State of Utah Archives: on Principles & Values


Allen Glines: Condemn white supremacy & far right nationalism

Seek to condemn white supremacy and far right nationalism in all its forms. Label organizations in this category as hate and terrorists groups.
Source: 2021 Utah Senate campaign website AllenGlines.com Jul 21, 2021

Allen Glines: Parents of eight children, four of them quadruplets

For a long time, Kayla Glines didn't think she would be able to have biological children.

She and her husband, Allen, tried for 10 years without success. Yet now, thanks to a combination of fertility drugs, genetics and what Kayla described as "the grace of God," she is a mother to eight children--six of them under age 2. The couple are documenting their family's new adventures through Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Source: Salt Lake Tribune on 2022 Utah Senate race Jun 19, 2021

Craig Bowden: Work for all Utahns, regardless of religious beliefs

Q: Do you agree or disagree with the statement, "Keep God in the public sphere"?

A: I'm not an advocate for either position. While I am religious, I am going to DC to work on behalf of all Utah, not just those who believe the same as me.

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Utah Senate candidate Feb 28, 2018

Dan Liljenquist: Holds "debate" against opponent's video clips

In the absence of any televised debates, Republican senate candidate Dan Liljenquist did what he could. He held a decidedly "one-sided" debate against Utah's senior senator, Orrin Hatch.

For an hour, Liljenquist debated short video clips of past statements Hatch has made on various topics. He pledged to only serve 3 terms. Liljenquist denounced the federal government's role in education. His supporters roared with applause at his responses, booing Hatch's statements made over the years.

Source: Fox 13 Now on 2012 Utah Senate debates Jun 7, 2012

Evan McMullin: Political extremes don't represent the majority

Evan believes America has reached a crossroads between chaotic decline and continued progress towards a more perfect union. Political extremes don't represent the majority of Utahns, or Americans, yet they've polarized the nation and now prevent it from overcoming major challenges. From droughts to forest fires, water shortages, the rising cost of health care, and a never-ending pandemic, America requires leaders who unite instead of divide, finding solutions based on truth and common ground.

We recognize truth and reason as essential to a free and just society, and expect our leaders, citizens, and press to seek and promote them. We oppose the employment of fear mongering, conspiracy theories, and falsehoods and instead support evidence-based policymaking and honest discourse.

Source: 2022 Utah Senate campaign website EvanMcMullin.com Jun 10, 2022

Evan McMullin: Uphold Constitution as inviolable and collective contract

We uphold the Constitution as the inviolable and collective contract protecting liberty and justice for all, and honor the essential separation and balance it establishes among coequal branches of the federal government and the states.

We reaffirm the Constitution's guarantee of free speech and freedom of the press as essential to accountable government and the American way of life. We sustain the rights of individuals and private entities to exercise this freedom, even to express unpopular views, and condemn efforts to erode press freedom and public support for its vital role.

Source: 2022 Utah Senate campaign website EvanMcMullin.com Jun 10, 2022

Gary Herbert: Governing through executive order is undemocratic

My administration conducted an exhaustive regulation review process that has modified and eliminated 368 regulations. In addition, I have just completed a review of every executive order issued by a Utah governor since statehood. Tonight, I am pleased to announce that I will repeal 52 of these executive orders that are no longer necessary. In Washington DC, we have a president who thinks it's okay to bypass Congress and create laws by executive order. Well, that's not the way we do it in Utah.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Utah legislature Jan 27, 2016

Gary Herbert: Fund "In God We Trust" License Plates

Excerpts from legislation: HB 34 Authorizes "In God We Trust" on License Plates: This bill:

Legislative outcome: Bill passed House, 64-9, Feb. 4; bill passed Senate, 27-0, Feb. 15; bill signed by Gov. Herbert, March 21

Source: Utah legislative voting records: HB 34 Mar 21, 2013

Jon Huntsman: Reach beyond traditional political boundaries for solutions

We are beginning a new chapter for our nation and for our state. There is a sense of anxiety, pain, heartache and, yes, hope, on display almost everywhere. Today's economic conditions make it imperative that we ensure a level of trust between the people who call Utah home and their elected officials. In a time of financial distress, inadequate healthcare, a shaky housing market and apprehensiveness, we must reach beyond traditional political boundaries in seeking solutions that are uniquely our own.

