Utah Gets Unprecedented Attention from Democrats for President

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Utah is getting unprecedented attention from Democratic candidates for president, with at least four visits likely by the end of summer. State Democratic Party Chair Wayne Holland credits a full-court press from the party to convince candidates Utah is worth a campaign stop:

"We had let them know there were substantial fundraising opportunities in the state, but also the geographic location of the state and the success of Democratic candidates like Congressman Jim Matheson and County Mayor Peter Corroon," says Holland.

Holland says John Edwards got the ball rolling among Democratic candidates when he visited Utah in June and raised 100-thousand dollars. Governor Bill Richardson and Senator Chris Dodd will be in town this weekend. Senator Barack Obama will come in August, and Holland says another big Democratic fish may be next:

"We have invited her," says Holland. "We're hoping that sometime December or January we'll get a visit from Senator Hillary Clinton also."

Holland says all the attention is a boost for Utah Democrats who will meet for their annual organizing convention tomorrow at Skyline High.

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