Is That Enough?

So it’s Crockett, and by a landslide of 1,019 votes, or .7% of the final tally.

I think the Republican primary was not unlike the Dan Jones poll that preceded it. This was not about Mark Crockett. Crockett is simply a placeholder with a small natural constituency. His single advantage is the (R) next to his name, which in a conservative state is no small advantage.

Ultimately, however, Mike Winder didn’t lose because of Mark Crockett, he lost because of Mike Winder (or more precisely, because of Richard Burwash.) The fact that Winder was the 500 pound gorilla in the Republican primary is attested to by the fact that the Tribune, in announcing Crockett’s victory, used a picture of Mike Winder receiving a consolation hug from his sister.

Still, the title of an earlier post on McAdams Apple remains the operant question: “Who is Mark Crockett?.” And now that Mike Winder is out of the race, is not being Mike Winder enough reason to vote for him?

My answer... only for voters who thoughtlessly mark a straight Republican ballot.

Certainly Crockett’s history as an abrasive personality with extreme views does not recommend him for leadership of a politically diverse county. Relying exclusively on his own merits, Crockett’s run for County Mayor would be a simple exercise in vanity, and little more than a joke.

But then there’s that (R) after his name. Salt Lake County voters must ask themselves, is that (R) enough?

I’m hopeful that it is not.