I am glad Jason Chaffetz won. I look forward to him representing Utah in DC.

Becareful what you wish for, you may get it! If a few years, you might not like what you got today!

I agree, wonder what he finally ended up spending? I know he had a shoestring budget. Just goes to show - it can just be about the candidates' beliefs and not always their pocketbook.

We're in great company- Ok, Ky, Tn, West Va, that's just great. Feel pride Utahn's?

- at least SLC is BLUE!

Too bad we can't get this Democrat out of office. We need all the Republicans we can get to Washington to balance out the increasing radical democrats large numbers! He is no Nancy Pelosy, but believe me that Matheson votes with the Dems and against conservatives the vast majority of the time. I have personally met him and asked him the touch questions and He does NOT represent true conservative values as he would have you believe!

You are part of the Dem-dominated congress which sports the worst-ever approval rating. Talk about a do-nothing Congress, Pelosi/Reid have set a new standard in America for being totally unproductive because they lack any semblance of leadership and direction. Face it, this congress has been pathetic.

Chaffetz...

'I will fight tooth and nail every step of the way to reject socialism.' Not even yet to day one and already demonstrating that he doesn't get it. The 'socialism' mantra was just another cheap negative moniker of the McCain campaign, distorting the message of our new president. Get over the fight each other attitude and work together, GET SOMETHING DONE' and stop drawing lines in the sand or we'll be saying bye-bye to you next time.

Too bad Hatch and Bennett weren't up for re-election. With their shameful vote for the bailout, putting a heavy burden on us tax-payers & for once again selling us out, I was successful in convincing alot of Republicans in that area it was time to oust them out. Unfortunately, people's memories don't serve them too well and when it comes to re-election time, they would've probably forgotten and vote the same two establishment, socialist Senators in again. Ahhhhh!

This article should have been about how the incumbents still win all of the time. That is what stands out in this election. Jason Chaffetz is the exception and he should be congratulated for his defeat of an incumbent Congressman and a weak Democrat opponent. It is significant that voters in Utah's 3rd district were willing to buck the trend of electing the same old incumbents, and get someone new into office. Good on them.

We can be comforted in knowing that we live in a State where the majority of people are still sane and didn't fall for the "hope and change" propaganda. Congratulations Jason Chaffetz. Now you can spend 2 years in Washington watching the Democrats have their way. Do you think they're going to listen to you? Doubtful. Hang in there though.

When I first saw the title of this article, I thought it had something to do with the U. of Utah vs. BYU rivalry.;-)

We have a president who has espoused Christian values but has acted in an arrogant, aggressive way that seems at odds with Christian behavior, and has ruined reputation overseas. The Republican party has been irresponsible in economic issues, and has allowed the neo-conservative element to rule the day. Enough already!

It is a good idea to change the driver of the ship. True, this time everything will be driven by the Democrats, but the past 6 years have been extreme the other way. I'm looking forward to a new emphasis and more moderate thinking. It won't be easy because we have many problems, but as a moderate Republican who voted for Obama in a Republican state, I'm looking forward to something different. Having a person of color at the helm of our country gives a good message to the oppressed people of the world. Obama will bring a different perspective than a rich man's son who has no idea of the concerns of the populace.

HOORAY!

I guess one way to get rid of partisanship is to have a tyrannical reign where you have no opposition. Welcome to the USSA. The American experiment is dead.

Republicans going to Washington this time means we have no voice. Democrats rule in large majorities. As one of the experts said last night...it doesn't matter what the republicans think. They'll vote on the floor of the house and senate but will have no control. So for Utah, we chose badly. We should have picked a democrat or two (beyond Matheson) who is "conservative" but acceptable to us.

BTW...I predict many of you will be voting for Obama when he runs for re-election. It takes a long time for brain washing, bigotry, and group think to wear off....but it does eventually.

How can Congress do anything when the Senate and Executive branch slap everything down? I think you should put somee of that blame on the Republican led government. What happened to the first six years when the Repubs owned the House, Senate, Judiciary and Executive branches? How much did they do for the people in the years they had total control? They didn't, they took from the people and gave to the top 10 percent. Public funds were cut left and right but companies like Exxon and Haliburton had record profits. Small businesses were closing in record numbers...did Bush bail them out? Nope, but he sure took care of his buddies on Wallstreet(who are still partying on our dime). People have lost everything to this administration and you conservatives keep spouting rhetoric that should have died with Reagan. Society cannot survive with this imbalance of wealth and power, we will crumble unless we figure it out, look at Rome and Egypt, we are closely following in their footsteps. Education is the key, turn off the TV and read a book. Keep kids from polluting their minds with garbage, teach them about life not fantasy (movies and games).

