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Summarized by Rosemary Pollock
LDS Politician Bill Orton enters Utah governor's race as Democratic candidate
Deseret News 15Mar00 D2
ByBob Bernick Jr.: Deseret News political editor
and
Leavitt, Orton File for Utah Governor Race
Salt Lake Tribune 16Mar00 D2
By Dan Harrie: Salt Lake Tribune
and
Orton's Entry Gives Democrats A Needed
Salt Lake Tribune 16Mar00 D2
By John Heilprin: Salt Lake Tribune
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH -- In his anncouncement speech Wednesday in the
Capitol rotunda, former Democratic Congressman Bill Orton entered the
race against Republican Governor Mike Leavitt. The 5l-year-old
lawyer who represented the 3rd Congressional District for six years
until January 1997, agreed not to enter the race until September and
won't raise much money. These two requirements by Orton are seen as
a handicap by some.
Orton said he won't sacrifice his family life with his wife and two
small sons along with his health. He is still recovering from a
serious back injury. Orton explained that campaign-finance reform,
gun safety and education are central to his agenda. He is also
answering a higher call. He believes his credentials as a member of
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints qualify him to accept
the admonition of Church President, Gordon B. Hinckley.
"Hinckley has admonished us all that if we want good government and
to protect liberty we have to be willing to get involved in
government and be willing to run for public office," Orton said. He
also believes the Mormon prophet's remarks that there was 'no reason
a good Mormon could not also be a Democrat."
Orton's opponent, current Governor Mike Leavitt also filed his
candidacy for re-election on Wednesday. "I have never been better
prepared for public service than I am right now," said Leavitt. "I
love this job and I can't think of a job I would rather have in the
country." As of Wednesday, three Republicans had filed for office:
Timothy Lawson of Orem, Glen P. Davis of Salt Lake City and Steven
Stromness of Sandy.
Orton told reporters after his announcement, "I don't think I will
raise much money." "I will not seek, nor will I accept big money,
special interest or corporate contributions." "I suppose at some
point I'll have to hire some staff to answer phones and such. But I
will be relying on volunteers." He also pledged support for Lt. Gov.
Olene Walker to be his running mate for the third time. "She'll be
my partner for the next four years," he predicted. "It will be
entirely up to her." Walker later said "absolutely" she will run
again.
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