Yesterday Jason Chaffetz stated he would not run for reelection in 2018, making the 3rd Congressional District in UT an open seat and leading to much speculation about his true motives for withdrawing. My campaign has raised significant funds to run in the 3rd district, but we will need so much more now that the field is open and more reputable Repiblican candidates are likely to step up. See drkathieforcongress.com to volunteer, donate, etc.
My message has not changed, however. He and his colleagues have failed to hold government accountable and have tarnished the GOP by upholding unethical and unprincipled behavior. While they have attenuated environmental protections, tried to decimate health care, and threatened safety net programs such as Meals on Wheels, Jason himself has been direlect in his duty to investigate the conflicts of interests of the Trump Administration. He has been disinterested in the potentially treasonous ties between Trump and Russia. This is unacceptable and we will continue to challenge his passivity.
As I sit awaiting the commencement of training by 314 Action — an organization that promotes science-based candidates -- in Washington, DC, I reaffirm my commitment to a science-based platform. I reaffirm my platform to strengthen the middle class and to protect those who have been threatened and devalued by the present Administration, particularly immigrants and Muslims. The disrespect shown to women and the obliviousness to our value will come back to haunt those in power when we finally achieve a critical mass in Congress — when we can finally make an impact on the “group think” that has led to obstructionism and stalemate.
By necessity, our campaign must recalibrate with Chaffetz out of the race, but our values will continue to promote health care for all, a clean and safe environment, public education that is strong and unassailable, and equal protections under the law for all citizens.
The Indivisibles and other organizations of protest deserve a moment of pride for helping drive Chaffetz out of the Congress. Thank you all. Now, let’s finish the job.