Our first and most urgent priority must be to prudently and wisely balance our budget, as we always have. Let's not forget, unlike many other states, we have tools we can utilize, and with these options we have added flexibility in minimizing impacts to our most critical priorities. Our discussions should be conducted with civility, respect and a recognition of the challenging circumstances in which we find ourselves.

Source: Utah 2009 State of the State address Jan 27, 2009

Kamala Harris: We have broad support and will bring integrity back

We have the support of Democrats, but also independents and Republicans. Seven members of George W. Bush's cabinet are supporting us. We have the support of Colin Powell, Cindy McCain, John Kasich, over 500 generals, retired generals and former national security experts. They know Joe Biden has a commitment to bring integrity back to the White House. We will not let anyone subvert our democracy as Donald Trump did on the debate stage when he openly attempted to suppress the vote.
Source: 2020 Vice-Presidential Debate in Utah Oct 7, 2020

Mike Pence: Not fair to attack Amy Coney Barrett's faith

PENCE: Amy Coney Barrett will bring a lifetime of experience and a sizeable American family to the Supreme Court. We hope we don't see the kind of attacks on her Christian faith that we saw before. When Judge Barrett was being confirmed for the court of appeals, Dick Durbin expressed concern that the dogma of her faith was a concern. Senator, I know one of our judicial nominees you actually attacked, because they were a member of the Catholic Knights of Columbus.

HARRIS: Joe Biden and I are people of faith, and it's insulting to suggest that we would knock anyone for their faith, and in fact, Joe, if elected, will be only the second practicing Catholic as President of the United States.

Source: 2020 Vice-Presidential Debate in Utah Oct 7, 2020

Mike Pence: In America, we debate and disagree, but then come together

In America, we believe in a free and open exchange of debate. It's how we've created the freest and most prosperous nation in the history of the world. I look at the relationship between Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia. They were polar opposites on the Supreme Court. Yet, the two of them were the closest of friends. In America, we can disagree. We can debate vigorously as Senator Harris and I have on this stage tonight. But when the debate is over, we come together as Americans.
Source: 2020 Vice-Presidential Debate in Utah Oct 7, 2020

Misty Snow: I describe myself as a libertarian-leaning progressive

Q: Considering all issues (social, economic, national security, etc.), which political philosophy best describes you?

Snow: Very Liberal

Q: Please defend your answer to the previous question by referencing your publicly available track record.

Snow: I usually describe myself as a progressive or a libertarian-leaning progressive. As a reference you should look at the platform positions I have on my website at www.mistyksnow.com or possibly look at some of the interviews I have done.

Source: 2016 AFA Action iVoterGuide on 2016 Utah Senate race Nov 8, 2016

Mitt Romney: Bring Utah's values and Utah's lessons to Washington

Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, a frequent critic of President Donald Trump, announced on Friday he would run for a U.S. Senate seat in Utah, confirming months of speculation about a return to national politics.

"I've decided to run for United States Senate because I've decided I can help bring Utah's values and Utah's lessons to Washington," Romney, who is seeking to replace retiring Senator Orrin Hatch, said in a video posted to Twitter.

Romney's video made no mention of Trump but his relationship with the president looms as a major issue in the campaign. Much of the video focused on Utah values versus the Washington culture.

"Utah has a lot to teach the politicians in Washington," he said. "Utah welcomes legal immigrants from around the world. Washington sends immigrants a message of exclusion. And on Utah's Capitol Hill, people treat one another with respect."

Source: The Metro on 2018 Utah Senate race Feb 16, 2018

Orrin Hatch: 1976: What do you call 2-term incumbents? Call him home!

[Orrin Hatch's Senate opponent] Howell quoted Hatch, R-Utah, from 1976 when he ran against 18-year incumbent Sen. Frank Moss, D-Utah, and said, "What do you call a senator who's been in office for more than two terms? You call him home." Howell added, "The question is who can beat Orrin Hatch?"

Howell said the field attracted more Democrats this year because "this is a race where we have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take back the Senate seat," because of perceived weaknesses by Hatch

Source: Salt Lake Tribune on 2012 Utah Senate debate Apr 11, 2012

Orrin Hatch: Debates are a time-worn campaign tactic for free press

Almost everyone has heard of Hatch. But, as Liljenquist himself said, few know his tongue-twisting Swedish last name let alone how to pronounce it. (Think of Liljen rhyming with million.) Liljenquist's entree into television advertising this past week has as its goal to ramp up name recognition. He currently has two television spots, one urging Hatch to debate him and another contrasting his record with the senator's.

