Chair's Note - Election Introspection
Our first election is over. Our candidate won 9 percent of the vote. Is that a good showing or not so good? What is the definition of success short of winning? Party supporters will define the future. If we decide the 12,000 or so votes Jim received are a foundation for growth, then we will go ahead and work for a larger share of the vote, more supporters, and eventual victory at the polls.
Read moreA Case for an Independent Districting Commission
ger·ry·man·der
verb
To manipulate the boundaries of an electoral constituency so as to favor one party or class.
To achieve a result by manipulating the boundaries of an electoral constituency.
"a total freedom to gerrymander the results they want"
Many have claimed that the current electoral district maps in Utah have been gerrymandered, particularly the four US House districts. We have three (possibly four) solidly Republican districts. Less than 20% of the state house seats and 17% of the state senate are held by Democrats. Yet, Democrats frequently get above 25% of the votes across the state.
So, what would be some alternatives?
Read moreWhy I Voted For Bennett
by Bruce Lindsay
I just filled out my mail-in ballot for municipal and bond elections and—because I live in the 3rd District—the special congressional election.
Throughout my life I’ve made it a point to keep my votes a private matter. But now I can and believe I must disclose my stand in this consequential race.
Read moreThe Case for Jim Bennett
Op-Ed by Vaughn Cook on case for Jim Bennett
in Salt Lake Tribune Oct 22, 2017
Jim Bennett is not burdened with the baggage of dysfunction.
Read moreGiving Utahns a Better Choice
Op-Ed by Richard Davis on United Utah Party
in Deseret News Oct. 19, 2017
Party Chair Explains United Utah Party
We are not another single-issue, ideologically extreme political party. Other parties — Socialist, Green, Constitution, Independent American, Libertarian — fit in that camp. We are different.
Read moreVote for a Candidate Who Will Take Action
Op-Ed by Jim Bennett
in Daily Herald Oct. 18, 2017
"Congress will keep failing to deliver as long as its members pander in self-interest to the political bases that got them elected."
Read moreThe Bible and Utah's Special Election
No, the Good Book won’t tell you how to vote in the special congressional election! But its wisdom does suggest you consider the alternatives before you make a decision.
How Far We've Come
On Tuesday, United Utah Party candidate Jim Bennett was part of the candidate debate on the Doug Wright show on KSL. He joined the Republican and the Democrat. Jim also will be one of three candidates invited to participate in the Utah Debate Commission event on Wednesday, October 18. Nearly all news stories about the campaign mention the Democrat, the Republican, and the United Utah Party candidate by name. They do not do that for the other party candidates; indeed, the party's names often are not even listed.
Healing The Great Divide
The divide between Republicans and Democrats is far greater today than are divisions over religion, age or education.
Read moreAnother Tragedy
Once again, a horrific tragedy has occurred when someone takes a firearm and kills multiple people in an unexplained rage. This is not a uniquely American phenomenon. However, it is one that seems all too common now in the United States.