing entrepreneur. I’ve been blessed with great success in the private sector. No success can compare with the success we’ve had in our home, mostly due to Kathy. People ask me “why did you choose governor?” I felt inspired to do it. I said that at one of our meetings, and someone in crowd said, “that is the right answer.” The problems we face are bigger than you or me. We need to rely on God. Our founding fathers understood that. I love Utah and our Constitution. We’re about to lose it unless we fight for it. We need successful private people who serve their country then return to the farm. It wasn’t a government program that made America great. It was the free market and accountability.
Governor Herbert is a good guy, but has been in politics for the last 20 years. After that long, you lose touch. If he says we’re the best managed state and better than California, he’s lost touch. 80% of you are delegates for the first time. I’ll beat Corroon because I’m young and energetic. Government is the problem. Government is too big. We need to trust the American people and set them free. If you nominate me, I won’t just stop the feds from taking more Utah land, I will take back Utah land. I will answer the call of the party platform and do what is needed to bring this issue to Supreme Court. I will rally other governors. I wont just stop raising taxes, I will lower taxes. I’m going to demand transparency, which leads to accountability. I’m going to shift resources to schools and teachers, and cut bureaucrats. I’m going to give the free market system a chance. Let’s send career politicians home and see what the private sector can do.
Gary Herbert
Greg Bell, Lieutenant Governor – What an honor it is to serve alongside Gary Herbert. Let me be clear, Governor Herbert has risen to those challenges. He has the skills to navigate our ship of state through these challenging times. He has the determination for today, and vision for tomorrow. He is 100% genuine. What you see in public is exactly what you get in private. He is a principled man of great integrity. He is my friend and yours, Gary Herbert, governor of the great state of Utah.
Gary Herbert – Thank you, fellow Republicans. Thank you, Lieutenant Governor Bell. Thank you delegates. I am honored and humbled to serve as your governor. I am here to ask for your continued support. My wife and kids spend countless hours in service to the state. President Bush said “our nation is chosen by God and commissioned by history to be a model to the world.” I believe that to be true. Just a few weeks ago, the federal government overreached and established a national health care system. It was ill planned and ill conceived. We just can’t afford it. As the encroachment spreads, it is a threat to individual liberty.
The reassertion of states’ and individual rights must begin in Utah and starts with us now. Utah is an example to the rest of the country. We balance our budgets. Economically challenging times like that take an experienced fiscal manager. It takes principles of limited government and limitless opportunities. This is not about politics and gimmickry. This is not a time for “me too” politics. That is exactly what Utah is being offered by the Democratic opposition.
I talked about the three E’s, Economic, Education, Energy, during my inauguration. The Democrats have copied me when they picked a Republican from Davis county for Lieutenant Governor. We are also having our convention at the Salt Palace. The Democrats are down hall. Stenny Hoyer is the speaker for the Democrats, and is Pelosi’s right hand. For us, we have the person who should be next President. Lieutenant Governor Bell and I have guided the legislature through this trying time. We have saved education from deep cuts. People are not an ATM for the government. Government forgot that you need more people pulling the wagon than are in the wagon. There is much to do. Together there is more to do. We will continue to cut the size of government. We want your continued support.
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 1 – Round 1 of 1
Rob Bishop
Tom Carter – I’m a former student of Mr. Bishop. Bishop taught for 28 years. I am proud to nominate my former teacher.
Don Dimon – Bishop was former party chair. We may not always have agreed, but he was willing to listen and allow debate.
Adam Gardiner – I’m a former intern in Bishop’s Congressional Office. He’s a hard worker and doesn’t care who gets the credit. He’s right on the issues, and right where we need him.
Rob Bishop – This election is not about me, or the other candidate who has problems with the party. This is about you and who will represent you in Washington. I understand there is a lot of frustration. I feel like the guy standing in field with a rope, not sure whether I just found a rope or lost a horse. Obama has called us “the party of no.” For those who heard John Boehner on the floor, we are not the party of no, we are “the party of hell no!”
I am grateful to my colleagues who stepped aside to let me be the ranking member of public lands subcommittee. I am also on the task force for 10th amendment. I’ve heard it said that, in Washington, you’re either a work horse or a show horse. When you’re short, fat and gray, there’s no way I’m a show horse! But then, I prefer the term “nutritional overachiever.” When the big famine hits, I’ll be the last to go. It’s not hard to vote no with all of Pelosi’s flaws.
When I taught history, I made sure my students learned about Jefferson and Mason. Mason didn’t sign the Constitution, even after spending so much time working on it. Why? There was no bill of rights. The rest of those who worked on it were not opposed to rights, but had another way to accomplish it. That started to change with the Progressive era of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Wilson called the division of powers constitutional witchcraft. The kingship of the children of Israel was a yoke around their neck that brought them to destruction. Obama and progressives are dedicated to increasing the power of government so they can do marvelous things.
