Calling it "history in the making," Republicans and Democrats gathered in the State Elections Office Monday to encourage Utahns to vote in the first-ever presidential primary March 10.
"For the first time, at least Utah is going to be on the radar screen for people looking for a presidential candidate," Lt. Gov. Olene Walker told reporters and political leaders.The Western States Primary for all voters in Utah and Colorado and only Republicans in Wyoming occurs between the March 7 coastal primary and Super Tuesday March 14. Those interested in participating can register to vote at their county clerk's office up until Friday, March 3.
"The voice of the West needs to be better heard," Gov. Mike Leavitt said.
Leavitt was instrumental in drumming up support for the primary, which dwindled from eight states to three. He said he hopes more states will join the effort in the future. Eight of the nation's 10 fastest-growing states are in the West, as are five of the fastest-growing counties. Candidates need to know the issues that affect the West, he said.
"But having an election does no good unless people come out to vote," Leavitt said.
Representatives of Democratic and Republican presidential candidates attended the event and encouraged Utahns to get to the polls.
"This is our chance to make a statement to the country about what we stand in and what we believe in," said Chase Rogers, state chairman for Arizona Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign.
Scott Howell, chairman of Vice President Al Gore's Democratic campaign, lauded the bipartisan support for the primary. "The West is the best," he said. "Things are alive and well here."
Leavitt encouraged all presidential candidates to come to Utah before the primary.
Speaking as chairman for Texas Gov. George W. Bush's run for president, he said he wouldn't be surprised if Bush makes his way here, "at just the right moment."