The results are in

What a crazy night.  Philpot came within 150 votes at one point.  But the reality was obvious.  he was relying on Washington County, Iron County and Utah County Voters to overcome Salt Lake County voters.  That is a huge margin to overcome and has been the secret to Matheson Wins each time.  Those Salt Lake County voters love the man.

Dixon Pitcher and Randy Rounds ran a good campaign.  Dixon won by a larger margin then I thought he would, so I stand corrected.  Rounds is a great guy, I think his poor campaign literature and campaigning in September a little too early hurt him.  Dixon really ramped it up the last few weeks and brought it in for a home run. Congrats.

All other offices in Weber County (that had a Republican Challenger) were swept by the Republicans.  Not a big day for Democrats in Weber County. So Republicans, we are watching.  Make a difference for us.

All the constitutional amendments passed as expected.  It will be interesting to see how this ethics committee works out.

Great Job everyone on a well fought election cycle.  Now we get a small break for a few months before campaigning begins on the next one.

Election Results

This year I did no live blogging or tweets because I took the unique opportunity of running a polling location.  More to come about this later.  But things are looking good as of 10 pm for Dixon Pitcher, however I promise this one will come down to 200 votes or more.  Still very close.

• Mike Lee - Was a no surprise. (crap)
• Morgan Philpot - I was hoping would be a little closer.
• Rob Bishop - Easy win.
• Terry Thompson for Sherriff - Blow out, hope he doesn't have Hatch Act Issues.
• and it looks like Republicans blew it out on all other Weber County races.

For more go here: http://electionresults.utah.gov/xmlData/main.html

Hatch Act Violators...how many are there?

Standard Examiner reporter Scott Schwebke (aka @TheChalkOutline) shares with us another potential causality of the infamous Hatch Act (See Here).  Apparently someone has filed potential Hatch Act Violations against Terry Thompson and his competitor Greg Haws, whom are both running for Weber County Sheriff.  Though Mr. Haw's violations have since been dismissed, Terry Thompson's are still in process.  Haws is now bringing this to light because the OSC (U.S. Office of Special Council) is dragging their feet in the investigation.

Haws is quick to point out he isn't using this as a campaign tool against Thompson but instead wants things to be finalized and done with so he can beat Terry the right way.  I find this hard to believe.  But you can read the quote for yourself:

"This isn't a campaign ploy," he said. "I want to beat him (Thompson) on the merits of what I can bring to the table."

It is hard not to think Mr. Haws isn't feeling the heat and wants to this to destroy Terry's campaign.  Heck I would probably do the same thing if I were in his shoes.  But the real question now is, Does Terry Thompson manage any type of Federal Funds and is he now in violation of the Hatch Act?  I brought this same argument up back in March after the caucus meetings.  A number of inside sources had told me both Mr. Haws and Mr. Thompson managed some sort of organization that received Federal Funds.  Apparently Haws has been exonerated in the accusations, but Thompson's violations are still up for debate. 

Two things need to happen.  Either we need to find out who is violating this Hatch Act across the board and kick them out of office or we need to scrap this whole Hatch Act thing.  Too many people are using the Hatch Act as a convenient way to remove someone the don't agree with.  I am betting there are tons of elected officials that are using Federal Funds and are in violation of this act.  They just haven't ticked off the right people yet.

Do you know someone who is violating the Hatch Act or what do you think if this law, feel free to comment?

Dixon Found

Shortly after my last post, "Where is Dixon Pitcher?"  A number people emailed me to put me in my place regarding Mr. Pitcher and his campaign.  However I stand by my original assessment.  But the kicker was Dixon's phone call to me earlier this evening.  He was incredibly open to my suggestions and we talked a lot about the campaign.  I still think he needs a website and a few other things.  But I can tell he is busy.

Also, I received his first campaign mailer today, just in time for early voting.  I am sure this was his strategy.

Where is Dixon Pitcher?

