ALAN CHOATE - Daily Herald | Posted: Thursday, April 20, 2006 11:00 pm
An anonymous letter taking aim at a state Senate candidate has ignited a backlash against negative campaign tactics and led to a Crimestoppers-style reward for information unmasking those behind the mailing.
The letter targets current state House Rep. Margaret Dayton, R-Orem, who is running for the state Senate District 15 seat. Several community leaders have formed a group called Republicans for Ethical Conduct and have raised close to $2,000 to provide an incentive for people to come forward with information, said Daniel Thompson, who owns local Clean Flicks video stores and is playing a leadership role in the group.
"I just think it's wrong," he said. "It seems to be happening more and more in politics."
He said the group includes six other people for now, and that they plan to be available to investigate cases like the anonymous letter. They hit on the idea of offering a reward because it provides an incentive, he said.
"We have to make a reason to come forward," Thompson said. "I don't know if it's the best solution to the problem. It's inventive, and I think there's going to be a response to it as well."
Dayton is competing with incumbent Sen. Parley Hellewell, R-Orem, and Jeremy Friedbaum of Provo for the GOP nomination in race. Party delegates will vote on the nomination at the county convention April 29.
The letter is dated April 14 and is signed only with "Neighbors of Lynn and Margaret Dayton." It was sent to the approximately 200 delegates in District 15. The one viewed by the Daily Herald had been postmarked Monday in Salt Lake City.
Dayton said the letter contains demonstrably false and libelous statements, but that she didn't want to give the letter credibility by rebutting it.
"I'm very sorry for anyone who has been made to feel uncomfortable because of my campaign," Dayton said.
Not only is the incident personally painful, she said, but "it belittles the entire political process. It discourages people from getting involved."
She said she's heard from delegates who have reservations about continuing in their positions if it means receiving material like the letter.
"People have fought and died for our right to run, but that does not mean the right to anonymously slanderize," Dayton said.
The county Republican Party, meanwhile, is sending out a letter denouncing anonymous campaign attacks.
"This should not take place," said county GOP chairwoman Marian Monnahan. "Slanderous statements, political fliers, attacks on the Internet -- they're all anonymous.
"We know campaigns are difficult and competitive, but our bylaws insist that everyone maintain the highest standards of honesty, morality and integrity."
Monnahan also said she talked to Dayton's opponents in the race and is "absolutely certain" they were not involved in the mailing.
In a statement posted Tuesday on his Web site, Hellewell said he was aware of the mailing and denounced it.
"I abhor such negative campaigning -- and I would encourage you to reject this recent attack on a fine, reputable, capable candidate," he said. "My personal association with Margaret and her husband, Lynn, has been positive, and I want our race to reflect that relationship."
The Utah Legislature earlier this year took steps to clamp down on anonymous campaign mailings. Lawmakers passed legislation requiring groups that spend more than $750 on a campaign to disclose legitimate contact information and the names of two officers. The idea is to ensure that people take responsibility for information they disseminate.
Ironically, Dayton is listed as voting against the bill, although she said Thursday that she doesn't remember voting against it or why she would have opposed the measure.
This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page A1.