It takes courage to champion unpopular causes in the Utah Legislature. For more than a decade, Rep. Dave Jones, D-Salt Lake, has passionately fought for causes he believed were just and in the best interest of his constituents.
But the battle takes its toll. As Jones puts it, "I have to say there's a limit to the number of times you can run into that brick wall and still stand up smiling." Jones has reached his limit. After serving 12 years in the Utah House of Representatives, he will not seek re-election.Jones' decision is understandable. With Democrats so outnumbered by Republicans in the House, it's arduous for Democrats to push through any legislation. Jones' job was doubly difficult because he chose to take on gun control, sponsoring one bill intended to mandate criminal background checks at gun shows for sales between individuals and another to outlaw concealed weapons at public schools and churches. Both measures were killed in Republican-controlled committees.
Jones, the House minority leader, knew better than anyone that he was swimming against the tide by sponsoring gun control legislation. But the proposals served a purpose. They have fostered debate over gun issues and put lawmakers on the record on their stance on certain gun measures. For that, regardless where they stand on the issues, Utahns owe Jones a debt of gratitude.
Off Capitol Hill, Jones endured a heartbreaking loss in the primary election for Salt Lake mayor last fall. It was his second bid for the office. He's had what athletic coaches term "a character-building season."
Despite the setbacks, Jones has remained true to his causes. He may, indeed, run for public office again, and he will work on behalf of Democratic candidates and the citizen initiative to ban conceal weapons from schools and churches.
In other words, he's out but he's not down. And for those who relish political debate in Utah, that's a good thing.