(KCPW News) With Utah Democratic Party Chairman Wayne Holland saying he may not run for re-election this year, other Democrats are planning to vie for his seat. Middle school teacher Robert Comstock says his involvement in the social and economic issues of the community for the past 35 years makes him qualified to lead the state party. His message to Democrats is “no more comprising on key issues.
“It’s about returning the Democratic Party to becoming the party of the people.” He says. “Right now the Democratic Party is reliant on nearly exclusively on the power of corporations and corporate money. And I intend to bring that back toward the power of the people. I want to return that power within the party to the delegates specifically.”
Comstock says human rights, health care, the environment, and equal rights for the LGBT community and undocumented immigrants are the core values of the party.
But Utah Democratic Party Executive Director Todd Taylor defends the current chairman, saying Holland’s time leading the party has been an era of on the ground, door-to-door retail politics.
“For the last two election cycles we’ve managed to out raise the Republican Party. We had a presidential campaign win Salt Lake County for the first time since the 60s.”Taylor says. “We’ve spent a fair amount of time, money and effort getting grassroots involved and organized almost like never before.”
The election for state party offices takes place at the state convention in late July or early August. Taylor says election bids must be filed before the first county convention of the year on April 23. Businessman and LGBT rights advocate Jim Dabakis is also considering running.
How do you feel about this topic?
Is there anything else you think we should know? We'd like to hear your thoughts. Send us your feedback using the form below.
1 Comments
Comstock is a nut. Holland has been a great and engaged chair. Too bad he isn’t running again.