My Day at the Utah County GOP Convention

4:10am - Wake up in my hotel in Wendover.  Try to remember what happened.  Hilariously retrace my steps to see why I have a tiger.  Okay, not really.

4:30am - Drive to Sandy with my wife to pick up most of our kids.


6:45am - Part ways with wife and kids in Sandy.

7:45am - Arrive at the Utah County GOP Convention.

8:00am - Walk around the booths, take the occasional water bottle or donut.  Grab my Dan Liljenquist T-shirt and sticker.  Dan's not there yet.  I swing by the Mia Love booth but there aren't any stickers or anything. She's not there.  Most of the name people aren't there.

In there I find Brad Daw and Dana Layton, talk to them at their booths.  Didn't see a Jacob Siebach booth.  I see some faces I know, though they're rushing about.  I check people's name-tags to see if I've heard of any of them.

8:50am - I go into our district meeting, where they're reviewing all the road construction going on and what the end game should look like, then we get some UVU pub from Val Petersen.

9:00am - I duck out, look around some more.  I find Jason Chaffetz and ask him what the most recent dumb law he's gotten rid of.  He cites a bill he just passed about federal buildings.  There are 900,000 federal buildings and they did a study that determined that 75,000 are underused or no longer in use, and his bill would speed up the process to get them sold.

I find Sean Reyes and hear him talking to another delegate about how he has many years of attorney experience, whereas John Swallow has spent the majority of the past 15 years as a lobbyist or fundraiser, then Mark Shurtleff put Swallow in the AG office to set him up as his heir.  I ask Reyes about the accusation that his father was an illegal immigrant.  He responds his father was not an illegal immigrant; he was a legal immigrant who fled the Marco regime and followed the asylum laws in the US, and he points out he was against HB116.

9:20am - Back to our room.  The governor addresses us.  I paraphrase.

Gov. Herbert - Utah has 10th best business-friendly state in US.  Came to office 2.5 years ago when economy was in death spiral. As businessman, I understand the problem with regulation. I said we need to take a look at regulation, see how many we have. We have 1969 regulations in Utah.  Nearly half impact business. We put up a website to ask for feeedback. We found 368 regulations that served no public purpose and modified them.

We had 56 different improvements to make to government after leadership commission. We have lowest amount of public employees since 2000.  We are the antithesis of DC. They grow labor in face of recession. We cut labor in face of growth.  Steve Forbes said we have the best state for business. Our economy is growing at 3 times the rate of natl average. Our unemployment is under 6%. Our exports are up 41% this past year. Utah County has the fourth best economy in the nation.  Utah virtually leads the nation in every measurable faction thanks to people like you.

Question - What are you doing to get the public lands less encumbered?

GH - I am better governor because I was a county commissioner. I am better governor because I was private businessman. I'm probably a better governor because I'm from Utah county. With public lands issue, fed govt. owns the land but didn't dispose of them. We're holding federal feet to air and say a promise made is a promise that should be kept. It's a longshot, but we're pushing back. We'll litigate where necessary. As WGA vice-chair, we governors are in a bipartisan way pushing back on the encroachment of public lands.

Question - (Michael May) - There's a regulation that I have 5000 hours before I can provide security at political events. I had to decline providing security because I can't get licensed. What will you do to restore the spirit of the pioneers and get that addressed?

GH - I'll have to look into it, you obviously know more about it than I do. It's a healthy discussion and should happen in public discourse.

MM - I served seven years in military and have over 500 hours. I would think that would be enough.

GH - We should give shortcuts to military veterans, let their service count toward earned hours.

Question - If ObamaCare is overturned, what is the state health plan?

GH - We want to repeal OC and replace it with what? That's the question. We want a state-driven program. It ought not to be a one-size-fits-all system. We have low cost and high value. I created last year a summit on health care. I said let's talk about controlling costs and have high-quality service. If we can keep the costs down, we'll have more competition. I defy anyone to tell me how many regulations they have in Washington DC.  We're working in dramatic, pro-active way to solve healthcare; it should be driven by states.

Results - Layton (44%), Daw (39), Siebach (15).

Second round.

