Rep. Bill Orton, D-Utah, kicked off his re-election campaign Wednesday with a simple message for residents of the 3rd Congressional District: What you see is what you get.
"The voters have had an opportunity over the last two years to look at me, to get to know me, to see how I vote and how I represent them in Congress," Orton said. "If they like it, they should vote for me. If they don't, they shouldn't."Orton announced his candidacy to a small gathering of staff, supporters and press in the rotunda of the Old County Court House in Provo. The event was staged within earshot of the office of Steve Densley, one of three Republicans who want to unseat Orton in November.
Other Republicans in the race are Parley Hellewell and Richard Harrington.
Orton was a political newcomer in 1989 when he won an upset victory over Republican Karl Snow, capturing 58 percent of the vote in what was considered one of the most Republican-voting districts in the country.
Orton focused on specific actions he's taken in Congress to correct hot-button issues ranging from health care to the economy. As he did the first time around, Orton described himself as a politician of a different stripe.
"Utah needs, and the United States of America needs, leaders who are honest, who are competent, who have leadership with a vision, who represent mainstream values and ideals, who use a common-sense approach, who are willing to work together in bipartisanship, who can provide a balanced approach," he said.
His votes in Congress reflect that balanced approach, Orton told the Deseret News.
"My approach is to gather all of the information, look at the issues, make an independent decision as to what is the best thing to do, regardless of whether a party or a political action committee or whoever is backing that. I'm trying to just cast the votes that are best for the people in my district, the people in Utah and the people in my country."
Orton's list of accomplishments included adding amendments to the Central Utah Project and export control bills and efforts to shape banking bills and restructure the Resolution Trust Corp.
His attention also has focused on education, the environment and the economy. Orton plans to file an amendment to a higher education bill that would increase the percentage of federal funds allocated to Utah schools.
He's also pushing a new program, the "Veterans Teachers Corps.," which would help people leaving the military become teachers.
On the environment, Orton said he's "led the battle to preserve the rights of livestock owners and grazers to graze in an environmentally sound manner. I've also worked hard to allow environmentally sound development of energy resources in my district."
But the country's most critical problems involved run-away deficit spending and tax issues, Orton said. He's launched a concerted effort to get appointed to the House Ways and Means Committee if he is returned to Congress next year.
"I'm a tax attorney. That's the committee that writes tax law. That is the originating point for any tax provisions in our country," Orton said.
"I am committed to finding solutions to bring down the deficit and to get us back on the right track of positive economic growth, of paying for what we receive, of only providing the services to the public which they are willing to pay for."
Orton expects his re-election campaign will cost $90,000, perhaps more depending on how much the Republicans dump into the race. The Republican National Committee has targeted him as one of its "top few honorees," Orton said.
"I don't think anyone believes the seat is a shoe-in," he said. "Knowing it's a matter of honor for the Republican Party to hold this seat, I expect a very vigorous and expensive campaign."
The Democratic National Committee has pledged to contribute the maximum amount allowed to help Orton fend off challengers, he said.