Musings, Kvetches, and Shots in the Dark

August News

2009-08-15T10:44:00.006-06:00

It's a great news day today--if you really like comedies....

1. Republicans attack health care reform for trying to "grow" government. Then, one page later, Republicans want to control college football---hmmm, which is the national priority? Do I prefer a discussion about expanding the duties of Health and Human Services or creating a new "U.S. Department of Football Rankings. Tough call.

2. The state attorney general accuses his opponent for the Senate of accepting questionable campaign contributions. All I can say is, pot meet kettle.

3. For the third, fourth, or possibly even fifth time this week, a Republican in Utah tries to explain what the Founding Fathers intended. As usual, the person is not a constitutional scholar, so I am not sure if he is getting his info by channeling a founding father or just Googling "Founding Father intent". Either way, I personally have serious doubts that the Founding Fathers ever contemplated that one day doctors would stop making house calls and something called an insurance company would decide which medical procedures a person may undergo. Or that elected officials in both state and federal government would start accepting massive donations from private industries and base their decisions more on the wishes of those donors than the people they are supposed to represent.

4. Legislators in Utah want to know if they actually have to follow a law they enacted or if they can infer their own intent and just ignore what the law actually says. Seems legislators unwittingly banned themselves from accepting tickets to Jazz games--a perk some are loathe to give up--so they have asked Legislative Counsel if they really have to forego the tickets for a whole basketball season until they can amend the law in 2010. Apparently a sense of entitlement runs deep in some legislators. What would the Founding Fathers say?

Hatred Reigns

2009-02-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

After watching the latest shenanigans in the Utah Senate, and the sheer boredom with which the president of that body dealt with comments of extreme hatred by one of its members, I stand appalled.Utah once welcomed the world and now tells a group of people "we hate you and we will applaud anyone in a position of power who will encourage further harassment and hatred against you." I am amazed at the audacity of our state Senate leadership who stand "foursquare" behind a fellow senator who compares people seeking equal rights to terrorists. I am stunned at the hypocrisy of this same group insisting on protecting the First Amendment rights of that senator while regularly seeking to prohibit protesters on the Capitol grounds and running bills to punish others who tried to exercise those same rights. How can people who claim to be the arbiters of what is decent in this state engage in such gross acts of indecency? Yes, everyone has the right to speak there mind, but that doesn't mean the senate can't seek to raise the bar on public discourse by sending its members a clear message that the body will NOT stand behind hate speech.

A Contribution Revolution

2008-12-01T16:07:00.000-07:00

Having read and watched the latest news stories about the tangled webs woven between my former opponents extra large campaign contributions and his overly zealous support for the contributors, I did a little math. If each of the 237,000 plus individuals who voted for me in the November 2008 election had contributed $5, we would have raised over $1 million.

Imagine if we had been able to outraise a sitting incumbent based solely on $5 contributions from actual voters, not pay day lending corporations and multi-level marketers. What a message that would send to our politicos.

Okay, it's a utopian dream, and I am extremely grateful that each of you even voted for me, let alone contributing to the campaign. But perhaps if I start seeking individual contributions now, we could raise make it to the $500,000 mark by the 2012 election! Anybody have an extra $5?

The $1000 Question

2008-10-13T21:43:00.000-06:00

In a recent debate on KUED, Mark Shurtleff suggested that, despite his many questionable contributions in the tens of thousands of dollars range, one contribution for $6,000 that I received is the most controversial of the political season.

The problem, per the Shurtleff spin machine, is that I had stated on KUER that I was imposing a $5,000 limit. I then revamped the limit to $10,000. Shurtleff's hired guns claim that is because I realized I had already accepted a $6,000 contribution and, rather than give $1,000 back, I upped my limit.

The truth, of course, is much less interesting to Shurtleff. If his fact checkers had paid any attention, they would have first realized that the $6,000 was an in-kind donation. More importantly, the donation was space in a home for our campaign headquarters. The $6,000 was our estimate of the fair market rental for the space for a period of six months. In reality, we moved out of the space after 3 months. If you do the math, the actual value of the in-kind donation is actually $3,000 not $6,000 and we moved out long before I set the $5,000 limit.

