Many Utah Amicus readers where first introduced to Rick Koerber and his Free Capitalist Project on The Utah Amicus post, 30 Pieces of PCE Silver, which featured a letter put out by The Free Capitalist Project on behalf of the pro-voucher group, Parent’s for Choice in Education (PCE). In that letter PCE offered money to voucher advocates for pro-voucher votes.

From that letter:

If you are motivated and have a desire to help this campaign succeed, as well as earn a little money in the process, you can sign up with Parents for Choice in Education to become an “advocate”. As an advocate, you agree to seek out your friends and family and solicit their commitment for this important cause. In addition, if you provide your field manager with a minimum of 25 names of persons who have committed to voting for Referendum 1, and those persons actually vote, you can earn $10 per person. That’s $250 for the 25 names, plus an additional $10 for every name after that. (Side note: All yard signs will be provided by Parents for Choice in Education through their Field Managers.)

I wasn’t long before PCE denied that they had authorized that program and claimed they would never do anything like that, but approximately two weeks later a PCE staffer called a Utah Democratic Party intern and offered that intern the same incentive that PCE and The Free Capitalist Project had recently claimed to have rejected (See THE UTAH AMICUS: Can you believe anything they say?).

On June 29, 2009 Rick Koerber, the man behind The Free Capitalist Project, posted a response to a post titled, Rep. Carl Wimmer scandal isn’t about Rick Koerber, it’s about the integrity of our justice system by former KVNU’s For The People host creator/host, Tom Grover .

Koerber’s 4081 word diatribe of insults and misdirection is fun to read, but in the end it fails to address the fact that Rep. Carl Wimmer (R-Herriman) isn’t being honest about his involvement with the Koerber investigation.

Last month, while speaking about his involvement with the Koerber investigation on KSL,  Rep. Wimmer said, “At no time did I try to intervene with this investigation.”   Wimmer also said, “That is the limit of my invovement with Koerber was to facilitate meetings with him.” But just this week it was discovered that not only had Wimmer facilitated the meetings, he tried to use his influence to fire the head of the agency that was investigating Koerber for allegedly perpetuating a 100 million dollar ponzi scheme.

Mr. Koerber, it doesn’t matter if you use 500 words or 5000 words  to plead your case.  It doesn’t matter if in those 4081 words you can prove that Tom Grover is a true Libertarian, or not.  What does matter is that Rep. Carl Wimmer wasn’t honest about his involvement with you and his actions concerning the investigation of you.

Frankly, Mr. Grover was correct when he said, “it’s about the integrity of our justice system…”, and let me add, “It is also about the integrity of our political system.”  Or, maybe it’s just about integrity and one elected legislator’s inability to understand what integrity is.

He has written editorials about it.

He recently left this post on his blog and allowed Utahns the opportunity to take the following poll.

Of the organizations listed below, which to you feel is best suited to conduct redistricting after the 2010 census?

The Governor
The Legislature
A Commission
The State Supreme Court

When I last checked, before the poll was pulled, Utah residents had overwhelmingly voiced their opinion that “A Commission” was best suited to conduct redistricting after the 2010 census.  The numbers for “A Commission” were in the hundreds.

Speaker Clark has been adamant that “The Legislature” is best suited to conduct redistricting.

But we all know where that got us last time, don’t we.

Speaker Clark, will you be on the side of the residents of Utah this time?

Check out, Fair Boundries… because your vote should count.

Senator Al Franken and Rob Miller

One reason why today is a GREAT day!

By Tom Grover

One of the greatest features of American democracy is that each of us is equal before the law. Not only are we equal in terms of the rights that are protected, but we are also equal in terms of punishment. Justice is blind, or at least it is supposed to be. Whether prince or pauper, we believe that persons who are accused of violating the law should be treated consistently.

Recently, Representative Carl Wimmer (R-Herriman) sought to have Francine Giani, the head of the Utah Department of Commerce, fired for investigating Rick Koerber. Mr. Koerber is accused of running a ponzi scheme. Until recently, Rep. Wimmer considered Koerber his “friend”.

