Northwoods Reporter

During the 2024 Republican State Convention, Governor Spencer Cox made statements that have drawn criticism from the Iron County Republican Party. The governor suggested that delegates not voting for him "hate too much" and labeled them as "radical extremists." He further implied that without his support, the Republican Party might lose the Neighborhood Caucus-Convention System, which ensures equal participation in elections.

The Iron County Republican Party expressed concern about Cox's approach, fearing it may worsen as the campaign progresses to third-party advertising. They emphasized that volunteer delegates devote significant time and resources to their roles and deserve respect.

Cox's comments came after some state delegates expressed dissatisfaction by booing him at the start of his speech. While disapproving of booing as a communication method, the party criticized Cox's response and called for better leadership from him as a governor and Republican leader.

The party suggested that if Cox had delivered a more positive speech, explained disagreements better, avoided collecting signatures, and visited areas like Iron County more often, he might have received more than 29% of the vote. They pointed to Senator Orrin Hatch's successful campaign in 2012 as an example of effective campaigning despite controversy.

Delegates are elected by their neighbors based on respect gained through community service and other positions. The party believes non-delegate voters would make similar decisions if given equal access to candidates.

They also highlighted disparities in campaign funding as a reason for differences between convention and primary results. They argued against labeling these differences as due to delegates being "extreme and radical."

In the 2020 primary with three other candidates, Cox received 36% of the vote, only slightly higher than his convention support. The party stressed the importance of Cox reaching out to unify Republicans who voted for other candidates.

The Iron County Republican Party called on Cox to retract his remarks and apologize to Utah's Republican organization, voters, and state delegates.

"Justice4All," represented by Wayne Wickizer aka The Ole’ Buzzard, commented on telling truths about Cox and Henderson but pledged to improve disagreement tactics in future communications.

The Iron County Republican Party endorsed Phil Lyman for governor following his success at the Utah Republican State Convention with 67.54% support.