Suboptimist

The Only Political Endorsements you Need to Read this Election.

I have a tradition in which I use my web space every major election year to make political endorsements. You may say to yourself, “But Rob, you hate politics.” This is true, but I still vote, and my opinion is important. In fact, I expect every last one of my endorsements to swing every important race — I’m that sure of myself.

There are a few things worth mentioning before I proceed. I don’t believe any one party is superior to another. I refuse to associate myself with those who assume that Party X is God’s Truth on Earth while every member of Party Y is a liar/in it for the money/a wimp/a puppy-hater…or vice-versa. Further, many of you know me as a libertarian with a small ‘L.’ This is important, because I will rarely vote for any candidates who call themselves Libertarians with a capital ‘L.’ They’re just too weird for me, and I can do nothing but think about their websites featuring glamor shots of them in cheap suits.

In the 2004 election, I endorsed and voted for four Republicans and two Democrats (only counting the races that matter to me), and voted no on the gay marriage ban (which, of course, passed). This year is looking a little different. Here are my endorsements:

Pete Ashdown (D) for United States Senate

I mentioned in an earlier post that Orrin Hatch’s original campaign slogan was, “What do you call a senator who has been in Washington for 18 years? You call him home.” Orrin Hatch has been in Washington for much longer and has become way too Washington. Call him home.

Jim Matheson (D) for US Representative Districit 2

I don’t always agree with Matheson’s votes, but he has been a rare demonstration of a politician who advocates fiscal responsibility and votes for it.

Dr. Joseph Jarvis (R) for State Senate District 2

I’ll admit it, I work for this campaign. When Scott McCoy replaced Paula Julander upon her resignation (a result of breast cancer), she encouraged delegates to elect her husband to be her replacement. The party chose otherwise, and they chose Scott McCoy. Frankly, I didn’t care. However, McCoy has nothing to show from his term in the Senate. He clearly talks the talk and has a posse of fiercely loyal supporters, but hasn’t done anything. The Democratic Party of Utah, as far as I can tell, only put him in office to be the token gay senator. Finally, given that health care is an important issue in Utah, a physician in the chamber would be a good addition to the system.

Anyway, if you’re interested in a moderate, thinking Republican who doesn’t tow the party line, I encourage you to visit his web site and see for yourself.

Ralph Becker (D) for State Legislative District 24

There isn’t a lot to say here: nobody is running against him, and that isn’t a problem. He has done a good job for the district.

Races that shouldn’t be partisan, and require no explanation

· Sim Gill (D), District Attorney

· Jim Winder (D), County Sherri f

__________ on Proposition 3

Salt Lake County is a mess: constantly gridlocked and crowded. A small raise in the sales tax could go to fund extensions in light-rail and the installation of a commuter rail system between Sandy and Ogden. However, I have to ask myself, “If we build these, will people give up their SUVs to drive to work in favor of the train?”

You decide.