I upped the limit to $10,000 after doing some research and finding that it was in line with both federal election standards and Gov. Huntsman's self-imposed limit. It seemed that going from no limit to $10,000 would be less daunting for those entrenched politicians who find it so difficult to make do without extra large checks from corporate donors.

The Mysterious Disappearance of the 8-Foot Sign

2008-09-10T12:22:00.000-06:00

So, here we are in the midst of what had been a tough but professional campaign battle, when things turn juvenile.

I received a call from a friend who had posted one of my 8-foot signs on her fence along Bangerter Highway. It appears the 8-foot sign, complete with my head shot, has been STOLEN!

We might blame the disappearance of the sign on the wind, but at 8-feet, if the sign had somehow managed to blow off the fence (despite multiple anchors to keep it from doing so), it would have probably caused an accident on the highway.

While signs are expected to disappear during any campaign, this is a rather large sign (did I mention it is 8-feet long?). It is difficult to imagine how someone managed to tear it down and what on earth he or she will do with it now.

As for me, I thought about contacting UDOT to see if any of the cameras on Bangerter picked up the culprits, but there are better uses of both UDOT's and my time.

However, if you happen to see someone with a giant white and purple Jean Welch Hill sign in his or her living room, please let us know!

New Staff and a Day of Meeting the Voters

2008-09-06T07:06:00.000-06:00

The schedule for yesterday required traveling from Box Elder to Salt Lake Counties on a non-stop tour from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Form a parade, to two speaking engagements, to the Avenues Street Fair, to the Greek Festival and ending at the U of U football game. Despite the, at times, difficult logistics, the day was a total success, thanks to my amazing campaign team!

With me throughout the day was my Campaign Manager Maryann Martindale and Deputy Manager Miguel Gallegos. Maryann and Miguel are a formidable duo with long resumes of local, state, and national campaign experience. We were also joined by one of our University of Utah interns--an amazing young woman interested in both politics and the law--and her adorable son.

Miguel was the first on the ground, arriving at my home at 7:00a.m. with a To Do list already half completed. He and I traveled to Brigham City for the Peach Days Parade, followed by our intern and her son. We were joined at the parade by Miguel's cousin and her three daughters. All were enthusiastic participants, handing out stickers, buttons, and candy.

However, we only had an hour to get from Brigham City to the Salt Lake City for the next engagement, the Women's Democratic Club luncheon where I was scheduled to speak. Parade attire and wind blown hair were not on the luncheon agenda, so Miguel scheduled a quick stop for a clothing change and hair and makeup redo.

We made the luncheon with about 90 seconds to spare before I was to speak. Fortunately, Maryann was already at the luncheon updating the leaders on our estimated time of arrival. With her was Tracy, an amazing volunteer who had arranged the array of brochures, envelopes, buttons, and signs and provided info to anyone who was interested. Tracy met me at the door, directed me to my seat and ensured that my missed lunch was packed and ready to go when I left the meeting.

We left moments after my speech to head to a meeting with UEA leaders. Maryann conducted the logistics for this event while Miguel headed off to meet up with another staffer, Chris Fleming, to get signs for the U of U game.

After another clothing change, Maryann and I headed for brief stints at the Avenues Street Fair and Greek Festival. Time with Maryann is well spent--she has a deep understanding of both state and national politics and is a voice of reason and experience on campaign strategy.

After meeting and greeting at the festivals, we headed to the U to be greeted by a sea of Jean Welch Hill campaign signs and join Miguel to meet the throngs heading into the game.

I am a U alumn and have enjoyed season tickets to the football games since my time as a student. Standing on the route to the game, I met so many friends I have not seen in ages--it helped keep my energy up after a long day of campaigning.

But fatigue finally hit when I joined my husband and two of my sons in our seats for the game. I missed them throughout the day and it was a relief to jsut sit down with them and watch a great game.

Many thanks to Maryann, Miguel, Jayme, Tracy, and Chris for a smooth, successful, and exhausting day!