Rep. Wimmer arranged for Mr. Koerber to meet with Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff.  Shurtleff chose not to prosecute Mr. Koerber. Rep. Wimmer also unsuccessfully attempted to arrange a meeting with Governor Huntsman. Previously, Rep. Wimmer claimed he did nothing more than attempt to arrange the meetings.  It now appears Rep. Wimmer lied.  According to emails obtained by the Salt Lake Tribune, Rep. Wimmer attempted to have the Department of Commerce head Francine Giani fired over the investigation.

Mr. Koerber argues the intervention on his behalf was necessary because the Department used abusive tactics in the investigation.  Mr. Koerber claims to be a victim.  If Mr. Koerber is a victim, he can prove it in court. Evidence obtained against him illegally or coercively will be excluded. Other abuses can be addressed in civil court.   Incidentally, Mr. Koerber was indicted after U.S. Attorney for Utah Bret Tolman conducted his own separate investigation.

When a politician cheats on his wife, the public is outraged. The word scandal is used. Resignations often follow. In the context of public service, Rep. Wimmer’s offense is far greater than an unfaithful spouse.

An unfaithful spouse betrays the trust of their partner.  An elected official who undermines the justice system on behalf of his cronies betrays the entire citizenry.

Rep. Wimmer deserves an opportunity to publicly explain himself in full.  Based on what we know so far, it appears Rep. Wimmer sought retribution against those individuals responsible for investigating whether the law has been violated.  It also seems Rep. Wimmer attempted to replace blind justice with his own political might and personal discretion. The people of Herriman and of Utah should not tolerate intimidation of investigators or political manipulation of our justice system.

This is about more than Rep. Wimmer and Rick Koerber.  It’s about the integrity of our justice system. Each of us counts on blind justice to protect us. What kind of state do you want to live in? One where accusations of fraud are adjudicated on the merits in court?  Or do you want to live in a state where “justice” is a function of nepotism?  How secure are the citizens of Utah if an alleged criminal can avoid accountability because his friends in high places can make heads roll?

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

I pulled the following links off THE SIDETRACK Blog.  Last year Jason and Craig helped the Party transfer our convention videos to YouTube, and this year they actually took their own video.  Between Jason, Craig, and Donald Lewin Nelson I think we have some great coverage of the 2009 Utah Democratic Convention. Thanks to all of you for allowing our convention a greater audience.  I also want to add that one of my favorite moments from  the convention occurs at the beginning of Peter Corroon’s video where I introduce my family.

Enjoy!

Utah State Democratic Party Organizing Convention 2009
Murray, UT

Opening Remarks, Chairman Wayne Holland, Jr

Welcome, Convention Chair and Outgoing Vice-Chair Rob Miller

Congressman Jim Matheson

Welcome to Murray City, Murray City Mayor Dan Snarr

Welcome from Salt Lake County, Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon

Democratic National Committee Member Reports: Patrice Arent & Joe Hatch (Coming Soon)

Summit County Chair Glenn Wright on Fair Boundaries

Candidate for State Party Treasurer: (Cache Valley’s own) Kathy Snyder (Coming Soon)

Candidate for State Party Secretary: Colt Smith (Coming Soon)

Candidate for State Party Vice Chair: Karen Hale

Candidates for State Party Chair:

Jeff Bell Part One and Part Two

Incumbent, Wayne Holland, Jr.

Election Report and Wayne Holland Acceptance Speech

Video by Donald Lewin Nelson

Video by Don Lewin Nelson

Video by Don Lewin Nelson

Video by Don Lewin Nelson

Found on facebook…

Thanks to Donald Lewin Nelson for providding this video.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Politics » Matheson, Corroon remain mum on their decisions.

By Robert Gehrke

The Salt Lake Tribune

Murray » Democratic Party Chairman Wayne Holland struck a confident tone Saturday after being re-elected to a second term, predicting a Democrat will win the statehouse in 2010.

“I’m not sure which one it was, but I think our next governor was in this building today,” Holland said.

It was a clear reference to Rep. Jim Matheson and Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon, who spent much of their time at the state Democratic convention at Murray High School tiptoeing around questions of whether they would run for governor in 2010. But neither ruled it out.

“It’s a natural thing in politics,” said Matheson. “Everyone looks at what the next step is.”