With the election now only two weeks away, I can’t help to be concerned about our legislative district race between Dixon Pitcher and Randy Rounds. For the past few weeks we have seen a growing number of campaign signs for Randy Rounds, he has walked the streets and knocked on doors. I have received a number of mailers and spoken to him personally. But where is Dixon Pitcher? I know there is a lot of timing that goes into putting up your signage and sending out mailers. Therefore we should see more from him in the next week but I feel he has lost some real ground and is not connecting with voters.

This district has always been strong for the Democratic Party and because of Rep. Brent Wallis and his amazing, tireless campaign work; it was won by the Republicans. Dixon Pitcher has not shown me even a shred of the energy that Wallis showed us. Which leads me to believe this district will go back to the Democrats in 2011. I have had one phone call from Mr. Pitcher asking if I wanted some signs and if Randy had visited my neighborhood. But after that, I have seen nothing. By this point, Mr. Wallis had hit nearly every door in South Ogden. The first of October he had a huge campaign rally and had tons of us going door to door meeting with potential voters. We had maps, clipboards, email addresses, etc. We went to sponsored “meet the candidate” dinners at voters homes and really got to know Brent Wallis. He was out there changing people’s minds who had voted one way for 20+ years.

Many have accused Randy Rounds for poorly written campaign literature, but at least he has some! Mr. Rounds has a website, flyers, posters, signs and more. It hasn’t been updated since May, but it at least it is there. http://randyrounds.weberdemocrats.org/

Mr. Pitcher – Nothing. He is still using his info@jumping.com email as the way to contact him. But gathering more info is difficult.

Currently over 100 people have come to my blog searching for info regarding Dixon Pitcher and Randy Rounds. Randy Round’s readers are staying for over 5 minutes, Dixon pitchers only a few seconds. This either because my blog sucks or that there is nothing to say, we haven’t seen him.

In all fairness, maybe he just isn’t campaigning in my precinct because Randy Round grew up a block from my house and still has family here. However, aside from a few meet the candidate nights, as I have driven around and spoken with other people; they all have the same question:

Where is Dixon Pitcher?

Poll Workers Needed in Davis and Weber Counties

Election Poll Workers Needed!!

Davis and Weber Counties are seeking college students to help work at the election polls. Each applicant must be a registered voter and reside within Weber or Davis county lines.

Approximately 3 hours of training (flexible) and one day of work (see applications). Compensation ranges from $145 - $210 depending on position and county. Hours will be determined by the county officials and are outlined on the application. Follow the link below for your individual county application.

Positions are limited, please apply by September 17th, 2010.

Weber County Residents:

http://www.co.weber.ut.us/Clerk_Auditor/Election/ElectionWorker.php

Davis County Residents:

http://www.co.davis.ut.us/clerkauditor/elections/poll_worker/default.cfm

For more information contact:

Javier Chavez

801-635-0932

javierchavez@weber.edu

Weber County Meet the Candidate Night - 9/12 Project Sponsors

The Weber County 9/12 Project has put together a Meet the Candidate night for September 22nd.  Should be a great night with lots of people in attendance.  Here is the info:


When: Wednesday, September 22, 2010 7:00 PM
Where: Christian Heritage High School,  5120 South 1050 West, Riverdale, UT 84405

This "Meet The Candidate Night" is open to the public and is the first of at least three scheduled to occur prior to the November 2nd elections.  

This first Meet the Candidate Night will give you the chance to meet those individuals running for Weber County offices.  Each Candidate will be given the opportunity to speak briefly (4 minutes each) to the audience and when everyone has finished, you can mingle and greet the candidates as you see fit.  The following candidates will be represented:

•     John B. Bond (Republican) – County Treasurer
•     Kerry W. Gibson (Republican) - County Commissioner, Seat B 
•     Debbie A. Hansen (Democratic) – County Recorder/Surveyor
•     Ricky Hatch (Republican) – County Clerk/Auditor
•     Drew Johnson (unaffiliated) – County Commissioner, Seat A
•     T.R. Morgan (Democratic) - County Commissioner, Seat A
•     Ernest D. Rowley (Republican) – County Recorder/Surveyor
•     Terry L. Thompson (Republican) – County Sheriff
•     John Ulibarri (Republican) – County Assessor    
•     Teresa Yorgason (Democratic) – County Clerk/Auditor
•     Jan M. Zogmaister (Republican) - County Commissioner, Seat A
•     Amy L. Wicks (Democratic) - County Commissioner, Seat B.

