CACHE COUNTY – County nomination conventions for both Democrats and Republicans will be held on Saturday, Mar. 26.
The nomination convention for Democrats will be held at 10 a.m. in the Old Main Auditorium on the Utah State University campus.
“Our numbers are a lot lower,” said new party chair Brian R. Jurena. “But I think we can provide some good options for people who can reach across the aisle and appeal on issues that are important to people who normally vote Republican.”
There are now only 6,178 registered Democrats in the entire county, according to County Clerk/Auditor Jess Bradfield.
“Democrats have now lost three-quarters of a percent since last year,” Bradfield said. “Every clean-up we do, they keep losing more voters.”
The convention on Saturday will be opportunity to meet the Democratic candidates for state offices.
They are Joshua Hardy, who is running against Rep. Joel Ferry in State House 1; Holly Gunther, who is running against Rep. Mike Petersen in State House 2; and Patrick Belmont, who is running against Rep. Dan Johnson in State House 3.
The convention is completely open and do not require an active Democrat voter registration to participate.
“Show up and let us know you’re there,” Jurena said. “We’ll try to get you involved.”
The Republican convention will be held at 4 p.m. in the auditorium at Green Canyon High School at 2690 Wolf Pack Way, North Logan.
The big news there is that incumbent County Council member Gina Worthen has withdrawn from the race for the northeast council seat.
“I have never wanted to be a career politician,” she said. “That, coupled with some health issues that have arisen in my family, have led me to the decision that six years on the County Council is a good run.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve,” Worthen added. “I am humbled by the trust and support I have received from many friends, leaders and residents.”
That leaves convention delegates to choose from Chris Booth, Craig Humphreys and Mark Hurd for the northeast seat on the county council.
In the county council southeast, since long-time County Council member Gordon A. Zilles has chosen not to run, that leaves delegates to choose from Kathryn A. Beus, Shaun Dustin and Ladd Kennington.
In the county council Logan Seat #3, since County Council member Paul R. Borup has chosen not to run, Sandi Goodlander will run unopposed.
At county level, also running unopposed are County Executive David N. Zook; County Attorney John Luthy; County Clerk/Auditor Jess Bradfield; and County Sheriff Chad Jensen.
In State House #2, the delegates must choose between incumbent Rep. Mike Petersen and former incumbent Val Potter.
Also running unopposed are Rep. Joel Ferry in State House #1, Rep. Dan Johnson in State House #3 and Rep. Casey Snider in State House #5.
The delegates will also vote on a new county vice chair.