Steve Olsen to run for state legislature; previews Dem message

Steve Olsen, who ran against Congressman Rob Bishop in 2006, will challenge Republican Scott Jenkins in District 20 (Utah Amicus). We can expect to hear more language like this:

Olsen gives several reasons for his decision. "For many years, Democrats have talked about the need for balance in the Legislature. The events of the last few years highlight this need more than ever. Private school vouchers are only the most recent and visible example of how the Republicans on Capitol Hill have lost touch with the people of Utah. They knew that an overwhelming majority of Utah's citizens opposed this scheme, but they rammed the voucher bill through anyway.

"This is only one of many examples of the arrogance that is helping to change the political wind in Utah this year. Thoughtful Utahns are beginning to realize what Utah's moderate, patriotic Democrats have known for years — the Republicans that control the Legislature have become so extreme that Utah Democrats more closely represent the values of our citizens."

The Tribune has picked up on this framing; today's paper reviews the 2008 legislative session and asks, "Did your lawmakers listen to you?"