I have a time limit, so I can’t afford for you to like what I have to say. I helped form the 10th amendment task force to disperse power down to states. I am committed to repealing Obamacare and replacing it with things that empower people. I will fight the Interior Department. Our number one priority is the southern border. Also, pro life, 2nd amendment, local control of government, and all of the above energy. I’m sure that with the 10th amendment, the founding fathers foresaw our day. The way to preserve our country is by power to the states.
Mike Ridgway
I’m grateful to be alive right now. I couldn’t afford the teleprompter services, so I brought my own. {Laptop on the podium.} But it might not work. I’m setting aside my prepared remarks. I’m a recovering automatic delegate. I’m happy to have been joined in my company by Jason Chaffetz, and Nancy Lord, who is also a recovering automatic delegate, and others who are beginning to see the light. I have run against Bishop, and there are many reasons why. The first is I know Rob from a ways back. In 1999 I was elected to the central committee. The year before he ran a convention. Jeremy Friedbaum ran, and Rob didn’t let Jeremy speak on Saturday at the convention. He didn’t get to speak, but got into a primary. It’s not that he didn’t get into primary, but that he wasn’t allowed to speak. It was a two day convention. I asked Bishop about it. {Story about the convention being over two days}.
I say “hell” a lot more when talking about Utah politics. My wife got permission to videotape me so I can send to my mom. I’m a son of slave owner descent. State slogan: “Thus always for tyrants”. My family has been in the Mormon church since 1893 in South Carolina. I am sad to see that tyranny among my own church. Gordon B. Hinkley said little people need to get involved in politics. Let’s be honest, I’m not going to get 40% of the vote. His Democrat opponent’s ads about Bishop are hilarious. He’s known in the press as the King of Earmarks. Jason Chaffetz is boycotting earmarks for the time being. One earmark is from the biggest contributors to Bishop. It was an earmark in range of $9 million. It’s unbelievable what he’s done with your money. But its okay because he’s a Republican. My wife’s rights were stripped away, and she could not run as delegate. I have a website: mikeonamission.com. Find out what is being done in this party.
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2 – Round 1 of 2
Neil Walter
6th grader – my share of federal debt is $40,000. That’s enough to pay for my college. My generation did not create this debt. Why should we pay for it? Whether you take this responsibility or give it to me, there is one man who will take this responsibility. I am pleased to recommend him for Congress.
Neil Walter – You just heard from the next generation of leadership in Utah. The biggest threat is not nuclear proliferation, it is the policies of our federal government. There is market turmoil. We must change current agenda. We need to stop the push for national sales tax. I’m not a career politician. I’ve never been a lobbyist. I’m not owned by anyone. (I’m taking a break to rest fingers and save battery life.) We need to keep water from Nevada and Arizona. I will take my character & integrity to Washington, because I don’t expect to find any there. We are known as the beehive state. The liberals in DC have been shaking our hive long enough.
Morgan Philpot
Someone said the Democrats were having more fun. I find that hard to believe, because they get so uptight about those of us who cling to our guns and our religion. There is one answer to the problems we face: the Constitution. This is the choice in 2010. Whether we are ready to abandon the revolution… [I missed a bit because I started talking with another delegate.] Groups like the 9/12 project, Independence caucus, Utah Rising, (others). “Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair.” – George Washington. I pledge to you my political life.
Ed Eliason
This is very impressive to see all these people here today voicing their opinion, wanting a change in their government. It is impressive to see these very large monitors. I’m hoping they’ll let us watch the Jazz game. I’m not a professional politician. I never will be. I had a professional politician tell me I wasn’t qualified enough to run. That I’m not smart enough. That I should leave it to the lawyers. I went home and grabbed my copy of the Constitution. Guess what… I’m qualified! Part of the problem is we keep sending professional politicians to Washington. Year after year the same thing happens. They start representing Washington to us, instead of us to Washington. Soon they start compromising their principles and our values to get the job done. Politicians can’t fix the problem, but we the people can fix the problem.
I want to support a constitutional amendment for term limits for Congress. It is the only true form of campaign reform out there. It will help reduce fraud and will help bring about true representation for the people. I support a balanced budget amendment. I don’t understand politicians who run for office saying they are doing a good job who pay out more money than they bring in. It’s sad really, because we all now how to live on a budget. Washington has no idea what a budget is. Ronald Reagan called them citizen candidates and citizen representatives. We need to send someone to Washington that reflects Utah values. We need to send someone to Washington to tell Washington that we will not compromise our values, our Constitution, or our future. {Repeats more of the same words for the rest of the speech.}
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 3 – Nominee by acclamation
Jason Chaffetz – Happy Mother’s Day to my wife Julie, and Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers. It is an honor and a privilege to be the nominee. It’s time to throw away the health care bill, cut up the government credit card, and fire Nancy Pelosi. These are impediments to our progress. We did not become a great nation through entitlements. Now more than ever our future depends on our ability to restore the American dream. America wasn’t built on bailouts, cash for clunkers, or a government credit card. The federal government tries to be all things to all people. Will Rogers said the opposite of progress is Congress. The states made the federal government, the federal government did not make the states. The federal government doesn’t understand. We should all stand tall for the American dream. We should stand up and fight when that dream is under attack. {List of things the federal government has been doing.} Success was predicated on liberty.
