News from James Evans, Utah Republican Party Chairman

Welcome to this week's newsletter. There is a lot going on in Utah politics! 2013 has been historic. I would first like to thank all of those who ran for the vacant Attorney General position. Each one worked hard in a short time frame, and accommodated their schedules to reach out. That said, special congratulations goes to the three candidates, Sean Reyes, Robert Smith, and Brian Tarbet, who won at last Saturday's Special State Central Committee meeting. The Governor will now pick one from among those three. You can see the results of the meeting here. For your information, Governor Mitt Romney will be attending the "Elevating Utah Commercial Real Estate Dinner" on January 14, 2014. If you have interest in attending, click here. Yesterday, federal judge Robert Shelby ruled Amendment 3, Utah’s ban on same sex marriage, unconstitutional. If you would like to help the Utah Republican Party fight for traditional marriage, click here. Neighborhood Caucus Elections are approaching fast! We are just a little under four months away from the big night, and are busily working to make 2014 another successful year. One thing that will really help us is to have each of you donate just $5 today. I know it's the holidays, but a small donation will make a big difference. Below are changes to our Neighborhood Caucus Meetings that will make it easier for you to participate. If you are in the military or on religious service out of the state, you can cast a ballot at the Neighborhood Caucus Meetings. If you cannot attend the meeting in person, you can cast an absentee ballot. You can check in and register online for the meetings in advance. We have included an optional Meet-and-Greet one hour prior to the neighborhood caucus meetings. As we implement these changes, we hope you will plan to join us on March 20th 2014, and encourage you to bring your family and friends. Jim Matheson announced this week that he will not run for election in 2014. While this news was unexpected, we were confident that we would win CD4 in 2014, and are even more confident now. We are looking forward to sending four Congressional Republicans to Washington next year - but it will still take resources to ensure we win. Please donate here to help out. Lastly, I hope you have a Merry Christmas and enjoy the holidays. Please reach out to the Party if you have any questions at 801.533.9777.

Thanks for your support! James Evans Utah Republican Party Chairman

State Attorney General Election December 14, 2013

Friend, Tomorrow morning, the State Central Committee will meet in Sandy, Utah, to select three candidates for the position of Attorney General. After this meeting, the three names will be sent to the Governor and he will select one to fill the vacant position. To ensure public access, the State Party will live stream the meeting tomorrow on its website here. The meeting will begin at 10:00AM and the Attorney General election is the first item on the agenda. You can also find the latest updates here, or watch Wednesday's Attorney General debate here. I'm looking forward to tomorrow, and hope you will tune in.

Thanks for your support! James Evans Utah Republican Party Chairman

Message from Senator Wayne Harper

Dear Neighbor:

Routinely during the year and each week during the legislative session, I send out update emails and questions on which that I need your input. Below is the December 2013 pre-session email as an example.

PLEASE SEND ME A RESPONSE SO I MAY ADD YOU TO MY EMAIL LIST TO OBTAIN YOUR INPUT AND PROVIDE UPDATES TO YOU.

Thank you,

Wayne Harper

wharper@le.utah.gov

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Senator Wayne Harper

State of Utah

Senate District 6

West Jordan & Taylorsville

December 1, 2013

RE: PRE-2014 SESSION REQUEST FOR INPUT AND PRIORITIES

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

Prior to the 2014 legislative session that starts the end of January, I am requesting your input and recommendations.

There are many issues that have been discussed this year during interim meetings and as I meet with constituents as well as several key budgetary items for the next session.

Please respond to me with your comments, concerns, issues and recommendations.

Some of the key topics for the 2014 Session include:

· Common Core, is it good or bad and what does Utah do with it?

· Projected budget surpluses and additional revenue (as much as $300 million)

· Construction of new higher education and state buildings

· Local government proposal to increase the motor fuel tax by 3% (about 10 cent per gallon)

· Proposal that the state should assume management and operations of national parks and monuments

· A proposal to reduce the number of exemptions a family can claim so that families with children in school will be paying more income tax. (To generate about $400 million more for public education.)

· 30 bills on health care reform

· 30 bills on elections

· 40 bills on education

· 25 bills on tax law revisions

· Many bills on business code, towing, business development and air quality

Thank you for your involvement in this process.

I look forward to hearing from you on your priorities and issues and how I can better prepare for the upcoming session!