Liljenquist renewed his call this week for televised debates with Sen. Orrin Hatch before next month's Republican primary election. But the longtime senator refuses to debate on television and maintains that the single scheduled radio debate is sufficient.

Hatch responded: "It's understandable why Dan Liljenquist would want Utahns to view this campaign through an alternate reality," according to a press release. "In the real world, demanding debates is a time-worn campaign tactic used by candidates with little name recognition in the effort to gain free press attention."

Source: KSL's Dennis Romboy on 2012 Utah Senate debates May 27, 2012

Orrin Hatch: I work with both Republicans and Democrats, out of necessity

Orrin Hatch and his Democratic challenger clashed over partisanship and whether 36 years is too long to serve in Washington.Scott Howell labeled himself a conservative Democrat, saying it's unfair to paint his party with a broad brush. He contends Hatch has moved far to the right to win tea party support, contributing to partisan gridlock. "He's gone so far hard right in order to win this election that he's lost that collaborative spirit," Howell said of Hatch's one-time work with liberals such as the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass.

In contrast, Howell said he learned to work with Republicans out of necessity to pass legislation as the former Democratic leader in the state Senate. Hatch countered that Howell, if elected, would be surrounded by Democrats who "won't let you be anything but liberal," and he noted that serving in the Utah Legislature is quite different than serving in Congress.

Source: San Francisco Chronicle on 2012 Utah Senate debate Oct 18, 2012

Orrin Hatch: 36 years of seniority means I can finally enact change

Howell, 58, has made Hatch's age and many years in the Senate a major point of his campaign. Howell has sent emails to voters suggesting Hatch, 78, would "retire or die" before the end of his term, and recommending they both release five years of medical records. "We continue to elect the very same people, and we wonder why we get the same results. We need new blood," Howell said. "We cannot perpetuate a seniority system that generates this 10 percent approval" of Congress. Source: San Francisco Chronicle on 2012 Utah Senate debate Oct 18, 2012

Orrin Hatch: I'm running to help Mitt Romney and to be Committee Chairman

If Republicans win control of the Senate in the upcoming election, Hatch is in line to become chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. "It is the most powerful committee in Congress," Hatch said. "If we're going to solve the problems in this country, it's going to be that committee that does that. That's the reason I'm running again, the primary reason other than [helping] Mitt Romney."

Hatch repeatedly aligned himself with the Republican presidential nominee--often enough that Howell said, "you can't ride on the coattails of Governor Romney."

Hatch didn't waver. "I'll just quote Mitt Romney. He said, 'We need Orrin Hatch back in the Senate helping to lead the way.' "

At another point, Howell said, "sometimes I wonder if I am running against Mitt Romney or Orrin Hatch."

And Hatch interrupted: "Both of us."

Howell contended that Hatch moved far to the right to win tea party support this year, and that contributes to partisan gridlock.

Source: Salt Lake Tribune on 2012 Utah Senate debate Oct 17, 2012

Orrin Hatch: 2012 will be my last election, after 6 terms

Democratic Senate candidate Scott Howell took his best and what will be any challenger's last shot at Orrin Hatch during the Republican senator's debate swan song Friday. Win or lose, the six-term Hatch has said 2012 will be his last election. Though he mostly spoke softly, the 78-year-old senator remained feisty while defending his 36-year career.

Hatch said it will take a senator with his "experience, clout and raw determination" to turn the country around. That and Mitt Romney in the White House.

Source: Deseret News on 2012 Utah Senate debate Oct 26, 2012

Pete Ashdown: Dems should be bold and different, not Republican light

Ashdown has run against Hatch previously. Ashdown, founder of Internet provider Xmission, was the Democratic nominee against Hatch in 2006. Ashdown said he can win by being bold and different, "instead of being Republican light."

Ashdown said Utahns admire how he has run Xmission, which would help him even if they turn out in big numbers for Mitt Romney. "It's not me running against Mitt Romney. It's me running on my own."

Source: Salt Lake Tribune on 2012 Utah Senate debate Apr 12, 2012

Rebecca Holcombe: Served in Scott's administration; now running against him

For the first 15 months of Republican Gov. Phil Scott's administration, Rebecca Holcombe served as his secretary of education. Now she's hoping to oust him from Vermont's top job. "I'm running for governor because I think it's time to take the state in a new direction, and I have tremendous experience as an educator, as a teacher, a principal, a secretary," she said. "And I want to put it to work for every Vermonter in every corner of the state--not just the areas that are already doing well."

