Letter from Rep. Anderegg, another voice for Nathan Caplin, Republican for Washington County Attorney

OPINION LETTER – As I’ve watched the Washington County Attorney’s race, I’ve found it highly amusing when I see some political activists incorrectly claim Nathan G. Caplin has too little experience in criminal law.

Caplin is a prosecutor and he works full-time as a lead attorney on complex civil litigation (trial) cases. He’s served at the Utah County Sheriff’s Office and worked as an attorney working for a judge (in a judicial clerkship) on many felony cases. He’s worked on jury trials behind the scenes in the judiciary, and drafted scores of opinions, decisions, and rulings for trial court.

Nathan G. Caplin has more criminal law experience as a prosecutor than our current state’s attorney general. Like Nathan, I supported Sean Reyes for attorney general because he was the best man for the job. I’m supporting Nathan G. Caplin for Washington County’s next county attorney because he is likewise the best man for the job.

From criminal law to civil rights law to constitutional law, Nathan Caplin is the right choice for Washington County Attorney, as was my good friend Sean Reyes for attorney general. I know Caplin will uphold the law, defend the Constitution, and fight crime vigorously.

Some have mocked Nathan’s decision to not take donations from anyone besides himself and personal loans from his family (which he is committed to paying back). He did this to minimize conflicts of interests, even though many people tried to offer very generous contributions. Caplin explained that as a county attorney he believes it’s proper to minimize conflicts of interest to be the best officer of the court and public servant he can be, with no bias or prejudice.

In an era when campaign donations have tainted previous public servants, are we really going to criticize a man for funding his campaign ideally? I wish all candidates for attorney offices would take the incredibly high road that Nathan has chosen in his race.

Caplin is that new level of attorney who is expert in multiple areas of law, with a deep understanding and commitment to upholding the Constitution of the United States in all he does.

– Jacob Anderegg, Utah House of Representatives – District 6, Lehi

This opinion letter is submitted by the Nathan Caplin Campaign

The opinions stated in this article are those of the writer and not representative of St. George News.

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25 Comments

  • Kay's Nemesis June 23, 2014 at 8:53 am

    A vote for inexperience . . .A vote for “Change”. . . a vote for Caplin! Let’s all get involved in the election in Lehi next time around, since we in Southern Utah are far more qualified to discuss candidates in other jurisdictions than our own. Maybe Caplin’s pappy will make a hefty campaign donation to Mr. Anderreg’s relection campaign, or already has! Heck, based on his buying his boy’s election down here, maybe he’ll buy the election for Anderreg too!

  • Kay's nemesis (apparently) June 23, 2014 at 9:42 am

    I must digress. In fairness to Mr. Caplin, I see now that I have allowed my fear of a rank novice assuming the post of county attorney to cloud my judgment. As such, I want to look at the overall qualifications of the candidate.

    Experience: In Mr. Caplin’s defense, he does have a certain amount of experience. Roughly 18 months of full-time, real world law practice as opposed to Belnap’s YEARS AND YEARS of full time experience as a civil litigator and as a prosecutor, who has actually tried cases . .in District Court. The kind of experience that Mr. Caplin touts is nothing short of inspiring. Kind of like someone reading about brain surgery on wikipedia who claims to be a brain surgeon. That’s just the kind of bold vision that this County needs . .. . the equivilant of letting your six year old drive your Hummer on I-15, because he’s played Mario Cart on Playstation, but he is just so articulate . .he MUST know what he’s doing!

    Competence: Here Mr. Caplin has the clear advantage. After all, he hands out copies of the Constitution like religious tracts and claims to be a “Constitutional Expert.” Nothing says “competence” like someone who espouses the virtues of the Constitution, raves about the seperation of powers, and yet proposes to make the county attorneys office a propaganda machine for a “coalition of the willing” to take on the Feds. A coalition mind you, that has yet to be formed, but one that Mayor Bracken “believes” will come to fruition despite having no evidence to support it. I can hear the refrain of “The Impossible Dream” in my ears even as I write. Yes, Nathan will no doubt paint his face blue, don his kilt, and tell the assembled leaders from across the west, that “They may take our lives, but they will never take, our FREEDOM” just before he charges the English lines at Sterling. Hollywood will rush to option the Caplin story for their next big budget blockbuster. Proceeds pour in .. . . Nate pays back his father.

