Estimated read time: 1-2 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 Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information.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) -- Utah's Republican party is accusing a Democratic Senate candidate with a breach of ethics for using a block "U" on a campaign flyer.
The typography of the white "U" is similar to one often used to represent the University of Utah and makes it seem as if the university is endorsing state Rep. Ross Romero's candidacy, state party leaders said in a statement.
The flyer was mailed to residents in District 7, where Romero is running for the Senate seat, over the past few days.
"His actions are completely unacceptable, and Ross owes the alumni an apology," said James Evans, chairman of the Salt Lake County Republican Party.
The slogan "It's important to U," and quotes from former university President Bernie Machen further promote the idea of an endorsement, Evans said.
In a one-sentence statement issued Saturday university officials said the school does not endorse political candidates.
Romero, a university graduate, brushed off the matter as a misunderstanding.
"We didn't intend for it to be a campaign endorsement for the university," Romero said, noting that the brochure states it was paid for by his campaign. "It was really just meant to be an expression of my loyalty and support for the University of Utah."
------
Information from: The Deseret News, http://www.deseretnews.com
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