Brad Daw reports.

Our road construction has come in at $200 million under-budget.  We have some projects, like putting two lanes on highway from Spanish Fork to Payson.

Question - I've read about problems with Alpine highway system.

BD - That's not such good news. UDOT selected one company, but the other company is working on the highway project, but they are behind, over-budget, and we're fining them $15,000 a day.  Should be done in May. Next year. (I think he was kidding).

Question - When we get the public lands back, what's to stop No Trespassing signs being put up everywhere?

BD - We take it a step at a time. If we ever get to the point where it'd be a wholesale divestment of lands, we'd look at a mixed-use access. We as a state need to step up and assure that we'll use it it in proper way, but that's way down the road.

Question - What do we do 200 years from now when all our resources are all used up?

BD - We need to use them at a reasonable pace. We need to consume properly and still protect the environment. Bear in mind, we don't use it all at once.

Question - Where are we as a state with Common Core?

BD - The part's that ok, if we're collaborating with other states; I don't think people have a problem with that, but it will ultimately be our decision.  Here's the concern: back in the 1950's we imposed a federal gas tax and built the interstate system. Nowadays, now that fed govt isn't really building roads any more, but they take the gas tax, give money back to the states but with caveats. With CC and Race to the Top, the feds come in with money, but as the feds give you more money, over time, if that money's too much, the feds will says "You need to do this and this and this." We in Utah need to decide what to do. (Utah didn't get any Race to the Top money.)

Results of second ballet - Daw (51), Layton (49) - They'll go to primary.

10:30am - Main convention meeting

1495 credentialled as delegates, 1433 in attendance (96%).

Media presentation that shows candid pictures of candidates.  Orrin Hatch was the first one to get boos. The chairman (David Acheson) jumped up and said "We do not boo, and I am serious!"  From there you'd have to judge how enthusiastic or not the applause was.

Some notable results: John Valentine defeates Craig Frank with 65% of vote.  Taylor Oldroyd and Steve White were eliminated.

Republicans hold every elected office in Utah County.

10:50am - Utah County Commissioner Seat C candidates, each gets two minutes.

First is incumbent Larry Ellertson, who has a fellow commissioner and a mayor voice their support for him, and a slew of people in yellow. I assume they're family.

John D. Morris is next. He says it comes down to where we view our govt going. Do we see it it getting more involved or less involved in your lives. He thanks Mike Lee for the amazing job he's done representing us.  Lee nods. Hatch is also in attendance, but no reference. Interesting.

Lorne Grierson - I'm concerned about the growth we're experiencing. Commissioners in the past have discouraged growth. We need to plan now for the infrastructure we need.

Larry Hunter - My entourage today is you, the citizens of Utah county. I propose that districts be set up so that each commissioner is responsible for their section. I'm over food services for Utah jails. I've been able to keep it under budget, saved $100,000 last year. I'm not a talker, I'm a doer.

Everyone votes.

Speaker Becky Lockhart speaks, gets applause when she gives our goal of picking up two GOP US seats in Utah.

11:15am - Next are the candidates for US senator.

Chris Herrod - I'm concerned about the direction of this country. I was there when the Iron Curtain fell, my wife grew up in USSR. Socialism weakens the family and bankrupts a nation. I'm running becuz I don't see the urgency in DC. The difference between us and Greece is we can monetize our debt.  Russia, China, etc., are looming. We need to cut spending and get rid of any program that isn't covered by Article 1, Section 8, in the Constitution.

Jeremy Friedbaum - This is the 100th anniversary of the Titanic. It's an analogy for our country today. Natl socialism, financial decay, etc. I see Mike Lee and Jason Chaffetz as trying to steer us right, away from the iceberg. The most dangerous people on this ship are career politicians, for this luxury ship has unlimited prestige and power and profit, and they don't want to rock the boat. I want to thank Lee and Chaffetz for not endorsing our senior senator. (Audience applauds.)  (Lee turns red.)