    Broad Community Support: Caplin’s support is evidenced by the myriad of signs and banners strewn about the community, placed there by individual(s), one of whom has allegedly been in the employ of Caplin to do just that, put signs out! Everywhere Belnap dares place a sign, Caplin is sure to place two. The airwaves are dominated by Caplin commercials, with ringing endorsements from a mayor who happens to also be employed by the same entity that Caplin’s dad has close ties with, despite that mayor’s promise to remain neutral. Endorsements from state representatives who live well north of the Payson/Dixon line are also heard. Couple that with the massive amounts of donations from across . . . .oh . . . .I mean . . .”loans” from . .. well .. .ok. . .one source: Caplin’s father .. . to facilitate his straping but sadly grossly underqualified lad’s candidacy.

    Nifty Political Catch-Phrase: Not since “Hakunah Matata” and “Hope and Change” has a slogan garnered more support than Nathan’s battle cry, “Return to the Constitution.” It’s almost like the next installment of Nicholas Cage’s epic, “National Treasure” movies. That’s high praise! After all, cliche’s and buzzwords are what win elections . .. infer that the current county attorney and his deputies have somehow strayed from the Constitution, and he’ll be the one to return to it. Does Metropolis know that Nathan is actually practicing as a lawyer in Southern Utah? I wonder what Lois Lane thinks? Mr. Belnap lags far behind Nathan in terms of nifty political solgans: I mean, experience, proven leadership and local control is just not sexy enough to the disgruntled. .. it’s true and it’s genuine, but certainly lacks the flash without substance of “Return to the Constitution.”

    • Bender June 23, 2014 at 2:48 pm

      “Payson/Dixon line” +1
      .
      Nemesis, I will gladly subscribe to your newsletter.

  • Jon R. Cocktoasten June 23, 2014 at 10:28 am

    Hey, its what you get when you “cash in political chips” as Caplin did to get the endorsement of the Mayor of St. George, Mr. Pike. They have both lost ALL credibility with me and I hope a the citizens of the city and the county. Just goes to show that we exchanged one good ol boy for another… I wonder how much an endorsement costs?!?

  • Royanne Boyer June 23, 2014 at 10:34 am

    As a university educator and dean , I didn’t expect to like Nate Caplin and I was concerned about the fact that he had two businesses which would deflect him from the role he was seeking. More out of curiosity than true interest, I met with him. Surprisingly, he impressed me with his responses to some tough questions (teachers are very good at tough questions). I liked his responses. He didn’t miss a beat because he knows his stuff. As a strong constitutional supporter, I found in him a depth of knowledge related to his commitment of the constitution as it was written. I also believe that his personal knowledge and expertise of the law will be an asset to our county, as its next attorney. He was able to respond to my concerns about any possible conflict of interest related to his business interests. While I had never met him or any of his family, he, quite unexpectedly, impressed me as a man of honor. I am not surprised that he’s being attacked – as candidates always are, most especially by the opposition’s camp. While I cannot predict his service as our County Attorney, I do support him for the office because from my perspective, we need the position filled by someone fresh and newly vetted. May I encourage everyone to vote in this primary, an especially vote for Nate Caplin.

    • Bender June 23, 2014 at 11:46 am

      ” we need the position filled by someone fresh and newly vetted.”
      .
      Vetted by who Royanne? Did you bother to also speak with the incumbent before you endorsed Caplin? I can’t help but speculate that you are one more of the long list of Caplin family friends/acquaintances who have been roped into to shrilling on Jr’s behalf.
      .
      Just to clarify, a quick Google search shows you as a past educator most recently associated with the Mountainland Applied Technology College in Orem where the state of Utah provides vocational training in professions such as truck driving, salon nail technician and highway safety flagger. All noble professions to be sure, but your self introduction as a university educator and dean implied, at least to my weak mind, that you were involved in educating future lawyers.

