I had an interesting conversation with a pretty important figure in the community. He encouraged me to run again for the State Legislature. Next time on the Republican ticket. He said that while it would be a tough race for the Primaries, but winning that, I’d pretty much walk into Congress. He dropped some names on me of people who would support me. It’s tempting. I said that I would give it the utmost consideration. The support that I had was incredible, and knowing that I would have more really is encouraging.
However to be honest, the process of campaigning was draining. A lot of work for very little reward other than “Just Doing The Right Thing.” The compensation for being in office doesn’t equal the expenses that I would have being out in SLC while the House is in session. I was willing to do it before, but it was a lot to put my family through. We made a lot of sacrifices as a family, and I don’t want to ask them to go through that again for another run at the House.
State Senate on the other hand, that’s a different story. If I was to run for office again, it would be for the Senate and right now, the man in that office is unassailable. I’d have to wait until he was more vulnerable. So until then… I just have to say “I’ll think about it.”
I would think that being on a Republican ticket will be a world of difference than going as an Independant…mainly the financial backing and exposure. If you were the top “no name” guy on your first run, just think if you have full Republican support? Downside is that you will be put under the microscope and possibly your family as well, and that’s where it might make things uncomfortable. It’s a real double-edged sword. You can get your foot in the door with this backing and then it would be solely up to you on how far you want to take your political career.
I am just really unenthusiastic about running again right now… and that’s what prompted the visit and conversation. If I was to decide right now, at this minute, the answer would be no. However I remain humbled by the support that I had, and continue to have. If I had the big “R” by my name, I’d have won.