Tonight on KVNU’s For the People….
Candidates for Utah House District 5 join us in studio to debate the issues. Democrat Suzanne Marychild is challenging incumbent Republican Scott Wyatt. The candidates discuss issues including tax reform, open space, tuition tax credits, education funding, infrastructure funding and the minimum wage.
For more information on this race, visit the Utah House 5 page at the KVNU Election 2006 Clearinghouse.
Bruce Smith’s comments in on the OpEd page in the Herald Journal featured some brief analysis of the local races including Senate District 17:
For the single State Senate seat up for grabs there are three choices, but the Republican Peter Knudson is almost certain a victory.
I suppose I’m not going to disagree with this as much as give Arthur Douglas a little more credit. Democrats in Utah and Cache County tend to run two different kinds of candidates- the warm body and the David.
The warm body is generally asked to put his/her name on the ballot as a “favor” or to simply prevent someone from running unopposed. They may or may not raise money, but if they do it generally doesn’t exceed a few hundred dollars from a few friends and hardcore Democrats like Thad and Jenny Box. The less devoted warm bodies don’t print any campaign materials and often miss free PR events (Meet the Candidates, KVNU interviews, etc). The warm body knows he/she can’t and won’t win and doesn’t want to waste his/her time on making a legitimate effort.
The “David” is idealistic. The David recogizes the defeciencies in our system of government and believes that with a lot of hard work, a good community reputation and an open mind among voters they can win on election day, despite the (D) next to their name. They knock a lot of doors. They show up to “Meet the Candidates” nights and KVNU interviews with copius notes. They have websites and clean looking campaign materials, even expensive signs. The savvy David is able to raise several thousand dollars, and even reel in a few PAC’s, but is still thousands – sometimes tens of thousands – of dollars behind their Republican opponent. It’s often amazing to compare the monies raised and see the effeciency of the David. 9 times out of 10 the David loses- and loses big. Usually in the range of 75/25 or 66/33, and once in a while 60/40 or 55/45. But it’s usually big. Because they are Democrats. After such crushing defeats following such an intense and full personal investment, the David often becomes disenchanted and never again participates in local politics. I want you all to think about the “David’s” that have run in Cache County over the past decade. How many of them are still involved in politics at any level? Very few. And it’s quite understandable.
Back to Arthur Douglas. Yeah, he’s an underdog, and I’m sure he knows it. He has tens of thousands of dollars less the Pete Knudson (who is a real stand up guy and well respected). But let me tell you something about Arthur Douglas. Everyone loves the guy. He walked into the radio station the other day to record an interview with For the People, and it seemed like everyone knew him. He was slapping backs and glad handing and recalling old stories for about 20 minutes before we actually cut the interview. I’ve never seen anything like it. (Infact, when Orrin Hatch came in a couple of weeks ago to interview with myself and Jennie Christensen, he was at the receptionist desk and Senator Hatch had her call back to the newsroom for us. “Who can I say is waiting to see them?” “Uh, my name is Senator Hatch. Tell them Senator Hatch is here” ROFLMAO!).
So more people personally knew Arthur Douglas than Orrin Hatch. And that’s in Cache County. Douglas is the president of the Farmer’s Union and well known through his involvement in high school sports across the region. His work with the Farmer’s Union has honed his political skills and contacts. He’s not naive to the process.
He’s also running a savvy campaign. His campaign manager is sharp and effective in working the media. Douglas uses his time effectively and, like a true David Democrat, has been pressing flesh and knocking doors to make up for the money that he simply doesn’t have in his coffers.
One more thing- I’ll call it the Box Elder County factor. It’s unlikely that Douglas will win in Cache County, for certain (although Mendon and the west side has in the past demonstrated a willingness to vote for blue dog Democrats like Eli Anderson). But in Box Elder County things are a little different. They go squirrely sometimes and vote for Blue Dog Democrats like Arthur Douglas. I truthfully don’t know much about Tooele county, so I am not going to prognosticate how the portion of Tooele that is in District 17 will play out.
Yes, Arthur Douglas is an underdog and if I was a betting man, I would bet against him. He’s a David Democrat. He’s poured his soul into it. 9 times out of 10 the David loses and loses big. But every once in a while the David slays the Goliath and comes up big.
Tonight on For the People….
The candidates for United States Senate will join us for the entire hour. In the first half hour we’ll speak with incumbent Republican Orrin Hatch, and in the second half hour with Democrat challenger Pete Ashdown.
For more information on this race, visit the U.S. Senate page at the Election 2006 KVNU Clearinghouse.
I am really surprised.
