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Show Hingkley Journal of Politics 2005 their identification with the Democratic Party. For instance, several BYU College Democrats stated to the Daily Universe that they vote Democrat because of the commandment to "love thy neighbor" (Hubbs 2004)- This evidence, while anecdotal, highlights the point that Mormons may choose to be Democrats without experiencing a complete crisis of faith. Even still, it is in the very fabric of Utah communities that members of the LDS church are Republicans and those who are not members of the Church are Democrats. The few members of the Church that have been willing to step outside this stereotype have often found themselves persecuted, both within their communities and within the parties. This duality often has LDS Democrats finding themselves in political dilemmas. As one BYU College Democrat stated, "I would love to have a candidate that was pro-life and also pro-environment, but, unfortunately, they don't exist" (Hubbs, 2004). One Utah politician has survived this dual role, but not totally unscathed. Utah Congressman Jim Matheson, an LDS Democrat, has struggled significantly to find his political identity. Matheson has been fingered by some Utah Democrats as not representing the party. In fact, a Deseret isAoming News report recently showed that Matheson does side with Republican President George W. Bush 56 percent of the time (Davidson 2004). Matheson addresses these accusations by stating, "I try to be an independent voice for Utah.... I look at an issue based on merit, not on who is for or against it" (Davidson 2004). One way Matheson acts on this belief is by co-chairing the House Blue Dog Coalition, an informal group of fiscally conservative Democrats and Republicans (Blue Dog Coalition 2005). Matheson is a living, breathing example of what it is to mix personal belief systems with the will of constituencies. While this may satisfy some, many of Matheson's Democratic colleagues are currently upset with his politics. Most recently, Matheson voted with Bush in support of the Constitutional Amendment to define marriage. This action has invoked anger and resentment from members of the Democratic LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual) caucus, once strong supporters of Congressman Matheson. What is the solution that will connect all members of the Utah Democratic Party? It is actually quite simple, but much easier said than done. The party must allow for diversity to exist and must accept that not all members of the party will feel the same on every issue. Representative David Litvack had some insight on this subject: You're creating a party that recognizes diversity.... You've got to create space within the party for that range of viewpoints.... It's about finding the common ground. It's about creating that space that allows diversity within our party, but also finding the common ground in other places that's going to be stronger than what the differences are (Litvack 2004). Litvack believes that recognizing and welcoming diversity is key to the success of the Democratic Party and that it will help to build stronger communities. He expounded upon this idea, Building a more united community is about, one, building a strong foundation based on commonality, which on a very fundamental level is humanness. And two, you also have to build a community that allows that space for our differences. ... And so that's what we need to do as a party, find that common ground that is strong enough, that's binding, but will allow for that diversity, that dialogue where people don't feel threatened who disagree with certain things (2004). Representative Litvack is correct in his thinking. For Utah Democrats to ever regain power, a united Democratic Party must be a priority. This means not only welcoming diversity into the party but more importantly, changing the minds of Utah voters. The Democrats will never regain power if they cannot find a way to reconnect with the LDS population. The dilemma is that tolerance of diversity is not a political issue and cannot be done from a political agenda. These issues stem deeper into the people of Utah and have been fostered for so long they seem to have taken on a life of their own. The only way these attitudes will ever change is if the LDS communities themselves begin to recognize that Utah Democrats are not antithetical to their beliefs. This would entail some very brave members of the LDS faith stepping out to protest what so many in their communities condone: one-sided political ideologues. Conclusion: Utah Democrats and the 2004 Election Utah's Democrats faced a great challenge in the 2004 elections. After decades of losses a quick turnaround was unrealistic and unlikely. Nonetheless, there seemed to be a buzz among the party unlike one that had been seen in a very long time. Passion stemming from both local and national issues seemed to energize many citizens, activating the Utah Democratic Party unlike it had been in decades. Democrats in Utah took action by turning out in record numbers to primary elections, precinct caucus meetings, and county conventions (Pignanelli and Webb 2004)- Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson said to a reporter with the Salt Lake Tribune, "We have an astounding chance to turn things around for the good of our nation, the good of our planet and the good of future generations" (Burr 2004). Utah Democratic State Party Chairman Donald Dunn stated repeatedly, "It's a new day for the Democrats. We're going to have packed meetings. We're going to win races" (Burr 2004). Dunn proved himself right regarding the packed meetings. But in many ways, the Democratic Party suffered in the 2004 elections. Nationally, Democrats lost seats in both the U.S. House and Senate, and lost the presidency. Utah Democrats, however, made better progress locally than did the national Democrats: Utah Congressman Jim Matheson won by a significant margin, a Democratic Salt Lake County Mayor and a Democratic County Council member were elected, and two State House seats and one State Senate seat were also won by Democrats (Dunn 2004). The disapproval that citizens from 57 |