Reader comments: Even Eagle Forum loves this R rating
22 comments | Read story
R. Spencer Robinson | 6:12 a.m. May 13, 2008
First, to my knowledge, I am not related to Doug Robinson. Second, he is right about Republicans not having to worry about Democrats winning elections. Third, it's unlikely his being right will make any difference.
Nice hack job | 6:25 a.m. May 13, 2008
Doug,
Aren't you a sports writer? What in the heck is the Desnews thinking putting some guy who writes about kids games into the political arena? Dumb move and dumb story.
Aren't you a sports writer? What in the heck is the Desnews thinking putting some guy who writes about kids games into the political arena? Dumb move and dumb story.
FairVoteWatch | 6:36 a.m. May 13, 2008
Democrats mope about balance .But when it comes to replacing the two party duopoly with an electoral system that's fair for all of us, it's nothing but hugs between the Party of Jackson and the Party of Lincoln.
Proportional representation is what most established democracies use to make their elections more competitive and representative. Organization like The Center for Voting and Democracy are leading the way on these reforms in the United States.
Proportional representation is what most established democracies use to make their elections more competitive and representative. Organization like The Center for Voting and Democracy are leading the way on these reforms in the United States.
Comments continue below
Cautiously optimistic | 6:41 a.m. May 13, 2008
Thank you Doug!!! It's time the citizens of this state wake up and smell something....The grip of the Republican party in Utah & the Eagle Forum borders on facism. There is no room for debate, discussion or dissension, you're either with us or you're against us.
Almost True | 6:46 a.m. May 13, 2008
This holds true pretty much everywhere except in the Democrat laden areas of Salt Lake County. In certain spots of that particular county it is exactly the opposite. Republicans are assumed to be members of a certain church, and therefore do not get votes.
Stereotyping? Isn't that what this entire article is about?
Stereotyping? Isn't that what this entire article is about?
Anonymous | 9:42 a.m. May 13, 2008
It's time we Republicans hold the 'R's like Bramble and Buttars accountable. Thanks for sounding the alarm. We need to wake up and vote some of these guys out of office!
GOOD NEWS | 11:15 a.m. May 13, 2008
It's nice to read a story like this, but too bad we ahve to get it so far away from election time. By the time November rolls around all of the good advice about looking at who you vote for will be forgotten. Along witht he past deeds, deals and mis-doings.
Mostly True RE: Almost True | 11:22 a.m. May 13, 2008
It's not the exact oppostite in those "Democrat laden areas of Salt Lake County". There are many of us religious minorities who are Democrats!
Great article Doug.
Great article Doug.
Anonymous | 11:24 a.m. May 13, 2008
Aren't you forgetting that we do have two parties in this state--the right wing and the far-right wing?
YouGoFirst | 12:09 p.m. May 13, 2008
What I want to know is what did the Democrat party do to give them such a bad name that they have a hard time getting elected.
It is easy to say that they have a hard time because they are not Republican. That is the easy 5 minute internet search. What actually takes some effort will be to report and trace things back to figure out why.
It is easy to say that they have a hard time because they are not Republican. That is the easy 5 minute internet search. What actually takes some effort will be to report and trace things back to figure out why.
Spot on | 12:12 p.m. May 13, 2008
This article is absolutely true. Very few pieces of legislation, if any, ever come up on the floor of the house or the senate where the result hasn't already been determined by Curtis and Valentine. It makes the floor debate almost a sham. The back room deals, the arm twisting, threats, etc.... I guess in Utah that's called "concensus building."
EdM | 12:24 p.m. May 13, 2008
Once again Doug Robinson hits a home run with his column. As to those who think he should stick to just sports...the guy is as well read and as well informed as any in journalism today.
Tracy | 1:04 p.m. May 13, 2008
Absolutely true! Sandy residents, please start by defeating Greg Curtis the ringleader.
Charlie | 3:00 p.m. May 13, 2008
Doug says in his second to last paragraph that "Bramble and the gang believe they know better, that they are far wiser than we are, ignoring the point of government by representation." Perhaps they are right. After all, isn't it the "dumbed down brainwashed electorate" that keeps electing them? As a life long conservative, I am voting locally across the board Democratic in this next election. The arrogance of our current Republican legislators is appalling.
