Tonight, the United States Senate advanced a $1 trillion physical infrastructure bill with a vote of 67-32, with Utah Senator Mitt Romney voting with the majority and Senator Mike Lee  joining 16 other Republicans to oppose the bill. 

I grew up watching 1776 and was particularly moved by “Is Anybody There?” While there’s plenty of literary license in it, I always appreciated John Adams’ well-documented vision of an America where all Americans are free. It was a lofty goal, one that we're arguably still working toward but we're undeniably closer to. His commitment, shared and treasured across generations of Americans, has allowed us to come as close as we have to realizing that vision.

As members of the United Utah Party, we break down tribalism, find common ground, and seek understanding. These are all virtues of a Uniter. But I think there is no better expression of being a Uniter than to be united in a common cause for the good of society. We achieve our greatest heights when we are united in purpose, and all do our small part to accomplish great things. 

Mark Echo Hawk, a tribal attorney based in St. George and a member of the United Utah Party, speaks at the 2021 State Convention. Recorded on Zoom, April 24, 2021.

Catherine Eslinger, 2020 United Utah candidate for state house district 60 and well-known activist for ethical government in Utah, speaks at the 2021 State Convention. Recorded on Zoom, April 24, 2020.

Richard Davis, founding member of the United Utah Party and former chair, speaks at the 2021 State Convention. Recorded on Zoom, April 24, 2021.

As Uniters, we are passionate moderates. While that might seem like a contradiction in terms, it’s true, and we’re needed now more than ever! We don’t get excited about extreme political positions; we get energized by the reforms that will bring us together and that will bring the government back to the people.

Over these last two weeks, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be a Uniter. I’ve also thought a lot about what it means to be the leader of a political party—to be a partisan—in a time when hyper-partisanship is poisoning our nation. One of my conclusions is that the paradigm shift we bring to politics is very much needed. We are needed, now more than ever.

The past four years have been quite a ride. We have gone from nothing to a political party with thousands of registered members and even more supporters who vote for our candidates.

As many of you know, ballots should be arriving soon for Utah residents. For some it will be as soon as this week. For others, it will be later this month. But for each of us, we should make sure to properly fill out the ballots and mail them in as soon as possible. 

As you know, the United Utah Party has many great candidates to vote for. If you are tired of the duopoly we have here in Utah, if you would like to see real change happen, then you should vote for the United Utah candidates. They will bring some badly needed accountability to our government.