Ken Nelson

I’ve been involved in the machinations of politics intermittently in my life, with varying degrees of distaste.  I do feel that these days, something is different, and bad enough that I should plug my nose and dig in. So I am.

I researched the candidates and talked or e-mailed with them or their supporters, and have come to a decision…. I support Cherilyn Eagar to replace Bob Bennett in the U.S. Senate.

Further more, in the spirit of digging in, as of last night I’m officially a volunteer for her campaign, and as of late last night, I’m the newly promoted District Captain for Washington County District 71.  This means I’m supposed to organize caucus efforts in Washington County east of I-15.  Wish me luck… and if you know me, I may be bugging you in the near future….

Now, why Ms. Eagar…. as opposed to Bob Bennett (incumbent), Tim Bridgewater, or Mike Lee?

I’m supposed to start with positives, but I prefer to be honest.  First off… there was no way I was going to support Bob Bennett for anything other than early retirement or recall. He was NEVER an option.

And to the rest of the candidates… well, we have an embarrassment of riches here. All three are terrific. But… you have to choose.  I had four priorities:

• fiscal conservative – all, except Bennett, fit the bill. Eager has promised no earmarks or pork. So she is strongest in that area.
• social conservative – all fit the bill mostly, Eagar was strongest here. Her Eagle Forum endorsement and involvement prove it.
• risk of going native — Bennett has already gone native. I felt Lee is close to that even before being in office because of his role as lobbyist for corporations here in Utah.  It came down to Cherilyn committing to a personal term limit. If you aren’t there, you can’t go native. Problem solved.
• avoid careerists… Bennett and Lee are clearly political careerists. Bridgewater… I get the sense he would be if he could just win an election somewhere.  Eagar, definitely, not. She has been an activist for issues I agree with.

So I’m off… embarking on a political career that, if things work out,  will end in success in March 2010. 

If you live in Utah and want to know how to help Cherilyn at the March caucus, just e-mail me.  And if you live in Washington County, especially east of I-15… , I definitely want to talk to you (-:

Caveat:  I intend to blog as normal, with possibly politically incorrect positions on major issues of the day.  Or even a few typos…   In no way are my positions Cherilyn’s unless I specifically say so.