Holcombe, who has not previously run for public office, was appointed secretary of education by Democratic governor Peter Shumlin in September 2013 and took office in January 2014. When Scott chose to retain her in February 2017, the new GOP governor hailed her "fierce commitment to improving Vermont's education system," and she said it was "a privilege and an honor" to serve in his administration.

Source: Seven Days e-zine on 2020 Utah Gubernatorial race Jul 16, 2019

Sam Granato: Utahns choice is mainstream candidate vs. extreme candidate

Granato charged that Lee is too extreme for Utah as a darling of the tea party. But Lee said most Utahns cheer his push to return to constitutionally limited government."Utahns have a real opportunity this year to either elect a mainstream candidate or an extreme candidate," Granato said.

Lee said that his views match Utahns who "are reclaiming their right to constitutionally limited government. We have to focus on limiting the size, scope, reach and power of the federal government."

Source: Salt Lake Tribune coverage of 2010 Utah Senate debate Sep 17, 2010

Scott Howell: Electing the same people get the same results

Howell, 58, has made Hatch's age and many years in the Senate a major point of his campaign. Howell has sent emails to voters suggesting Hatch, 78, would "retire or die" before the end of his term, and recommending they both release five years of medical records. "We continue to elect the very same people, and we wonder why we get the same results. We need new blood," Howell said. "We cannot perpetuate a seniority system that generates this 10 percent approval" of Congress. Source: San Francisco Chronicle on 2012 Utah Senate debate Oct 18, 2012

Scott Howell: I learned bipartisanship as minority party in state Senate

He's gone so far hard right in order to win this election that he's lost that collaborative spirit, Howell said of Hatch's one-time work with liberals such as the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass. Howell added that as the former Democratic leader in the state Senate, he learned how to work with Republicans out of necessity to pass legislation.

Serving in the Utah Legislature is "quite different than being in Congress, by the way, especially in our Legislature," Hatch said, adding that, if elected, Howell would be "surrounded by people" in the Democratic Party "who won't let you be anything but liberal."

At one point, Hatch pointed to his introduction of the DREAM Act--to allow undocumented immigrants brought as young children by their parents to America to attend college and work toward citizenship--as an example of how he cares about Latinos.

Source: Salt Lake Tribune on 2012 Utah Senate debate Oct 17, 2012

Scott Howell: Reach out the hand of fellowship in compromise to GOP

If President Obama is re-elected, Hatch said he would do everything he can to help him when he's right and be the loyal opposition when he's wrong.

Howell said if he and Romney are elected, he would "reach out the hand of fellowship" and be the one to compromise and bring about bipartisanship.

Source: Deseret News on 2012 Utah Senate debate Oct 26, 2012

Spencer Cox: Coronavirus: Debunk rumors; don't share untrue stories

Cox sought to debunk what he called "crazy rumors" amid Utah's part of the coronavirus scare:
Source: Salt Lake Tribune on 2020 Utah gubernatorial race Mar 17, 2020

Spencer Cox: We are friends; we must always be friends

That, of course, does not mean that we should never disagree. I'm going to veto some of your bills. Probably more than my predecessors. Please don't take it personally. You are going to override some of those vetoes. I promise not to take that personally. It doesn't mean that I'm bad or you're weak. It is simply part of a process. A gloriously messy and inspired process. But there must be no room for contempt or hate. We are friends. We must always be friends.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Utah legislature Jan 21, 2021

Spencer Cox: Everything has become political, that's a huge mistake

I spoke about this often over the past eight years, about how unfortunate it is that that politics is becoming religion in our country, that politics is becoming sport and entertainment in our country, that everything is political. It's a huge mistake. And it's caused us to make bad decisions during this pandemic and in other phases of our life, as well. So it's deeply troubling.
Source: CBS Face the Nation 2021 interview of Utah Governor Jul 4, 2021

Spencer Cox: If America is world's last great hope, Utah is America's

I sometimes worry that we waste too much valuable time on things that tear us apart. You may have noticed last year that I have very little interest in fighting the so-called culture wars. Every good and worthy cause--taken to an extreme (and if there's one thing we are good at, it's taking everything to extremes)--can become toxic and destructive. It used to be said that all politics is local. I no longer believe that to be true. Today all politics is national. And that is bad. Very bad.

