Hundreds rally in support of Mike Lee; senator balks at recent criticism


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SOUTH JORDAN — Hundreds turned out for a rally Saturday to show their support for Utah Sen. Mike Lee.

The senator has faced heightened criticism for being outspoken in his support of efforts to defund the controversial Affordable Care Act — which many say contributed to the 16-day partial government shutdown in early October. The rally, held at Riverfront Park, was organized by two Utah mothers who wanted to show how much support Lee really has.

At the rally, Lee spoke of the long hours he and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, worked to try and defund the Affordable Care Act.

"Some people criticized me for that. Some people called it radical," Lee said. "I said, ‘This is exactly what I promised to do, and I'm keeping a promise to my voters in Utah.'"

Supporters commended Lee for staying true to his principles and beliefs despite the looming government shutdown.

"You don't compromise your true values and true principles," said William Wallace, who attended Saturday's rally.

"I think all the true Republicans are behind him. He has nothing to fear," said Keri Lackey, who also supports Lee. But those opposed to Lee's strategy said it was taken at the people's expense.

But opponents claimed his strategy to forgo compromising a budget that would fund the Affordable Care Act was taken at the people's expense.

"He shut down our government, costing taxpayers $30 billion; and it was uncalled for," said Mel Walker, who was also at the rally.

The shutdown resulted in $450,000 a day lost in revenue at National Parks, according to the National Park Service. And $24 Billion was cut from the country's economy, according to the Standard and Poor's ratings agency.

"They have every right to be angry about the shutdown," Lee said. "The shutdown should never have happened. The shutdown is something I didn't want to happen. The shutdown is something I planned around."

Following the shutdown, the senator's approval rating in Utah dropped 10 points — from 50 percent to 40 percent — according to an online poll from BYU. But the loss of supporters isn't pushing Lee or his supporters to compromise.

"I think he needs to stay true to his beliefs," said Jeff Neese, who was also at Saturday's rally.

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Devon Dolan

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