Wayne Harper

wharper@le.utah.gov

Proudly Serving West Jordan & Taylorsville

Watch the Attorney General Candidates Debate!

The Attorney General debate will be today, Wednesday, December 11, from 6-8PM.

Attorney General candidates will be located at the UEN location, at the Eccles Broadcast Center. Seating is limited to only State Central Committee Members, but the debate can be seen live at www.utgop.org.

Candidates will have a two minute opening statement and a two minute closing statement. SCC members will have approximately 90 minutes of questions and answers.

Follow the debate tomorrow streaming live at www.utgop.org. The link will be posted shortly before the debate begins at 6:00PM.

Sincerely,

Salt Lake County Republican Party

Special Election

SALT LAKE COUNTY ASSESSOR

A special election will be held to fill the vacated office of Salt Lake County Assessor, the Honorable Lee Gardner, who has retired. We are grateful for the many years of service he has given to the citizens of Salt Lake County.

If you are interested or intend to run as a candidate, please contact our office at 801-359-4600. To view the statuatory requirements to hold this office - Click Here or contact the Salt Lake County Clerks Office. Nominations or declaration of candidacy will be taken from the floor at our next Central Committee Meeting.

Special Election will be held during our:

Salt Lake County Republican

Central Committee Meeting

Sept. 19th, 2013 at 7:00 pm

Murray High School

Please visit our website to view candidates that have shared their intent to run - www.slcogop.com.

Kindest Regards,

Chad

Chad Bennion, Chair

Salt Lake County Republican Party

chair@slcogop.com

slcogop.com

801.359-4600

Officer Support Rally

OFFICER SUPPORT RALLY

A rally to support the right of police officers to defend themselves, and to the protect the public, without fear of retribution from the Salt Lake County District Attorney's office.

Wednesday, August 14th

3 to 6 p.m.

Salt Lake City & County Building

451 S. State Street
Salt Lake City, Utah

When faced with the potential of serious bodily injury or death, officers need to be able to protect themselves and the public. Show your support of our officers that protect our cities, our streets, our homes, and our families.

Wear blue to show your support!

.

Salt Lake County Republican Party

slcogop.com

801.359-4600

City Primary Elections

***************VOTE**************

- TUESDAY AUGUST 13TH -

CITY PRIMARY ELECTIONS

Government closest to the people governs best. Issues in the city effect you and your family on a day to day basis, whether it is the parks, safety, or freedoms you enjoy. Carefully review the candidates, make wise and prudent decisions, and most important vote in tomorrows municipal elections.

To get information on Candidates

and a link to City websites, click here:

2013 CITY CANDIDATES INFO

Find your Election Day polling location: www.GOT-VOTE.org

Already mailed your Vote By Mail Ballot: Track it HERE!!!

Kindest Regards,

Chad Bennion, Chair

Salt Lake County Republican Party

slcogop.com

801.359-4600

chair@slcogop.com

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!

The West Jordan Municipal Primary Election is tomorrow. If you mail your ballot it must be postmarked today August 12. You can drop it off tomorrow at the West Jordan Viridian Library or the Bingham Creek Library. 

Last week I went to the Meet the Candidates Open House for a short time. While there I saw at least ten people from my voting district. People in WJD030 must be politically active!

Voter Registration Deadline - July 29th

LAST CHANCE!!! - VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE - July 29th

Monday, July 29th is the last day for citizens who want to vote in the municipal primary election to register to vote. You may register by appearing in person at the County Clerk's Office at 2001 South State Street, S1100, or online with a current Utah Driver's License or State ID card at www.vote.utah.gov.

Anyone who is currently registered to vote in Salt Lake County, but changed their address within the County may call the County Clerk's Office and provide their new address, or email got-vote@slco.org.

Voters may check their registration status, find early vote locations, find their Election Day polling location, and view their sample ballot by visiting the County Clerk's website at: www.GOT-VOTE.org.

For additional information, call: 385 GOT-VOTE (385 468-8683).

