What do our readers and “Political Insiders” think about the selection of Rep. Spencer Cox to be Utah’s next Lt. Governor?
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Selected anonymous comments:
“Rep. Cox looks like a good choice based on his views and how he handles himself. But it also speaks volumes about the special kind of leadership crisis that Utah Republicans face. The Republicans have plenty of people who can make good leaders, but it doesn’t seem like they have leaders who can serve under other leaders, but who also keep the interest of Utah’s citizens as the ultimate priority, rather than using a position as one more rung on a ladder of careerism.”
“He’s smart, reasonable, & principled but without the fanaticism that has at times taken control of the Republican voice in Utah.”
“He’s young, independent — called for impeachment of Swallow, cookie cutter Mormon, bright. Now all he has to do is prove himself in a kissing your sister job.”
“Not dynamic, no new diversity, doesn’t help a 2016 ticket. Herbert administration is a good care-taker administration at best, nothing less, nothing more.”
“About as good as you could expect. Greg Bell’s recommendation!”
“Spencer comes as close to Greg Bell in terms of demeanor, connections, intelligence, skills, and likeableness as anyone out there. He also brings an understanding of rural Utah to the team that is top notch. For those who don’t know Spencer yet, they will be impressed. Governor Herbert hit a home run with this appointment!”
“I know practically nothing about him. (Other than Swallow impeachment.). Now, I’ve been reading about this background and he seems like a fine choice.”
“Was hoping for strong leadership. This state hasn’t had any since Leavitt / Huntsman.”
“The absolute best, non-indication of his future plans that Governor Herbert could have selected. Spencer Cox will be an outstanding LG as he builds up his resume, name recognition and makes some decisions regarding his own political future. With the Herbert fundraising machine behind him, Cox becomes a serious candidate for higher office in the future.”
“Would have given an ‘A’ but this appointment now upsets the Spencer Cox to Ken Ivory ratio in the House.”
“Feels very safe and boring. Certainly a nod to rural voters and Tea Party folks. Just feels out of place.”
“Great surprise pick. Legislative and local government as well as private-sector experience, understands rural issues, and a high-energy level.”
“Who? This guy is a heartbeat away. Who the heck is he?”
“IÂ first really took a look at Spencer after his comments on John Swallow. Ever since then I’ve been really impressed. A great pick by governor Herbert.”
“MUCH better than some of the other choices being batted around. I also like his strong stance for impeachment in the Swallow case. The Lt. Gov. heads up the investigation of campaign impropriety complaints, and many in the past have not been given the attention they deserve. May Lt. Gov. Cox apply the same standards to future investigations. May he not turn a blind eye to the good ol’ boy campaign financing shenanigans. Swallow is not the only politician in Utah playing games with income from lobbyists and reporting.”
“He’s probably a fine man, but really kind of a nobody. Herbert clearly is saying two things: 1) He doesn’t want to be overshadowed by an LG who is sharper than him anymore, and 2) He’s going to run again in 2016.”
“A rising star. High integrity. Short on time served in any of his political positions. Seems capable of getting things done.”
“I didn’t see how Gary could improve on Greg Bell. But I think he’s done it.”
“A lot of potential there. We’ll have to wait and see how fast he can come up to speed on policy issues. Heaven knows the governor hasn’t been able to do it 6 years.”
“As far as I can tell from what I know, he’s a moderate like Bell and has some moral fiber, as witnessed by his calls to impeach our wayward Attorney General. Since I’m a Democrat, I’ll bet his reception is a little bit mixed on the other side of the aisle.”
“You can’t replace Greg Bell. But if you have to try to find a replacement, you won’t find a better one than Spencer Cox.”
“Average just like the guv…. that is what Utahns have come to like…”
“Good pick…meets all the criteria for a good candidate and gives the ticket a boost for another term (when Herbert finally decides to announce crushing the prospects of other potential candidates not named Becky).”
“Lt. Governor Cox will bring the great insight and well thought out questions as seen in Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee to the Governor’s Education Excellence meetings.”
“An excellent opportunity for leadership missed again. A leader looks for individuals smarter than he/she is. Not here.”
“Spencer is capable of doing a great job. He’s not afraid to ruffle a few feathers, but is such a likable person. It will be interesting to see what he does with the John Swallow investigation that the Lt. Gov’s Office is in charge of. Yes, it has been outsourced to Snell Wilmer, but I’m sure Atty. Gen. Swallow’s attorney (Rod Snow) will soon be alleging that there is a conflict and bias there, and that Lt. Gov. Cox already has his mind made up. Also, by appointing Spencer, Gov. Herbert just clinched the rural vote if he decides to run for re-election. No one (not Lockhart, not Jonathan Johnson, no one) will come close to picking up many rural votes (whether delegates or primary voters) while competing against a Herbert/Cox ticket.”
