Controversy at State Republican Convention

May 12, 2008 by Jeff Robinson

Leavitt Volunteers Booed by Delegates

(KCPW News) Saturday's state Republican convention at Utah Valley State College was not without controversy. In the 3rd District race, about a dozen volunteers for David Leavitt's campaign drew boos from delegates when they began marching down the convention aisles with signs supporting Chris Cannon -- after Leavitt had been knocked out. Winner Jason Chaffetz said that's the type of behavior he's trying to put a stop to.

"The good ol' boys business as usual, and I've fought against that every step of the way, and we'll continue to fight against it," said Chaffetz.

Chaffetz missed winning the nomination outright by only one percent of the vote.

Senator Howard Stephenson, a Chaffetz supporter, called the Leavitt display an outrageous violation of convention rules.

"That was clearly orchestrated," said the senator. "On cue, they came down the aisles from the portals and came onto the floor, marching together, in sync. This was not something that was just spontaneous. It was clearly orchestrated."

On his campaign blog, Cannon said he had not arranged for Leavitt's endorsement in advance. He'll now face Chaffetz in a June primary. In 2006, Cannon beat challenger John Jacob in a primary with about 56 percent of the vote.

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