EPHRAIM – Sanpete County is one of 14 counties around the state that will host a Constitution Party convention over the next month as the election season shifts into high gear.
The Sanpete County Constitution Party convention will be held Saturday, March 26 at the Ephraim Co-op, beginning at 10 a.m.
Russ Hatch, state chairman for the Constitution Party, says the 2021 convention in Sanpete County brought out about 40 or 50 people. However, he expects a slightly better turnout this year.
Hatch says the keynote speaker at the 2022 convention will be former state legislator Stephen Christiansen. Christiansen is the author of the book titled “Restoring Liberty: The Battle to save our Constitutional Republic.”
Hatch, who is planning a run against Rep. Steven Lund for a spot in the Utah House of Representatives, says the focus of this year’s convention is to expand the party.
“[We’re] just trying to build up the party and get people active,” he said.
Other items on the agenda at the county convention, according to Hatch, pertain to party business and a discussion about upcoming events.
The Constitution Party has been around in Utah since 2001 but wasn’t on the ballot until 2004.
“We’re growing and developing and getting a better identity in the state,” Hatch said.
Salt Lake, Washington, Morgan, Uintah, Utah, Tooele, Davis, Iron, Cache, Duchesne, Weber and Box Elder counties are also holding Constitution Party conventions leading up to the state convention on April 23 in Spring City.
And while there won’t be a lot of candidates at the March 26 event, Hatch says two Constitution Party candidates who are running for U.S House seats will be at the April 23 convention.
Cassie Easley, of Cedar City, is running for a seat in the 2nd Congressional District, while Daniel Cummings is running in the 3rd Congressional District.
According to its website, the Utah Constitution Party says that government is the most expensive, inefficient and ineffective way to accomplish anything. To that end, the party says it offers effective and innovative non-government solutions.