I figured turnout and interest would be down this year, but the lack of interest amongst voters is downright ridiculous. We are just a few days away from the election and on this morning’s KVNU Open Line Friday Crosstalk there was not one call about a candidate or issue! Not one! One fellow did call and ask what could be done to eliminate the delay between the Aggie broadcasts on KVNU and the TV picture.
Usually, the few KVNU Open Line Friday Crosstalk’s before an election are overwhelmed with citizens and activists calling in and pitching their candidates, parties and issues!
Aside from a few letters from Constitution Party enthusiasts, there have been almost no letters in the paper on the election. Usually, they begin to dedicate a page and half by now.
Word from the County Clerk’s office is that new registration is also down.
Maybe all of this will pick up, but I worry it won’t. Politics is a real downer right now. I realize all of these are national, but they can turn off people in general. It’s too bad that the corruption and shenanigans at the national level would steer people away from the elections entirely.
Amongst the candidates campaigning, there are good folks on the ballot this year. Whether I agree with them politically or not, every candidate actively campaigning right now is capable in office. Those who win the elections will make decisions that have real and direct impacts on my life and your life. Tax reform. Education funding. Open space.
If you’re disgusted with what’s going on in Washington, DC, I understand. I’m disgusted too. Fortunately the most important politics is local and the candidates running this cycle are all honest and capable individuals. You just need to decide whose positions you agree with most.
Don’t take your frustrations out on the local races. Vote on November 7.
I just finished watching Senator Orrin Hatch and Pete Ashdown debate on KUTV’s website. Rod Decker moderated, and questions were posed from a “distinguised panel”. Who was on that panel?
Rev. Tom Goldsmith of the First Unitarian Church
During the 2002 Olympics this great state came together in unity and hosted the world. Rev. Goldsmith along with the ACLU stoked the Main Street plaza controversy until the old religious rift in the state was not only restored, but excaserbated. Goldsmith would later call for reconciliation and tolerance, ala Rodney King. This is highly ironic given that the First Unitarian Church for years was the site of the satire of Utah and LDS culture, Saturday’s Voyuer, wherein the LDS Endowment among other things were openly mocked.
During the Main Street Plaza debate, Goldsmith invoked the tired and inaccurate “theocracy” card, choosing to define the issue in terms of religious oppression rather than property rights, further dividing the community, “Having lost in court, they’re now taking their losing battle to the Mormon people. It’s religious politics at its most deplorable. Salt Lake is being run like a theocracy.” A religious institution as a party in a lawsuit/controversy doesn’t constitute a theocracy. Goldsmith’s insinuations only serve to divide the community, build distrust and resentment.
At the end of the controversy, Goldsmith offered the following admonition to the LDS Church, “I really trust that having gone through all of this, that the LDS Church will somehow offer greater sensitivity to the very diverse and growing multiculturalism in this area,”
Motes & Beams, Reverend.
Hardly distinguished.
Gayle Ruzicka of the Utah Eagle Forum
Let’s keep with our 2002 Olympics theme. You thought the delegations sent by the nations of the world were athletes. According to Ruzicka? Sexual Predators. “Where are the athletes … getting their sex partners? Are they bringing their own with them … or are they going out on the streets of Salt Lake City looking for our sons and daughters? Are we giving them permission to do this with the distribution of condoms?”
Hardly distinguished.
Both Goldsmith and Ruzicka represent the far left and far right of Utah’s political spectrum – positions that are corrosive to and unrepresentative of average Utahns. While I could chastise KUTV for including these extremists in their “distinguished panel”, the problem is broader. Both have an undeserved amplified voice in the Utah media in general and influence in Utah politics.
It’s also interesting to note that neither Goldsmith or Ruzicka actually asked real questions. Both were rhetorical questions, directed at the candidate whom they opposed, that were mini-speeches in an of themselves. Ruzicka of course spoke on abortion (I wonder if she opposes abortion in the case of rape by sexual Olympic predators) and Goldsmith on the occupation in Iraq.
One more thing, can you imagine the conniption that we would have seen if an LDS Bishop, Stake President or General Authority had been on the “distinguished panel”? And yet no one bats an eye when Rev. Goldsmith becomes involved in politics. The mixing of religion and politics tends to corrupt both. Given that both are needed for the preservation and stability of our society, it’s imperative that the clergy stick to ministry and speaking from only the pulpit and that the politicians speak from only the political podium.
If Goldsmith is so worried about a Utah “theocracy” eminating from the political involvement of the LDS Church, why then does he himself explicitly become involved in political matters? It seems that using the definition of theocracy (religious institutions becoming involved in politics) given by Goldsmith from the context of the quote above, he has found himself in quite a bit of hypocrisy. If the LDS Church was wrong to excercise it’s political influence in the Plaza controversy, then so to was Goldsmith not only in the same matter but by becoming involved in a political debate between Senatorial candidates.
