The Utah Republican Organizing Convention was held in Sandy Utah on the 18th of May of this year. Approximately 1,500 of the 2,500 State delegates attended. As in past years, principles and politics were evident. Speakers referred to a common theme that the two should coincide, with some emphasizing principles. For example, the proposed order of business had candidate speeches and elections first, but there was a proposal from the floor to consider principle-based amendments and resolutions first. The principle-based group wanted principle matters first because they viewed principles as most important. The “as is” group wanted to continue as originally proposed for convenience sake and Chairman Thomas Wright later changed the order of business for the convenience of various elected officials who were scheduled to speak. However, Congressman Bishop stayed for the entire convention. The original proposed order of business survived.
One of the main topics of the day was whether to change the current caucus system. Although many in leadership seemed in favor, all of the proposals failed decisively. Apparently, the State Central Committee had had numerous debates previously, but only moderate changes were able to come before the assembly. Apparently the State delegates are very happy with the current caucus system.
Cherilyn Eagar proposed two resolutions which passed handily. The first was a resolution calling on the Governor and legislature of the State of Utah to reject Medicaid expansion (related to Obamacare). Also, it called on the Utah Congressional delegation to continue efforts to repeal and de-fund Obamacare technically named (although many strongly disagree with the name, calling it a misnomer) the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The resolution drew speakers in favor of the resolution from around the State including from Weber County, and endorsers from Davis including Kris Kimball; Salt Lake, Utah, including Gayle Ruzicka; and Iron Counties. The vote was approximately 85% in favor of repealing Obamacare to 15% the other way.
The second resolution that Cherilyn proposed was a resolution calling for the Governor and State School Board to withdraw Utah from the federal education program called Common Core which mandates the State’s curriculum from the federal government rather than preserving local control. The resolution also calls for the Utah legislature to discontinue funding for it and any other program that promotes un-American or inferior standards. The assembly voted 65% to 35% for the resolution.
Chairman Wright ended his service as the leader of Utah’s Republican Party after a rather long day. Candidate James Evans replaced him. The convention went smoothly for the most part, but when delegate Cherilyn Eagar proposed something, Chairman Wright ruled it out of order although it was on topic. An outcry came from the delegates at the convention and Chairman Wright agreed that he had been mistaken. One of Chairman Wright’s principled statements was that: “We must care about people.”
Aaron Gabrielson and Marco Diaz, the other two candidates for Chairman spoke of principles in their election campaigns as well. Diaz said: “Do the right thing!” A common idea was: “Abandon our principles? No! Expand our horizons! Find places where we all agree and solve our problems!” Both Senator Mike Lee and Governor Herbert spoke of: “Reigning in Government” and “Reducing Government” respectively.
