It’s been an honor to run for Congress as the Democratic nominee from Utah’s 1^st Congressional District. Congratulations to my opponent, Congressman Bishop, on a hard-fought race.

Since the beginning, this campaign has been focused on a mission--doing what’s right for Utah. That includes standing up for our veterans, protecting Medicare and Social Security – programs that seniors across our great state rely on – fighting for more opportunity while ensuring equal pay for young women, strengthening education, stewarding our precious public lands, developing energy responsibly and sustainability, and growing our economy. Nothing worthwhile is easy, but these are things worth fighting for.

As an Army veteran, I don’t take setbacks lightly.

We had many tremendous successes in this campaign. We picked up two major newspaper endorsements – The Standard-Examiner and the Park Record – and we outraised our opponent consistently over the last few months of the campaign.  Most importantly, we put issues that impact hardworking Utahns at the forefront of political discourse in northern Utah.

I am grateful for the support of WWII Marine Corps Veteran and Coalville Resident, Victor Rainey.  

"Editor, I am a WWII Veteran and I had the pleasure of visiting with Donna McAleer at my home in Coalville this week. I have long believed that America would be better off with more veterans serving in Congress, and I urge Utahns in District 1, to send Army veteran Donna McAleer to Congress. In the wake of two major conflicts overseas, we need to make sure our heroes receive the benefits they earned and deserve when they return home.

In 1995, I moved to Coalville, Utah. Previously while living and working as a banker in Mackay, Idaho I served as chair of the Republican Party in Custer County for several years in the early 1960’s. In my 85 years, I have been a banker and a rancher. I have seen so many of the Republican policies and witnessed how they have been harmful and detrimental to this country and our families. We are fighting two wars on borrowed money and by lowering taxes. No country should go to war unless we the citizens are going to support a draft and taxes are raised to pay for it. Less than 1 percent of our population has served or is serving.As I have researched Rob Bishop’s record on supporting veterans, and it is less than impressive. He received a "0 percent" rating from the Vietnam Veterans of America in 2011, and a "D" from the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America in 2010. His record includes votes against a pay raise for deployed troops, job assistance for returning vets, and increased funding for educational opportunities. 

From the Standard-Examiner editorial:

The Standard-Examiner Editorial Board recommends a vote for Democratic Party candidate Donna McAleer in the race for Utah’s First U.S. Congressional District.

 While the incumbent, Rep. Rob Bishop, has earned our endorsement often in the past, we are concerned about a political atmosphere in Washington D.C. that is all about opposition, rather than seeking bipartisan solutions. It’s not unreasonable for First Congressional District constituents to feel that high-decibel issues, such as immigration reform and the states’ battles for sovereignty of federal lands, are the most important issues. Those are causes that Rep. Bishop, a member of the Tea Party Caucus in the House, has spent an inordinate amount of time discussing these issues.

Meanwhile, there have been setbacks that involve issues of importance to the First District. Hill Air Force Base, a huge economic energizer for Utah, has seen a decline in its national security importance. Also, ATK, an operation of tremendous importance to the district, has declined in importance.

McAleer possesses a very impressive resume that qualifies her to represent the district. A graduate of West Point, she had an impressive military career. Outside the military, she has solid credentials in the professional field, including having overseen a non-profit health care company.

In our opinion, McAleer is a leader who can focus on the most important issues facing the First Congressional District. With her military background, she will be an effective advocate for the interests of Hill Air Force Base.

As a moderate-conservative Democrat, she will have an instant rapport with both sides of the political aisle. With her health care business experience, she understands the importance of holding on to heath care reform and making it better, rather than tearing it up and trying to re-start it. She understands that No Child Left Behind is too rigid an educational goal, and favors the federal government providing guidance to schools, and allowing localities to best educate children.

In our opinion, McAleer will best represent the interests of the district, keeping a close eye on the highest priorities of constituents.

 Read it online at the Standard-Examiner site:

http://www.standard.net/stories/2012/10/26/our-view-donna-mcaleer-us-congress

Read for yourself: We have outraised Rob Bishop in this race. That fact is covered in the Salt Lake Tribune Said the Tribue "Democrat Donna McAleer reported an impressive three-month fundraising total."

Here are some more facts:

• The majority of Bishop's money comes from the political action committees of energy companies
• 95% of Bishop's earmarks were allocated to spcial interest contributors (you do the math)
• The majority of OUR money comes from concerned individuals in Utah's District 1
• Bishop has so little interest in reaching out to his constituents, he gave most of his money to other political races
• We clearly have grass roots interest and the momentum has shifted our way

If you want to be a part of the movement you can VOLUNTEER or DONATE

The first debate is in the books. The results were clear. I plotted a course for change and growth while Rep. Bishop got defensive and tried to cover up a record of failure and inaction with weak rhetoric and accusations. I was humbled by the standing ovation at the end but it told me loud and clear what the people of Utah's District 1 really want.

The Standard-Examiner covered the debate fairly with an article this morning They also covered the point in the debate where the Congressman showed his true colors by dressing down a voter

There is quite a lively post-debate discussion going on over on our Facebook Page

Here are a few shots of the debate. My favorite is the shot of the audience where 30 some veterans stood when I singled them out for special recognition.