  • Kay's nemesis (apparently) June 23, 2014 at 10:57 am

    As a university professor, one would assume a certain level of critical thinking and value of experience. Perhaps we can have someone currently teaching at the Davy Crockett school of taxidermy and ethics to teach at Dixie State. Maybe a kindergarten teacher who is articulate and “Nice.” Assuming of course they have the requisite “honor and integrity.” Belnap has the same as far as I can tell. I’m not suprised that Caplin’s supporters include the intellectual elite. Hey, it got Obama elected! “Hope and Change” for all!

  • Rocco M. June 23, 2014 at 11:16 am

    How can Mr Caplin truly be vetted when the one look s at the bare and basic fact that he has little experience, he might be the greatest guy in the world however in a county that tries upwards of 3000 felony cases a year it would seem important to have a county attorney that has at least tried a dozen, heck even a half-dozen felony cases. It would be best if he started as a deputy attorney and got some experience under his belt then ran for the position and got a true understand of the job he is running for.

  • Marie Adams June 23, 2014 at 11:42 am

    I appreciate so much the letter from Jacob Anderegg as well as the comment by Royanne Boyer. I am tired of hearing personal attacks, smears, and lies against Nathan. It is amazing to me how upset and slanderous many supporters for Brock Belnap seem to be. Do they not realize that this is a free country and people can run for political office, and that when they do so, it is not an affront to an incumbent? Nathan’s desire to run for County Attorney is a reflection of his desire to run for County Attorney! It is not a statement about Brock Belnap. It is a statement about Nathan’s own personal vision and his desire to serve the community. Are Brock’s supporters so insecure about their candidate’s qualifications that they feel their best recourse is to slam someone who is completely qualified? Do they not recall that one of our previous county attorneys was elected to the office fresh out of law school and that he did a fine job for many years? Why shouldn’t Nathan, who does have solid experience-though not as many years as Mr. Belnap-at least be given the opportunity to run without being the subject of so much controversy and distortion?

    • Bender June 23, 2014 at 12:05 pm

      I can’t speak for other posters MARIE but in my case it’s not a matter of me being a Belnap supporter; I don’t even know the guy. My beef is that a wealthy and influential local businessman can thrust his almost completely unqualified and inexperienced son into an important role in the county legal system. It smells bad, looks bad and I don’t like it. Caplin may be a nice and ambitious kid but this kind of shortcut into office ain’t right.

  • Jonna Forbes June 23, 2014 at 11:50 am

    I agree with and appreciate Rep. Anderegg’s comments. We have known Nathan Caplin for 16 years; he is a person of impeccable character. We don’t say this about many individuals, but Nathan is a man without guile. Motivated by his love of country and the Constitution, Nathan is the type of person who is running for office not to establish a career for himself, but to serve–and he is well prepared to serve. He has an extensive knowledge of American history (which he teaches at DSU) and economics, and a solid foundation as an attorney in St George, as well as being a city prosecutor. He understands our local and state laws and is committed to upholding them. Not only does Nathan have exceptional knowledge of the Constitution and Constitutional law, he has the ability and insight to apply his knowledge in order to put Washington County in a prepared, proactive position against any encroachment of the Federal Government. An extremely capable individual, he possesses a keen intelligence, along with basic common sense. In addition to his impressive resume, he is a man with a genuine interest in and respect for his fellowman.

    • Bender June 23, 2014 at 1:01 pm

      I’ve watch plenty of neighbor kids in the ward grow up too Jonna, but that does not qualify me to judge their soundness as a litigator and a manager. I’m sure Nathan’s a nice kid and it’s cool that he is interested enough in history to work for starvation wages as an adjunct at Dixie, but he is far from being the most qualified man in this race.

  • Marie Adams June 23, 2014 at 11:51 am

    I am tired of hearing personal attacks, smears, and lies against Nathan. It is amazing to me how upset and slanderous many supporters for Brock Belnap seem to be. Do they not realize that this is a free country and people can run for political office, and that when they do so, it is not an affront to an incumbent? Nathan’s desire to run for County Attorney is a reflection of his desire to run for County Attorney! It is not a statement about Brock Belnap. It is a statement about Nathan’s own personal vision and his desire to serve the community. Are Brock’s supporters so insecure about their candidate’s qualifications that they feel their best recourse is to slam someone who is completely qualified? Do they not recall that one of our previous county attorneys was elected to the office fresh out of law school and that he did a fine job for many years? Why shouldn’t Nathan, who does have solid experience-though not as many years as Mr. Belnap-at least be given the opportunity to run without being the subject of so much controversy and distortion?