The good people of our state--and our country--are in desperate search for leadership. A desperate search for hope. In past generations as Americans, we dreamed big. Now, I'm afraid that our eyes are consistently in the gutter. But not in Utah. Not yet anyway. In Utah, we still look up. I firmly believe in my heart that if America is the last great hope of the world, then Utah is the last great hope of America.

Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Utah legislature Jan 20, 2022

Evan McMullin: AdWatch: Some Republicans are racist, but not all

McMullin slammed an attack ad against him and his campaign as a "lie," refuting the claims made in the ad from Club for Growth, a PAC that supports Mike Lee.,p>The ad features McMullin saying "the Republican base is racist," something he claims was taken out of context from an interview following a neo-Nazi march in Virginia in 2017.

Speaking after the march on a CNN panel, McMullin said, "Not all Republicans, of course, are racist. I was raised by Republicans who welcome Americans of all backgrounds and are not at all alike. But there is an element of the Republican base that is racist, and our leaders are afraid to stand up to them, because if they do, if they do so, they'll be criticized, and they'll potentially lose votes, and so they don't do it."

McMullin, who is running against Lee as an independent, called out the ad, saying it edited his own words as a deception to protect his opponent. The McMullin campaign has asked television stations to stop running the ad.

Source: Fox-13-Now AdWatch on 2022 Utah Senate race Sep 29, 2022

Evan McMullin: I'll maintain my independence, not caucus with either side

I will maintain my independence. I will not caucus with either side. I think that this will give Utah an added value of influence in the Senate that it just doesn't have. I think that we've seen that the senators in the chamber who are willing to act with greater independence, serving their constituents, standing up to party bosses, standing up to extremist factions and special interest groups, they have the most influence in the chamber.
Source: Meet the Press on 2022 Utah Senate race Oct 16, 2022

Mike Lee: FactCheck: worked to overturn Electoral College votes

At a debate, Lee said:

"In the days leading up to January 6, I had a job to do. There were rumors circulating suggesting that some states were considering switching out their slates of electors. I did research on that; I made phone calls to figure out whether the rumors were true. The rumors were false. On that basis, I voted to certify the results of the elections."

Lee did vote on January 6 to certify Biden's victory. But before that, he wasn't merely doing research. To the contrary, on Jan. 4, he told Mark Meadows in reference to Trump: "I've been spending 14 hours a day for the last week trying to unravel this for him."

Asked during the debate if Biden fairly won the election, Lee said "yes, Joe Biden is our president" because Biden "was chosen in the only election that matters: the election held by the Electoral College." But Lee's texts show that he kept working to achieve a Trump victory for three weeks after the Electoral College affirmed Biden's win on December 14, 2020.

Source: CNN FactCheck on 2022 Utah_Senate race Oct 18, 2022

Spencer Cox: It is for the free people of Utah to dictate our destiny

To every young person today grappling with fear, I want to speak to you. Whether it be fear of finding a good career or a home you can afford to buy. Or fear of a planet in peril, or attacks on democracy at home or abroad, or the effects of inflation. Or fear of any of the other crazy things in our society today. If there is one message that I could give to you, it is this: The future of our state is not written in the stars. It is for us, the free men and women of Utah, to dictate our destiny.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Utah legislature Jan 19, 2023

Spencer Cox: Real power in pleading for help from a higher authority

Now, you have heard me ask our fellow Utahns to unite in faith and prayer in asking God to help deliver us from drought. I have been mocked both at home and abroad by clever comedians and pundits in the media. But, as a man of faith, I make no excuses for my beliefs. I believe there is real power in people of all different faiths and backgrounds uniting together and pleading for help from a higher authority than our own.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Utah legislature Jan 19, 2023

Spencer Cox: I don't like to rank sins; I just do the best I can

Q: Mormon leaders recently clarified that same-sex marriage is a "grievous sin." How do you feel about that?

COX: Whether you see that as a sin or not I think is unimportant. I don't like to rank sins. I clearly have many, many, many faults and many sins myself. I've just determined that none of that matters to me personally. I just have to do the best I can with what I have. Part of that is the commandment - and my church teaches this as well - that we are to love everyone as Jesus taught us.