Deseret News - Utah Gets Falling Grade for Loan Protections

2008-08-28T12:16:00.000-06:00

By Jennifer Toomer-Cook - Deseret News August 28, 2008

Utah is failing consumers by not capping "abusive" interest rates on small-dollar loans that ultimately pull individuals into debt spirals and drag down the U.S. economy, according to a state-by-state scorecard released Wednesday by three national consumer groups.

The National Consumer Law Center, the Consumer Federation of America and Consumers Union listed Utah among 14 states receiving failing grades on four kinds of small-dollar loans: payday loans; auto-title loans; six-month, $500 unsecured installment loans; and one-year, $1,000 unsecured installment loans.

The failing rating came because Utah doesn't cap loan rates at 36 percent or less or prohibit payday or auto title loans. Utah also does not have a criminal usury law, the report said.

The other states with straight F's were Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Arkansas, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, West Virginia and Washington, D.C., met all the criteria the consumer groups recommended.

"Utah is one of the states that sets no limits on what lenders can charge," said Jean Ann Fox, director of consumer protection for the Consumer Federation of America. "As we've learned in the meltdown of the mortgage market ... it costs not only the borrower but the community as a whole."

But Paul Allred, deputy commissioner of the Utah Department of Financial Institutions, says the consumer groups are just sore that they didn't get legislation passed that they wanted. He says the Utah industry is regulated, and interest rates are disclosed verbally and in writing.

"I believe if folks using these products take the time to understand and decide whether it's appropriate for them and keep it short term ... then I think those (regulations and disclosure rules) are adequate to protect people."

Payday lending in recent months has been debated by city and county councils, Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff and the Utah Legislature.

Supporters of payday lenders say the industry provides a needed service for low-income residents, high-risk borrowers or those who find themselves in a short-term bind. Opponents say the businesses are predatory and trap low-income residents in debt.

Utah payday loans average 521 percent annual percentage rate in interest. University of Utah law professor Christopher Peterson has said the typical user spends $793 to pay off a $325 loan.

Ten local governments — including Orem, Sandy and West Valley, and Salt Lake County — have restricted the number of payday lenders allowed in their borders. Provo earlier this month started looking at similar restrictions.

Allred said potential borrowers are told twice the interest rate that they will pay, even when it's 521 percent. The state examines payday lenders every year to make sure they are complying with the regulations.

A new law requires the payday-loan industry to disclose information that includes minimum and maximum interest rates paid and the average amount of loans.

"In terms of protecting the citizenry, the Legislature, as a public policy decision, said that borrowing is not a right, it is a privilege," said Jerry Jaramillo, supervisor of savings and loans for the Utah Department of Financial Institutions. "It is up to the individual to make the judgment if the loan is in his best financial interest."

Allred said that capping the annual percentage rate at 36 percent would slash the lender's profit, "and you would find virtually no one willing to lend you $100 for a week."

Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff earlier this year said banning payday loans would hurt the poor and force more people into bankruptcy.

Peterson disagrees, noting usury laws have been around for centuries to protect the vulnerable.

Linda Hilton, director of the Coalition of Religious Communities, an advocacy group of Crossroads Urban Center, said the old consumer adage,"buyer beware" applies to payday loans.

"But to a point, you have to have some regulations to protect the consumer," she said. "The free market can't take care of itself without some oversight and regulation."

Hilton is trying to find a legislator to carry a bill capping annual percentage interest on payday loans at 100 percent. "I know that (number) sounds ludicrous, (but) it would be a great victory for the consumer."

She said she has found no lawmaker willing to be a sponsor.

Campaign update - Signs are going out!

2008-08-20T11:09:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone, just wanted to let you know that lawn signs are starting to be delivered to our "sign hubs." As it stands we have signs available in Utah, Davis, Salt Lake, Kane and parts of Weber county.

We are working hard to hit all corners of the state, however we are very low on the stands that hold up the signs - we will be ordering more soon, so never fear if you don't get your sign right away!

If you are interested in being a sign hub and are willing to put up signs in your area, please let me know. Also if you would like a sign and have not already requested one, contact me as well. I can be reached at curtis.haring@gmail.com.

