According to poll numbers obtained by Utah Policy, Republican Brian Shiozawa has a 10-point lead over Democrat Josie Valdez in Senate District 8. Meanwhile, his Democratic opponent, Josie Valdez, is critical of an endorsement by the Utah Education Association.

The automated phone poll was conducted by Shiozawa’s campaign. It shows that among voters who have already made up their mind, Shiozawa leads 55-45%. The polls sampled more than 1,000 voters in the district.

“The results are very encouraging,” says Shiozawa. “It shows that my ideas are resonating with the voters and they support our message.”

Valdez casts doubt on those numbers, saying she is getting strong support from voters in Midvale and Murray.

“If these numbers are accurate, it just means we will work harder and stronger to reach voters with our message.”

Shiozawa says one reason he’s doing so well is a focus on education. That issue is usually a bailiwick for Democrats, but he was able to win the endorsement of the Utah Education Association.

“I want to work hard to make positive change in our education system. They realize I’ve made that a priority.”

The UEA endorsement of Shiozawa is clearly a sore spot for Valdez. She’s quick to point out that she won the endorsement of Education First Utah, but feels strongly the UEA made the wrong choice.

“I’m not sure why that happened. I’ve been an advocate of education on the ground. Apparently the UEA was swayed by a fancy degree from Stanford and a medical degree.”