To get information on Candidates

and a link to City websites, click here:

2013 CITY CANDIDATES INFO

Salt Lake County Republican Party

slcogop.com

801.359-4600

office@slcogop.com

West Jordan City Elections 2013

This year's elections will be held by mail. You should be getting your ballots in the mail soon. Here is the link to a sample ballot for our precinct: Sample Ballot WJD030

Candidates for West Jordan City Mayor (vote for one)

Ben Southworth

Kim V. Rolfe

Sophie Rice

Clive M. Killpack

Mike Kellermeyer

M. Rory Munns

Melissa Mae Worthen

Daniel E. Argueta

Dirk S. Burton

Candidates for West Jordan City Council At Large (vote for two)

Gregory M. Simonsen

Chad Nichols

Timothy McConnehey

Dixie Memmott

Michel J. Erdmann

Zach Jacob

Eric Hanna

Jeff Haaga

Isaac Alejandro Giron

Nathan Gedge

Jared Belcher

Upcoming Events

Meet the Officers Candidate Night!

Friday April 12th - 6:00pm

SLCo Government Complex, Council Chambers

2001 So. State Street, SLC, UT

Meet the Candidate Night Info

___________________________________________________________

Its not too late to RSVP for our Convention Dinner!

This might be the best value in town for great entertainment and dinner.

All Family & Friends are invited to attend our

2013 Convention Dinner

with the nationally acclaimed

***** Bar J Wranglers *****

.

Friday, April 19th at 6:00 p.m.

The Bar J Wranglers from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, deliver some of the purest harmony, best musicianship and funniest ranch humor ever seen on stage.

Click Here for Details

RSVP by Saturday April 13th to office@slcogop.com or reply to this e-mail,

then pay online: Pay via our Donate Button

____________________________________________________________________

There is still time to run for Officer or State Central Committee Member.

Submit your name to run for one of these

Salt Lake County Officer Positions:

.

CHAIR - VICE CHAIR - SECRETARY - TREASURER

STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEMBER

(a "job" description can be found in our bylaws: Click Here for Bylaws see page 8)

.

We will be electing 30 State Central Committee Members to represent Salt Lake County.

Why Run:

1. Elect Members to the Party Constitution and Bylaws, Audit Committees
2. Have a voice in how our party is managed and run
3. Receive reports from statewide and federal elected officials
4. Be the solutions to coming issues

Please e-mail your intention to run, and information for posting on our website, to office@slcogop.com. Candidates may submit a picture and bio of up to 500 characters with spaces. If you know someone who might be interested, please send them this information and encourage them to run. For more information contact our Office Consultant, Valarie Kingsbury, at 801-359-4600.

.

Deadline to file: Friday, April 12, 5:00 p.m.

______________________________________________________________

Salt Lake County Republican Party

2013 Organizing Convention

.

Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.

South Towne Expo Center, Sandy UT

.

Come join the fun! Everyone is invite and it is FREE!

Click Here for Details

____________________________________________________

You will not want to miss our Convention Dinner! RSVP to Valarie Kingsbury at office@slcogop.com and pay online: Pay via our Donate Button

Sincerely,

Julie Dole, Chair
Salt Lake County Republican Party
slcogop.com

801.359.4600

julieanndole@gmail.com

Twitter:JulieDole

Facebook: JDole

LinkedIn

Are you interested in running for the Republican State Central Committee?

Are you interested in running for State Central Committee? Information regarding when and how to file for your County's State Central Committee positions is available below. Filing deadlines for Republican County Party Office and SCC membership: Salt Lake County:Deadline to file is April 12 at 5 p.m. To file, send an email to Valarie Kingsbury at Office@slcogop.com. Weber County:Deadline to file is April 15. To file, send an email to the Weber GOP Secretary at mgwynn@digis.net. Nominations may also be made on the floor but those nominees will not be included on the ballot. Utah County:Deadline to file is April 20th at 5 p.m. File for office online at http://voterclick.com/file_for_office.php. Davis County:Deadline to file is May 22nd. Email County Chair Kris Kimball at davischair@gmail.com. Anyone filing after the deadline can be nominated on the floor of the County Convention but their name will not be on the printed ballot. Cache County:The deadline to file has already passed, but someone can be nominated at the County Convention on the floor with the signatures of 50 delegates. The floor nominees name will not be printed on the ballot.

Margaret Thatcher

SALT LAKE CITY - Utah Republican Party (UT GOP) Chairman Thomas Wright released the following statement on the death of Baroness Margaret Thatcher:

“On behalf of the Republican Party, I extend our deepest sympathies to the Thatcher family and to the people of Great Britain on the passing of Lady Thatcher,” said Chairman Wright. “She was and always will be one of the world’s great conservative leaders. A champion of free markets, private enterprise, and individual liberty, she inspired a generation far beyond the shores of Great Britain.

