National Candidates Impact Local Political Hopefuls

Sept. 1, 2000

Utah Democrats continue to struggle with a sticky question: Will the Gore-Lieberman ticket help or hurt their chances this fall?

Political Specialist Richard Piatt talked to Democratic leaders about the peculiar problem.

The reality in politics is that high profile candidates can either help or hurt others in the party.

Utah Democrats are trying to get a feel for the Gore-Lieberman factor this year, and it isn't easy.

At this debate luncheon, meat and potatoes were served-- meat and potato politics discussed.

Chris Cannon and Donald Dunn didn't utter the names 'Gore' or 'Lieberman' once. But both know that on some level, voters will connect Cannon with Bush and Cheney, Dunn with Gore and Lieberman.

Admitting Gore will probably not win Utah, Dunn prefers Lieberman to come for a campaign visit.

Donald Dunn/(D) Candidate For Congress: THE FACT IS WE HAVE FIVE ELECTORAL VOTES. I DON'T THINK ANY PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE IS GOING TO COME HERE, SO THAT'S WHY WE ASKED FOR THE VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE TO COME.

At Utah's Democratic headquarters, the phone rings off the hook because of a newspaper headline implying candidates don't want Gore in Utah.

All along, in fact, Democrats have expressed interest in a visit from Joe Lieberman. Partly because he wrote a dusk jacket endorsement of a book by LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley, partly because Lieberman may be easier to get.

Meg Holbrook/Democratic Party Chairman: I FEEL YOU GO AFTER WHO CAN COME. AND THE VICE PRESIDENT IS BUSY IN THE BATTLEGROUND STATES.

In the meantime, candidates are getting on with their campaigns.

Bill Orton is getting ready for his post-Labor Day campaign kickoff. His interest in national candidate visits is low.

Bill Orton/(D) Candidate For Governor: I THINK THE PEOPLE IN THIS STATE KNOW ME, THEY KNOW HOW I'VE REPRESENTED THEM IN THE PAST, THEY KNOW HOW I WOULD GOVERN.

In case you're interested, Bush, Cheney and Lieberman have all expressed interest in coming to Utah. But their visits will probably be short, and the impact on local candidates minimal.