Blog: Utah delegates and the 2012 election cycle

Governor Herbert is a nice guy
By: Kristen Price
April 20 Commentary

Gary Herbert is such a nice guy, and it is so comforting to hear him tell us how we are the best-managed state in the nation. Kudos to our leaders for the past 20 years as we have ranked first-, second- or third-best-managed state throughout that time. I was surprised during the past few months to see so many outstanding contenders throw their "hat in the ring" to challenge Herbert. I couldn't understand why they would take on that political risk when Utah is doing so well. Then I was elected to be a delegate to the Utah Republican Convention and I began my exploration of the situation.

It is interesting to find that while we have a great AAA bond rating, we are bonded up to 91 percent of our capacity. Wow! That's a lot of debt. Then, if we use Herbert's figures rather than his opponents' figures, 27.4 percent of our budget is money we receive back from the federal government. His opponents argue that it is more like 41 percent when you total everything. Regardless of which scary number you believe, what will Utah do when the federal government cuts back to avoid its own economic collapse? Shouldn't we be preparing now for that inevitable event?

There are usually strings attached to federal money, even though it originally comes from us. This is just one of the reasons I oppose the Common Core State Standards Initiative for education that Herbert has committed to. We supposedly traded No Child Left Behind for this program, which some experts see as the beginning of far more intrusive control of our education system by the federal government.

Among other issues, this commitment to a set of stadards adopted by the states only allows a state to increase its standards by 15 percent and then it doesn't test to the increased standard. I see a lot of issues with this program not the least of which is another erosion of our state sovereignty. By the time the testing component is fully implemented in 2014, it will be extremely hard to get out. For more information on CCI, see www.keepeducation local.com, commoncorefacts.blogspot.com or www.Utahnsag ainstcommoncore.com

I like to see a governor who works with the legislature to preemptively solve problems. It seems that fairly often the governor gives the legislature signals that he will sign a piece of legislation, and then when he sees some political winds blowing against it, allows it to sit on his desk until he determines just which direction the storm is coming from. I like a leader with strong principles who uses those to guide every decision — someone who isn't afraid to stand up and stand out, without regard to the political storms of the moment.

I was also concerned about a statement the governor made at the debate held on April 15 at Noah's Event Center in South Jordan. He said, "It is not because the federal government is intruding in our lives, it is because they are not doing their job."

I beg to differ on this one. I think that this is one of the biggest issues of our time. We are struggling to maintain state sovereignty against the continued overreaching of the federal government. Is it possible there really is a reason why there are so many challengers to Herbert? Is the status quo good enough? Herbert is a nice guy, but can Utah do better?

Kristen Price is a republican delegate from Congressional District #4 and a seasoned real estate broker. Email: kristenkprice@gmail.com

Is it time for Hatch to pass the torch
By: Kristen Price
April 19

I believe I was elected to be a delegate because I told my precinct members that I stood for limited government, personal liberty and personal responsibility. Our caucus took a straw poll and the group was split about 50/50 on whether Sen. Orrin Hatch should be re-elected. So I entered this process committed to my principles and to do everything I could to explore the various candidate's positions, backgrounds and records.

I have dedicated many hours of time to this process and so far I believe that I have personally met with and listened to every candidate, some several times. I was also determined throughout this process to be open-minded and to seriously evaluate without previous prejudice. This exploratory process has been very revealing. And as I have evaluated voting records and positions, I realized that even though I considered myself pretty well-informed, I was not aware of the seriousness of the situation and the urgent need to make changes in the bureaucracy of the Washington environment.

This week I have found myself feeling saddened and recognized I was going through a mourning process. I feel sad that the country I grew up in won't be the country my grandchildren grow up in. I feel sad that we are saddling the upcoming generations with our selfish debt burden and no economic means to pay for it. I'm saddened that as citizens we are steadily embracing a socialistic model, that the government should take care of us. This will reduce freedom and opportunity for growth and result in a lower standard of living for all.

Hatch is a wonderful person who has been an example of family values, personal integrity and good living. He has done many excellent things for his constituents and legislative coworkers. He has used his position to help Utah keep Hill Air Force Base open. He has been an example of civility throughout the years. I express my thanks for his untiring efforts to serve our state.

If the majority of the senators are Republicans... If the senate doesn't vote to change their seniority rules like the house did... If Mitt Romney is elected president... If Hatch doesn't have a stroke, heart attack or other disabling health issue... If the stars align just right... If, if, if...