Ferragosto, Fairs, and Fun

2008-08-18T13:14:00.000-06:00

This Saturday the Jean Welch Hill campaign was spread all over the state.

The campaign was being represented at the Davis County Fair and downtown at the Ferragosto Italian festival; I was stuck downtown and forced to eat Italian Ice, Colosomo sausages, and handmade pizza (it is a hard life sometimes).

We were able to pass out a few lawn signs and get a few more volunteers while we were at it too. If you are interested in helping the campaign, please let me know by emailing me at curtis.haring@gmail.com.

When it's real people can tell

2008-08-13T18:33:00.000-06:00

Clarence Aveiro, one of the employees that takes care of the Walker Mansion, came in to Jean's office tonight and asked if he could post one of Jean's signs in his yard. He said that he isn't trying to intentionally listen to our conversations but that every time he walks by he has noticed that there is a positive energy and dialogue coming from our office.

He also stated that he appreciates that Jean's signs say, "Justice For All" and that he can tell by Jean's eyes that she is someone who is honest and sincere.

After talking for a few minutes he took Jean's sign and said, "Do you mind if I pass out some literature around my neighborhood too?"

We would be honored to have your help Clarence and thank you taking the time to notice that Jean is someone very special.

GO JEAN TOO!

2008-08-13T16:43:00.000-06:00

GO JEAN!

2008-08-13T16:11:00.000-06:00

Send us your "GO JEAN!" Video

Working in Weber.

2008-08-11T10:05:00.000-06:00

This past Saturday, the Jean Welch Hill campaign was going working our groove th'angs at the Weber County Fair! David, our fantastic intern was put in charge of signs...and let me tell you, he was thrilled!

Ok, perhaps "thrilled" was not the right word to use. None the less, we dropped off about 75 signs up to the fair and now have quite a few available for those of you who wish to go and pick one up from the Weber County Democrats. Contact LaFray Kelly or Steve Olsen to pick one up.

Also: we are looking for people to help us with distributing signs across the state. If you are interested in being a hub for lawn signs in your area, please contact me at curtis.haring@gmail.com. If you want to help, but don't have the time to take care of signs, please contribute to the campaign by way of our ActBlue page - all the cool kids are doing it... Don't you want to be a cool kid?

Jean Welch Hill is now on FACEBOOK!

2008-08-04T15:30:00.000-06:00

Jean is now on FACEBOOK!

I am on Hiatus

2008-08-01T09:32:00.000-06:00

Yeah! I'm unemployed! Actually, I have taken a leave of absence from the State Office of Education so that I can devote my time to the campaign and avoid bringing political pressure (or should I say MORE political pressure) to bear on the State Board.

My boss and I discussed my leave soon after I filed to run for attorney general. Though I have had several months to prepare, leaving my job is a bit disturbing. First, I am concerned about the additional work this creates for my boss, Carol. Over the course of my nine years at the office, Carol has made several accommodations for me, all without complaint. She adjusted to my first leave when I left the office to write editorials for the Tribune, she adjusted to my second, shorter leave when I gave birth to my third child, and she is adjusting to this leave. She is a fabulous boss and friend, which makes it all the more difficult to leave her short-handed (a new law grad is filling in for me, but training her will take time from Carol's busy schedule).

Second, there's that whole paycheck thing. My husband is a teacher at Judge Memorial High School--in other words, he just doesn't make quite enough for three children, two adults, and dog to live on. We have saved up for me to take this leave, but if the cost of gas and groceries continue to increase, the last few weeks of the campaign may be interesting!

However, taking a leave was the right thing to do for me, my family, the State Office, and my campaign. Campaigning is a full time job and trying to fit in both the campaign and work left little time for my family. Further, the State Office of Education already takes enough flak from some politicians and doesn't need to give anyone the extra ammunition of having a staffer who is actively campaigning for a high political office. And my campaign staffers deserve my full time and attention. Plus, we have an office in one of the most beautiful buildings in the state (did you see that photo)!

So I am unemployed--but not for long!

