Democrats calling for southern Utah congressional district


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SOUTHERN UTAH -- Utah Democrats say there is a divide between the north and the south in this state. That's why the party's new leadership is on a tour to drum up support for a southern Utah congressional district. This as a legislative committee is redistricting the four new districts.

Is it about a real divide in Utah--the differences between the north and the south when it comes to water and land-use issues--or is it about something else, like finding out what's good for a political party?


It's important that the people of southern Utah have a congressperson who can stand up for water and land issues, and the Democratic party stands strongly with the people of southern Utah.

–- Jim Dabakis


In a Rockville meeting hall, a small group is took on a big issue: How to divide the state up fairly, but it was a political meeting. On the table were bumper stickers that say "Feeling blue in a red state." Along with the stickers is a feeling that Democrats are left out.

Dorothy Englemean, a Washington County Democrat said, "I think that most of us feel that we're a voice in the wilderness."

She was attending the Utah Democrat's "Red Rock Tour" that's been going on all week. It's an effort to drum up support for a southern Utah Congressional district.

When it comes to water issues, land use issues and more, it's what party chairman Jim Dabakis calls a matter of "respect." He said, "It's important that the people of southern Utah have a congressperson who can stand up for water and land issues, and the Democratic party stands strongly with the people of southern Utah."

In St. George, Democrats met at a restaurant and piped up about "fairness" most of all. Ellie Perelli calls Utah a "one party state," saying, "It's an unfair situation for the general public and for the good of the country and for the state."


Southern Utah issues are a legitimate concern, but Utah Republican party chair Thomas Wright says those issues are yet another pawn in a struggle for power.

Southern Utah issues are a legitimate concern, but Utah Republican party chair Thomas Wright says those issues are yet another pawn in a struggle for power. "They want southern Utah to fight for their own district so they can end up with a donut hole district in Salt Lake City that a liberal, like Rocky Anderson, could win."

In the big picture, voters say they want fairness from both sides. Most wonder if they'll get it.

"It's become stale and old and corrupt, and it's because they don't really represent the things that are important to the people in Southern Utah, Dan Mabbutt said.

The Red Rock tour ends Thursday. Soon, Utah lawmakers will finalize the maps that will become the congressional districts in this state, which may not include a purely southern district.

E-mail: rpiatt@ksl.com

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