I attended the Lincoln day dinner at UVSC and was very impressed with the showing in support of Marty, expecially for the reason that utah county is not even his county. I believe he has strong support and if that includes young people that more power to him, because young people are the future of Utah and there vote counts also. So don't go saying that because he wins or has young people as support it is not a ligitimate vote. Every other candidate had the same opportunity he did, he obviously just knows how to run a successful campaign.

Isn't running a race about support? why would it matter the age of his supporters, at least they were there to support him. Maybe you did not see all the people with John Huntsman signs cheering on his terrible speech, that said nothing about what he stands for or what he is interested in doing as govenor. Marty was the best prepared and delivered the best speech on what he is interested in doing as our govenor. And just because he won the straw pole does not mean there is some odd reason for it, how about just something as simple as he is the best qualified, the one with the most experience, the best prepared and the one that won. People can see that, they don't need political poles or so called experts to tell them who is right for the job. Believe me. I am one of those people.

Now that Utah County's Lincoln Day has come and gone and we can set aside all of the tearing of garments and knashing of teeth, all-in-all the organizers are to be congratulated for hosting an event that will no doubt come to be looked upon as the real flashpoint for the 2004 Gubernatorial campaign.
Being in the Huntsman camp I have to apologize and admit to being the one who read the memo wrong we received from the Utah County party detailing the night's activities. I was positive it said whomever brought the most straw was the winner.
Personally, I thought all of the candidates for governor did a good job with the three minutes each was given. As for someone basing who they will vote for as governor on just three minutes; well, that's too quick a call for me to make up my mind in.
As for Jon's three minutes, many people who were there on Saturday night felt it gave them a glimpse of the man who a lot of us appreciate because of the sense of humor he has. And it gave people a look at a man who doesn't take himself so seriously that he forgets first and foremost that he's a citizen -- nothing more, nothing less... and just like the rest of us has that one gift of citizenship most important in this entire campaign for Utah governor.
One man, one vote.
Plain and simple my young Marty supporters; in the end that's all that counts. And in fact, that's all that is and will be counted. Straw poll or no straw poll.
Saturday night's straw poll has made for some good Monday morning quarterbacking among all of us. And if it did anything at all it reminded us of the value of our vote and of casting that ballot.
Hopefully we all came away knowing how priceless our right to cast our one vote is. How because of the patriots who have laid down their life's in the history of this nation our vote is not one to be bought or sold.
If anything, Saturday night's Lincoln Day in Utah County was a good parody and example in showing us what type of chaos, jealousy, and pettiness can sometimes ensue when a dollar amount is affixed to something so sacred as a vote and some take it way too seriously.
As I have told many people over and over again concerning who I am supporting in this race. I am not campaigning against any one, but I am campaigning -- and did so on Saturday night in Utah County -- for Utah and Jon Huntsman, Jr.
Why? Because he's the candidate who when I met him for the first time six months ago shook my hand and said, "What do I have to do to earn your vote?"
And so far that earning of my vote has entailed his listening to thousands of my fellow citizens. And his coming away from those listening sessions with new ideas and a new day for Utah.
Hat's off to my candidate's young detractors for having the guts to practice their freedom of speech and post comments here. Here's to a fun, fair, fulfilling, and forthright historic 2004 Utah gubernatorial campaign!

After the event on Saturday, I think we got a glimpse of what is to become of the next few months. With well prepared organizers the event was a success. Given they only had three minutes, it is true that it is not enough time to "get to know" the candidate. I personally think showing you have a powerful speech in those three minutes shows much. Marty proved that in he covered many important issues and points that needed to be addressed. Most of allhe took the few minutes and left everyone in amazement.
His supporters are not just young. Maybe the ones visible by the t-shirts, waving signs, and cheering. He is supported by people of all ages.
I support him fully. No one in my mind can serve as a better governor than he.
Every candidate was faced with the same exact opportunity. A well-organized campaign lead to showing the delegates who had things under control. From signs to passing out treats, all his volunteers were there, making his presence known. Support is support, no matter who it comes from.