Cache I-Caucus taking an 'anybody but Bennett' approach
By
Craig Hislop
Story Created:
Mar 9, 2010 at 5:28 PM MST
Story Updated:
Mar 9, 2010 at 5:28 PM MST
As the Utah Independence Caucus searches for a candidate to endorse in the Utah Senate race the group’s focus is to unseat incumbent Bob Bennett.
The “I-Caucus” says it has done a great deal of research on congressmen and the earmarking process and how lobbyists influence lawmakers.
“As a result,” said Michelle King of the Cache County I-Caucus group, “our elected officials tend to vote in line with the lobbyists, more so than in line with the people.
“People were overwhelmingly calling their congressmen to tell them not to vote for the bailout, don’t do it. In some offices calls were one hundred to one and in others a thousand to one against the bailout. And yet, Senator Bennett and many other congressmen voted for the TARP bailout.
“If you look at their record of campaign donations you’ll see that lawmakers like Senator Bennett got a great deal of money in campaign donations from those who received TARP bailouts. About 30 companies received 95 percent of the bailout money and those companies have funded the majority of the re-election campaigns for the congressmen who voted for that bailout.
“Senator Bennett is one of those and his record does show that.”
King, Cache County Director for the Independence Caucus, said her group is working to get someone in office who is part of the solution, not part of the problem.
To qualify for I-Caucus endorsement candidates were asked to respond to an 80-question survey. Senator Bennett and Democrat Sam Granato did not participate. Among those who did, top scores went to Mike Lee (58.9 percent) and Tim Bridgewater (41.1 percent).
The I-Caucus required a 70 percent consensus for endorsement.
“That was not reached,” said King. “So our official position is that each of those contenders who were vetted – Lee, Bridgewater and Cherilyn Eagar – would be a good choice.”
The next I-Caucus vote for endorsement will be the week after the Utah Republican Convention. Until then the group said all of its communications, videos and efforts will be geared toward educating Utahns about why they believe Senator Bennett must be defeated in 2010.
Thursday, March 11, the Cache County Independence group will host the “Bend It Like Bennett” video series at the North Logan Library at 7 p.m. King said the meeting will include training about local caucus meetings.
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Neil said on Saturday, May 8 at 10:56 PM
I did attend my caucus as a Bennett supporter and I still am. I am sick of the hate directed at this good man. The caucus systems stinks to high heaven. One thought who were the delegates. Any african americans, hispanic or other minorities represented. I didn't see any. or any other minorities represesented
42866762B. Ross said on Sunday, Mar 21 at 8:42 PM
I am sick to death over the health care bill passing. The only candidate in this race with a track record of actually limiting government is Merrill Cook. Bennett is a sell-out and no one else has any experience. I remember when Cook got those tax limit initiatives on the ballot and he voted the right way in Congress. it's time for the GOP to actually LIMIT government!!
39715292arc said on Monday, Mar 15 at 2:23 PM
I believe that Cherilyn Eagar is the only one running who has supported and been active in fighting for conservative values for the last 30 years at the local, state, national and international level. [That includes Bennett]
39279441arc said on Monday, Mar 15 at 2:22 PM
"The Utah Independence Caucus has completed the preliminary endorsement process for the U.S. Senate race against Senator Bennett. "There are 3 candidates that agreed to go through the vetting process, Tim Bridgewater, Cherilyn Eagar, and Mike Lee. "A 70% consensus is required to achieve endorsement from the Independence Caucus, and while that consensus was not attained, the Independence Caucus has found all three candidates to be string fiscal conservatives who would adhere to constitutional authority. "The next I-caucus vote for endorsement in the Utah Senate Race will be the week after the Utah convention. "Until then, all I-caucus communications, videos, and efforts will be geared towards educating Utahn’s about why Bob Bennett needs to be defeated in 2010; and our official position is that any of the 3 vetted candidates (Tim Bridgewater, Cherilyn Eagar, and Mike Lee) would make excellent choices to replace Bob Bennett."
39279383Jeremy said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 3:24 PM
While I agree with the basic sentiment of the article and comments (that nobody wants Bennett back in office), I think that Mike Lee is a much superior candidate to the other contenders. I'm sure that Bridgewater is a fine businessman, but then again so was Bennett. We don't need someone with experience fixing budget problems to go to Washington to try to fix the problems while keeping all the programs going. We need somebody who recognizes that none of what the govt is doing is authorized. Rather than 'fix' broken programs, we should be ending them entirely, and returning the powers to the states. Mike Lee is a candidate who gets this and will work toward making it happen. He is the kind of candidate our nation (and state) desperately needs.
