UT-3: Closing in on Election Day

The nation’s other special election, the eastern Utah congressional district that former Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Alpine/Sandy) resigned from in June, also sees primary voters go to the polls on August 15th.  Here, Republican voters will choose among the party endorsed candidate, former state Rep. Chris Herrod, Provo Mayor John Curtis, and marketing executive Tanner Ainge.  The latter two men bypassed the state nominating convention and petitioned their way onto the primary ballot.  Though fundraising and spending have been low for this race – Mayor Curtis tops the field on track to spend only about $400,000 – two outside organizations are coming in during the last week to support an individual candidate.  The Club for Growth has endorsed Mr. Herrod and will be spending to augment his final push, while a new Super PAC called “Conservative Utah” has committed $120,000 for a media buy to push Mr. Ainge.
 
The Republican winner will be favored in the November 7th special general election.  Dr. Kathryn Allen won the Democratic nomination in convention, so she automatically advances to the special general.  Hillary Clinton didn’t even finish second in this district last November, so the Republican nominee will become a heavy favorite though Dr. Allen has been able to garner sufficient funding to promote her campaign message.
 
--Jim Ellis