I’ve just added links to each of the pages in the KVNU Election 2006 Clearinghouse to the detailed reports of who has contributed to each of the candidates (except for County Council). It’s interesting to see the monumental disparity between the Republican and Democrat candidates. Republicans tend to get large donations from PAC’s such as Energy Solutions and the Utah Association of Realtors while Democrats rely on donations from individual citizens, friends and family members.
The most recent filings occured on September 15. The law requires an update seven days prior to the election. It will be interesting to see the new information.
A summary of the local races (click on the candidates name to view the entire report):
Tonight on KVNU’s For the People…
Candidates for House District 3, Republican Jack Draxler and Democrat Stuart Howell, join us in studio for a moderated debate. Topics include education, tax reform, support for small businesses and more!
For more information on the House District 3 race, visit the corresponding page at the KVNU Election 2006 Clearinghouse for related KVNU interviews, newspaper articles and websites…. everything you’ll need to cast an informed ballot on November 7!
Wednesday, October 25 7:00 PM – Utah House District 3
Democrat Stuart Howell and Republican Jack Draxler will be live in studio for a full hour debate.
Friday, October 27 7:00 PM – United States Senate
Democrat Challenger Pete Ashdown will join For the People in the first half hour, with Republican Senator Orrin Hatch in the second half hour.
Monday, October 30 7:00 PM – Utah House District 5
Democrat Challenger Suzanne Marychild will face off against incumbent Republican Scott Wyatt in a full hour debate. This debate will be prerecorded, so if you have a questions, you’ll need to email For the People in advance.
Upcoming Utah House District 4
Incumbent Republican Fred Hunsaker will join For the People. An invitation has also been extended to his Democrat challenger Sara Lundberg
KVNU’s For the People is proud to announce that on election night, November 7, we will be having an extended broadcast. Our coverage of election night returns will begin at 7:00 PM and continue through midnight.
We will update local, state and national election returns every 10 minutes on the 6′s. KVNU’s Jennie Christensen will provide updates on the local races from the County Clerk’s office where as the local returns are counted.
For the People will also have insightful guests, updates from around the valley and state and your phone calls!
Vote on November 7th and then tune into the only media outlet that will provide you with live, immediate and comprehensive returns and analysis in local, state and national races… KVNU’s For the People!
Tonight on For the People….
It’s an oft repeated phrase in the debate about the occupation of Iraq. “STAY THE COURSE”. What exactly does it mean? Does the Bush Administration still believe in it and has it become a political liability? You might be surprised at what President Bush is now saying….
A huge announcement tonight on For the People of two new write in candidates for U.S. Congress and the U.S. Senate. You’ll hear the candidates announce their candidacies on For the People first….
Mitt Romney’s campaign has been accused of collaboration with the LDS Church and BYU …
Tonight on For the People…
Senate Minority leader Harry Reid has come under fire for how he handled a land deal and paid Christmas bonuses. Senator Orrin Hatch was in the KVNU studios yesterday for interviews, you might be surprised with his take on Senator Reid’s troubles. We’ll also break down the hatchet job Sean Hannity and Robert Novak gave Senator Reid last night on Fox News.
A monumental announcement and donation was made today in excess of $1 million to the Cache Valley Center for the Arts. Executive Director Wally Bloss will tell us about the donation, who made it and how it will help the Ellen Eccles Theater.
Logan native and Iraq War vet Marshall Thompson will check in live from Richfield as he continues his walk across the state calling for a peaceful resolution to the occupation of Iraq
All of that, your phone calls and more, tonight on For the People!
Harry Reid Scandals
Tonight on For the People….
Teresa McMaken of Operation Give will tell us about an ongoing effort to provide soldiers with stockings for the holiday season as well as an ongoing year round effort to provide American soldiers and Iraqi children with gifts and supplies year round.
Darrell Kunzlers lawyer’s have requested a change of venue citing among other things media bias.
The Utah Department of Commerce has released a report accusing retailers of price gouging- we’ll discuss why the report is nothing more than a witch hunt and political grand standing.
Dr. Mike Lyons of Utah State University’s political science department checks in with analysis of the midterm elections and the debate in Logan over the fate of trees on Canyon Road heats up.
All of that, your phone calls and more tonight on For the People.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Operation Give (Gifts for Soldiers & Iraqi Children)
Gas Prices
Kunzler Case
Canyon Road Trees
The Cache County Republican Party has a new website. It looks great and will hopefully be helpful to voters here in Cache County as election season heats up. You can visit it here. The Cache Dems also have a site which can be visited here.
