SALT LAKE CITY – Even the cardboard version of Orrin Hatch was a no-show for the “debate-style” town hall with Dan Liljenquist.
The absence of the cardboard Hatch didn’t put a damper on the event. Liljenquist’s campaign assembled a collection of video clips of Hatch explaining his position on several key issues, which Liljenquist responded to. The Liljenquist campaign said all of the video clips of Hatch are in the public domain.
Scott Howell, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, was present at the event.
Dan Liljenquist at his "debate-style" town hall on June 7 in Salt Lake City. | Photo by Chris Chamberlain, St. George News
“I’m running for Senate because it’s time for new leadership in Washington, D.C.,” Liljenquist announced to cheers from the audience. “It doesn’t matter how well-run we are as a state if Washington doesn’t get its act together,” he continued.
Liljenquist said he wants to represent Utah to Washington “instead of the other way around.” He also committed to serving no more than three terms if he’s elected.
Liljenquist also criticized Hatch’s 36 years in office.
“Leadership is not seniority and to equate the two is wrong,” Liljenquist said. “Sen. Hatch is the most senior Republican in the U.S. Senate by years now. The question is – how much more seniority could he possibly need? I don’t believe he will change.”
Liljenquist did say that he respects Hatch.
The audience at Dan Liljenquist's "debate-style" town hall on June 7, 2012, Salt Lake City. | Photo by Chris Chamberlain, St. George News
“We’ve played around, had some fun, and he’ll go down in history as one of our finest,” Liljenquist said. “He’s a good man, but I believe it’s time for new leaders in Washington.”
“Business as usual must end and we have to get to the issues of our time,” Liljenquist closed to cheers from the audience.
The Utah Republican primary election will be June 26.
Live video of the event was streamed on the Internet. Liljenquist’s campaign manager, Holly Richardson, said that a YouTube will be uploaded for viewing after the fact.
Email: tmcfarlin@gmail.com
Twitter: @TracieMcFarlin
Copyright 2012 St. George News.
One Comment on "Dan Liljenquist’s ‘debate-style’ town hall with the absent Orrin Hatch"
Ha. Too bad it was a cheap parlor trick that nobody watched except Dan fans and democrats. Stay retired Dan. Thanks.