Utah October Surprise

20 days before early voting began in 2008, Utah State Rep. Greg Hughes was hit with a politically-motivated smear campaign.

The attack was consistent with what has happened in other states, and seems to be a growing trend among left-wing activists. The formula is simple: make last-minute allegations of ethical wrongdoing; grab the headlines; drive your opponents approval ratings down; steal the election.

By the time the charges are cleared, it is often too late.

This video is the story of one such attack in the Salt Lake County suburb of Draper, Utah. According to records that were revealed during the investigation into these allegations, the architect of the attack was none other than the single largest donor to Rep. Hughes' political opponent, who also has served as his opponent's family attorney.

In this case, Rep. Hughes fought back and despite dealing with a committee that allowed all forms of hearsay evidence, with no ability to cross examine witnesses, and one that was controlled by a majority of lawmakers opposed to his position on school choice, he was cleared.

Rep. Hughes accusers could not even get the four Democrats on the committee to find him guilty of the primary charge of bribing a fellow colleague.

It was the ultimate October Surprise.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Ethics
• scam
• smear
• false
• accusations
• innocent
• integrity
• election
• fraud
• Democrat
• Scam
• October
• Surprise
• bribery

[kaktas55]

I do not live in Rep. Hughes district but I agree that this is not only the lowest a person or party can sink it is what gives politics a bad name. From all I have read and know Rep. Hughes is a hard working fair and honest person and for a party and special interest groups like the Teachers Unions to lie about a person's character to win an election is as low as a person can go. We deserve better in Utah. Rep. Hughes serves us and now those in his district need to show they care!!!

[ravenhawke01]

GO GREG!!

[aaths]

Greg, I hope the voters see this for what it is. A desperate ploy by a desperate party and candidate. I hope you win on tues.

[cowboy668]

GO GREG!! I don't live in your district but hate dirty tactics.

This one smelled dirty from the beginning. Its one of those cases where you were "chosen" for a last minute smear campaign.

If it works on you, expect to see it elsewhere. I suspect you were chosen for your politics.

[EdyKelDev]

This is done by both sides. They're both just as bad as the other.

[LeeH37]

There are only two people who know the TRUTH in THIS situation - Susan Lawrence and Greg Hughes. For everyone else it is pure speculation. And that includes those that made this video and the comments made here - pure speculation.

[AnacondaTwelve]

Here are the facts.

1. The accusers could not back up their claims against Hughes.

2. We live in America.

3. In America, we are innocent until proven guilty.

4. Hughes is not guilty.

5. Rob Miller is not telling the truth.

[kenkodey]

OOOO....great rebuttal, guy....If you have something to contribute, at least try to post it with some intelligence.

[salequeen]

I am astounded at what lengths the Dems will go to in an attempt to steal an election! The really awful tactics used in this case are not only disgusting but degrading to our political process. What happened to being strait forward, win on your own merits and fight the good fight? Not to mention the rediculous ad that is currently running suggesting that the Republicans in the Legislature are the evil ones taking gifts, I seem to remember that the top "gift takers" on the report are Dems!!!

[demorra]

The video is an "ad hominem" argument which is fallacious.

I do not trust charges made against either Republicans or Democrats at this juncture in a political campaign. There is usually more smoke than fire in an October surprise.

At the same time, I believe that Greg Hughes needs to directly refute the charges. I am not impressed by the decisions of legislative ethics committees. This is like asking one of the vestial virgins in ancient Rome if one of their number has had sex.