Down and Dirty Campaigning

2008-07-30T11:35:00.000-06:00

Anyone who has ever worked on a political campaign knows that the glitz and glamor never stops. Take last night - we had a star studded event with a lot of...*ahem*...licking and sticking. Here is the photographic evidence:

Boy, you guys need to get your minds out of the gutter; I was talking about licking envelopes and sticking stamps!

That's right, last night Jean, along with Rob Miller, our campaign manager, Kelsey Eisenberg, campaign staffer, and Brandon Tillman, a fantastic volunteer, spent last night stuffing fundraising envelopes.

Of course we would not have to use so much paper if people simply went to our ActBlue page and contributed online - but hey, at least we are trying!

If you would like to get more involved as a volunteer, please contact Erica Monson at e_monson3@yahoo.com or call the office - 801-548-8579.

Education Funding?

2008-07-29T12:38:00.000-06:00

I realize it may not be a smart political move to direct people to my opponent's website, but I must say, Mark has one of the saddest posts on his site that I have ever seen.

He has put together a 23 SECOND video on education funding. Anyone who has ever paid even the slightest attention to education funding can tell you there is no possible way to say anything meaningful on the topic in 23 seconds, and Shurtleff's video proves them right.

Shurtleff claims "we're (no explanation who "we" is) protecting the funding for our children's education by securing and generating money from our school trust lands." How HE is securing and generating money from the trust lands is not explained (for the record, the School Institutional Trust Lands Administration is responsible for securing and generating money from the trust lands). Nor does he offer any explanation how his pro-voucher position fits with this claim that he --or the unidentified "we" --is protecting education funding.

He also states he will stop the "federal government or anyone else" from using the school trust lands unless the use benefits school children. Again, no explanation what the Attorney General of Utah is actually doing or has done to protect the trustlands from misuse.

Of course, there's also no information about any specific attempts by the feds "or anyone else" to use the trust lands to the detriment of the schools. From what I have seen as a member of the Trustlands Advisory Committee, the State Institutional Trust Lands Administration is doing a great job of protecting the value of the lands. And Shurtleff was nowhere to be found when the Division of Natural Resources was pushing to buy some trust lands for far less than fair value--but SITLA and the leaders of the Advisory Committee were.

So, if you want to see a classic example of political pandering and a dismal attempt by one politician to gloss over his ill-conceived support for vouchers, check out the video (and note the date on his PTA award).

Logan 24th of July Parade, 2008

2008-07-28T00:07:00.000-06:00

Weber County 24th of July Parade, 2008

2008-07-27T23:26:00.000-06:00

Greek Festival in Carbon County

2008-07-19T22:25:00.000-06:00

I spent several enjoyable hours at the Greek Festival in Carbon County on July 12. As a kid, I visited my grandparents and uncles in Helper several times each summer. Grandma still lives in the same house, with the trains rumbling by every so often. I loved the sounds of the trains and the freedom I experienced when my parents would let me walk down to the Gimbels department store.

I was reminded of much of this on my visit to the Greek Fest. Admittedly, I don't visit my grandmother as much as I should now (grandpa passed away many years ago). But people at the Fest fondly remember my family, especially my uncle Tony who was a much admired basketball coach until his life was cut tragically short.

Thanks to the many introductions provided by Andrew (last name withheld to protect the innocent), I met past and current friends of my parents, their siblings, and their children--my cousins. Each person I met was as welcoming as if I was one of those well-known cousins. It is this kind of easy camaraderie that I enjoy most about Price and Helper. Despite the difficult times many in the area have experienced, they are still more than willing to open their minds and hearts to people; or at least to people who may have an inclining of the difficulties and the joys they experience living in Carbon County.

This is, after all, a county built on coal. It can't afford to lose this extractive industry or the unions that ensure that those who do the potentially deadly work are fairly compensated for their efforts.

But my trip to the Greek Fest wasn't about making political speeches. It was about eating great food, watching the Greek dancers and talking to people who would never dream of spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a political campaign, but know very well what a difference political leaders can make in their lives.

