I have lived in Utah 40+ years. Not all Utahns will agree, but I feel my answer represents many of us.  We feel we can and should hold our elected leaders to high standards of personal conduct and integrity.  Many of us are uneasy…or even downright dismayed with Mr. Trump on both counts — even when we agree with him on many policies.

That brings me to our current Senate race. Why is an independent who has never held elective office running neck and neck with an incumbent Republican Senator? Many of us agree with Mike Lee’s position on certain issues and appreciate his constitutional outlook. But we are uneasy with his personal conduct and integrity, specifically in regards to his documented actions to help overturn the results of our last presidential election. His denial of these facts during the recent Senatorial Debate underscores our unease. (See KSL’s Fact Check after the debate — Senator Lee’s comments were untruthful.)

Now to the crux of the matter: Is unease sufficient grounds to vote Senator Lee out? For me the question required a more nuanced answer. Is the alternative a better choice? Does he offer more than just replacing Mike Lee? I followed Evan McMullin’s presidential run and became familiar with his personal story and objectives. But I couldn’t answer those questions affirmatively until recently. I have now met Evan and his wife, Emily. I listened to his story and know his background — how he served our nation with integrity, dedication and sacrifice. I know of his commitment to bridge Washington’s rancorous partisan divide.  I know how he plans to have a meaningful voice in the Senate representing Utah.  I believe he will succeed.

If your unease … or dismay … has brought you to the threshold of considering a viable alternative to Senator Lee, please consider Evan McMullin.

Carl Johnson, Eagle Mountain