I had the privilege this evening of meeting at Representative Jim Bird’s home for an informal Delegate Meeting on behalf of David Leavitt. Present were many from the Republican Party along with many prospective candidates who are running during this cycle: David Leavitt (for U.S. Congress), Michael Waddoups (Utah State Senate), Ronda Rose (Utah State Senate), and Jim Bird (Utah State Representative). The gathering’s primary purpose was to discuss issues with Mr. Leavitt and it was three hours later I finally found myself excusing myself. I am happy to say that David spent time at the meeting patiently answering everyone’s questions. Although there was disagreement on some issues, I found it refreshing to see David’s candid yet elegant demeanor in which he plans to go about confronting Washington’s problems. I found it pleasing, too, that I heard him say the words “I hadn’t thought of it that way,” at least twice, indicating to me he is one who is willing to listen to his constituents (unlike Mr. Cannon). It was also enlightening to learn about the fact that he will fight through the “thick of it” in order to do follow through on what he feels is right, even at the cost of potentially losing his political job (remember the Tom Green polygamist quagmire?). I felt he was genuine when he said he was not running for himself, but rather for good of the country, essentially following his heart. To any FairTax supporters out there (which I am), although David Leavitt disagrees with the “prebate” portion of the program, he said he would entertain the concept should the prebate be changed to selling non-taxable goods (the items the prebate is meant to counteract). Interestingly the prebate program is the only part of the FairTax I disagree with, too, so found agreement with his disagreement. Before leaving a few laughs were shared over the recent media frenzy over David being a “religious zealot.” One in the group asked him directly why he was perceived this way. His response was simple, “I want the pledge back in schools.” Surprisingly a teacher inquired, “Don’t we already say the pledge in schools?” David’s response: “They’ve already begun taking it out of some schools in California.” The media frenzy makes sense now. I applaud Mr. Leavitt for sticking up for the rights of a Godly people.

The Third District’s race is getting exciting and the State Convention is coming quickly. I feel nervous inside for some reason.