At least we are rid of the worst president in US history!!! Now we will hear about his "Legacy" Ha!

Sheep!

And you think Bennett & Hatch do? They were both asked not to vote for the bail out, but they ignored what the people wanted and voted with their party. Talk about voting along party lines, at least Matheson votes what he thinks is right not what his party thinks. We need to get Bennett & Hatch out of office. They have lost touch with what they were sent there to do. They are part of the problem not the solution.

Last I checked, more states were "red" than blue.

Jason Chaffetz will have good company.

Chaffetz was excited to be Utah's newest member of Congress. "I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work right now. It's an honor and privilege to represent Utah to Washington, and not Washington to Utah."

He added, "I give my congratulations to President-elect Obama. To the extent that he is right, I will be supportive. But I am not elected to be a supporter, but a check and balance." Chaffetz added, "I will fight tooth and nail every step of the way to reject socialism."

Um, okay, Super-Dell. Why are you so scared of Democrats to the length you will call them socialists? People know better and will see through the lies and doublespeak. You are elected to represent the people of Utah, not to be a check-and-balance against an enemy. Find a way to work within the Congress you are elected to, and get things done. Otherwise, we will yank you home in 2 years.

Wake up Utah. Change is coming. With people like me moving in the demographics are moving against the same old same old. With the nationwide youth surge and the explosive youth population in Utah change will be here sooner than later.
Greg

I pray to God that another 9/11 doesn't happen 9 months into Obama's presidency; he will utterly fail that test should it come, by sitting down and talking with the attackers to see what we could have done to avoid their anger in the first place. Bush's legacy? One of domestic and international strength, and moral courage, I believe.

I agree with the earlier comment. Putting conservative democrats in for Utah would have increased the state's clout in Washington. What a missed opportunity. It's time to do what other states have done and divorce ideology from politics.

sometimes people open their mouth and remove all doubt.

"The Republican party has been irresponsible in economic issues."

So, you bought the lies and rhetoric instead of doing your own research?

It was regulations put in place in the Clinton administration that led to the failure of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, REQUIRING lenders to lend to people with no down payment and bad credit. What idiot thought that was a good idea? The architect of that plan is one of Obama's economic advisors.

Biden called himself the "anti-Bush", yet voted with him 52% of the time.

"The failed policies of the last 8 years?" The Democrats have controlled both the House and Senate for the last two years: Name ONE significant piece of legislation they have passed. Name ONE bill Bush vetoed. How did THEY anticipate and ward off the economic crisis? THEY DIDN'T. They just rejoiced in it and pointed fingers so they could satisfy their greed for power.

Where were the Democrats? Getting in line for loans, getting in line for campaign contributions, and seeking their reelection to power.

Shame on America for being so lazy as to buy the rhetoric and vote for the very people who got them in this mess.

can be both good and bad.

Just remember, the government can't give you anything that the government doesn't first take from you or someone else.

Utah red what a surprise? Most people do what they are told to do rather than think for themselves in Utah. I trully believe a yellow dog would win if it was a republican!

I would not be surprised to find out that the vast majority of Utahns simply voted Straight Party. That is the very first thing we need to get rid of. There should be no option to vote Straight Party--isn't voting this option essentially suggesting, "I don't care whatsoever about the candidates I'm voting for!"?

You can still vote Straight Party, but at least take the time to go through and check each one. Yeesh! Talk about lazy sheeple.

Disagee with your comments. Bush should go down as one of the worst if not the worst president in U.S. history. Hard headed, liston to no one, do what is best for the wealthy and friends.

re: re: interesting times (9:18am):

Well, there was the Farm bill that Bush vetoed (which was subsequently beaten down by a veto-override by Congress). Bush vetoed the Stem Cell bill. Bush vetoed the expansion of CHIP bill. Bush even vetoed an Iraq War funding bill.

You said to name one. I named four. What was that about "doing your own research"? Guess I'm just lazy, right?

We can only be happy that Obama didn't get a veto proof congress. He will be able to do enough damage with his judicial appointments because republicans lack the spine to filibuster them, but maybe they will grow spine enough to oppose outright nationalization of industry and big government socialism which is the change Obama promised boldly.

Chaffetz won because he is even more of a conservative extremist than the incumbant. At least conservative jihad was largely rejected yesterday thanks to modern America.