Kevin Fisk - Did 6-year tour of Corps, drove a truck, I have more real-life experience than the other candidates. We can't do the same thing over and over and over and expect different results. We have an incumbent who's been in for 36 years and he's in the top tier; we've learned nothing. The very people who swore to uphold the Constitution are dismantling it. The biggest threat to our liberty is Congress.

Dub Lawrence - If I had 20 minutes, I'm confident I could convince you that I am the best candidate, the best leader to send to the Senator. In Utah, we don't bash our opponents, we release them with a unanimous vote of thanks for a job well done. Orrin's sweet wife is praying I am successful. She wants him home with his grandchildren in that dream home. We can't pray for change and then vote for the status quo.

Dan Liljenquist - It's time for a change in DC. My loves include economics, law and business. This race will come down to one thing - seniority, and whether you as delegates feel forced to vote in the same system. It's time to change the game, and to do so, we need to change the players. No politicians is too big to fail. I want to be there with Mike Lee and Marco Rubio and Rand Paul, etc.
(rousing applause)

Orrin Hatch - I'm for Mitt Romney, and he's for me. It's not just for friendship, he knows I'd be the first chairman of the Senate Finance Committee in 80 years.  (Holy crap, I have wahooing Hatch supporters behind me) we have to repeal ObamaCare, we have the entitlement programs have to be reformed. I've given a lot of time, I love this country, I will never let you down. Nobody walks over me.  ("WAHOO!" clapclapclap "WAHOO!" clapclapclap) God bless America. (standing, vociferous ovation from about 30 people in a room of 1500.)

Tim Aalders - I'm the big guy in the race. I am not running because I am against any of these people. I am running becus the game is broken. If it's broken, we have to change the players to change the game. Name one piece of legislation that has restored liberty and cut the natl debt. DC is putting chains of bondage on our children w/ natl debt. It's time we take back control of our govt.

David Chiu - I'm running because of who we are. I offer you our best opportunity to turn around the stereotypes of Utah. We are the most inclusive state in US. With issues like health care, life, marriage, I can magnify your voice with conservative ideals. Sen. Lee has proven there is power beyond seniority.

Loy Brunsen - I want to sing you a song. "16 trillion and what do you get, another day older and deeper in debt." We need to study the Constitution and have favorite clauses. The biggest enemy to the US are the shareholders of the Federal Reserve. A trillion in profit for them is a trillion in debt for us.

Dale Ash - Separation of church and state is not in Constitution. Flag-burning is not free speech. Pornography is not free speech. The Supreme Court has forced this on us. State powers have been gutted. We've got to take our country back.

Mike Lee gets a standing ovation from about 1/4 of the room before he even speaks.

ML - Happy to have with me my family. Pleasure to be with you today. I've served in Senate for just over a year. I was 39 when elected. I'm from Utah County, I'm not used to getting carded. Sometimes we have to assert what is rightfully ours.

And wow, he's already done.

First-round results

1402 ballots cast.

Greirson - 400
Elllertson - 613
Morris - 302
Hunter - 87

Hunter drops off.

11:45am - Candidates for 3rd Congressional district

Brian Jenkins - One of the largest obstacles is that incumbents have 98% chance of re-elections. Incumbents become fearless if they do not fear their constituents. I am begging for your vote. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. (Overheard near me: "I don't even know why he's running.")

Lynn Wardle's wife Mary - My husband was law professor and lawyer for 30 years. He has testified before committees, was one of principle authors of Defense of Marriage Act. During the debate he has kept a civil voice, reached across the aisle. he not only will vote right and introduce bills through committees, he formed and joined Congressional caucuses.

Jason Chaffetz - DC is such a mess, it's a disaster.  in 2008 the deficit was $9 trillion, now it's $16 trillion. I'm there fighting it every single day. We've had some success, I was the leader in Congress's Cut-Cap-Balance bill, we fought against SOPA, we've got to hold the House, we've got to win back the Senate, and we've got to fire Barack Obama.  Under Pres. Romney, we'll repeal ObamaCare. It's an honor and privilege to serve you in Congress.

Gets about the same amount of standing O that Mike Lee got.

