Local Democrats positioned themselves on Saturday as the only party listening to the public, saying Utah's voucher repeal proved Republicans have lost their mandate.

Strategizing to make historic gains during November's elections, Democrats gathered for the annual Utah County party convention said they would take advantage of growing discontent among long-time Republicans.

With new infusions of money and hope, Democrats said they will work to swing Republican voters, campaigning on the platform that the Republican Party has grown corrupt, opaque, emboldened and disrespectful to their constituents after years of insular de facto rule of the state.

"We have shown that one-party rule is on the way out," said Utah County party chair Richard Davis. "We will end one-party rule and the Republicans will no longer be able to do what they want in this state."

Change and optimism were manifest everywhere at Saturday's convention. With 200 people attending, party leaders remarked repeatedly that interest in the party has never been so high in modern times. In addition, more than half of local Democratic candidates have out-fundraised their opponents so far, party leaders said.

While Republicans have done much good in Utah, years of ruling without significant opposition have allowed the party to sink into "arrogance, entitlement and corruption" said Wayne Holland, State Democratic Party chair. If Utahns would only spend one day at the Legislature to see the Republican Party in action, the state would turn Democratic overnight.

"This is a day when you saw the beginning of something big," Holland said. "This opportunity was given to us in part because of the behavior of the Legislature, and its leadership based in Utah County."

Noting that Utah was once a Democratic state, Holland said a fundamental shift has begun.

"They will come back," he said of the public. "They've had enough and they are embarrassed."

One by one, Democratic candidates said they would go door to door, talking to Republicans about Utah County's deplorable air quality, overcrowded schools, the need for Legislative ethics reform, and the need for portable, affordable health care.

In the most watched contest at Saturday's convention, RaDene Hatfield won 80 percent support against Fred Desposorio and will now go on to fight Republican Senate Majority Leader Curt Bramble for his seat.

Desposorio immediately eschewed the Democrats, announcing to the Daily Herald that he will continue his bid as an Independent.

Speaking in plenary session, Democrats said they are ready to bring balance back to Utah politics.

"I am pretty sure some of you are disgruntled, disenfranchised former Republicans," said House Minority Leader Brad King to thunderous applause. King is a candidate for Senate District 27.

Utah's political system "is sick because it is out of balance," he said. "The Founding Fathers never meant it to be this way ... . What happens between now and November will determine whether or not we have a true democracy.

"We especially need you to talk to your friends and tell them about the Democrats you know who are worthy of their vote and attention. ... We need to tell everyone in the state of Utah to release their inner Democrat. It is in there somewhere."

Congressman Jim Matheson said Utah voters are giving Democrats new attention because the public has "figured out that the Legislature does not listen to people anymore."

He advised his fellow Democratic candidates that winning in November will hinge on proving to voters that Democrats are listening.

"That is really the issue here in Utah today," he said.

His own campaign will focus on standing up against radioactive waste, fiscal responsibility and health care for the working poor, he said.