    Gary Haws (Democratic) - County Sheriff was extended the invitation to participate, but he was not able to do so.  
    Dee Smith (Democratic) - County Attorney was extended the invitation to participate, but he was not able to do so.


Thought RSVP is no required, you can RSVP here: http://www.meetup.com/The-Weber-912-Project/calendar/14740053/


Also, you can check out the 9/12 Project on their website at www.weber912.com.

Randy Rounds - Leg District 10 Candidate Profile

Randy Rounds is running for the our very own Legislative District 10 hoping to replace our dear Brent Wallis and regain the seat for the democrats.  He stopped by my house yesterday and we had a great chat about his desires and issues.  Essentially his reasons for running come down to these key points:

1. Ethics.  He told me of his desire to see some real ethics reform in the legislature.  Also his concern for big corporations and banks and how they influence legislation.  It bothers him the way credit unions have been attacked by the banks and thinks ethics reform can help correct that. 
2. Education.  (He is a former educator/principal from Uintah) You can tell he has a real passion for education and desires to find ways to bring more money into schools and to find ways to adjust the budget.  He is tired of Utah being last in education spending per child. 

Randy was great to talk with and he hit on a number of issues dear to my heart, especially his strong support for Credit Unions.  He is currently on the board of Weber Credit Union and is a former principal from Uintah Elementary. He is also a lifetime resident of South Ogden.  I was really impressed with our visit and look forward to more.  However I must disclose he did grow up in my neighborhood and his mother attends the same church as me.

He has a simple website that is laid out in blog format.  It hasn't been updated in a while but has all the info it needs at this time. You can get the basics about him, his issues and also his background through the site.  The website is in a similar format as the Weber County Democrats website, so it appears they have really jumped in and are helping him.  Check it out here: http://randyrounds.weberdemocrats.org/

Once again, great visit and a great man.  Look for my Dixon Pitcher profile soon.

Meet the Candidate Day -- September 11th

Looks like both the Weber County Democrats and Republicans are holding meet the candidate days tomorrow.

For the Democrats:

They are having their monthly breakfast at the Golden Corral at 8:30 am. Please RSVP on their website: HERE (by the way, these guys have a GREAT WEBSITE!)


Golden Corral, 988 Washington Blvd, Ogden UT 84404


The Republicans:


Nothing is on this website, since it hasn't been updated since July.  However here is the info:


When and Where:
 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at  Monroe Park 850 30th St  Ogden, Utah 84401


Sounds like both could be great events and you could meet a number of your candidates.  Rep Rob Bishop is scheduled to be at the Republican event.
  

Free Raffle by Weber County Sheriff Candidate, or is it?

Recently I received an email for Weber County Sheriff Candidate Terry Thompson. His email was a polite request of Weber County Republicans to forward on a flyer regarding his up and coming fundraiser—I Shot the Sheriff.

The “I Shot the Sheriff” email and the flyer state the following:

Thursday, September 16, 2010
Open House from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. or until everyone is done shooting
At the Ogden Gun Club

Come shoot some trap, have some good food, win some prizes and raise money for Terry Thompson for
Sheriff.

With your Registration, you will receive 1 Dinner, 1 Round of Trap Shooting and 1 Raffle Ticket. Only $15 if you Pre-Register or $20 if you Register at the Shoot.

Then you can Shoot to Win!