Source: NPR on 2024 Utah Gubernatorial race Jul 19, 2023

Spencer Cox: American Exceptionalism means disagreeing better

Cox said he saw "American Exceptionalism at work" at the National Governors' Association winter meeting earlier this month. "We didn't agree on everything, but we disagreed better. And we found ideas to bring us together. I still believe this is what Americans want. I don't just mean civility and kindness (although we definitely need more of that too). I mean passionate disagreement that doesn't destroy our souls and our country," Cox said.
Source: The Hill e-zine on 2024 Utah Gubernatorial race Feb 20, 2023

Phil Lyman: Supports Trump; Biden does not put America first

Lyman expressed his absolute support for former President Donald Trump in his run for the White House, while slamming President Joe Biden for his failing policies. "We currently have a president who does not put America first," he charged. "A president who panders to the Paris Climate Agreement; a president who locks up the vast resources of our state through executive orders."
Source: Breitbart.com on 2024 Utah Gubernatorial race Sep 5, 2023

Brian King: I believe that it is Christlike to challenge the status quo

On his mother's side, Brian proudly carries the legacy of his great great grandfather, Hyrum Smith, brother to Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This connection to a pivotal figure in religious history fuels Brian's perspective on challenging authority. He reflects on the Christlike attribute of questioning power, drawing parallels between the sacrifice of Jesus and the challenges faced by his great great grandfather in standing up for truth, even when unpopular.

"Not only through my study of the New Testament and Book of Mormon but from studying my own family history, I've come to believe that it is Christlike to challenge the status quo. The man we worship was killed for it. My great great grandfather, Hyrum Smith, was also killed for challenging authority and standing up for what he knew to be true, even when it was deeply unpopular. In everything I do, I hope to follow in their footsteps."

Source: 2024 Utah Gubernatorial campaign website KingForUtah.com Dec 25, 2023

Brian King: Opposes restricting freedoms in the names of religion

As an LDS Bishop in the mid-1990s, he embraced connecting with people during vulnerable moments. While remaining an active member of the church, Brian's interfaith marriage and close ties with friends and family from diverse religious backgrounds underscore his belief that every Utahn deserves an advocate for religious or non-religious liberty. This conviction compels him to proactively speak out against any restrictions on freedoms or rights imposed in the name of religion.
Source: 2024 Utah Gubernatorial campaign website KingForUtah.com Dec 25, 2023

Brian King: Fund "In God We Trust" License Plates

Legislative outcome: Bill passed House, 64-9, Feb. 4; State Rep. Brian King voted YES; bill passed Senate, 27-0, Feb. 15; bill signed by Gov. Herbert, March 21
Source: Utah legislative voting records: HB 34 Mar 21, 2013

Spencer Cox: Utah ranked best state; interested in keeping it that way

Probably my favorite ranking comes from U.S. News and World Report where they evaluated all 50 states using thousands of data points and more than 70 different metrics in eight categories. Their goal? To determine definitively, which is the best state. And for the very first time in 2023, Utah was named the best state in the nation. Period. I'm much more interested in why we are objectively the best state. And I'm most interested in how we keep it that way.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Utah legislature Jan 18, 2024

Brad Wilson: Need to restore the values that have made our country great

Our nation is at a crossroads. Our freedoms are under attack and we need a conservative fighter with the guts to shatter the status quo and restore the values that have made our country great. Let's take our country back, together.
Source: 2024 Utah Senate campaign website ElectBradWilson.com Apr 19, 2024

Trent Staggs: Jesus Christ at the center of their family of two children

Trent and his wife, Alisha, have been married since 2007. Guiding their successful marriage has been a shared faith in God, with Jesus Christ at the center of their family of two children. Trent knows that the family is the bedrock institution of all human society. Families must be safe and strong if a country wants to be.
Source: 2024 Utah Senate campaign website TrentStaggs.com Mar 1, 2024

Trent Staggs: Wokeness is a false religion with no business in government

Wokeness has infiltrated almost every aspect of our daily life, fomenting hostility and anger under the false flag of "tolerance." While many companies who subscribe to ESG guidelines "get woke and go broke," wokeness now has the force of law under the corrupt Biden Administration.

Wokeness is a false religion with no business in our government. It must be ripped out wherever it shows its ugly head. As Senator, I will be woke's worst enemy.

Source: 2024 Utah Senate campaign website TrentStaggs.com Mar 1, 2024

Trent Staggs: We need leaders who will put America first!