39085202Michelle said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 9:49 PM
@Concerned, I am interested by your response. From my own point of view the Independence Caucus has never asserted that our candidate has factually been proven to not take lobby money. That would be impossible in many cases where someone had never run for office before. I just always knew this was done by aggressive vetting followed by a member vote but I have been involved with it for awhile. How would you propose we make the process more clear to the public so that people like you understand that it is an endorsement of member preference and not of scientific proof? I really would like your input. (Feel free to email me at michelle[at]cacheicaucus[dot]org.
39037409Bruce said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 9:06 PM
I am a Engineer and small business owner (formerly). My small business collapsed from energy prices in 2008, and the Economy in general in 2009. Both Mike Lee and Tim Bridgewater are good conservative candidates. However, with unemployment (even in Utah) and Congress' current inability to understand how the Economy works and how jobs are created (risk, capital), I support Tim Bridgewater for Senate (Businessman/Banker) over Mike Lee (Lawyer). We need more Econimists, Businessmen, Engineers, Laborers in Congress who can relate to what the rest of us face.
39035942Concerned said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 7:18 PM
Thank you for explaining that Michelle. Again there is nothing wrong with a grass roots organization endorsing candidates. What I cringe at is when you say the candidate is independent and does not take lobbying money, etc. and it is by a vote of your organization. It ought to be a bit more clear that these candidates are your organizations candidates NOT the ones that are necessarily (scientifically or empirically statistically) PROVEN to be the most independent. Again, nothing wrong with endorsing candidates, it is just how this is put across AS IF some big study had been done when really you're polling the candidates and then voting on their responses. Ever wonder why some candidates choose NOT to respond? They simply do not want to be judged or voted on by your organization. I wish you the best, I just have a problem with the voting system when you IMPLY that it is a proven fact.
39031469Michelle said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 5:19 PM
Here you go, Concerned: Since you asked I took the liberty of transcribing the Icaucus emails describing the process on the public blog. http://cacheicaucus.blogspot.com/2010/03/overview-of-i-caucus-on-line-convention.html This information was sent out to all people in Utah who had signed up with the Independence Caucus. Most people outside Icaucus have not showed much interest in the details of the process and so nobody bothered to do the work to link it to the website. All the info you need is on icaucus.ning.com but you have to register.
39026258Special said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 3:53 PM
CVCA, aka Steve Bower, isn't special interest. He's just 'special'
39021723youngsterz said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 3:33 PM
I don't get the negativity from CVCA or other similar types. Why attack one of the small independent grass-roots conservative groups for wanting to be involved in choosing a replacement senator who more closely represents their conservative values? I have a hard time understanding what is so horrible abut that. . . .? Their position of "any of the three contenders would be just fine" seems pretty reasonable to me. Bennett needs to go, so who else would you back other than one of the three contenders???
39020453Agree with CVCA said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 3:32 PM
I'm in Utah, I'm a registered voter, and I don't care about Bennett particularly, I care about how people rate "independent".
39020378Concerned said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 3:29 PM
I noticed that the reply from "Do Some Homework" did not address my question, but rather avoided it. Do you or do you not vote on the survey's received? Do you have sustainable, repeatable evidence on your methodology? Your web page (which I have visited before) does not give any insight into the process other than "Join Us".
39020253Agree with CVCA??? said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 3:28 PM
“Agree with CVCA” - you sure have problems reading and slamming anyone that opposes Bennett. I along with many in Utah do not want our current senator back. If you are from Utah STOP complaining and do something. Read the last line of the article. Be there on Thursday, March 11. Go on the I-Caucus website and sign up and vote. If you are a special interest group or from outside the state of Utah please leave the state and stop campaigning for the current senator on our websites.
39020219youngsterz said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 3:28 PM
Get involved, folks. Get to your neighborhood caucus meetings on March 23 and become a state delegate, then go to convention on May 8 and choose your Republican candidates. As this article states, many if not most conservatives in Utah are ready for a change. Bennett needs to hang it up and go play with the grandkids. The "anyone but Bennett" comment merely means that any of the top contenders would be better than returning Bennett for a fourth term. My personal goal is to come out of the convention with any two of Lee/Bridgewater/Eager in a Republican primary, and force the good citizens of Utah to actually get to know the candidates and then choose. I'm fine with whomever the people elect out of those three. I lean towards Bridgewater, for his business and finance experience, which is what we sorely need in Washington. Get off the couch. Get involved. Do something, or forfeit your right to complain.