For every 5 clays you hit, you will get 1 more Raffle Ticket. And if you are good enough to hit 25 out of 25, you will receive 5 Bonus Raffle Tickets. Want to give it another try? You can purchase additional Trap Rounds for $12 or 3 for $30. You will receive 1 Raffle ticket with each round purchased.

Had enough shooting & just want more chances to win? Purchase additional Raffle Tickets for $8 or 3 for $20.

There are going to be lots of prizes, including 2 Browning Guns. (More details to come)
We want to give everyone a chance to shoot as long as their hearts desire, so the drawing will occur the following day and the winners will be contacted by phone.

Quickly I fired off an email to Sheriff Candidate Thompson regarding Utah Code 76-10-1101 which explains the illegality of raffles:

6) "Lottery" means any scheme for the disposal or distribution of property by chance among persons who have paid or promised to pay any valuable consideration for the chance of obtaining property, or portion of it, or for any share or any interest in property, upon any agreement, understanding, or expectation that it is to be distributed or disposed of by lot or chance, whether called a lottery, raffle, or gift enterprise, or by whatever name it is known.

Terry's Response was:

BenJoe,

Anyone may obtain a free opportunity by simply showing up, no purchase necessary.

Thanks

Terry

Stating "No Purchase Necessary" is how people get around the legallity of a raffle. (Either that or they hope no one notices) However, if no purchase is necessary then why doesn’t his flyer say that? It will be interesting to see who gets a free ticket just for coming, especially when it says you need to pre-register for $15.

His, out of date, website doesn’t have much info but his facebook page confirms that you must pre-register or register at the door.

So if you want a free chance to win a gun, go up to the Ogden Gun Club on the 16^th and get your free raffle ticket. You don’t need to be present to win.

LIVE: Voting Results

Straw Poll: US Senate Straw Poll

• Bennett 22.75%
• Eagar 27.68%
• Lee 32.19%

Weber County Candidates:

• Jon Bond Treasurer wins nomination with over 60%
• Ricky Hatch Clerk/Auditor wins nomination with over 60%
• Terry Thompson Sheriff wins nomination with over 60%
• Kerry Gibson Commissioner nomination wins with over 60%

NO PRIMARY! Holy Cow man, crazy stuff. I will post final totals soon. I wasn't allowed to tweet from inside the room but it was awesome!

LIVE: Local Candidate Speeches - Weber County Republican Convention.

Jan Zogmaister - County Commissioner - She wants feedback from everyone so she can give us what is important. On the website they have listed their goals for the next 4 years and want all of us to look and give feedback and how we can improve it.

Ernest D. Rowley - County Recorder/Surveyor - Reducing our costs by $4,000 a year by moving to a paperless system. Made many policy changes to make recording titles easier and more efficient.

John Ulibarri - Assessor - Talking about the things he has done to save us money and also that he wants our respect.

Darcy Kruitbosch - Treasurer - Husband is introducing her. Has 18 years experience and doesn't ask for endorsments. We should change people when we are still happy with them, not when we are made with them. Invoked the memory of Thomas Jefferson.

Jon Bond - Treasurer - Nila Dayton nominated him. Jon says he has kept our money safe, refinanced our bonds to drop our tax burden by $1.3 million and received a AAA Bond Rating. Only one of three counties that have this. Reduced printing cost by $20,000 for tax notices.

Clerk/Auditor - Ricky Hatch - Top Priority - Make Election Process the best in the state and improve Audit system to ensure no money is lost. - Masters in Account with 18 years experience. Just called Auditor and Clerk as Sexy Office.

Clerk/Auditor - Alan D McEwan - Incumbent Auditor, 30 year CPA and has three points. 1. Experienced in all functions, 2. Don't use tax payers money to find projects 3. balanced the budget.

Sheriff - Brett Haycock - 23 years experience in the Sheriff's office, thanking former sheriffs for helping him get to where he is today. Thanking everyone, family, etc. Lots of thanks. Saying "I WILL" a lot, sounds like an Obama "YES WE CAN" speech.

