KCPW House District 25 Debate
None by KCPW
Democratic Candidates Face-Off
(KCPW News) The only Democratic candidates facing a primary in Salt Lake County on Tuesday are the hopefuls in Legislative District 25. They went head-to-head in a live debate on KCPW last night. Hear the full debate here:
Candidate Josh Ewing, a PR professional and lobbyist for Real Salt Lake, focused his stump speech on his experience working with lawmakers.
"I am a coalition builder. I know how to get things done," said Ewing. "The democratic lawmakers who've worked with me know that I know how to be effective on the issues. Not just vote right on the issues, but to be effective on them."
Ewing's opponent is Christine Johnson, an openly gay member of the Equality Utah board. What she lacks in policy experience, she says she compensates for in personal conviction.
"Thirteen years ago my life was very different," said Johnson. "I had just walked out of a family services building feeling devalued and directionless. My daughter had just been denied health coverage and I had not money to take her to the doctor. I know what it's like to make a meal out of my peanutbutter, cheese and two gallons of milk bought with my WIC coupons. Do you want a legislator who has heard of economic struggles or a mother who has lived it?"
Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom and Legislative Coverage. Copyright 2009 KCPW
1. Chris said:
The citizens of House District 25 are accustomed to being represented by people of high stature who are beyond reproach. For nearly two decades the people who are now in House District 25, have been well served with the service of men of high ethical standards like Dave Jones, Judge Scott Daniels and the current Representative Ross Romero.
As a prior candidate for House District 25, I felt I brought the issues of civic responsibility, honesty and integrity to the table. I was disheartened to see the negativity and mud slinging that went on at the candidate debate held by KPCW as well as over the past few weeks. The candidates running in the Democratic Primary to be held next week concern me. I wonder if District 25 has a candidate that could achieve the same high ethical standards as the previous occupants of this seat?
I ask the constituents of District 25 to do your research on the candidates, call them with your questions, and then participate in the democratic process on June 27th.
Chris Ferguson
Former Candidate for State Representative District 25
3. Dave Bastian said:
It is a shame that Josh Ewing's supporters chose to make the focus of their questions such trivial matters. There are so many important issues that could have been discussed and they weren't because of those questions. I was disappointed in the focus of this debate and cringed when the questions went to audience members. What a shame.
I hope that the previous commenter was wrong in the idea that these individuals were plants by Josh Ewing because if so, he hijacked the purpose of this debate. That is, to help undecided voters in District 25 pick the best candidate to represent them.
2. Nathan said:
I am embarrased for Mr. Ewing. His obvious attempt to avoid talking about issues by planting negative questions in the audience exhibits a lack of character. Ms. Johnson on the other hand was in control the duration of the assult and was most impressive. I am not in her district, but will tell everyone I know that she plays a clean game of politics. Brava!!