8/16/2019 2016 Gubernatorial Debate Request
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May 20, 2016
Governor Gary Herbert and Johnathan Johnson,
As a coalition of 18 Republican rural county chairs, we are
inviting the Republican candidates for
Governor to a debate in rural Utah prior to the primary. Both
rural and urban voters are looking formore conversation on issues
that affect them. A formal debate will give you the opportunity to
talk
about your leadership and vision that you can provide for rural
Utah.
We agree with Natalie Gochnour where she said in the Deseret
News on May 18 th “My frustrationstems from weeks of banter over a
very limited slate of topics, even as the primary election
vote-by-
mail ballots are less than three weeks away.” This debate
is the perfect platform to open up the slate of topics and
address issues relevant to rural Utah. The rural issues discussed
could include: energy
production, economy, public lands, water rights, and agriculture
issues. As always, rural Utah's issues
are important and need to be addressed in this year's
gubernatorial election.
It is clear that there is limited time before the primary to
arrange a debate and we are willing to work
tirelessly to ensure a well planned and organized event. Most of
the rural counties would be willing tohost the debate. Further
details, such as a moderator, how questions are submitted and
screened, can be
discuss upon your acceptance of our invitation.
We would like to confirm your acceptance to participate by the
end of the day on
Monday, May 23rd, 2016. You can contact Kendra Seeley at
435-630-7581 to discuss the details. As
always, we look forward to working with you and your staff.
Sincerely,
Spencer White, Beaver County Republican ChairThomas Rust, Box
Elder County Republican Chair
Kendra Seeley, Carbon County Republican Chair
Marlene Cook, Duchesne County Republican ChairBill Dellos, Emery
County Republican Chair
Curtis Wells, Grand County Republican Chair
Ryan Nelson, Iron County Republican Chair
Garrick Hall, Juab County Republican ChairByard Kershaw, Kane
County Republican Chair
Michele Steele, Millard County Republican Chair
Kera Birkland, Morgan County Republican ChairJeff Knowles, Piute
County Republican Chair
Cody Nielson, San Juan County Republican Chair
Tal Adair, Summit County Republican ChairTrent Stirling, Tooele
County Republican Chair
Marilyn Wallis, Uintah County Republican Chair
Morgan Murdock, Wasatch County Republican Chair
Michael Blackburn, Wayne County Republican Chair
