SALT LAKE CITY, UT: Citing the critical need for unity, civility, and reasoned discussion in the public arena, a group of civic minded and politically experienced Utah citizens announced the formation of the United Utah Party on Monday, May 22, 2017 in the Centennial Room at the Utah State Capitol.

“The existing parties created the existing problems by becoming co-opted by extreme views on both sides,” said Richard Davis, who serves as the chair of the United Utah Party. “It is time for a political party that will represent the people of Utah and not merely the views of a few.” Dr. Davis is a political science professor at Brigham Young University. He previously served as a county chair of the Utah Democratic Party.

“The political landscape has shifted dramatically since this last election,” said Jim Bennett, Executive Director of the United Utah Party and son of former Utah Republican Senator Bob Bennett. “Both Republicans and Democrats in Utah are increasingly unhappy with their choices, and they are looking for a reasonable alternative. The United Utah Party is that alternative.” Mr. Bennett has managed a number of Utah political campaigns and served five times as a delegate to the Utah State Republican Convention.

Davis noted strong interest in this new effort, particularly among those who no longer feel at home in the two major parties. “People are eager to bridge the divide,” he said. “United Utah will give them candidates they can vote for instead of having to choose between two undesirable options.” The United Utah Party is collecting the 2,000 signatures necessary to be recognized by the state as a registered political party in Utah. They intend to submit those signatures to the Lieutenant Governor’s office by May 26, 2017, which is the day the governor has designated as the deadline for candidates to declare their intent to participate in the special election to replace Rep. Jason Chaffetz, who is stepping down at the end of next month.

“The United Utah Party plans to have a candidate on the ballot for the special election, and we will announce that candidate in accordance with the deadlines outlined in the governor’s special election calendar,” Bennett said.

The United Utah Party is online and accepting support at unitedutah.org, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/unitedutahparty and on Twitter as @unitedutahparty.