Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
OverviewUtah's unique system of nominating candidates is under scrutiny. Richard Piatt talked to party chairs and a critic of the current selection system about reform. Plus, a conversation with Congressional candidate Carl Wimmer about his campaign, his platform, and who he is. And Charity Lift 2011. See how local artists and companies have come together to help a variety of local charities all on today's Sunday Edition.
Segment 1
For years, the topic of how Utah picks its candidates lingered in the background on the political scene. But it got big attention the year Republican delegates voted Bob Bennett out of office at state convention. Since then, there's been growing focus on the state's unique system for nominating candidates. There are seven states which use a party convention to select candidates. But Utah is the only state where a primary election can be eliminated, if candidates receive at least 60 percent of the convention delegates' votes. Now, the newly formed group Alliance for Good Government is considering an initiative petition drive to get the system changed. Joining us to discuss that was Kirk Jowers, Director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah. He is part of the group pushing for reform. Also joining the discussion, leaders from Utah's major political parties, Thomas Wright, chair of the Republican party and Jim Dabakis, chair of the Democratic party.
Segment 2
State Representative Carl Wimmer says he wants to take a two-by-four to Washington, D.C and clean up the town. He announced his candidacy for the newly-created 4th Utah Congressional seat in July. He's been busy building support ever since and today discussed his campaign platforms.
Segment 3
On Saturday, December 10th, the Kimball Art Center and Canyons Resort are hosting the 2nd Annual Charity Lift. Donated lift chairs are transformed by corporations and artists into unique pieces of art and then sold to benefit more than 20 charities. The event is presented by Canyons,eBay, KSL and Zions Bank. We talked to an artist commissioned to create art work out of skis.
