This Just In
Utah Breaking News | Brought to you by Utah Policy
Monday, February 24, 2014
By Bryan Schott
Flash back to 2012 when when Dan Liljenquist was desperately trying to get Orrin Hatch to debate ahead of their GOP primary matchup.
Hatch had nothing to gain and everything to lose by engaging with Liljenquist. In the end, Hatch was able to dictate the terms of engagement by allowing a single debate on the radio - out of the view of TV cameras and away from the public eye.
A new coalition of media outlets and educational institutions aims to prevent that kind of electoral "keep away" in the future by partnering on a series of televised political debates. With every major TV station in Utah on board, it will be very hard for the candidates in major races to say no.