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Democrats Look to Nab Utah Elections |
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BYU NewsNet, May 20, 2008
Natali Wyson Democrats have had a rough time getting elected in Utah in the past, but this year they see an opportunity to balance out the Republicans in the Utah Legislature.
"With the national political scene the way it is, I think we are going to see more democratic candidates," said Kena Jo Matthews, Democratic Women's public relations specialist. "I think we really have the momentum this year to get a couple elected."
The Democratic Women of Utah County is an organization focused on serving and raising political awareness in the community. This group met Tuesday to hear from the local candidates running on the Democratic ticket.
The Democratic candidates this year are focusing most of their attention on education, environment and health-care issues.
"We care about the individuals," said Boyd Peterson, a state legislature candidate for House seat 64. "We don't want our schools to be like factories where kids are treated like widgets on an assembly line."
Claralyn Hill, a state legislature candidate for House seat 62, said contrary to popular belief, Utah does have the resources to improve education if it gets its priorities straight.
"I think in Utah we hear a lot of 'oh, we have so many kids and not enough money for education, poor us,'" Hill said. "But what about the soccer stadiums we can afford?"
The candidates said the younger voters are important in both the national and local elections.
RaDene Hatfield, a state legislature candidate for Senate seat 16, said for a while, the younger generation felt disfranchised and didn't think they could make a difference.
"But I think now they are seeing they have power" she said. "They have many numbers and numbers count."
BYU students and other college-age voters will make a huge difference in the campaign of Don Jarvis, a state legislature candidate for House seat 63, because they dominate seven out of his 10 precincts.
"College students might not be permanent here, but they breathe Provo air for four years," Jarvis said. "They deal with the congestion and they use public transportation for four or five years. They are an integral part of the community."
More information about the Democratic candidates can be found on utahcountydems.com. |
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