{"id":2353463,"date":"2024-10-10T22:41:10","date_gmt":"2024-10-11T02:41:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/three-takeaways-from-utah-senate-debate-for-romney-seat-washington-examiner\/"},"modified":"2024-10-10T22:43:20","modified_gmt":"2024-10-11T02:43:20","slug":"three-takeaways-from-utah-senate-debate-for-romney-seat-washington-examiner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/three-takeaways-from-utah-senate-debate-for-romney-seat-washington-examiner\/","title":{"rendered":"Three takeaways from Utah Senate debate for Romney seat &#8211; Washington Examiner"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">24<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fthree-takeaways-from-utah-senate-debate-for-romney-seat-washington-examiner%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2353463&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The\u200c summary discusses the recent debate \u2063among candidates vying\u200d to\u2064 succeed retiring Senator Mitt Romney from Utah. The \u2063candidates include\u2063 Republican\u200d Rep. John Curtis, Democrat Caroline Gleich, and Independent Carlton Bowen. During the debate, key issues such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/joe-biden-knows-he-messed-up-on-fracking-at-debate-and-is-now-doing-damage-control-the-daily-wire\/\" title=\"Joe Biden Knows He Messed Up On Fracking At Debate And Is Now Doing Damage Control | The Daily Wire\">public lands<\/a>, abortion rights, housing affordability, and the candidates&#8217; differing political histories were addressed.<\/p>\n<p>Curtis was challenged over his previous\u2062 affiliation with the\u200b Democratic Party, which he defended by citing his\u2062 electoral success and \u200dalignment\u200d with the values of Utah voters. He emphasized his role in passing significant legislation related to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/heres-what-each-of-bidens-42-executive-orders-will-actually-do\/\" title=\"Here\u2019s What Each Of Biden\u2019s 42 Executive Orders Will Actually Do\">public land<\/a> use, while\u200c Bowen and Gleich presented contrasting views on environmental policies and the management of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/white-house-releases-list-of-president-trumps-accomplishments-and-it-is-historic\/\" title=\"White House Releases List of President Trump\u2019s Accomplishments \u2013  And It Is Historic!\">federal lands<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Curtis highlighted his political experience and legislative \u2062achievements in \u2063Congress, asserting \u200cthat\u200b he represents continuity and \u200cstability. Conversely, Gleich and \u2063Bowen argued for the\u200b need for change in Utah&#8217;s leadership, urging voters to consider a new generation \u200cin politics. the debate \u2062underscored the distinct positions of the candidates while reflecting the state&#8217;s predominantly Republican leaning.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Three takeaways from Utah Senate debate as candidates look to replace Romney<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_1813208\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/3059300\/who-is-john-curtis-republican-likely-succeed-romney-senate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title>Rep. John Curtis<\/a> (R-UT) sought to argue why he is the best candidate to replace retiring Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/3115898\/challengers-romney-seat-heat-up-senate-race-over-climate-change\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title>facing attacks<\/a> from his opponents on both sides.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>The three candidates vying to win <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/3032635\/utah-post-romney-path-gop-senate-primary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title>Utah&rsquo;s open Senate seat<\/a> being vacated by Romney met for a debate on Thursday night, with the stage featuring Curtis, Democrat Caroline Gleich, and Carlton Bowen, who is running as part of the Independent American Party of Utah. The debate touched on a number of issues throughout the night, including public lands, abortion rights, housing affordability, and more.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Curtis is believed to be the front-runner as the state is a reliable Republican haven. The last time a Democrat was elected to represent the Beehive State in the Senate was 1970.<\/p>\n<p>Here are the three top takeaways from the debate and key exchanges between the candidates:<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Curtis defends history as Democratic lawmaker<\/h2>\n<p>One of the more animated back-and-forths occurred when Bowen pressed Curtis over his history as a Democratic lawmaker before switching to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/Republican-Party\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title>Republican Party<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Curtis ran as a Democratic candidate between 2000 and 2006, launching an unsuccessful bid for the Utah state Senate in 2000 before serving as the vice chairman and chairman of the Utah County Democratic Party between 2002 and 2003. After that, Curtis switched parties and has since identified as a moderate Republican while running for mayor of Provo in 2009 and the House of Representatives in 2017.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Bowen sought to attack Curtis for his history as a Democrat, which prompted Curtis to push back against the attack several times.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;If you&rsquo;re damning somebody because they were once a Democrat, you have to rule out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/Donald-Trump\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title>Donald Trump<\/a>. You have to rule out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/Ronald-Reagan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title>Ronald Reagan<\/a>,&rdquo; Curtis said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Carlton is just bent on this former Democrat thing,&rdquo; Curtis mentioned later in the debate.<br \/>&ldquo;You know, Utah voters get to decide who represents their values. I&rsquo;ll point out again that almost half of all Republicans picked me in a four-way Republican primary because I represent their values, and nobody on this stage has known better to the voters.