Hatch may be the chairman of the senate finance committee. Is this the sole reason we should re-elect him? Any of the other nine candidates running for this office can work with Romney if he is elected president. All are fine conservative men who are capable of carrying the torch of liberty.

If Hatch isn't the chairman of the senate finance committee but the senate does have a majority of Republicans and they do retain their seniority system, Mike Crapo, senator from Idaho, would be the next in line to be chairman. Here are some recent votes.

Crapo-Nay, Hatch-Yea, for the Economic Stimulas Act - Vote #10, 2/7/08

Crapo-Nay, Hatch-Yea, to confirm Cass Sunstein, Vote #274, 9/10/09

Crapo-Nay, Hatch-Yea, to confirm Eric Holder -Vote#32, 2/2/09

Crapo-Nay, Hatch-Yea, for the NDAA, stripping citizen's rights-Vote #230, 12/15/11

Hatch initially voted for the Dream Act on Dec. 14, 2007. He voted for English as the official language but against English as the common language. He voted to expand entitlements and debt with the passage of Medicare Part D, in order to support President George W. Bush. Additionally, the National Association for Gun Rights does not consider Hatch to be a defender of Second Amendment Rights.

At his event, Hatch was praising Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke as a brilliant, upstanding man. I asked him if he was concerned with Bernanke's quantitative easing, which basically means the devaluing of our dollar by printing more money to cover our debt. He said that Bernanke surrounds himself with brilliant economists and we need to trust them. This goes against the very economic foundation of our country. I was shocked at Hatch's response.

Later I asked him if he regretted his votes to confirm Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, White House regulatory chief Cass Sunstein and Attorney General Eric Holder. Ginsburg recently commented that Egypt should pattern its constitution after the consitution of South Africa rather ours. Sunstein and Holder have both done massive damage to our constitutional foundation in the current government. Hatch ignored Sunstein and Holder and proceeded to defend Justice Ginsburg, telling us that he was the one who suggested her nomination because "even though she is liberal, we know how she will vote." I disagree with Hatch that "advice and consent" means confirming anyone the president wants. The Senate's job is to vet appointments.

I was disappointed by Hatch's recent comment, that those who have the courage to expose his voting record, stand up for principles they believe in and happen to disagree with him are despicable. He said, "These people are radical libertarians. I despise these people..." True conservatives do not attack individuals for their beliefs. That is a tactic of liberals. I was saddened that Hatch tarnished his statesmanlike reputation.

As delegates, we are here serving our state. It's time to do the difficult thing and make the hard choices. The status quo has not worked and we are in trouble. We need to send new, strong, committed warriors back to Washington to fight against the encroaching socialistic model, replace federal bureaucracy with state's rights, and cut the spending. Those who have been there holding the torch in the past can't change a system they are entrenched in. We must bid a sad and grateful farewell to Hatch. It's time for him to pass the torch!

Kristen Price is a Republican delegate from Congressional District #4 and a seasoned real estate broker. Email: kristenkprice@gmail.com

The question on everyone's mind
By: Judy Moore
April 18

The question by far that most people seem interested in is whether or not I will vote for Orrin Hatch. This senate race seems to be a high-profile, high-stakes race. I told my precinct that I would meet the candidates and study the issues and make an informed decision based on the principles of freedom and restraint. I did have concerns about Hatch being in the Senate for 36 years, but that was secondary to the question of whether he could uphold conservative principles and hold back federal government power.

I decided to attend one of Hatch's meetings first. I went to a lunch meeting, and it was well attended with perhaps 40 or more people there. I was excited to hear this great man who has been a part of Utah and national politics for so long speak. I was somewhat nervous to meet him and I was hoping he would inspire me and motivate me to send him back to Washington.

However, I have to admit that after the meeting I left feeling underwhelmed and even disappointed. My experience didn't live up to the expectation. I also left bewildered, still feeling unclear about what he thinks the role of the federal government is.

I didn't hear a lot about his guiding principles, the constitution, state sovereignty or federalism. His principles seemed to depend on whatever piece of legislation was being discussed.

He did talk a lot about wanting to balance the budget and how close he came many times to passing the balanced budget amendment.

He also talked at length about his efforts to save Hill Air Force Base, which was informative but not the main issue in the race that he's making it out to be. I think there are others that are interested in Hill Air Force Base's future, however; it doesn't all depend on him.