“I have to admit it took me by surprise along with most of the rest of the Utah politicos. When we consider his resume, it makes perfect sense that the Governor would be comfortable with him. Well, except for his passionate plea to the legislature and citizens of Utah to impeach Swallow. I don’t see the Governor ever leading out that way. So, overall, I think it’s good. I’m sure there are a few disappointed souls left scratching their heads. That’s okay. There’s always another election on the way.”
“Rep. Cox has shown himself to be a good advocate for voter rights, co-sponsoring last year’s Same Day Voter Registration bill.”
Respondents include –Â
Fred Adams, Stuart Adams, Jess Agraz, Scott Anderson, Laura Arellano, Patrice Arent, Bette Arial, Neil Ashdown, Bruce Baird, Heather Barney, Steve Barth, Jeff Bell, Tom Berggren, Mike Bertelsen, Ron Bigelow, Emily Bingham-Hollingshead, Rob Bishop, Laura Black, Nanci Bockelie, Charles Bradley, Jim Bradley, Ralph Brown, Chris Bleak, Curt Bramble, Joel Briscoe, Ralph Brown, Aaron Browning, Ken Bullock, Ric Cantrell, Maura Carabello, Marty Carpenter, Rebecca Chavez-Houck, Kay Christensen, David Clark, Kim Coleman, Peter Corroon, Tim Cosgrove, Fred Cox, Lew Cramer, Gene Davis, Richard Davis, Brad Daw, Alan Dayton, Margaret Dayton, Mike Deaver, Brad, Dee, Joseph Demma, Jake Dennis, Dan Deuel, Jeff Dixon, Brian Doughty, Carl Downing, Randy Dryer, Susan Duckworth, Donald Dunn, Alan Eastman, Becky Edwards, Scott Ericson, Chase Everton, Jessica Fawson, Janice Fisher, Wendy Fisher, Lorie Fowlke, Ronald Fox, Claire Francis, Ryan Frandsen, Adam Gardiner, Jordan Garn, Ernie Gamonal, Luke Garrott, Dave Gessel, Sheryl Ginsberg, Natalie Gochnour, Robert Grow, Karen Hale, David Hansen, Neil Hansen, Joe Hatch, Jeff Hartley, Dan Hauser, Lynn Hemmingway, Deidre Henderson, Neal Hendrickson, Casey Hill, Lyle Hillyard, Kory Holdaway, Randy Horiuchi, Ben Horsley, Bruce Hough, Scott Howell, Greg Hughes, Miriam Hyde, Allison Isom, Casey Jackson, Eric Jergensen, Mike Jerman, Jonathan Johnson, Michael Jolley, Gordon Jones, Leslie Jones, Pat Jones, Kirk Jowers, Jeremy Keele, Brian King, Scott Konopasek, Steve Kroes, Chris Kyler, Carter Livingston, Fred Lampropoulos, Clark Larsen, Douglas Larson, David Litvack, Larry Lunt, Matt Lyon, Ben McAdams, Daniel McCay, Gayle McKeachnie, JT Martin, Maryann Martindale, Jason Mathis, Bob Mayhew, Karen Mayne, Bret Milburn, Derek Miller, Rob Miller, Ethan Millard, Brett Millburn, Karen Morgan, Jeffery Morton, Mike Mower, Holly Mullen, Wayne Niederhauser, Mike Noel, Randy O’Hara, Ralph Okerlund, James Olsen, Val Oveson, Kelly Patterson, John Pearce, Helen Peters, Karen Peterson, Frank Pignanelli, Becky Pirente, Marie Poulson, Jason Powers, Tami Pyfer, Joe Pyrah, Mike Reberg, Jill Remington Love, Lauren Richards, Holly Richardson, Robin Riggs, James Roberts, Luz Robles, Ross Romero, Carol Sapp, Don Savage, Bryan Schott, Shauna Scott-Bellaccomo, Jay Seegmiller, Jennifer Seelig, Patrick Shea, Randy Shumway, Soren Simonsen, Jeremy Slaughter, Brendan Smith, Brian Somers, Carol Spackman-Moss, Robert Spendlove, Barbara Stallone, Howard Stephenson, David Stringfellow, Mike Styler, Shinika Sykes, Juliette Tennert, Gary Thorup, Kevin Van Tassell, Royce Van Tassel, Doug Thompson, Michael Waddoups, Laura Warburton, Chuck Warren, Christine Watkins, LaVarr Webb, Todd Weiler, Alan West, Mark Wheatley, Larry Wiley, Ted Wilson, Carl Wimmer, Mike Winder, Travis Wood, Thomas Wright, Crystal Young-Otterstrom
Results from the UtahPolicy.com/KSL Insider poll can be heard on KSL Radio every Friday and are published on Utah Policy.com every Monday.
