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SOUTH JORDAN — Carl Wimmer says he wants to take a two-by-four to Washington, D.C.
"I'm going to take a two-by-four to Washington, D.C., and I'm going to clean up that town my friends," Wimmer told a room filled with his political supporters. Wimmer likened himself to fellow law enforcement man, Sheriff Buford Pusser, who became a legend as a tough Southern sheriff in the '60s.
Having announced his candidacy for the newly-created 4th Utah congressional seat last July, Rep. Wimmer, R- Herriman, formally kicked off his congressional campaign on Saturday.
Partaking in a catered buffet of Mexican food, the stout state representative told supporters that he wants to make his presence known in Washington, and fight to create more jobs for Americans and a balanced federal budget.
"We literally stand on the precipice of being the first generation to leave our kids a less prosperous nation than we inherited, and that's not OK with me," Wimmer said.
"(I will) pass a balanced budget amendment, get Amercians back to work, create jobs, make the governemtn get out of the way so the entrepreneurs can create jobs. And quite frankly we're going to go back there and cut the benefits that Congress has."
This is a man who doesn't shy away from a fight. Help the bull get to Congress, we need him.
–- Sen. Mike Lee (R)
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, took the podium to support Wimmer, likening Wimmer to "a bull that keeps on charging," during a bull fight in Spain.
"This is a man who doesn't shy away from a fight," Lee told the crowd. "Help the bull get to Congress, we need him."
The 4th District has yet to be fully defined as the Utah Legislature continues to struggle with adopting a final district map. However, supporters said they don't believe a district shift would effect Wimmer's chances. So far, Wimmer is the only candidate to fully settle on running for the 4th District seat. And with $150 thousand campaign dollars raised, he has made his priorities clear.
Former BYU and NFL player, Jason Buck, has indicated he plans to run for Congress in either the 2nd or 4th district. On Saturday, Wimmer made an indirect statement to his would-be Republican opponent, telling people their choice is to send a seasoned elected official to Washington, or an "unseasoned and unproven person."
He has also said that he won't go up against an incumbent.
"I do not plan on running against Chaffetz, or any of the inbumbants for that matter," he said. "Except for Jim Matheson. I would welcome that challenge."
Rep. Chris Herrod, R-Provo, said Wimmer is already known for sponsoring a Utah bill that pushes back against President Obama's healthcare reform law. "He's not afraid to stand up to the establishment and he truly is conservative," Herrod said.
Email:gfattah@desnews.com