I heard a lot about the party politics and a lot of blaming the other side. He was asked about his vote for No Child Left Behind and his response was (paraphrasing), "This bill was a noble and ambitious attempt by President Bush, and I was concerned that if I didn't vote for this then President Bush would never get anything else passed." I appreciated his honesty, but I want someone to pass legislation because it's good policy and constitutional and within federal bounds, not because of party loyalty.

I asked him about the Federal Reserve, which I think has unchecked powers and is responsible for devaluing the dollar. He defended the Federal Reserve and Ben Bernanke and he didn't think Congress should have their power. That was a red flag for me.

He also talked a lot about his powerful position on the Senate Finance Committee and how Mitt Romney needs him there to get things done, but he didn't really explain what he's going to get done. What are his plans? What ideas does he have? And what if the GOP doesn't win the majority in the senate?

So I left his meeting frustrated. Add this to my concerns over his votes for NDAA, large government welfare programs and earmarks, and then my impressive meetings with Dan Liljenquist and Chris Herrod, and my vote won't be cast in Orrin Hatch's direction. I am actually sad about it because of the opportunity that exists on the Finance Committee, but I can't vote to send someone to Washington with uncertain direction and principles.

My wish is that Hatch would have retired and then, instead of picking apart his record and trying to point out his flaws, we could instead be honoring him and remembering him as one of Utah's great politicians.

Judy Moore is a Republican State Delegate in Precinct TAY025 in House District 4. She is a former microbiologist and currently a stay at home mom to four active, lively children.

Balancing family and politics
By: Judy Moore
April 17

When my name was announced that I had been elected as one of our precinct's state delegates, my husband laughed and said, "I'm not going to see you for the next month!" He wasn't too far from the truth. I have been busy and preoccupied lately. Even when I am home, I am distracted and mulling over what I've heard at various town hall meetings and events. This delegate process has been exciting and educational, but it has been a juggle to attend to my family and be a responsible delegate.

I came home later than expected tonight from a couple of meetings and my two "older" children were waiting up for me. They are 9 and 7 years old. My 4-year-old and 2-year- old were already asleep. I tucked the older two in bed and I said, "You'll have your mom back soon." Four more days until convention.

In relation to this balancing act, I have a few words for the candidates:

Sean Reyes for Attorney General: I appreciate how composed and focused you were during your lunch meeting at the Spaghetti Factory even when my 4-year-old was clanging his silverware and when my 2-year-old started crying. It didn't seem to faze you when my kids started wandering around or when they needed the bathroom or when they started whining for a take out box for each of them or when they wanted to climb on the benches. You even had the presence of mind to suggest how well behaved my children were. You gave me confidence that maybe I could take my kids to other events. You must be a good attorney.

David Kirkham for Governor: I know I've already told you, but please accept my apologies again for my unruly children. I had this notion that they could sit quietly and play with their toys while I talked to you at the library. Besides, what kid doesn't like the library? However, this plan failed miserably, as you well observed. I guess they didn't like the discussion about free markets and Frederic Bastiat, as evidenced by my son's shouts of, "No, no, no, no!" and running out the door. I feel like I should pay you for your time that my kids wasted; maybe you still have one of my credit cards from my son throwing the contents of my wallet around the room. Please thank your campaign manager for trying to help my kids at the drinking fountain. I know my daughter fell and bruised her head and added to the drama, but he was nice to try and help.

Carl Wimmer for House District 4 and Gov. Gary Herbert: You both get thanks and praise for hosting delegate events that the whole family could go to. An ice cream parlor and a baseball game were great choices. It was nice that my children and husband could participate and not feel so neglected.

Judy Moore is a Republican State Delegate in Precinct TAY025 in House District 4. She is a former microbiologist and currently a stay at home mom to four active, lively children.

Forgotten American family night stories
By: Kristen Price
April 16

As a delegate to the Utah State Republican Convention, I was invited to attend the state school board meeting on April 13 to get a better understanding of the controversial Common Core Initative supported by Gov. Gary Herbert but not his opponents.

I sat next to a woman, Lydia Nuttall, and we began a conversation while we waited for the meeting to start. Nuttall, a mother from Morgan, Utah, has been driving to Salt Lake to attend school board meetings every month for 1½-2 years. She takes copious notes of the general sessions and told me that she then moves on to the curriculum committee meetings when the opening sessions adjourn. That committment alone speaks volumes about her dedication to making certain that her children and all others receive a quality education.

Just as amazing is the fact that at the end of school last spring, she checked out all of the history books used by her district for teaching United States history in all grades. During the summer, she read all of the books to see what was being taught and what was being left out, deleted or overlooked. This year she is presenting to her community a set of history lessons covering many of those deleted stories.

