POLITICS & ELECTIONS

Utah lawmakers decide not to hear reports on problems with Republican caucus

Sep 18, 2024, 5:53 PM | Updated: 7:12 pm

SALT LAKE CITY A Utah legislative committee voted to shut down a discussion about the Republican Party presidential caucus in March before it even began.

The Government Operations Interim Committee was set to hear reports Wednesday afternoon about the caucus that was marked by complaints about long lines, problems with registering, and a generally chaotic process.

People packed a committee room at the State Capitol to hear that discussion. But it didn’t happen. As soon as the meeting got underway, Rep. Stephanie Gricius, R-Eagle Mountain, immediately proposed removing the item from the agenda.

“It’s become clear to me this is not the appropriate place and the appropriate way to have this conversation,” Gricius said, arguing that one of the reports the committee was set to hear was biased. “Using this committee to air personal grievances is both inappropriate and a waste of time.”

On Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, a Utah legislative committee voted to shut down a discussion about the Republican Party presidential caucus in March before it even began. (Stuart Johnson, KSL TV)

That report in question was compiled by Daryl Acumen, a solutions consultant who said he polled thousands of Republicans – most of whom were upset about how the March 5 caucus was carried out.

Acumen told KSL TV he was upset the committee punted on the discussion.

“They don’t care,” Acumen said. “They don’t care what the voters have to say.”

‘People didn’t know where to go’

The Disability Law Center, which was also set to present to the legislative committee, reported numerous obstacles that night preventing some voters from fully participating

“There were problems with signage. People didn’t know where to go,” said Nate Crippes, the organization’s public affairs supervising attorney. “Lines were incredibly long. Nobody knew who to ask for accommodations.”

But Utah Republican chairman Rob Axson said the party handled every request it got for accommodations on caucus night. He also said the party isn’t responsible for city or school buildings where voting took place.

“Coming after one organization who is utilizing a public space and claiming we have control over the physical building of that building is not legitimate,” Axson said.

The in-person caucus had low turnout statewide, under 10%, and results weren’t released for hours. But Axson defended how it went overall.

“The Utah Republican Party is always proud of what we do well, and we are also always open to suggestions on where we fall short, and we always have to be improving our process and our systems,” Axson said.

But he’s glad the panel voted not to discuss it Wednesday. Axson said it wasn’t the right place. Every lawmaker agreed with him except one, Sen. Daniel Thatcher, R-West Valley City.

Questions need answers

Thatcher said there are questions about that night in March that need answers.

“I think if we’re afraid to even ask questions, I think it makes us look a whole lot worse than whatever those answers might be,” Thatcher said.

The Government Operations Interim Committee did not set a date for a future discussion of this topic. It’s the second month in a row the panel was supposed to take this up. In August, the item was on the same committee’s agenda, but it was postponed until this month without further explanation.

Crippes, with the Disability Law Center, said he doesn’t have a position on whether a caucus is a good idea or not. He just wants to talk about what happened at the last one.

“I think we’re just frustrated that we’re not getting a chance to say what we think is important, that there were problems with accessibility during the Republican presidential caucus,” Crippes said. “We just, at the end of the day, hope that gets addressed.”

KSL 5 TV Live

Politics & Elections

A Google map now shows the Gulf of America....

Josh Campbell, CNN

‘Gulf of America’ arrives on Google Maps

The body of water formerly known in the United States as the Gulf of Mexico is now listed for US-based users of Google Maps as the Gulf of America.

45 minutes ago

Fatima Guzman prays during a church service at the Centro Cristiano El Pan de Vida, a mid-size Chur...

David Crary, AP National Writer

Trump won’t block immigration arrests in houses of worship. Now these 27 religious groups are suing

More than two-dozen Christian and Jewish groups representing millions of Americans have filed a federal court lawsuit challenging a Trump administration move giving immigration agents more leeway to make arrests at houses of worship.

1 hour ago

A group of cancer activists at Utah's Capitol Hill for Cancer Action Day. (American Cancer Society)...

Tamara Vaifanua

Looking Out for the Good: Cancer activists to gather with elected officials on Capitol Hill

Activists and patients will be at Utah's Capitol Hill to meet with elected officials, sharing their stories and pushing policies that aid the fight against cancer.

3 hours ago

FILE - President Donald Trump stands with Jordan's King Abdullah II at the White House, June 25, 20...

Zeke Miller, AP White House Corespondent

Trump will host Jordan’s King Abdullah II as he escalates pressure on his Gaza resettlement plan

President Donald Trump will host Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House as he escalates pressure on the Arab nation to take in refugees from Gaza as part of his audacious plan to remake the Middle East.

5 hours ago

Police give update to large protest downtown over the weekend that led to a minor confrontation dur...

Darby Sparks

Salt Lake City police respond to weekend protest, vehicle vs pedestrian incident

Police give update to large protest downtown over the weekend that led to a minor confrontation during a march that blocked traffic.

15 hours ago

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One where Trump signed a proclamation d...

Zeke Miller and Sam Magdy, Associated Press

Trump says no right of return for Palestinians in Gaza under his plan for US ‘ownership’

President Donald Trump says Palestinians in Gaza would not have a right to return under his plan for U.S. “ownership” of the war-torn territory.

1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Utah lawmakers decide not to hear reports on problems with Republican caucus