Murray and Magna 4th of July Parades Slideshow

2008-07-16T17:26:00.000-06:00

Why I work for Jean - By Curtis Haring

2008-07-15T15:52:00.000-06:00

A short while ago I was approached by Rob Miller about working as the Deputy Campaign Manager for the Jean Welch Hill campaign. Politics, it seems, is much like the Mafia – just when you think you are out, they pull you right back in!

At the time I decided to mull it over, I had a few other jobs offered to me, some political, some not, and I felt that it was in my best interest to at least investigate what Jean was about before I decided to jump head first into this campaign. I had to ask myself “what makes Jean worth my time?”

Well after a few days of listening to Jean speak and doing some basic research about her opponent, I decided to take the plunge.

Jean is the type of politician I like: one who cares about service and not furthering her own political gain. She legitimately cares about the needs of the citizens of Utah.

As a life long Utahan, I have seen the politics of imbalance that Republicans have implemented over my short 24 years; indeed the questionable practices we have seen over the past few months is a symptom of our system being off kilter. Jean Welch Hill, when elected, will bring some balance to the one party system.

And that is what this election is really about – the citizens of this state have been fundamentally harmed by one party rule. I am not advocating for Jean because she is a Democrat, rather I am supporting her because she represents another, valuable, point of view.

Jean’s stances on campaign finance reform, usury laws, and education neglect are not radical by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, when one hears how outrageous interest rates are for payday lenders, it is hard to imagine why these laws have not been implemented many years ago. This, of course, is only one example. The balance that Jean would bring to the state of Utah is vital to our growth and prosperity.

As you read this, please know that I do now work for Jean, and am proud to do so. Some may view this as “just another campaign stunt,” and you are free to do so; please know that it is not. I work for Jean because I care – I care about the wellbeing of my fellow citizens.

Women in Politics

2008-07-11T17:01:00.000-06:00

I met with one of the great female public servants--Karen Shepherd-- a few weeks ago to discuss campaign strategies. We had a far-ranging conversation including an area of campaigning experienced most often by female candidates--hair and clothing.

Perhaps it is because women have more clothing and hair options than men, or because the ubiquitousness of women's mags has convinced people that a woman's appearance somehow tells you who she is as a person. Whatever the reason, women candidates face far more scrutiny over their appearance than men.

And no look is good enough. Short hair is too masculine, long hair is too feminine, suits are too boxy, dresses are too girly. Pink suggests you are weak, black says you are too strong.

So what's a female candidate to do? Ignore it. Unless you are in the running for America's Top Model, politics is not a beauty contest. As Ms. Shepherd told me, be comfortable, be yourself and let the voters see the kind of person you are through your words and actions, not your shoes (however fabulous the shoes may be).

Everybody Loves a Parade

2008-07-07T21:25:00.001-06:00

The first round of parades is over, and I am still achy--note to self, sandals, no matter how comfortable, are not made for walking 4+ miles!

For the last four years, my oldest son and I have walked in the Murray Fun Days Parade, first for Rep. Tim Cosgrove and, this year, for my own campaign. We have enjoyed being part of the parade (though one year I would like to actually see the other entrants), but I learned this year that the view from the post of "candidate" is much different.

As a supporter, you walk and wave. As the candidate, people actually seek an opportunity to talk to you along the route.

Granted, a few just wanted to know how to get one of our lovely purple t-shirts (pledge to make a monthly donation!), but other people wanted me to know how glad they are I am running, to wish me luck, and to give me the ten second snapshot of their concerns about the office I seek.

What was most surprising and enjoyable about these brief conversations, however, was the sense of hope that people seem to be experiencing in this election year. While the parade route may not be the most scientific method for determining which way the political winds are blowing, this brief moment of connection with voters did give me the sense that voters are eager for something better that the status quo we have all dealt with for so many years. Best of all, voters have real choices among candidates this year in most state and national races. Not only can they hope for better, they can actually vote for better! Now there's something to celebrate at a parade!

AG Conflicts of Interest

2008-07-01T16:44:00.000-06:00

Weber County residents were likely surprised when, earlier this week, they learned that the Weber County Attorney had been asked to investigate whether laws had been broken during the contentious Republican primary race for Utah Treasurer. This is unusual, since neither of the candidates (Mark Walker and Richard Ellis) live or work in Weber County. None of the alleged misdeeds occurred in Weber County, either.