Nuttall is one of my new modern-day heroes. Her committment to her children and all the children of her community, and indeed our state, is immense. She is educating herself so she will be equipped to run for her local school board and make a substantial impact on the education of the children in her community.

It is at the local level where the real education of our children takes place, and that is where the policies, standards and curriculum should be determined between parents, teachers and local administrators. It is not the responsibility of federal government bureaucrats. That is one of the reasons this Common Core Initiative is such a mistake. It takes the control away from the state and the community and places it at the federal level.

This is not only wrong, it is inefficient. Herbert has supported this initiative, and it is a huge encroachment of the federal government into our lives and strips us of our liberties. This is one reason why so many other Republican candidates are opposing him in his bid for re- election.

For families who want to check out the forgotten American family night stories, go to www.morgancityut.com. Under the 225th anniversary of America's Constitution, click on a month. There is a different lesson for each month, which will continue throughout the year.

Thanks to Nuttall for her efforts to raise the standards of education and support our rights to educate our children as we deem best — at the local level.

Kristen Price is a Republican delegate from Congressional District 4 and a real estate broker. Email: kristenkprice@gmail.com

April 14 Senate debate review
By: Daryl Acumen
April 15

I've been asked who I thought won the first Senate debate, held April 14. My answer is that all three candidates won the debate that night, depending on how you define "winning."

Hatch won by standing his ground in a dignified manner and defending his record while literally being attacked on both sides. The most disappointing moment for me as a Republican and as a Utah voter was when Liljenquist supporters broke out in laughter as Hatch announced that this would end the last term of his nearly four decades of public service. It was a solemn statement offered with dignity, but the reaction of some of Dan's supporters was beneath us as a state.

Dan Liljenquist carried the night if you judge the event like a high school debate between candidates for class president. He went on the attack, was strong and articulate, he told the crowd what they came to hear and delivered like a pro. He is a skilled orator and a he made some good arguments, but I think once again Dan missed the opportunity to broaden his appeal beyond Hatch-haters and already adoring fans. If you already knew about Dan's pension reform bill, then you really didn't learn much more about him that night.

If we judge the debate by its impact on this election, then I think the clear winner was Chris Herrod. He was able to make his case for the job without appearing arrogant or undignified and without relying too much on a single accomplishment in his legislative career. I think delegates not yet firmly connected to one candidate or the other would have been impressed with how well Chris articulated his values. My favorite moment of the night was when Chris said his greatest legislative accomplishment was a bill allowing residents to grow their own food. It was creative, thoughtful, and demonstrated a depth that I think most undecided voters would have found refreshing.

At the end of the day I think what we saw last night was a statesman in the twilight of his career, a leader coming into the spotlight, and a politician on the attack. All three candidates showed well, but the judgement of how well they did depends in large part on what you as a delegate thought it most important to display.

Republican | Precinct Chairman Cedar Hills 03 | Manager, Global Search Analytics, Office of Digital Strategy, Hewlett-Packard | Born Washington, D.C. | Hatch Supporter

Busy day as a delegate
By: Rosemary Young
April 15

Yesterday was a busy day as a delegate: a gubernatorial debate in Farmington from 2-4, a visit with Sen. Hatch in Bountiful and on to the Davis County Convention at Woods Cross High. All the signs out on the lawn, the bustle and activity in the halls, and meeting with candidates inside was a great experience. In my voting district, the only vote to cast was for Davis County Commissioner, but I enjoyed having a chance to hear Rep. Jim Hansen report on the work he had done in the last session. The best thing was finally getting to see and hear from some of the less advertised candidates in the Senate and Congressional Sistrict 2 races. Generally the meeting was well managed, but I felt that we were hi-jacked and made a captive audience by the Vietnam veteran from the American Legion who took several minutes pushing his veteran's agenda. I'm sympathetic with veteran's issues, but I felt this was not the time and place. Looking forward to more visits with candidates this next week and the state convention on Saturday.

One week to go until convention
By: Gil Miller April 14

When I attended my neighborhood caucus meeting, I never intended to be nominated, let alone elected as a state delegate. I'm already a sitting city council member and felt that was enough service for now. But the caucus-goers had other plans. After telling the caucus members of my moderate positions and leanings, I thought my loss was in the bag. But it appears there were more moderate people in our particular caucus, and I was elected on the first ballot with 71 percent of the vote.