Sheriff - Terry Thompson - Sheriff Slater endorses Mr. Thompson for the 28th Sheriff of Weber County. Loves Law Enforcement, wants to protect us. Let us do the right thing for the right reasons.

Commissioner - Kerry Gibson Introduced by all his kids and wife. Knows hard work because of his youth on a dairy farm. Nothing can be accomplished without reaching across divides. As a former legislator he knows how to do this. will never vote for a wage increase nor a tax increase.

Commissioner - Bischoff - Endorsed by Craig Deardan. Very emotional and sounds defeated. Says he lobby ed for the triple A bonds and consolidated the 911 services and building services to lower costs.

Greiner Withdraws from Senate Race

I was not surprised to see today that Jon Greiner has pulled out of the race for Senate in District 18. Even though I didn't agree with all of Senator Greiner's legislation, it is our loss and I wish him the best of luck. Our alternatives leave much to be desired for.

The savvy folks over at the Weber County Forum were first to report the information and all the details can be read on their blog here: Weber County Forum: Breaking: Has Jon Greiner Officially Dropped Out of the Senate 18 Race?

Hatch Act Fallout - What is next.

Yesterday the Standard Examiner published an editorial calling on Senator Greiner to resign as the Ogden City Police Chief. The main concern is the potential loss of $215,000 in federal grant money. No one wants to lose this money and Senator Greiner has a tough decision to make. I spoke with him briefly on Tuesday night and I can tell this weighing on his mind. But what is the real fallout from this ruling on the Hatch Act.

The Standard Examiner did a good job pointing out all of the reasons Greiner needs to resign but I would like to take this discussion a little further. Realize first of all the $215,000 we get next year has already been spent. Since Greiner, according to my sources, has already spent over $250,000 just in legal fees. I would say he is good for one more year to fight this thing. But most importantly what about the scores of politicians and future politicians that are also in charge of federal grant money. What happens to them?

For example:

Terry Thompson and Brett Haycock, both running for Weber County Sheriff, are in charge of numerous federal grants that benefit our county. Do they need to resign if they want to run and if they don't are they in violation of the Hatch Act? Will we even have any candidates this year?

What about Legislators that run Non-profits that receive Federal Grant Money are they now in violation? Should they now resign?

I am willing to bet there are many other Hatch Act violations that now exists because of this ruling, will anyone call them out or has Greiner been unfairly attacked.

I open this up to debate for I don't think we realize how far this ruling will reach.

The Weber Country Forum had a great posts expanding on this topic: See Here

Caucus Meetings - March 23, 2010

Caucus Meetings are coming up. Some of you may call these precinct meetings or neighborhood meetings, but either way they will be happening all over the state on March 23, 2010 at 7 pm.

This year is sure to be an exciting year with many county and state wide races playing out. The grassroots politics begins this year with each of these meetings; therefore I encourage you to attend your neighborhood caucus meeting and help choose who will represent you at your county and state conventions. Our caucus meetings haven't been this exciting for nearly six years.

Each meeting will choose state and county delegates whom will go on to help choose who will go on to primaries or represent your party in the upcoming elections.

For the Weber County Republicans you can find your caucus information at the following website:

Weber County Republican Party Blog: 2010 Weber County GOP Neighborhood Caucus Meeting Locations

For the Weber County Democrats you can find your caucus information at the following website:

http://www.wp.weberdemocrats.org/?page_id=7

For those in South Ogden 2 and Republican, the caucus meeting will be at my house at 7 pm. See ya there.

Election Results

I have had a few people ask me about election results.  There are a number of places to go.  I spent most of my time last night between two websites:

electionresults.utah.gov

and

The Weber County Elections Results Page

Here are some people of note that won.  Ryan Wilcox, whom I posted about back in June (See Here), had a great win!  Congrats Ryan. 

Also as I posted last night, Brent Wallis upset Edger Allen for District 10.  What a crazy night of elections.

I felt the Gage Froerer machup was closer than I would have expected.  His term will be interesting to watch in the coming months.