JP | 8:45 p.m. May 13, 2008
Great article. I think Doug Robinson is the best columnist in the state as he has tremendous insight and writing skills in his columns. As a long-time Republican, I couldn't agree more. If Buttars gets elected, it will only show how nutty we are as a state.
HOH | 9:06 p.m. May 13, 2008
It amazes me that Utah voters continue to be so ignorant when it comes to who they vote for to represent them. This is an election year, voters need to wake up! The R rating has to go. The Education Omnibus Bill is one example of how arrogant and out of touch our legislators have become. I am a Draper republican who will be voting for democratic challengers this year. Our representative, Greg Hughes, needs to be replaced by someone who will listen to their constituents and not the good old boys, especially in regard to education matters.
DirtDr | 9:24 p.m. May 13, 2008
Ditto from another long-time rated R man. Robinson is right on. Although I was District 1 state delegate, I was almost excited to see Chaffetz nearly upset the moronic Cannon in the convention; but then I realize that there’s so many mindless R-voters in District 3, that Cannon will survive again in the June primary, and easily in the general election. But sorry to burst your bubble JP- moron Buttars already won re-election in the SL Co. R-convention (thanks to no other R-candidate even getting enough votes to force him into a R-primary challenge). Gotta agree with you Anonymous about the two parties in this state
salsa | 10:21 p.m. May 13, 2008
As a registered republican, I will be voting democratic this year. If only to send a statement that I am tired of the arrogance of the Utah Republican Legislature. I have a mind and I can form an opinion. They don't need to tell me how I should feel--yes, representatives should REPRESENT us. The re-election of Mr. Buttars, the millions of wasted dollars spent on the voucher fight, the education omnibus bill, etc..... all show how embarrassing the republican party has become. They are not leading our state in the right direction.
GT | 7:39 a.m. May 14, 2008
Thank you for saying what has needed to be said for a long time. I have spoken with 2 State Senators, they both said the same thing: A few powerful Republicans get together before each session and decide which bills will be fowarded and passed and which ones will never clear commitee.
Another Senator told me that he and his fellow Republicans are threatened if they don't follow the "party line" on votes...He was told that if he didn't fall in line, that his bills "would never see the light of day". Both of these men,like myself, are lifelong Republicans. Things need to change. A one party system is not in our best interest. Absolute power corrupts absolutely"
Thank You Doug !!! Go Utah Democrats.
Another Senator told me that he and his fellow Republicans are threatened if they don't follow the "party line" on votes...He was told that if he didn't fall in line, that his bills "would never see the light of day". Both of these men,like myself, are lifelong Republicans. Things need to change. A one party system is not in our best interest. Absolute power corrupts absolutely"
Thank You Doug !!! Go Utah Democrats.
Anonymous | 10:18 a.m. May 16, 2008
Doug you are correct. I think that a lot of people in Utah equate Utah republicans with National Republicans. The last few elections I have voted for Utah Democrats and for the national elections Republicans. The Democrats in Utah have got to balance the scale. Remember "Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely"
Anonymous | 12:41 p.m. May 16, 2008
Orrin hatch needs to go
Dante | 11:05 p.m. May 19, 2008
Spot on. I'm voting against my incumbent Republican Carl Wimmer this time. Dave Hogue was great as a Republican, and now he'll be great as a Democrat. He actually exercises his own judgment, questions the leadership and the party when needed, and listens to the voices of his constituents.
That's a lot more than pro-voucher Wimmer can say. 62% declare there will be no vouchers and yet... Wimmer still pushes vouchers and takes money from Parents for Choice. After attending the Republican County Convention and my caucus meeting in district 52, I am done. For 2008, I consider myself a Democrat.
That's a lot more than pro-voucher Wimmer can say. 62% declare there will be no vouchers and yet... Wimmer still pushes vouchers and takes money from Parents for Choice. After attending the Republican County Convention and my caucus meeting in district 52, I am done. For 2008, I consider myself a Democrat.
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