As Republicans we must stand tall for restoring the American dream, and never be persuaded to sway from those principles because of political convenience. It does not mean more government, but a return to core conservative principles of fiscal responsibility, strong national defense (and two others). Ronald Reagan, in this economic crisis, would reiterate that government isn’t the solution to our problems, it is the problem. Man is not free unless government is limited. This is as predictable as the laws of physics, as government expands, liberty contracts. There are some contentious races. It is key and imperative that we unite after the races today. There is a difference between Republicans and Democrats. We’re gonna fire Nancy Pelosi, get rid of Harry Reid and make sure Obama is a one term president. Thank you, and may God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.
SENATE – ROUND 1 – Top 3 continue to Round 2
Hansen – “As soon as I receive your contribution to the Utah Republican Party.”
Lee - 28.75% - 982
Bridgewater - 26.84% - 917
Bennett - 25.91% - 885
Eagar - 15.84% - 541
Cook - 1.43% - 49
Fabiano - 0.64% - 22
Friedbaum – 0.47% - 16
Chiu - 0.12% - 4
3452 → 60% = 2,072 / 40% = 1,380
668 up for grabs / 3416
SENATE ROUND 2 – 1 Minute Speeches
Tim Bridgewater
I’ve been all over the state. I put 22,000 miles on truck. I’d like to thank Cherilyn Eagar for running such a great race. She was tenacious. Thanks to her and her supporters. We can no longer continue with our debt structure.
Bob Bennett
There’s only one question between the three of us. Which one will be the most effective in stopping Obama, Reid and Pelosi? Which understands the system well enough to stop Obama, Reid and Pelosi? I know what it is to be a freshman. The challenge will come when the Republican tide sweeps in a new group in November. Who will work with that group as well as those that are entrenched there? Don’t take a chance on a newcomer when playing the championship game.
Mike Lee
I mentioned just a few minutes ago. This election is not about any one person. It’s not about me, emails, robocalls, or YouTube videos. I condemn those who are offensive, or who make false accusations. I invite all those in the sound of my voice to reclaim their right to constitutional government by voting for me on this ballot.
SENATE ROUND 3 – 1 Minute Speeches
Tim Bridgewater
{Thanked Bob Bennett for his 18 years of service and other kind words.}
Mike Lee
{Video of endorsement from Senator Jim DeMint, conservative leader and Republican from South Carolina.}
HONOREES – Presented by Dave Hansen
Eileen Milligan from Cache County. She has held several positions. She helped with a fundraiser for President Bush. The President graciously met with those who helped. She said, “The president shook my hand,” almost in tears. She loves her country.
Fred Lamproupolis – We worked together in his run for governor. I’m sure that he would never run for Senate, because they can only run every six years, not every year. He loves campaigning. He raised a company from nothing. He always has a positive attitude. We went to a political meeting in a snowstorm, with a two hour drive one way. On the dive back, he turned to me and said with a smile, “Isn’t this fun?” He is a talented contributor to the party.
REPORTS & UPDATES
Vice Chair Kitty Dunn
We went to my son’s induction into the National Guard in November {in a state back east}. {Story of revolutionary war days.} {Story of Paul Revere.} Poem: “So through the night rode Paul Revere; and so through the night went his cry of alarm…”
Senator Orrin Hatch
Video: “What I’ve Been Doing Lately.” [My battery low, and I started talking to people, so there's not much from here on. You'll hear a lot more in the next two years. He's been campaigning hard since Bennett's poll numbers came out.]
Richard Ellis
It would take a really good speech to be better than no speech at all. Thanks to you all.
Johnson – Auditor
Thanks for being a delegate. This is the best turnout I’ve seen in 20 years. It’s a pleasure to be here.
SENATE – ROUND 2 – Top 2 continue to Round 3
Bridgewater - 37.42% - 1274
Lee - 35.99% - 1225
Bennett - 26.99% - 905
TOTAL - 100% - 3404
SENATE – ROUND 3 – Neither candidate reached 60%. Primary June 22.
Bridgewater - 57.28%
Lee - 42.72%
GOVERNOR – ROUND 1 – 60%+ wins outright.
Herbert - 70.80% - 2386
Oaks - 24.63% - 830
Martin - 4.18% - 141
Schanze - 0.39% - 13
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 1 – ROUND 1 – 60%+ wins outright.
Bishop - 93%
Ridgway - 7%
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2 – ROUND 1 – Top 2 continue to Round 2
Philpot - 56.37% - 655
Walter - 42.08% - 489
Eliason - 1.55% - 18
TOTAL - 100% - 1162
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2 – ROUND 2 – 60%+ wins outright.
Philpot - 60.13% (won by 1 vote!)
Walter - 39.87%