We need leaders who care about everyday Americans. We need leaders who will use the full might and power of our country to defend our citizens. We need a leader back in the white house who will put America first!
Source: 2024 Utah Senate press release: "CPAC 2024" Feb 23, 2024

Mitt Romney: Time for new generation of leaders excluding Biden AND Trump

Mitt Romney announced that he would not seek re-election in 2024, saying he wanted to make way for a "new generation of leaders." He strongly suggested that Mr. Trump, 77, and President Biden, 80, should follow his lead and bow out to pave the way for younger candidates, arguing that neither was effectively leading his party to confront the "critical challenges" the nation faces.

"At the end of another term, I'd be in my mid-80s. Frankly, it's time for a new generation of leaders," Mr. Romney, 76, said in a video statement. "They're the ones that need to make the decisions that will shape the world they will be living in."

"It would be a great thing if both President Biden and former President Trump would stand aside," Mr. Romney told reporters later on Capitol Hill.

Source: New York Times on 2024 Utah Senate race Jul 19, 2023

Brian King: Running-mate: librarian Rebekah Cummings for Lt.Gov.

Brian King, the Democratic candidate for governor, unveiled his pick for lieutenant governor: "I am writing to name Rebekah Cummings as my running mate and candidate for lieutenant governor," he said. "A mom. A public servant. A librarian. A defender against book banning and censorship. Utahns will be well served by Rebekah's leadership through her advocacy for intellectual freedom and commitment to empowering families."

Cummings is the director of digital matters at the University of Utah and is a board chair of the Utah State Library Board. She has been a fierce advocate against book banning. These qualifications "are very relevant to the issues that we're facing," King said in his reasoning for picking her.

"I've actually been Brian's constituent for the past 11 years," she said, adding she has felt impressed by his ability to focus on "common sense solutions and working across the aisle to get things done."

Source: Deseret News on 2024 Utah Gubernatorial race Apr 29, 2024

Phil Lyman: Running-mate: adoption lawyer Natalie Clawson for Lt.Gov.

It's her first time running for a political position, but Natalie Clawson said her background in practicing law and studying politics has prepared her to serve. Clawson will run as Phil Lyman's new lieutenant governor candidate.

The change in candidate comes after Layne Bangerter, Phil Lyman's original lieutenant govenor pick, was declared ineligible by a Utah judge. The issue was Bangerter's residency in Utah was not the minimum of five years "immediately" preceding the election as required by the Utah Constitution.

Born and raised in Utah County, Clawson studied political science and graduated from Brigham Young University's law school. "I've been involved in adoption law, state planning and other areas," Clawson said.

Clawson has also focused on education policies and laws impacting her children. She has also attended police academy, clerked for a Utah County judge and worked on the Secure Vote Utah initiative.

Source: KSL-TV-5 on 2024 Utah Gubernatorial race May 4, 2024

Brad Wilson: Fund "In God We Trust" License Plates

Legislative outcome: Bill passed House, 64-9, Feb. 4; State Rep. Brad Wilson voted YES; bill passed Senate, 27-0, Feb. 15; bill signed by Gov. Herbert, March 21
Source: Utah legislative voting records: HB 34 Feb 4, 2013

Caroline Gleich: Family loss led to becoming a professional ski mountaineer

My half-brother Martin played a pivotal role, introducing me to climbing and creating some of my happiest childhood memories. My life changed tragically at 15 years old when Martin was buried by an avalanche at the age of 37. Losing him changed me profoundly, igniting a commitment to honor his memory by embracing the challenges of the big mountains. Ski mountaineering became my passion, and I worked my way up to realizing my dream of becoming a professional ski mountaineer.
Source: 2024 Utah Senate campaign website CarolineForUtah.com Jun 21, 2024

Misty Snow: Spiritually, I value love and compassion for all people

Q: Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.

Snow: I value love and compassion in all things and for all people.

Q: What in the nature of mankind caused America's Founders to carefully define, separate, and limit powers in the Constitution?

Snow: People tend to be vulnerable to corruption; so it's very important that power is not concentrated in a single place.

Source: 2016 AFA Action iVoterGuide on 2016 Utah Senate race Nov 8, 2016

Mitt Romney: I don't want Trump for President, but I won't endorse Kamala

[Former Republican presidential nominee and ] "Senator Mitt Romney, the retiring Republican from Utah and onetime standard-bearer of a party that has shifted under his feet, said Tuesday that he would not endorse Vice President Kamala Harris in the election because it might hamper a critical role he could play in helping to rebuild the G.O.P. down the line," the New York Times reports.

