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SALT LAKE CITY — Doug Durbano announced this week he is suspending any active campaigning for the 1st Congressional District, leveling criticism at what he called a “foul and flawed election process.”
Durbano did not garner enough delegate votes at the state GOP convention in April and did not get enough signatures to get on the ballot for the June primary.
He wants a party probe and a review by the Utah Attorney General’s Office on what he says is a violation of GOP bylaws and the party constitution because the system allows candidates who already collected enough signatures to make it to the ballot to also drum up delegate support at the convention.
“As a newcomer to the election process, I was informed that Republican candidates could be certified to be on the ballot by the Republican process of convention and delegates OR by the lieutenant governor’s office by petition (signature gathering). I was surprised and confused that one could do both,” he said.
As a result of SB54 that created an alternative to the caucus system of delegates, candidates who get the required amount of signatures earn a place on the ballot.
“If a candidate chooses to bypass the delegates with signature gathering, then they should not have access to the convention and delegates,” said Durbano. “Candidates that get their signatures are automatically on the ballot but still seek unneeded delegate votes … they are gaming the system to prevent convention-only candidates from getting onto the ballot.”
Durbano sent a letter to GOP leadership requesting the party consider its conflicting bylaws and how to resolve the inconsistencies. He has not received any response. Durbano was eliminated in the 10th round of voting at convention.
A practicing attorney, Durbano said he has been approached by other candidates and delegates inquiring if he intends to file a lawsuit.
He said he does not plan to litigate, but stresses there needs to be an inquiry.
“But I do hope that the press, UTGOP, Legislature and attorney general will make an honest and in-depth review of this matter to find solutions before the next election cycle,” he said. “We owe the delegates, voters and candidates a clear answer.”
Primary candidates for the 1st District seat, which is being vacated by a retiring Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, are: Kaysville Mayor Katie Witt, Davis County Commissioner Bob Stevenson, former agricultural commissioner and Weber County Commissioner Kerry Gibson; and Blake David Moore, a former U.S. foreign service officer and businessman.
