Utah Politics: "A Brief History of Axes of Power."

The contemporary Political state of Utah is nothing less than astonishing. If one were to read through a history of politics in the State, a sense of awe would be appropriate. Just so happens, I have one for you here: Utah Election History Through 1992. Obviously I am biased as I tend to lean Left, but to see the shift in power from Left to Right over time in this State and the lack of Democratic response infuriates me.

In the 1950s, this state took a turn towards conservatism. Unfortunate, really. Demos still had occasion to hold the Governorship, but the Legislative Minority has been pretty much guaranteed indefinitely, and judging by the Gubernatorial turnout of the last two decades, it appears neo-cons probably will hold that position for a while, as well.

You see - Demos in the Governorship have been as follows: (Mind you, we were granted Statehood in 1896)

Simon Bamberger 1917-1921 - 4 years
George Henry Dern 1925-1933 - 8 years
Henry Hooper Blood 1933-1941 - 8 years
Herbert Brown Maw 1941-1949 - 8 years
Calvin Lewellyn Rampton 1965-1977 - 12 years
Scott Milne Matheson 1977-1985 - 8 years

That is 48 years in a 109 year history. If you disregard the time since 1985, however, when Bangerter began the latest trend of Republican dominance, Demos had actually held the top positon 54% of the time.

So, I will conclude by saying it appears as though it is time for another shift. If Salt Lake County can show anything, it can show even Mormons can vote for Democrats. If the State Democratic party can get their asses in gear, there is a way to win back this state. I gotta tell you, however - I don't have much faith in the Party. Stay tuned and I will tell you more.

Ciao