39020196Question for DeAnn said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 2:53 PM
DeAnn: I support Mike Lee, but if Bridgewater makes it successfully out of Convention--with or without a required primary--I will support him wholeheartedly as the Republican candidate. With your support of Bridgewater, would you still be able to support Lee if HE were the candidate to come out of convention? ...or Cherilyn Eagar for that matter?
39017668propilot said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 2:38 PM
Not only is Mike Lee a lifelong student of the Constitution, he has had extensive experience in dealing with the realities of Washington, having served as a clerk in the U.S. Supreme Court, but not getting involved to the point of becoming "one of them". Mike understands what needs to be done, and has the ability, drive and motivation to do it. He is not only a student of the Constitution, he believes that by abiding by its text, we can solve the huge problems we face as a nation. He is without a doubt the most dedicated, principled, capable candidate for Utah.
39016563Do some homework said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 2:36 PM
Those with concerns about iCaucus apparently have not gotten off their duffs to look into it. Had they done so, they'd find that the information is quite easily accessible. Instead, they air concerns with heavy language and warnings where none are necessary, if only they would click their mouse a few times and find the information themselves.
39016473Jon said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 2:35 PM
I checked them all thoroughly. Mike Lee has my vote. He has proven he has the knowledge, conviction, passion, and integrity to do the RIGHT thing. He has also shown he can be cordial and work with the other side well, without having to "give in". I'm not sure the others can do that. Utah needs Mike Lee in the US Senate. We need to show the rest of the country we lead the way in having true, principled, constitutionally minded elected officials. Wow, that's a mouthful.
39016398DeAnn said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 12:40 PM
Knowing the Constitution is very important, but it is like being an academic vs. a practicing businessman in the real world. I am impressed with Mike Lee's love and knowledge of our supreme law of the land. That said with today's economic problems and government mismanagement of funds, I want an experienced businessman who knows HOW with EXPERIENCE to solve budget and fiscal crisis's. Hence, after long deliberation, I am choosing candidate Tim Bridegwater.
39007943Agree with CVCA said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 12:09 PM
Indeed we need more transparency of the group I-Caucus. They claim to support the candidates who are independent and do not take $ from lobbyists. However, they seem to be a bunch of good folks with a good idea pushing their political views with their endorsements. They ask candidates to fill out surveys and then they "vote" on who is the most independent, as I understand it. Well, who's monitoring or gauging their voting? Where's the transparency or statistical and scientific analysis that who I-Caucus votes for is REALLY the best candidate? I'd say pay no attention to their endorsements until they show empirical statistical evidence that they really support the independent candidate and not just their opinionated inner-circle vote.
39005691I think that said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 11:59 AM
Mike Lee would be a great representative for Utah. He has knowledge, experience, and solid principles and will really be able to make a difference for us.
39005032How about me? said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 11:43 AM
I'll do it - only I was never offered the "form" to fill out.
39003841@CVCA said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 9:45 AM
How about you shut your pie hole
38994573Michelle said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 9:24 AM
@CVCA--we will be sharing our research with the voting public on Thursday night, as the article says.
38993094Tim said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 9:06 AM
Current senator does not get it. And utah will not get him again. I would even vote for eagar before him. My first choice is someone that is going to win. We need the one who has studied and can apply the principles of the constitution. I have spoke with each one of them personally and I am backing Mike Lee.
38991717Jake said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 8:27 AM
Cherilyn Eagar . . . really? I think Bridgewater and Lee could be decent replacements for Bennett, but Eagar is downright crazy. Whenever I see one of these "Anybody but Bennett" campaigns, I believe these people are more concerned with making themselves look good rather than actually finding a suitable US Senator. Merrill Cook would be a better Senator than Bob Bennett? Wow. The I-Caucus must really be drinking the Kool-Aid on that one. Just endorse Lee. He got the most votes anyway. Plus given his family's background, he seems like the Senator type.
38989051Zach D said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 8:00 AM
There is definitely a strong field of candidates. Tim Bridgewater has exceptional experience a small business man. He would help everyday Utahns by minimizing government interference and allowing our economy to get back up and running.
38987327CVCA said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 7:51 AM
Again with the fringe wacko group I-Caucus. they do'nt want candidates beholding to lobbyists, they want them beholding to I-Caucus. How about sharing your "research" with the voting public. How about sharing your survey with the voting public. how about being open and honest with the voters.
38986571Brad Caldwell said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 7:22 AM
Mike Lee would be the best candidate out of the group. With Mike's background in the constitution he would work to keep the Senate in check on the constitutionality of the resolutions they are putting forth. MIke is one of the sharpest minds I know and dedicated to promoting constitutional values in our country.
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