12:10pm - Candidates for 4th Congressional district

Carl Wimmer - 6 years ago I was law-enforcement officer in WVC. I'm running to defeat Jim Matheson. While he keeps voting to raise debt ceiling, Mike Lee's endorsed me, Mark Shurtleff's endorsed me. I was co-founder of Patrick Henry Caucus. It is time for Matheson to retire. I need your support.

John Valentine speaking for Steve Sandstrom - He's a former Marine, businessman. He also co-founded PHC.

Mia Love, Jay Cobb, Kenneth Gray are not here. (missing gigantic opportunity; at least have someone speak on your behalf if you can't be here)

12:30pm - Candidates for governor

Ken Sumsion - It's been honor for last 6 years to represent vast part of this county. I co-founded PHC too. We passed public land bills, so we can change how we fund education in this state.

Morgan Philpot - Last yr we were at county fair, my kid leans over and asks are you a Philpot Phan?  Two years ago we elected a conservative governor but we saw funds accepted from feds and Obama, need to get rid of Common Core, stop increasing our budgets. Leadership is not about taking credit, it's about setting an agenda.

Lane Ronnow - I'm not from Utah county; why vote for me?  There are a lot of good candidates, I'm one of them. I have a sheet written up of all my accomplishments, please go to my website and see the examples of my problem-solving ability. 800,000 in Utah had their data compromised with a computer handling health care. Education in Utah is underfunded and badly managed.

Gary Herbert - I'm glad to be home. Best reason to re-elect me, you get Jeanette as First Lady. I've got background and experience to turn things around in government. If you want to know who to vote for governor, don't talk to anyone running for governor. You talk to the business community, to the Chambers of Commerce... (he speaks fast but it was an effective speech to say he's best for the job).

David Kirkham - I'm proud to run with these candidates. Maybe we can do a little better. I'm concerned with HB116. The law's unconstitutional, and they signed it anyway. The job of governor is to protect your freedom.

Second round for UTCo commissioner

1365 - 819

Ellertson - 641
Grierson - 455
Morris - 269

12:50pm - Candidates for Attorney General

John Swallow - I'd like to introduce my wife, glad to have her with me. People tell me they love the fact I've been in Atty General's office. I've been a lawyer for 21 years. The Fed govt was never desgined Constitutionally to govern us.  We beat ObamaCare in Florida against all odds. We're going to drive the golden spike right thru the heart of OC. We will get our lands back.

Marco Diaz on behalf of Sean Reyes - Hopefully you met with him earlier, he had to go to SLC. Primarily it boils down to experience. Sean has been an attorney his entire professional career. In 2008, he was recognized as Natl young atty of the year. You need the best. Second, it comes to leadership. Finally, his integrity. I don't care how much more legal experience he has than his opponent if he doesn't have integrity.

1:00pm - Candidates for State auditor

Becky Lockhart on behalf of John Dougall - Most of us know John Dougall. He's a disrupter, and that's a good thing.

Auston Johnson - Did 4 years in Navy, Vietnam vet; got degree in accounting at USU. This is about experience. The state financial auditor dept is a financial dept. I do 100's of fraud and waste cases every year.

1:05pm - Candidates for UT Natl Committee

Nancy Lord - RNC has to elect Mitt Romney and improve presidential election process. We've seen some of the problems. With one simple rule-change, we could prevent possibility of brokered convention. (And what rule is that?) I sponsored HB477 referendum, which stopped that bill.

Don Guymon - Reagan was talked about "morning in America." I'm proud of our party. We should not be afraid to fly our colors boldly. States can do better job than Fed govt. I've been a strong advocate for states rights. I appreciate your support and look forward to representing you.

Keith Kuder - Obama has done enough with our country and doesn't need another 4 years. I live in UT county. Candidates know my name, know I worked behind the scenes for years. I was the guy in the back who went off a cliff with Philpot. I am grateful and honored to serve others. I believe that Mitt Romney can save our nation. I will work with others. (very sincere speech)

Bruce Hough - I represent you right now. We made sure we had a new chair elected (Reince Preibus) and he's done a fantastic job. One of our jobs is to raise money. Right now we have class warfare, and war on the family. We have to make Barack Obama a one-term president.

1:10pm - ...And we're done.