Reader comments: Despite all the talk of change, incumbents prevail

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Oh Please | 7:51 a.m. May 16, 2008
What a tragedy. Rule by Republicans will continue, our air will get filthier, our beautiful state will continue to be destroyed by developers and miners and oil drillers and ATVs, and our kids will continue to suffer in the worst education system in the USA. What a lovely future we are making for ourselves.
Get educated about FairVote | 9:10 a.m. May 16, 2008
Things could change a bit, but both Democrat and Republican leaders don't want to give up the two-party system.

Voters interested in learning how to make elections more competitive and representative can look up FairVote: The Center for Voting and Democracy.

I'd post FairVote's web site, but the DesNews web site censors would not post this message if I did that. Given that this message suggests a way to undo the GOP's hegemonic rule in Utah, this comment may not make it past the moderator anyway. ;-)
Poor Bob | 9:43 a.m. May 16, 2008
It must be frustrating that you weren't able to get Chris Buttar's constituents to overlook his years of exemplary service both in and out of the legislature and focus on a single gaffe taken out of context. And, of course, when you say "one of the reddest states" you could also have said "the best fiscally manged state"
Comments continue below
Missed Points | 9:57 a.m. May 16, 2008
Bud Bowman was also eliminated in his convention, but primarily due to health concerns.

Pro-voucher incumbent Paul Neuenschwander has been forced into a primary by a anti-voucher oppoent, Becky Edwards. That point would have been worth mentioning.
Crack Reporting | 10:46 a.m. May 16, 2008
Bob--

Actually 3 legislative incumbents lost reelection. You failed to mention Bud Bowman.

It's amazing that the citizens of the State depend on you for accurate political reporting.
Joanne | 2:59 p.m. May 16, 2008
It's a shame. Republican delegates do not represent me when they keep returning incumbents. I think we need a change in the Legislature and will see it in November. A change is desperately needed.
Stewart | 4:19 p.m. May 16, 2008
Bob is pretending that it is over. There is still a primary where Chris Cannon is likely to lose along with a few others. Then there is the general election where both the democrats and the Constitution Parties have a shot. The Constitution Party is represented in quite a few legislative district races this year. It could be a very interesting year. I will not vote for any incumbent. A definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over yet expecting a different result. Electing the same candidate over and over and expecting different results is political insanity.
I agree (I think) | 4:41 p.m. May 16, 2008
I agree with the national sentiment that we need a change. I also don't think just changing the letter next to the name of the President is sufficient change anything.

If we want a change we need NEW people in Congress (I don't care what party). A new president will do nothing if we don't also send new representatives to Congress who are willing to give up the current focus of protecting your seat, partisan politics as usual and work on new and inovative solutions (and drop all time and effort spent on non-binding resolutions intended only to embarrass the president, aggrandize their party and make partisan political points).

Send people who are will do something real and don't spend all their time posing for the camera and doing whatever it takes to insure they get re-elected.

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