A Message to Democratic Voters in Utah

So, I've been seeing signs up all over the place for Chris Cannon's reelection and I'm wondering who his opponent is.

I can't find anyone who seems to be running against him (outside of his own party, that is).

That being said, I'll do it.

There's no way we can let a guy like Chris Cannon run un-opposed. Does anybody know what procedures I'd have to go through to run as a Democrat against him? I'm assuming the local Democratic party office would have some who'd know.

It's not like I'd be a great candidate, but I'd certainly be great for the position. I'm not a BYU Law grad like his last opponent, Christian Burridge (who should run again), but I'm smart, know my politics and care way more about the people of Utah's 3rd Congressional than he does. He understands big business and lobbyists, but I understand people.

I also understand that domestic oil and shale drilling isn't a solution to our dependency on oil. Shifting where we get the oil isn't going to lessen our dependency on oil, it's just going to ruin our own natural resources to sate our unquenchable thirst for oil for a short time. The solutions that Cannon has been proposing are both short-sighted and ignore the problem. We need tax credits to make hybrid cars, electric cars and solar powered cars more affordable for everyone. And his solution to the problem doesn't really help Utahns. If there's one thing in Utah we have an abundance of, it's sunshine. Why not harness some of that to fix our problems instead of destroy national parks?

So... Seriously. Anybody want to step up? Or are we really going to make me do this?

Follow Bryan Young on Twitter: www.twitter.com/BigShinyRobot

Comments

[dmhan]

You have my vote. I would run, but as a state government employee, I would have to quit my job to enter the race. I think that Provo/Orem democrats have just given up, sadly knowing that the "r" by the name of the canidate is the only factor necessary for a successful political career in happy valley. I will still go to the polls in November. I will still get the strained look from the poll worker that I go to church with when he finds my name and notes the mistake that someone has made by placing a "d" next to it. I will let the republicans know that there are still a few democrats lurking around the polling booths, trying to lure away impresionable youth to the side of the engaged and the outraged.

[kzn]

Sorry to burst your bubble Bryan, but Bennion Spencer beat you to it. He's run for the state legislature a couple of times (once against Chris Buttars, I think) and will now take on the winner of Cannon and Chaffetz. Besides, the filing deadline for candidates was March 17.

Too bad. I would have voted for you.

[BryanYoung]

Yeah, I heard this about a day after I wrote and submitted this. My question is though, why is this guy so hard to find? I'm a Not-Republican living in the 3rd district, I should have a dozen bumper stickers and yard signs for the guy by now.

We need to do something to up his profile and make this race a little less lopsided.

Also, funny story about that Jason Chaffetz character.­.. One of his Surrogates (or even he himself) found a post on my blog and started arguing policy with me. We went back and forth, but as soon as I had a number of irrefutable arguments he mysteriously vanished. You should check it out on the This Divided State blog.

It's a laugh riot.

That being said, if Spencer is unsuccessful, I'll be there next time for sure, especially now that I know you'd vote for me. (I know, I said that last time, but I mean it this time.)

[BryanYoung]

Also, even with a missed filing deadline, I'd've run as a write in....

[kzn]

Spencer doesn't have a website listed on the Lt.Gov.'s website, but he does have an email address: [e-mail]. I assume he'll start campaigning after the primary. But right now is when people are talking about the 3rd district race and nobody has even hinted that there's a democratic challenger on the November ballot. Seems like the last few months would've been the best time to get his name out there. Hope he shows his face soon.