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Candidates spar over public lands and environmental issues<\/h2>\n<p>One of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/freedom-caucus-bets-big-on-spending-proposal-in-gamble-to-boost-trump-and-gop-majority-washington-examiner\/\" title=\"Freedom Caucus bets big on spending proposal in gamble to boost Trump and GOP majority - Washington Examiner\">top voter issues<\/a> in Utah is the control of public lands, with all three candidates offering different solutions to approach the problem.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Curtis pointed to his work passing the Emery County Public Lands Act in 2018, which dictated how 1.3 million acres of federal land in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/Utah\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title>Utah<\/a> would be used for recreational purposes as well as agriculture and conservation. By doing that, Curtis argued, Congress could thwart presidents from independently designating national monuments such as Bears Ears, which then-President Barack Obama did in 2016.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Bowen referenced that action by Obama in his answer, noting he would &ldquo;rewrite the Antiquities Act&rdquo; that has been &ldquo;abused&rdquo; by several presidents to set aside millions of acres of public land and designate them as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/dc-statehood-bill-gets-house-oversight-committee-hearing\/\" title=\"DC Statehood Bill Gets House Oversight Committee Hearing\">federal monuments<\/a>. Bowen even went so far as to praise former President Donald Trump&rsquo;s decision to shrink the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase monuments during his presidency.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>That was later undone by President <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/joe-biden\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title>Joe Biden<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Gleich criticized state lawmakers&rsquo; efforts to transfer federal lands to state control in order to sell the land &ldquo;to the highest bidder for energy development&rdquo; so&nbsp;state leaders can &ldquo;line their pockets.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;This is wrong, and we&rsquo;ve seen these attacks on the Antiquities Act before, and continuing this attack is a waste of taxpayer dollars,&rdquo; Gleich said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Curtis relies on political experience, while opponents push for change in leadership<\/h2>\n<p>Throughout the debate, Curtis relied on and often referenced his work in the House of Representatives, to which he was first elected in 2018.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>At different points throughout the debate, Curtis references his work to pass nearly 20 bills since being elected to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/Congress\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title>Congress<\/a> as well as his experience on the House China Task Force.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>However, the three-term congressman faced criticism from his opponents over his record, with both Gleich and Bowen suggesting Utah would benefit from fresh leadership representing the Beehive State in Washington, D.C.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s time for the new generation to step up. And if you feel like Utah is headed in this in the wrong direction, we need to ask ourselves a question: What do you call a politician who&rsquo;s been in office too long? You call them home,&rdquo; Gleich said. &ldquo;And Rep. Curtis, it&rsquo;s time for you to come home and to send the next generation in.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Bowen repeatedly hit Curtis over his voting record in Congress, arguing he hasn&rsquo;t done enough to support the conservative movement or side with Trump.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;I am the only pro-Trump candidate on the ballot,&rdquo; Bowen said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\"><strong><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Bowen went on to warn that Curtis may be too similar to his possible predecessor, Romney, who has separated himself from Trump and those from the right wing of his party.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Mitt Romney was the only Republican out of the entire <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/House-of-Representatives\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title>House<\/a> or Senate to vote to impeach Donald Trump in 2020, and I think most Utahns didn&rsquo;t like that, and I think it was very out of touch with what Utahns expected their U.S. senator to be,&rdquo; Bowen said. &ldquo;And I&rsquo;m concerned that my GOP opponent, who is a former Democrat, will be a Romney 2.0.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_1813208\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"1813208\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Three key points from the Utah Senate debate as candidates aim to succeed Romney<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2640,"featured_media":2353464,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/john-curtis-senate-debate-scaled-1024x683.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[33017,42772,37246,42771,32076],"class_list":["post-2353463","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-political-analysis","tag-romney-seat","tag-senate-debate","tag-utah-senate","tag-washington-examiner"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/john-curtis-senate-debate-scaled-1024x683.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2353463","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2640"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2353463"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2353463\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2353464"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2353463"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2353463"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2353463"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}