Maybe us democrats now we control Washington can help Utah be more conservatives. Utah gets $1.23 for every dollar Utahans pay in federal taxes. This is socialist wealth redistribution and it bloats government. Lets cut Utahan's federal funds by 23%. This would make Utahans feel better and cut government costs.

The republican argument against the incumbent democrat in my district was to vote repblican to give the area a bigger voice in the legislature. I think Utah republicans should be consistent and therefore vote democrat to give Utah a bigger voice in congress.

And Utah continues to fade further and further into irrelevancy.

Chaffetz is going to fight tooth and nail against socialism? You people have no clue. I lived in Norway, a socialist country. Socialism is very, very good. Did you know, according to a study by Merrill Lynch, Norway has more millionaires per capita than any other country. 1 of every 86 people there has more than $1million in terms of U.S. dollars.

It's not the end of the world. When Obama is thrown out after 4 years of importing socialism, maybe we'll have Romney in there.

And Utah continues towards being the only decent state in the Union. Please leave if you don't like it here. We'd be happier without you, and it sounds like you'd be happier without us. Bye. Bye... Please.

Socialism? Isn't that when the government steps in and takes controling interest in business, kind of like the banks? Didn't W. just authorize the government to buy up bad bank debts, enough that the gov't Has a controling stake? Repubs, what has the repubs done for the PEOPLE in 8 years? Nothing, cut student loans, cut social programs, let inflation run rampant and oh yeah dumb down our schools to a laughable point. What have they done for the people when they had absolute power? Nothing for us, everything for the top 10 percent.

By decent do you mean God fearing, generic houses and family, wear a suit and tie six days a week, support practically everything Republican, support injustice, intolerance, and that the environment is of little worth?
Yes, I will be among the many graduates who flees this state when the time comes and thank you Obama for making my remaining college education more afforable with one of your "socialist" programs.

Duhhh... we're utah, we're speashule!

In my opinion...

-Left/Right politics is divisive. Most issues aren't analyzed enough to see what is the best solution for ALL The People (do I help The People, or empower The People and WHY? in either case). Parties should be dissolved and individuals elected on their character and ideas. The People can be informed of these in the information age, and The People can hold the person to it. The People can be privy to decision maker's logic, if he/she would care to publish it. Not enough exchange.

-Get rid of the "aisle" in Congress, and force rep's to sit together randomly. No caucuses/lobbies -- just exchanging ideas/research with The People.

-Congress makes up rules as they go. When did The People ever get to approve of rules? Why aren't rules codified in the Constitution? Why don't The People get to measure and approve/disapprove of the way Congress works as a body (e.g. pay raises, filibuster vs. vote, committee assignments, etc.)? It's decided in a power game.

-The "Free Press" is FAR from objective, but it IS free (to the extreme). The People must have objective information.

-Jettison election polling. The People can think on their own.

-Line item veto.

red state pride | 6:58 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
We can be comforted in knowing that we live in a State where the majority of people are still sane and didn't fall for the "hope and change" propaganda. Congratulations Jason Chaffetz. Now you can spend 2 years in Washington watching the Democrats have their way. Do you think they're going to listen to you? Doubtful. Hang in there though.

Right...as opposed to the "stay the course" or mission accomplished" taglines of your buddy W. Yeah, that's been soooo effective.

"Mike | 11:00 a.m. Nov. 5, 2008
It's not the end of the world. When Obama is thrown out after 4 years of importing socialism, maybe we'll have Romney in there."

Read up on what Socialism actually is before making stupid comments. Time to turn off Hannity & Colmes and actually pick up a book. Sound good?

You also might want to think about the recent bailout of banks and insurance carriers pushed by your GOP buddies and supported by McCain.

maybe when the right stops trying to scare everyone and tries to work across the aisle you'll understand this. The socialist talk is counterproductive to what's good for america. Did the left call you Fascists and say the experiment was dead when Repubs held the congress and the presidency? The tired old scare tactics of the right aren't working anymore. The dems are no more socialist than you are fascist. Aren't you tired of the hate and fear yet?

Did anyone wake up this morning with more or less food in their refrigerator than they had last night? Did anyone wake up with less gasoline in their car? Here's a novel concept for everyone whether on the left or the right: Why don't we all get off the internet, stop thinking that Washington is either going to save us or destroy us, and go out in the world to forge our own ways! We've become a nation of victims that thinks that our own personal happiness and well-being is tied to a bunch of losers 2000 miles away. Let me ask you this: What's on next week's city council agenda in your backyard? Get your head out of Washington and go sign up to coach a little league team in your community. It will bring some perspective about what's important.