Bill Orton fails to represent the majority of voters in the 3rd District. While Orton has tried to put on a cloak of nonpartisanship, he has been anything but nonpartisan. His official voting record shows that he voted with his own Democratic Party and President Clinton two-thirds of the time. More importantly, however, he has supported the Democratic Party behind the scenes in committee votes where the public eye is less scrutinizing. While we want a representative to vote his/her conscience, the 3rd District deserves a more conservative voice.
Not only has Orton failed to be a conservative voice for his district in Washington, but as a congressman, Orton has been ineffective. His inability to move legislation through the House of Representatives has been a hallmark of his career in Washington. He claims that "to be effective you have to be willing to buck your own party." "Bucking his own party" didn't help Utah in the Escalante National Monument debacle. In fact, the rest of the Utah delegation, particularly Sen. Orrin Hatch, had more influence in negotiating the few concessions made to Utah than did Orton. His maverick style has distanced himself from his own party while his Democratic Party roots have left him virtually powerless in the Republican-controlled House. The 3rd District has been shortchanged by his lack of influence.It's time the 3rd District had a strong voice in Washington to stand up for our interests and values. Let's bring Orton back home and give him a little time to spend with his family.
David Peterson
Provo