“In the face of Communism, she stood for freedom, winning an ally to her side in President Ronald Reagan. Together, they brought an end to the Evil Empire and the Cold War. The world is a freer place thanks to Margaret Thatcher.”

“Our prayers go out to Lady Thatcher’s family, friends, and loved ones,” said Wright. “We mourn this incredible loss but will always remember her indomitable spirit as the grocer’s daughter who became a great prime minister. She proved that grit and determination can break both a glass ceiling and an Iron Curtain.

“May God give rest to the Iron Lady.”

I agree. I have the greatest respect and admiration for Lady Margaret Thatcher. --- JHD

Help Decide How the Utah Republican Party Nominates Its Candidates

Here is an email message from Chairman Thomas Wright inviting all Republicans to help decide how our nomination system works: In a recent meeting with Republican leaders from across the state, we discussed the need to address how our Caucus and Convention nomination system works. We recognize there are some challenges associated with it and the Utah Republican Party is committed to providing a system that works for Utah and supplies the highest participation by its citizenry. Because we believe that public input and participation is vital to a healthy electorate, I want to invite you and your neighbors to share your thoughts and ideas at www.utgopgrowth.com. I created this website so you can share your ideas on how the Republican Party should select its candidates. I want all Utahns to have their voices heard and have a say in who appears on their ballot in November. We want to flesh out the Direct Primary model, the Caucus and Convention model and create a process that best represents Utah. Just as we recognize that the Caucus and Convention model has flaws, we also want Utahns to understand the downsides and flaws of a Direct Primary. We are committed to listening and to making changes that will open up doors to a more engaged citizenry. You can go to www.utgopgrowth.com and submit proposals until March 23. You can also review and comment on other ideas that have been put forward. In addition to the website, The Republican Party will be hosting a series of Town Hall meetings to meet with voters face to face. Republican leaders will meet again on March 23 to discuss the ideas that have been submitted. This is your chance to make change. Please join the conversation and encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same! Go to www.utgopgrowth.com and submit a proposal today! Sincerely, Chairman Thomas Wright

Reforming Utah's Caucus Convention Process

Here is an interesting article with suggestions for improving the Caucus Convention System in Utah. I am thinking and visualizing how these ideas might work in our precinct. I wonder what my neighbors and fellow Republicans think. Here is the link Some Ideas to Improve the Caucus System by Brad Daw

Campaign to Fix the Debt

Here is a message from Utah Republican Party Chairman Thomas Wright about  the Campaign to Fix the Debt. This is worthy goal for all of us to support. On Thursday, I joined local officials, business leaders and concerned citizens to come together to officially launch the Utah chapter of the Campaign to Fix the Debt. The Campaign to Fix the Debt is a non-partisan movement to put America on a better fiscal and economic path. We come together from a variety of social, economic and political perspectives, around the common belief that America's growing federal debt threatens our future and that we must address it. We all know how we got so far in debt as a Country: tax cuts dating back to 2001, increased spending on entitlement programs, war spending and the other massive spending increases the federal government has engaged in. What we need to understand is that it will get much worse if we don’t do something. Healthcare costs will continue to increase at a rapid pace, the American population is aging, interest rates are beginning to rise and the cost of funding the government far outpaces the government’s revenue projections. These are not partisan problems – both parties are responsible and more importantly both parties need to be responsible for coming up with a solution. We need to enact deficit reductions in order to stabilize the debt; replace mindless, abrupt deficit reduction with thoughtful changes that reform the tax code and cut spending; and we need to look down the road and focus on the rapid growth of entitlement programs. I need your help. Please text “sign” to 877877 or visit www.fixthedebt.org and sign the petition to encourage Washington to put aside their differences, work together and fix the debt. Sincerely, Chairman Thomas Wright P.S. You can also learn more about the Fix the Debt campaign and other useful resources by visiting these links: The Citizen’s Petition and Campaign Information: http://www.fixthedebt.org Policy Papers (Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget): http://crfb.org Between a Mountain of Debt and a Fiscal Cliff Primary Numbers: The GOP Candidates Going Big Could Improve the Chances of Success Slideshow on Our Fiscal Challenges: Averting a Fiscal Crisis Congressional Budget Office: Federal Debt and the Risk of a Fiscal Crisis