    • Bender June 23, 2014 at 1:17 pm

      This isn’t Fast and Testimony meeting MARIE. We actually do get to criticize the candidates and it’s an important part of the election process. Sorry we are not being nice. I hope your outrage at the lack of kindness in the election process extends beyond just the local level and encompasses right wing AM radio bloviators.

  • Kim Davis June 23, 2014 at 1:03 pm

    Nate Caplin is an honest man who believes in the Constitution and will uphold it for the good of the people. Vote for him and you will be protected to the best of his ability.

  • Fred June 23, 2014 at 1:11 pm

    After reading all of the comments above. I say to everyone: VOTE FOR NATHAN!

  • Mark Sandberg June 23, 2014 at 1:51 pm

    Smears and lies? … Mayor Pike cashed in his chips (not our words, his own, again, see the Spectrum article), and broke a promise to endorse him. He has not had any trial experience nor has he been in a managerial role. Nathan Caplin may be the sweetest guy in the world. Good to his mother, never cheats on his wife, pays his tithing, but that does not qualify him to be county attorney.

    More troubling perhaps, is the voting trend among members of the predominant faith in Southern Utah (LDS), of which I am a member. It seems that all one has to do is state that they are for the Constitution (I assume most of us are) and they must be called from on high to rescue the republic from tyranny. As others have commented, when the public is given a polished, articulate, seemingly clean cut fellow with an idea to vote for, regardless of his qualifications they abandon reason.
    President Obama ran with no experience in managing anything, but he had a very distinctive style, was well spoken, and had a killer political slogan, just like Nathan. My late grandfather had a saying to describe anyone who is all style with very little substance, and as Nathan is a 6th generation southern Utahn, I’m sure he knows it well. “There’s no sand to the man.” Obama has no sand. Thus far, aside from speeches and grandiose ideas that while inspiring, do very little to compensate for lack of qualification, neither does Nathan.
    Even more troubling perhaps, is the fact that so many are willing to change the very nature of a political branch if it furthers their agenda. It’s not unlike how every republican was in favor of the Patriot Act, until Obama came into power. Sure, Southern Utah republicans hate any thought of Obama taking away powers delegated to other branches, but if Nathan wants to do the same thing, that’s totally cool! Wo unto ye hypocrites (to quote someone who actually had sand).
    Regardless, I am resigned to the fact that Nathan will likely win. Sadly. If experience has taught western society anything, the “hope and change” ideals, be they in 1935 Germany, or 2008 America, all seem to resonate with those who vote simply on charisma and messages impossible to actually acheive but sound good.
    Four years from now, when the office of Washington County Attorney has become the mockery that LaVerkin was when it passed its U.N. Free Zone, when Nathan has failed to acheive the great promises of a confederacy of western counties, and when his total inexperience has proven the voters who trust him wrong in their decision, perhaps then reason will once again slip in to the collective mentality of Southern Utah.
    Until then, I will continue to listen to my ward members, high priest group, and my neighbors tout the candidate with no experience, but a great slogan.
    Ed. ellipsis | Note: Nathan Caplin’s father, Steve Caplin, told St. George News that he loaned his son money for the campaign at his son’s request with full expectation it would be repaid. Steve Caplin said his son did not want to risk being associated with an unsolicited donor that he did not know given current events surrounding former Attorneys General John Swallow and Mark Shurtleff. It is beyond the scope of this Ed. Note to speak to reports in other news providers or to explore the topic further; however, we are obliged to remove statements in comments that we know are contradicted by information we have ascertained.