Since then, I have attended many large delegate gatherings as well as small groups and in-person, one-on-one meetings with many candidates. I have met face to face with Gary Hubert, Chris Stewart, David Clark, Dan Liljenquist, John Swallow and John Dougall. I have heard from many other candidates at other gatherings. Without exception, the candidates I've heard from or met are impressive. As I told my caucus-goers, "I reserve the right to change my mind for any reason at any time." I still hold true to that comment, but with seven days until the convention, my present support is for the following individuals:

• Gov. Gary Hebert: I am a strong supporter of Hebert. I've seen him in action after the Dec. 1 windstorm that wreaked havoc on Kaysville and other communities. His actions speak as loud as his words. The state is running well. Of course there are ways to make it even run better, but I will be staying the course with a well-proven commodity.
• Sen. Orrin Hatch: I told my caucus members that I would be supporting Sen. Hatch unless moved to support someone else. I also told them that "move" would have to be more than a gentle nudge. I am not an advocate of life- long politicians. It bothers me that Hatch has been around during times when fiscal change could and should have been enacted, as he's spent nearly two decades on the Finance Committee. He's now repentant, but I still struggle with the idea of that repentance coming on the heels of an election. I hope he has learned a lesson or two about what his constituency really wants. Regardless, as an accountant, the idea of Hatch chairing the Finance Committee does overweigh my current and past concerns I have with the Senator. Yes, perhaps other competent senators could chair the committee, but not a Utah senator. Enough said.
• Chris Stewart: I have heard from nearly every 2nd Congressional District candidate. I believe there are 617 running for the office. I've narrowed my choices down to Chris Stewart and David Clark. I've met with both personally. Clark is very competent and would make a fine congressman. That said, I am ready to elect a military man, since I believe the fiscal war that needs waging is nothing short of a real battle for our freedoms. The war will not be waged with guns and aircraft, but the results will be just as lasting and important. I need a warrior, not a long-term politician, regardless of the many good things Clark has done for Utah. It's a different time and opportunity right now.
• John Swallow: I am presently supporting Swallow, but would like to hear from Sean Reyes. I have literally not had one piece of email or correspondence from his campaign, which is a blessing in some ways but not the best way to educate a delegate. I'm impressed with the Utah Fraud College that I understand Reyes is involved with, but need to hear something more from him if he wants a chance at my vote. As a forensic accountant during the day, I am very interested in the direction the AG office takes.
• Auston Johnson, CPA: This is a no-brainer. I've met with John Dougall one-on-one, and he is an impressive MBA — and there's the rub. As a Certified Public Accountant, I want a CPA to be my state auditor. While you can surround yourself with great talent (as Dougall claims he would), the many decisions of the office eventually rest with the state auditor. A nose for auditing and clear sense of debits and credits is essential. Enough accounting, I know.

So there you have it — just one delegate's view on the races. And in case you're wondering, if I could vote in the new 4th Congressional District, I would vote for Jim Matheson. That may give many of you pause, but it also gives you some insight as to my political leanings. I've voted for both sides of the aisle and will continue to do so when appropriate.

Common Core
By: Kristen Price
April 14

Common Core As a delegate, I am spending a lot of time attending candidate presentations, usually two or three a day. With the exception of Governor Herbert, all of the candidates I have interviewed are against the Common Core initiative that the Governer has committed Utah to participate in. At one meeting last week, I was invited by a delegate to attend the State Board of Education meeting held yesterday, April 13th at the State School Board offices. This seems to be an important issue that I felt I needed to explore further.

I went to the meeting after reading a press release from April 2, 2012, encouraging parents and educators to encourage the governer to reconsider the impact of the Common Core Initiative. That information really concerned me.

At the beginning of the meeting, a board member spoke out strongly in support of their decision to adopt CC. After a prayer and the pledge, they allowed individuals who had previously requested a place on the agenda to speak for two minutes. Among those were three individuals requesting that they study the initiative further. Then there were even more teachers who spoke glowingly about how wonderful the CC standards are. The meeting was adjourned to reconvene in committees. I felt the deck was definitely stacked in support CC.

I recommend that concerned citizens to go several websites to get more information about this initiative. www.Utahnsagainstcommoncore.com has a lot of information and a petition to sign. Additional information is available at www.keepeducationlocal.com and Commoncorefacts.blogspot.com.

