Cache reacts to ’08 election: Cache Republicans
Expected disappointment hovered over the Cache Republican Party celebrations concerning the national election, but turned joyous concerning the results for more local candidates and issues.
David James, chair of the Cache County Republican Party, said he felt the night was very positive on a state and local level. The party was held to support the local candidates, which was achieved, James said.
“We had a good turnout, even though the weather wasn’t great. These guys put their heart and soul into their campaign and they know that people who are here care about and support them,” James said.
Local candidates who ran in the election said they enjoyed the campaign. Curt Webb of the State House, District 5, said he was pleased to win especially when his opponent ran a good campaign. Webb, who had previously been appointed to his position twice in the past, said that it felt good to win it.
“I’ve had many good supporters. It’s been rewarding to see success,” Webb said. “It’s been a really good experience.”
Knowing that he has the support of Cache Valley citizens, Webb told of what he will focus his attention on in office.
“The things that I’ve been working on are the things that we all worry about, education and strengthening families,” Webb said.
Susie Ashliman, vice chair of the Cache County Republican Party and school board candidate, said the public had two extremely good candidates to choose from to serve on the school board. Ashliman talked about her passion for children and education in Utah, and said she respects that different educational tactics work for different children. The position that she was running for would allow her to be very influential in local education, she said.
“People on the school board are there to carry out the plans that other government officials propose. (The public) is lucky because they have two really good candidates this year. Both of us are passionate about children and education,” Ashliman said.
Lyle Hillyard, re-elected to the position of state senator, said he looks forward to serving as the chairman of appropriations and that he enjoyed attending the Republican election party.
“It wasn’t fun with the national results but it was great for the county. I like to come to these because it is really the only chance I get to thank people behind the scenes,” Hillyard said.
Ashliman agreed and said the involvement of the public in elections is important.
“People can have a real influence, we need to educate people and get them excited to choose their government,” she said.
Ashliman talked about how people could get involved in government by attending political events such as the election night party but could be more involved by attending caucauses and speaking up for what they believe there. However, Ashliman said she felt that the party was helping to achieve some of the CCRP’s goals, she said.
James said that the three goals of the CCRP are to build the party, fundraise for the party and to support the candidates that come from the Republican Party. No matter the outcome, if there is participation James considers it a success, he said.
“We’re seeing democracy at work. It’s fun, it’s exciting,” James said
The following candidates were elected on a state level: Governor – Jon Huntsman (R), Attorney General – Mark Shurtleff (R), State Treasurer – Richard Ellis (R), State Treasurer –Auston Johnson (R) and U.S. Congress District 1 – Rob Bishop (R). For more on local election results visit cachecounty.org/elections/.
–beck.turner@aggiemail.usu.edu