Corroon, who received a standing ovation from the delegates, was given a stack of comments from some of the 934 supporters on a “Draft Peter Corroon for Governor in 2010″ group set up through Facebook.

“When 900 people say they want you to run for governor, it’s good for the ego,” Corroon said, but added that it’s too early to make decisions about running when Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. still hasn’t been confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to China.

Dozens of “Corroon for Governor” buttons, put together by the campaign to draft the mayor, were snatched up.

“He’s done such a great job in Salt Lake County,” said Misty Fowler, co-founder of the effort to draft Corroon. “He has in Salt Lake County the same kind of numbers that Governor Huntsman has for the state of Utah.”

Democrats are hopeful that Huntsman’s departure, and his replacement by Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert, presents an unexpected chance to claim the governor’s office for the first time since Scott Matheson retired in 1985.

“I think Democrats and the voters I talk to who are independent and moderate Republicans still don’t know enough” about Herbert, Holland said, “but they’re disappointed that he seems to be catering to the far right.”

But the Governor’s Mansion is just one of the spots the party, which has been in the minority in the state for a quarter of a century, is hopeful of recapturing.

Holland pointed to the Democrats’ success in the southeast end of the Salt Lake Valley — where they gained five legislative seats in 2008, including knocking off House Speaker Greg Curtis — as an example of the value of having candidates who run again and again, even if they lose. It’s a learning and building process that he says they are putting into practice in Utah County and elsewhere.

“When we have these kind of candidates committed to running two or three times, that’s where I think we’ll win,” he said.

And Holland said he thinks voters are concerned about issues important to Democrats — the economy, health care and education — more than conservative social issues.

Democrats were also crowing about gains the national party made in the 2008 election, including the victory of President Barack Obama and Democratic gains in both the U.S. House and Senate.

But Jeff Bell, who challenged Holland for party chairman, argued that the current leadership didn’t do enough to capitalize on the wave of Democratic excitement in 2008, and as a result the party picked up only two seats. He made the case that they are stuck in the past in terms of spreading the party’s message, although Bell suffered an embarrassment when his own video presentation didn’t work.

In the end, the party delegates elected Holland with 87 percent of the vote.

The Democratic Convention followed the state Republican annual meeting last week in which longtime political consultant Dave Hansen was elected chairman, and former lawmaker Morgan Philpot vice chairman.

Democratic delegates on Saturday also endorsed a handful of resolutions, including measures supporting President Barack Obama’s health care reform efforts and an initiative drive to create an independent panel to re-draw political boundaries after the 2010 Census.
Dems elect leaders

Utah Democrats elected the following individuals as their party leaders for the next two years:

Chairman » Wayne Holland

Vice Chairman » Karen Hale

Secretary » Colt Smith

Treasurer » Kathy Snyder

A Outpouring of POSITIVE Support!

There’s a reason why nearly every elected Democratic official in Utah is endorsing Wayne Holland–because what he’s doing is working. By boldly pushing this party forward, and with a consistently positive campaign message, Wayne has earned the support of Utah Democrats. We are happy to announce the following endorsements:

NATIONAL DELEGATES:

Kurt Bestor

Sen. Patrice Arent

Jim Bradley

Arlyn Bradshaw

Mayor Peter Corroon

Theodore Cowan

Kristi Cumming

Kelvin Davis

Sen. Gene Davis

Julie Day

Former Chairman Donald Dunn

Erika George

Former Sen. Karen Hale

Councilman Joe Hatch

Charles Henderson

Minority Leader Pat Jones

Helen Langan

Sen. Karen Mayne

Sen. Scott McCoy

Susie McHugh

Vice Chairman Rob Miller

Connie Nielsen

Rep. Phil Riesen

Sen. Ross Romero

Emily Ruston

Kathy Snyder

Brian Spittler

Josie Valdez

Councilwoman Jenny Wilson

Elected officials:

Mayor Ralph Becker

Mayor Dan Snarr

Councilman Randy Horiuchi

Rep. Trisha Beck

Rep. Jay Seegmiller

Rep. Laura Black

Sen. Karen Morgan

Rep. Marie Poulson

Sen. Brent Goodfellow

Sen. Luz Robles

Rep. Jackie Biskupski

Rep. Rebecca Chavez Houck

Rep. Tim Cosgrove

Rep. Susan Duckworth

Rep. Janice Fisher

Rep. Jim Gowans

Rep. Neil Hansen

Rep. Lynn Hemingway

Rep. Neal Hendrickson

Rep. Brian King

Rep. David Litvak

Rep. Carol Spackman Moss

Rep. Phil Riesen

Rep. Jen Seelig

Rep. Mark Wheatley

Rep. Larry Wiley

Sen. Pat Jones

Sen. Scott McCoy

Sen. Karen Mayne

Sen. Ross Romero

Councilman Corey Rushton

More:

Matt Lyon

Mark Hymas: President, YDU

Justin Daniels: Ex Dir. YDU

Scott Howell

Jim Judd President, Utah AFL-CIO

Dale Cox VP Utah AFL-CIO

Sam Granato

John Rendell

Check Out BOLD IN UTAH!

A Powerful Force for Unity

Wayne Holland is a powerful force for unity in the Utah Democratic Party. We are a stronger, smarter, more organized party with Wayne at the helm. He has the vision and the leadership to channel the growing pockets of democratic energy into a powerful coalition for change in Utah. Wayne’s chairmanship has fundamentally changed the political landscape in Utah. Because of that, we Democrats are succeeding in every corner of this state. And we will continue to do so under Wayne’s leadership.

-Congressman Jim Matheson

Check out Bold in Utah, Utah State Democratic Chair Wayne Holland’s reelection website

“Wayne’s leadership has introduced new people to the party, expanded the Democratic network, and deepened our base’s commitment to growing our Party. His long-term vision of a progressive Utah, built through an expansive grassroots program, will be the key to Democratic success for years to come.”

-Mayor Ralph Becker

“Wayne Holland’s consistent dedication to fundraising, candidate support, and focused messaging have invigorated and promoted growth in Utah’s Democratic Party. I’ve appreciated Wayne’s strategic outreach and his ability to look ahead, inspire others, and bring positive change to the face of Utah politics.”

-Karen Hale

Immeasurable Growth

“Without a doubt, Wayne has brought immeasurable growth to our party. By investing in candidates and constantly planning for the future, we are in an unprecedented position to retake the governing process back for the people of Utah.

Although Wayne personally invested countless hours to support my campaign financially, no amount of money could have bought the support that I received.

Because of Wayne’s innovative campaign program, I was able to run a highly sophisticated campaign on all fronts – on the ground, on the internet, and on the airwaves. Wayne knows how to grow the party, he knows how to run campaigns, and he has proven that he knows how to mobilize and win when it counts. Without his support I could not have beaten Speaker Greg Curtis. That’s why I support Wayne for re-election, and I strongly urge you to do the same.”

Rep. Jay Seegmiller

Check out Bold in Utah, Utah State Democratic Chair Wayne Holland’s reelection website.♠

An Effective Formula for Success

“Wayne has prepared our party for a new age, creating a strategy for long-term success. With fresh new faces and powerful new tools, Utah Democrats are moving forward.

The party that I see today is bold, innovative and adaptive. Utah Democrats, under Wayne’s leadership, are standing proudly together to create positive change for the citizens of Utah. We need to continue this progress.”

Check out Bold in Utah, Utah State Democratic Chair Wayne Holland’s reelection website.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Utah Democratic Chair Wayne Holland and Future Utah Democratic Vice Chair Karen Hale

Check out BoldinUtah.com

Utah GOP votes to protect Big Tobacco

Redistricting: Speaker Clark’s irresponsible position

Housing: One pill makes you larger and one pill makes you small

On June 1, 2009  small business owner Sam Granato formally announced his intention to seek the Utah Democratic nomination for United States Senate.

Thanks to James Walker for giving us this video.

From KCPW:

(KCPW News) Utah Democratic Party Chairman Wayne Holland is running to keep his job as party chairman. We spoke with Holland’s opponent Jeff Bell two weeks ago, who criticized his leadership. Holland responds and makes his case for a third term as chairman.

