State Delegate Review

I enjoyed the opportunity yesterday to represent the 5th precinct of Utah Legislative District 56 at our Republican Party Caucus meeting. Some of the highlights of this experience:

1. Having the opportunity to meet, talk with, listen to, and ask questions of many of our leaders political leaders.
- As in times past, Jason Chaffetz impressed me more than any other individual of interest. He answered the questions I and others ask in a straightforward manner; he explained his position clearly and why he believed as he did. Though he has not made it official, there is little doubt he will challenge Orin Hatch for the Senate seat in 2012.
- Speaking of Senator Hatch, I listened to him speak for a while and spoke directly with his chief of staff. Sadly, I was more impressed with his chief of staff than the senator. It is clear that he is not willing to be pushed around in Washington, or by listening to the opinions of his constituents. His unwillingness to commit to specifics or his ideas on issues demonstrated 1) his intelligence as a politician, of which there is little doubt and much good he has done; 2) how his current Washington-centric focus has moved him away from many of the local issues of Utah, 3) that the service he is rendering has become more of a game of power than representing the people. ie - he seemed more concerned about what power he wielded as a senior senator on the budget committee than the issues affecting our state directly; and 4) he knows how to speak to a crowd, but is not as interested in listening.
- With the word on the street that Mark Shurtleff planning on NOT running again, I paid particular attention to those campaigning openly for the position of Attorney General. Sean D. Reyes outclassed the other candidates I spoke too. He understands the limits of the position, and also the need for enforcement without witchhunts. Of the many attorneys I have conversed with, he seemed more sincere and real (insert any random attorney joke here) than most.
- Another highlight of the day was Grover Norquist, the Keynote speaker. I have not been able to find his speech online, but it was hilarious. His wit was high-brow-low-blow awesome. He discussed how we do not have a budget problem (which would mean we need to raise taxes), we have a spending problem. His analogy of stirring the waters with stimulus was great. If anyone finds the speech online, please sent it to me so we can get a link.

Only the Precinct Chair and I were able to make it to the State Delegate Meeting, but we believe we represented those in our area well. Our separate inquiries to the local feelings on issues and our personal research resulted in the same conclusions on each of the issues when we met to discuss and vote. It is good to have a united voting precinct.

This concludes my formal duties, of which I am happy to report I have completed without missing one, for this current delegate term. I of course will continue to act in the position on the informal responsibilities. I look forward to our next caucus meeting. Those in the precinct who would like more details are welcome to contact me via email for more information and if there are any questions.