  • Mark Sandberg June 23, 2014 at 2:03 pm

    Second, Marie: Though not a Belnap supporter, I do take umberage that anyone who disagrees with Nathan and his positions is somehow mean and un-Christlike. I do believe Obama supporters enjoy calling anyone opposed to Obama “Racist” if they disagree with his policies. It’s a great way to silence opposing views. Last time I checked, Nathan is not called of God personally to run for county attorney. When The Lord makes it known to me that I need to vote for Caplin to save the nation and my mortal soul, I’ll do it. Until then, if someone puts themselves in the public eye, then they are open to critics.

  • Rocco M. June 23, 2014 at 2:20 pm

    Wow, so many missing the point. Once we insert a dogmatic command such as “he’s for the constitution” we automatically throw out common sense?? Look i have many people that work for me in a very high stress work environment, i may have the nicest most honest and temple worthy guy apply for a job in my office. However if that person simply does not have basic experience I’m not going to put that person in a position of leadership based solely on how honest he is. Law enforcement is a critical area where experience is the upmost important feature. Its not rude to call someone’s experience or fitfulness for a job into question simply because he is a one of the worthy brethren, or throws out slogans like being “for the constitution”. Honestly people try to use some objective, critical thinking skills here. Its not a personal attack its just basic common sense.

  • St. George Resident June 23, 2014 at 7:57 pm

    Caplin’s robodialer keeps calling my cell phone “urging” me to vote for him. I’m on the Do Not Call registry and I make sure every year that I re-register. I thought this was illegal. He won’t get a vote from me anyway…and I’ve now blocked the number.

    • Bender June 23, 2014 at 9:24 pm

      The legislation implementing Do Not Call specifically exempts calls from political organizations. There is a private organization that maintains the National Political Do Not Call Registry but adherence by politicians is voluntary.

  • Hillary Osness June 23, 2014 at 10:27 pm

    ​I have know
    ​n​
    Nathan Caplin for almost 20 years. He is a man of integrity and honor. He has passion for the Constitution and believes in making his own way. To respond to those indicating Caplin’s father has bought votes for Nathan: Many have tried to donate to Nathan’s campaign, including myself, and have been given their money back. That he doesn’t want to have any strings attached to his campaign is something to be commended and not looked down upon.​
    ​ ​
    To be honest, this “buying votes” claim and other outright lies​ are simply part of a smear campaign from people grasping at straws. Those who have met, talked with and listened to Nathan can feel of his passion for service, community and law. Nathan Caplin works tirelessly in ALL that he does. He gives 300 percent to everything. Caplin will not only uphold the Constitution, but be ready for outside attacks. Nathan Caplin is the man for the job. Vote Nathan Caplin for Washington County Attorney.

    • Jim Sharp June 24, 2014 at 12:17 am

      Caplin has out spent Belnap at least 4 to 1, so he Is counting on buying votes. Since when does a local county election require at least 60k to run and a paid team to plaster your signs everywhere. Most elections here have cost candidates less than 10k and their supporters have been happy to put signs up free of charge. Money has corrupted national and state elections, don’t let it bleed into our local elections. Remember to vote Tuesday the 24th but check the box for experience. It will be the one that says Brock Belnap for you Caplin supporters who apparently haven’t done any research on the candidates;) Hildale prosecutor………..that’s funny!

  • Tea Party Member June 24, 2014 at 6:42 pm

    When Caplin wins and the train-wreck happens, I hope everyone is awake enough to know about it, and I hope Washington County is willing to admit its mistake (unlike the nation when everyone knew Obama had been horrible for four years they doubled down because of their pride and voted him in for another four to give the guy another chance and, well, you can see how that went). If it all works out then fine. Great. But common sense just tells me its not going to. Also, I hope all of you remember the mayors who endorsed Caplin and hold them accountable. (By the way, there are times when a city and the county are at odds. If I’m a mayor I want someone I can influence in those instances — just saying).

    Lastly, I would like all the numbers of the supporters of Caplin. Does anyone know where I can get it? Not because I’m mad or upset. We get what we deserve and so will Washington county. I just have some stuff I need to sell… I promise it will help Washington county return to the constitution.

  • bishpoul October 10, 2014 at 8:49 pm

    We need an attorney that will hold the washington county assessors office
    accountable for the Kingship they have started holding all of us as subjects
    to their Kingship. Tyranny is always and enemy to the constitution.

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