In the current political climate, there exists attacks daily on those who would live by conservative values. Nationally, for many years now, there has been a push by many leaders towards moderate inclines, many times to the detriment of the conservative values the Republican Party was built upon.
The Utah State Republican Party is currently embroiled in an internal battle. This battle is for the very identity of who we are as Republicans. Are we conservative? Are we moderate? Are we progressive? If so, how progressive?
Nationally, the Democrats are fighting a similar battle. The old guard are trying to control the narrative of the new elected representatives, who happen to open about their love of socialism, and their desire to move our nation from a Representative Republic into a Socialist Democracy.
There is a great opportunity to sway the balance of power back into the conservative base, which would mean congress could actually get something done, other than chasing false allegations against our President.
To do that, we must have a solid foundation of conservative values, on which this party was formed way back in 1854. Nationally, the Republican party needs to be built upon a foundation of solid, conservative state Republican Parties. Utah used to one of those solid pillars, but can we still say that, with the in fighting that exists between the State Executive Officers and the State Central Committee?
My name is Kimball Willard. I am running for the State Central Committee. I am running to hold myself, all other Committee members and the State Executive Officers accountable. Accountable to you, the constituents. Accountable to the bylaws of our party. Accountable to the conservative traditions that have brought us from the founding of this great country to today.
Now, the tone of this speech may be a bit brash. Well, it is, but that is because I was at the State Nominating Convention. I saw first hand the infighting between the State Executive Officers and the State Central Committee. I saw the State Delegates being talked down to by the Officers. I saw a motion brought to the floor that was inappropriate for a nominating convention, that would have rendered the State Central Committee mute, which thankfully our own Jimi Kestin was able to table.
I’ve been the recipient of many emails from the State Officers, and from several State Central Committee members, sniping back and forth. If we can’t stand solidly as Utah State Republicans, how can we stand as a pillar for the national party?
I’ve had two different friends, when they found out was running, ask me, “why would you want to enter that vipers pit?” Because I can’t stand by, and watch from the sidelines, as our party, a Conservative Party from Utah, tears itself apart.
I recently celebrated my birthday, and mother, bless her heart, sent me a card that read the following: “You have vision, fortitude and character. Who needs hair?” I guess she was right.
Sorry, this speech was getting way too heavy.
I am a conservative. I graduated from Dixie High School, received an associate’s degree from then Dixie State College of Utah, and hold a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with a minor in Computer Networks from Southern Utah University.
I am currently a state delegate for my caucus. I am also an Alternate County Delegate, and as of a few days ago will be voting with all of you.
If elected, I will take calls, emails and post online all activities I am part of in this position. You will be able to find all of this at scc.kimballwillard.com. A vote for me is a vote for transparency and accountability. And hopefully, sensibility.