So why is the Weber County Attorney involved, you ask?

The reason is that the person normally responsible for investigating such cases – Utah attorney general Mark Shurtleff – has an unmistakable conflict of interest. The attorney general is unable to do his job, and the Weber County Attorney is forced to pick up the slack. And that’s a shame.

Here is the back story. Treasurer candidate Mark Walker allegedly offered his opponent in the primary election, Richard Ellis, a bribe to get out of the treasurer’s race. Such an offer would violate Utah law. Utah’s Lieutenant Governor undertook an investigation and referred the case to Attorney General Shurtleff immediately after the polls closed.

And there lies the problem. Despite the allegations of misconduct and the possibility of an investigation by the attorney general’s office, Shurtleff wholeheartedly endorsed Walker and hosted a fundraiser for him. Having so clearly taken sides, it would be impossible for Shurtleff to make an impartial assessment of the case on the merits. Shurtleff himself seems to have acknowledged this, by appointing the Weber County Attorney as special counsel in the matter.

If this were a single oversight, it would be regrettable but possible to overlook. People make mistakes. But this is not the first time Shurtleff has allowed politics – and particularly political fundraising – to jeopardize his ability to serve as a watchdog of the public interest. Consider two other prominent examples.

Radioactive Waste. One of the most dire problems facing the state is the issue of radioactive waste disposal. As is now well known, EnergySolutions hopes to dump tons of overseas nuclear waste at its facility in Tooele County. A bipartisan coalition led by Gov. Jon Huntsman and U.S. Rep. Jim Matheson is battling the EnergySolutions scheme.

A primary thrust of Utah’s anti-radioactive waste effort has come through its position on the Northwest Interstate Compact on Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management. Utah is a member of the Compact, and Utah’s representative recently cast a decisive vote against the EnergySolutions project. But in a virtually simultaneous action, EnergySolutions filed suit claiming that the Compact lacks authority over the radioactive waste facility in the west desert. Needless to say, if we are to avoid becoming the world’s dumping ground for radioactive waste, Utah will need the most aggressive and vigilant legal representation.

And there lies the problem. During his two terms in office, Shurtleff has taken more than $45,000 in campaign contributions from EnergySolutions, its predecessor Envirocare, and their corporate executives.

Shurtleff is on the fence, with a huge campaign donor on one side and the citizens of Utah on the other. This should never have happened. When it comes to an issue of such unparalleled importance, it is simply unacceptable for Utahns to be uncertain about where our attorney general’s loyalties lie.

Payday Lenders. Another policy issue that has been squarely in the public eye is the proliferation of payday lenders in Utah. These businesses often charge interest rates as high as ten percent – per week! That can amount to an annual interest rate of more than 500%. Many desperate borrowers find themselves unable to repay their loans, and end up owing even more to collections agencies. Yet Utah remains one of only seven states with no laws that would prohibit loans with such exorbitant interest rates. We need leadership at the state level to enact sensible laws to prevent predatory lending practices.

And there lies the problem. Shurtleff has taken no less than $70,000 from payday lending companies and their representatives during his time in office (including over $30,000 since January of this year) creating yet another problematic conflict between his political aspirations and public responsibilities.

Our attorney general should be educating the legislature about the perils of payday lending operations and advocating for sensible regulations to protect the public. In contrast, Mark Shurtleff has been one of the payday lenders’ strongest advocates at the Capitol. Given the massive investment that the payday lenders have made in his campaign, it is fair to ask who he truly represents, those who voted for him or those who paid him to run.

All candidates must get involved with fundraising. But the attorney general is an officer of the court and the paramount defender of the public interest. Utahns have every right to demand that their attorney general conduct his political affairs with a vigilant eye towards avoiding potential conflicts of interest. For without a change of behavior in the attorney general’s office, voters in Weber County and across Utah will continue to find themselves disappointed and disenfranchised by unnecessary conflicts of interest.