To listen to Utah State Democratic Party Chairman Wayne Holland on KCPW click here!

End the gerrymandering

By Thad Box

The world is not coming to an end. And even with global warming, there is little danger that hell will freeze over. But ex-congressman Jim Hansen and I have each stated we will sign the Fair Boundaries Initiative petitions as soon as they become available. Both of us strongly support a non-partisan, independent commission to create districts for elective offices...
Continue

No Utah Lt. Governor has ever been elected Governor

Conventional wisdom among the punditocracy holds that being selected as the next Lieutenant Governor is a good stepping stone to becoming Utah’s Governor. It was stated well in these excerpts from today’s Utah Policy:

Continue

Sam Granato (Brian Nicholson, Deseret News)

By Lee Davidson

Deseret News
Published: Monday, June 1, 2009 2:31 p.m. MDT

Vowing to listen to Utahns and be a moderate political voice for them, Democratic businessman Sam Granato announced Monday that he is a candidate for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Republican Bob Bennett.

The field is becoming crowded. While Granato is the first Democrat in the race, four conservative to ultra-conservative Republicans are running or are saying they are considering it.

Sam Granato Sam Granato announces Monday his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Republican Bob Bennett. Brian Nicholson, Deseret News

Those Republicans include 17-year incumbent Bennett, Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, former congressional candidate Tim Bridgewater, conservative businesswoman Cherilyn Eager and James Russell Williams II.

“I realize that I am not your typical politician, and, frankly, that is a good thing,” Granato told a cheering crowd in the parking lot of the family business he runs, Frank Granato Importing Co., which was founded by his father.

“As a small business owner for the past 40 years, I have had a very unique opportunity to understand the intricacies of healthcare as an employer, an IHC board member, as past chairmen of the Salt Lake Valley Health Department, and as a father and grandfather,” he said.

He added, “As a party to the restructuring of Utah’s liquor laws, I have proved that I am capable of listening to differing opinions and forming a consensus.”

Also, “As a business owner, as former chairman for Beehive Credit Union and as a former member of the Utah Micro Loan Fund, I have seen how honest banking measures can lift the dreams of families in Utah with proper oversight and regulation.”

Granato also said, “I am running to speak for you, the people of Utah. Over the course of this campaign I want to hear your stories. I want to know what you want from your government.”

He told the press that Bennett is “a legend.” But he said, “It’s time for legends to be broken and new ideas to move on…. I’m more moderate. I want to move down the middle of the road.”

Granato and party leaders said they do not know if Granato will face a fight for the Democratic nomination, because Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, has not made his plans firm. “I will fight for the nomination and win it,” if necessary, Granato said.

He added that expects to need to raise about $2 million for the race. “I’m hoping that I can raise enough to do what I need to do,” he said.

Utah Democratic Party Chairman Wayne Holland, who attended the event and posed for pictures with Granato, said Republican in-fighting between conservatives may increase the chances for a Democrat to win next year.

“Because of the strife and turmoil in the state Republican Party, two weeks ago when I was at the national Democratic meetings the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee operatives came looking for me for the first time instead of me looking for them,” Holland said.

“With the Republican challenge (to Bennett) by a couple of well-known candidates, that increases the interest in the race by Democratic donors nationally,” Holland said, which could help Granato in fund raising.

“The Rocky Mountain region has become more Democratic,” he said, which is also increasing interest from the national party — although Utah is still considered largely a one-party state.

Among the many well-wishers at Granato’s announcement was former Utah Jazz Coach Frank Layden, who said Granato was among the first people he befriended when he first moved to Utah. Layden has made TV ads for the Granato family business.

“He’s honest. The problem is he makes too much sense,” Layden said. “It’s great to see him stepping up. He’s like the Utah Jazz — he’s coming out of nowhere. He’s a breath of fresh air.”

Meanwhile on Monday, Eagar announced she has formed an exploratory committee to weigh her options about also jumping formally into the race.

Eagar, vice president of marketing for WebsTarget who has worked with several conservative GOP groups, said she is considering also opposing Bennett because “he helped grow the federal government by trillions of collars, most of which is now debt.”

E-MAIL: lee@desnews.com