As I see it, the big issue here is not the standards. Everyone wants high educational standards. It is that this initiative removes all local control and gives it to the federal government through state group pressure. It is another method of federal takeover and the loss of state sovereignty and local control of our education system. One of the most disturbing features to me is the tracking and reporting component. The federal government will have very personal information about every student from kindergarten through high school. Talk about a loss of privacy. That is a huge issue for me. And in a lengthy discussion with a teacher last night who hates the CC but feels pressure to "keep her mouth shut" the information is very inaccurate but will stick with the individual throughout his or her life. She says they were given a touch tablet device to implement their testing. However, there is no way to correct a mis touch or mistake. That is outrageous.

Neal Mcluskey stated in an article, The Other Federal Takeover, plublished on March 27, 2012 by the Cato Institute that "classic propaganda techniques have been employed: repeat enough that the effort is completely 'state led and voluntary' and people will believe you." That is precisely what our governor and the board of education are doing.

If we truly care about our children in the State of Utah, it looks like we will have to replace Gary Herbert as governor to get rid of our participatation in the Common Core Initiative.

I have so many other quotes I could include but there isn't time or space here. Please check out the websites and get informed. This is a huge chunk of our personal freedom that is being usurped once again by the federal government whose only job is to protect us.

Kristen Price is a Republican delegate from Congressional District 4 and a real estate broker. Email: kristenkprice@gmail.com

My first caucus
By: Judy Moore
April 12

At my precinct caucus meeting, I nervously sat at a collection of four desks with my husband, my neighbor and my mom. I watched as people, a lot of them I knew, started to fill the room. There was an exciting yet uncertain feeling in the air.

I wondered what everyone was thinking? Was this their first time at caucus too? How many people wanted to be a delegate like me? I looked over my notes that I had typed on my phone as well as some scribbled ideas on paper. I came prepared with some thoughts about why I wanted to be a delegate. The GOP website said the nominees would be given a chance to speak. I wasn't sure if I would be questioned about my stances so I wanted to be ready to review my positions.

I thought, "But what if nobody agrees with me? What if I look foolish or naive? Maybe I should just be quiet. Maybe this was a dumb idea. Maybe I should leave this to those who appear to know what they're doing."

The meeting started with a prayer and pledge of allegiance as well as a reading of the Republican Party platform. I had read the platform prior to the caucus and I was surprised with how much I agreed with it because I had always refused to align myself with a party. The meeting then moved onto the description of the various positions and the nominations began with the precinct chair and vice chair. It was was a little awkward but there were some reluctant nominations and a few kind people accept the positions.

Finally it's time for the part I've been anticipating: the state delegate nominations. This was followed by the county delegate nominations. The nominees were given two minutes to talk. A few people were nominated and then my neighbor graciously nominates me. We had discussed this prior and I had also walked around my neighborhood and told my neighbors of my intentions to be a state delegate. I felt like I would have a better chance of being a delegate if they were informed prior to the meeting.

Several more nominees were added (I think there are seven of us total) and then the nominations are quickly closed. It's time to say a few words and I listen to the nominees in front of me: "Anyone but Hatch," "I like what the governor's been doing," "I just want to be involved...."

All of them speak off the cuff and when it's my turn, I look to my cell phone and read/speak from my notes: "I took a trip to Independence Hall in Philadelphia...Benjamin Franklin's famous quote 'It's a republic if you can keep it...' constitution...liberty...free markets...less meddling in foreign affairs...individual and states' rights..." 30 seconds the chair calls out...Already?..."less freedom with a large centralized gov't...practice restraint when legislating... that's how I will judge the candidates...I like to study and research..." I finish and sit down. What's this? People are clapping for me and even some cheers. Are there like-minded people in this room? I feel relieved and validated.

The other nominees say their remarks: "balance the budget," "no more Hatch."

Then came time for voting. We're allowed to vote for two nominees and voting will continue until someone receives at least 51 percent of the vote — which would amount to about 37 or more in our meeting.

Our votes are cast on scraps of paper and some ripped in half to accommodate the larger-than-normal crowd. I was told in past years there have been only 7-30 people who showed up. That day there were more than 70.

Volunteers collected the votes and left the room to do the counting while I chitchatted with my neighbors.

The votes come back and an announcement was made: "One person has received a majority of votes and that's Judy Moore."

Really?! People applaud and I nod in appreciation. I'm surprised and grateful.

Maybe I'm not so off-base. Maybe I can make a difference.

Judy Moore is a Republican state delegate in Precinct TAY025 in House District 4. She is a former microbiologist and currently a stay-at-home mom of four active, lively children.

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