KVNU’s For the People is pleased to announce an on air debate between Representative Scott Wyatt and Democratic challenger Suzanne Marychild. Wyatt & Marychild are candidates for the Utah Legislature House of Representatives in district 5 which includes much of southern Cache County. The debate will air at 7 PM on Monday, October 30 on 610 KVNU.
The debate will not feature live calls, however, listeners are invited to submit questions in advance via email to Tom & Ryan.
Tonight on For the People….
Cache County Council candidates for the North East district seat join us in studio. In the first half hour we talk with Democratic incumbent Brian Chambers, and in the second half hour a discussion with Republican Challenger David James.
We’re working on doing a show with 5-7 minute interviews with the third party candidates for U.S. House and U.S. Senate. Tonight Ryan and I recorded an interview at KVNU with Constitution Party Candidate Mark Hudson. In our interview we got into some pretty interesting discussions about the role of Christianity in the founding of the nation, teaching the Bible and/or Quran in public schools, American “jurisprudence” and “Biblical law” as well as defining the “original intent” of the Founding Fathers.
Now, I know some of you might say, “Well, this guys is just some low profile third party candidate”. Let’s not be so dismissive. I firmly believe that in Cache County the Constitution Party will pull 5% of the vote. Count on it. Their views are important to know because a significant number of our friends, neighbors and in some instances family members have the same or similar beliefs about government and religion. So take a listen.
ADDITONAL RESOURCES:
Marshall Thompson ‘Peace’ Walk
Who is the ‘we’ Marshall Thompson is talking about in his interview Oct. 9 for the blurb about him walking across the state? Who appointed him to represent the views of the state of Utah? I just want to be the first to say that Marshall Thompson does not represent me as a citizen of Utah or as a soldier. Whatever message he is trying to send by walking across the state of Utah, it certainly is not the message of the average citizen. And even if it was, what good does walking across the state really do except put his own name in lights?
I also served in the Iraq conflict, but somehow I saw a completely different picture than Mr. Thompson. I saw a country being rebuilt, a people rejoicing in a newfound freedom, and a hope that never existed under the dictatorship that once oppressed them. I have talked to scores of other soldiers returning from Iraq that saw similar pictures. I can only think Mr. Thompson saw the bad because he wanted to. And I for one don’t want a pessimist influencing public policy in my country.
Furthermore, I also support peace, but I support the military leaders on the ground in Iraq who have repeatedly stated that an immediate withdrawal of troops will not only not bring peace (as Mr. Thompson so ignorantly supposes), but also exacerbate the situation greatly. Peace is the eventual goal for all of us, but there definitely are wrong ways to go about it. Abandoning the fledgling democracy in Iraq is one of them.
I don’t know who Marshall Thompson thinks he’s representing, but it’s not me, it’s not my Army and it’s not the Utah I know.
SGT. Zachary Smith
Provo
Tonight on For the People…North Korea continues to defy the international community as questions are raised regarding their purported testing of a nuclear bomb. What should the United States response be? Crazed gunmen in schools- a real epidemic, media hype or both? And smoking in parks…. Salt Lake City is considering a ban, what would you think of a ban on smoking in Logan?
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
School Shootings, Talking to Your Kids
Smoking in Parks
In defense of House Speaker Dennis Hastert’s handling of predator Mark Foley, 1st District Congressman Rob Bishop made the following argument in an interview with the Standard Examiner:
Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, said Thursday he stands behind U.S. Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., although some are calling for Hastert’s resignation.
Bishop said he believes Hastert did not deliberately cover up sexually explicit electronic conversations between former Florida Rep. Mark Foley and underage congressional pages.
“I take Hastert at his word,” Bishop said. The speaker is an honest, religious man, he said.
Speaker Hastert is religious? Really? Wow. I suppose that eliminates the need for accountability and transparency in government and in the Foley scandal. After all, no purportedly religious individual would ever engage in political misdeeds or deliberate cover-ups. No, if Rob Bishop says Dennis Hastert is religious, well, that should be good enough for all of us!
Tonight on For the People….
Local attorney Jon Jenkins joins us for a conversation regarding Logan’s booting ordinance and pending court case with the Utah Court of Appeals.
Republicans and Democrats engage in partinsan gamesmanship in the fallout of the Mark Foley scandal.
Marshall Thompson checks in from Orem giving an update on his walk across the state of Utah.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Mark Foley Scandal
Mid-term elections
Marshall Thompson
The Podcast