Said Romney: "I've made it very clear that I don't want Donald Trump to be the next president of the United States."

But, he added later: "I want to continue to have a voice in the Republican Party following this election. I think there's a good chance that the Republican Party is going to need to be rebuilt or reoriented."

Source: PoliticalWire.com on 2024 Utah Senate race Oct 8, 2024

Phil Lyman: Running write-in campaign: won convention & lost primary

State Rep. Phil Lyman lost the Republican primary election for Utah governor by nearly 40,000 votes in June. Now, in the midst of pursuing multiple legal challenges to Gov. Spencer Cox's eligibility for the ballot, he will launch a write-in campaign to replace the state's top official.

In a social media post, Lyman wrote, "I will be running as a write-in candidate in the general election in November," then told another, "There is a true conservative option."

At convention, Lyman secured a little over 2/3 of delegates' support, beating Cox, who landed on the ballot by gathering more than 28,000 signatures from voters. Cox emerged from the primary with 54% of Republican votes. [Lyman has sued to remove Cox from the ballot]. Delegates who participate in the convention process tend to lean further to the right than the state's larger Republican electorate.

Source: Salt Lake Tribune on 2024 Utah Gubernatorial race Aug 12, 2024

Spencer Cox: I endorse Trump because most Utahns support Trump

The only debate between candidates for governor evolved into a sparring match between Cox and state Rep. Brian King that echoed the Democrat's struggles against policies passed by the Legislature's Republican supermajority with the governor's stamp of approval over the last four years.

Early on in the debate, King leveled criticism at Cox for his about-face endorsement of former President Donald Trump as his National Governors Association campaign to "disagree better" concluded. "The governor right now is simply acting inconsistently with his statements that he wants to disagree better," he said, pointing out the ex-president's efforts to overturn the results of the last presidential election.

Cox responded, saying, "It's sad to me that my colleague would dismiss the vast majority of voters in our state who are going to support the former president," adding he aims to continue to try bringing Utahns across the political spectrum together.

Source: Salt Lake Tribune on 2024 Utah Gubernatorial race Sep 11, 2024

Spencer Cox: Utah is where the American dream still means something

Last week I had dinner with our new legislators and their spouses. My favorite part of the night was asking them why they ran for this position. I wish every Utahn could have heard their answers. It was almost impossible to tell who was Republican and who was Democrat. They inspired me. Love is not too strong of a word to describe how I feel about the public servants here, and the work you have committed to do for the people of our state.

Today, we can renew our forebears' tradition of true grit. Generations of Utah entrepreneurs and leaders have fought through unfavorable conditions; and built in the face of cynicism. In time, those efforts turned Utah into what's now known as the best state in the country to start a business; the #1 state for social mobility; the state where young people can still out-earn the prior generation, and the #1 state overall; in short, the place where the American dream still means something.

Source: 2025 State of the State Address to the Utah legislature Jan 23, 2025

John Curtis: I really like to align myself with core Utah values

So the best description for me is normal. The problem is with labels is it's kind of a shortcut to stereotype somebody, right? A moderate in Salt Lake City is different than a moderate in Saint George or a moderate in Massachusetts. So to try to say somebody is a moderate or something just doesn't fit. And I really like to align myself with core Utah values. And the best way to describe those are our pioneer values.
Source: ABC This Week interview on 2024 Utah Senate race Dec 22, 2024

Mike Kennedy: Fund "In God We Trust" License Plates

Legislative outcome: Bill passed House, 64-9, Feb. 4; State Sen. Kennedy voted YES; bill passed Senate, 27-0, Feb. 15; bill signed by Gov. Herbert, March 21
Source: Utah legislative voting records: HB 34 Feb 4, 2013

  • The above quotations are from State of Utah Politicians: Archives.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Principles & Values.
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2024 Presidential contenders on Principles & Values:
  Candidates for President & Vice-President:
V.P.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA)
Chase Oliver(L-GA)
Dr.Jill Stein(D-MA)
Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL)
Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH)
Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN)
Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)

2024 presidential primary contenders:
Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE)
N.D.Gov.Doug Burgum(R)
N.J.Gov.Chris_Christie(R)
Fla.Gov.Ron_DeSantis(R)
S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R)
Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R)
Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN)
Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH)
S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
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Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026