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 Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information.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.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- An anti-stalking injunction has been issued against longtime Republican Party dissident and U.S. Senate hopeful Mike Ridgway, ordering him to stay away from party delegate Mark Towner and Towner's family.
The injunction signed by 3rd District Judge Sandra Peuler and served on Ridgway Thursday night could prevent him from attending the party's state convention this weekend.
"I have no idea how to respond," Ridgway told the Deseret Morning News Thursday night. "If I go to the convention, I get hauled away in handcuffs."
He said he has never threatened or harmed anyone.
Party officials have complained several times over the last year that Ridgway is abusive toward other party members and volunteers. At a Salt Lake County GOP caucus meeting in March, he was escorted out by a sheriff's deputy. James Evans, chairman of the caucus meeting and the party's Salt Lake County chairman, said Ridgway was disruptive.
In seeking the injunction, Towner said he or his wife has been confronted by Towner at least 15 times since 2002.
Asked if he sought the injunction to keep Ridgway from the convention, Towner said, "Absolutely."
Towner said he did not act with any party authority but as an individual who fears for his safety.
Towner lost a bid for the party's nomination for a state Senate seat.
At the party's Salt Lake County convention, Ridgway walked into the caucus and passed out a letter critical of Towner. He was told by county GOP staffers that no material could be passed out in the caucus, and walked out.
Towner contends that the letter discouraged some delegates from voting for him, and he is seeking $5,000 from Ridgway, the amount he says he invested in his campaign.
Regarding the injunction and Saturday's state convention, GOP Executive Director Jeff Hartley said, "We're going to have to look at this. I hesitate to interfere with anyone who feels threatened by another."
Hartley said party leaders would meet with legal counsel to see if some kind of an arrangement can be worked out.
Ridgway, Brian Jenkins and Ronald Levine are challenging U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, for the party's nomination.
Each candidate is supposed to get seven minutes to address the convention Saturday morning before delegates vote on candidates.
Towner said he believes Ridgway could have someone else speak for him at the convention.
"His name is still on the ballot. Delegates can vote for him," Towner said.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
