Jump to content

2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Utah

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Utah
← 2010 November 6, 2012 2014 →
All 4 Utah seats to the United States House of Representatives
  Majority party Minority party
 
Party Republican Democratic
Last election 2 1
Seats won 3 1
Seat change Increase1 Steady
Popular vote 647,873 324,309
Percentage 64.86% 32.47%
Swing Increase3.82% Decrease1.6%
Elections in Utah
Federal government
Presidential elections
Presidential primaries
Democratic
2000
2004
2008
2016
2020
2024
Republican
2008
2012
2016
2020
2024
U.S. Senate elections
U.S. House of Representatives elections
State government
General elections
Gubernatorial elections
Attorney General elections
Auditor elections
State Senate elections
House of Representatives elections
Ballot measures
2004
2018
2020
Salt Lake City
Mayoral elections
Salt Lake County
Mayoral elections

The 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Utah were held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, and elected the four U.S. representatives from the state of Utah, an increase of one seat in reapportionment following the 2010 United States census. The elections coincided with the elections of other federal and state offices, including a quadrennial federal presidential election, a concurrent quadrennial statewide gubernatorial election, all other simultaneous quadrennial statewide executive official election, and an election to the U.S. Senate. Primary elections were held on June 26, 2012.[1]

Overview

[edit]
United States House of Representatives elections in Utah, 2012[2]
Party Votes Percentage Seats Before Seats After +/–
Republican 647,873 64.86% 2 3 +1
Democratic 324,309 32.47% 1 1 -
Constitution 14,481 1.45% 0 0 -
Libertarian 6,439 0.64% 0 0 -
Independent 5,795 0.58% 0 0 -
Totals 998,897 100.00% 3 4 +1

Redistricting

[edit]

In Utah, the redistricting process was controlled by members of the Republican Party, who formed a majority on the State Legislature's redistricting committee. The plan passed October 2011 divides Salt Lake County among three districts, which Republicans argued would require Utah's U.S. Representatives focus on both urban and rural issues.[3][4] Jim Dabakis, the chair of the Utah Democratic Party, argued that the map constituted a gerrymander designed to benefit the Republican Party.[5]

District 1

[edit]

Republican incumbent Rob Bishop, who has represented Utah's 1st congressional district since 2003, ran for re-election, having decided against running for governor.

Republican primary

[edit]

Candidates

[edit]
Nominee
[edit]
Eliminated in primary
[edit]
  • Leonard "Joe" Fabiano, business entrepreneur and candidate for senate in 2010
  • Jacqueline Smith, homemaker and Tea Party activist
Withdrawn
[edit]

Results

[edit]

Rob Bishop became the official Republican candidate April 21, 2012 at the State Republican Convention.

Republican convention, 1st round results[7]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Rob Bishop 786 81.1
Republican Jacqueline Smith 158 16.3
Republican Leonard Fabiano 25 2.6
Total votes 969 100.0

Democratic primary

[edit]

Candidates

[edit]
Nominee
[edit]
  • Donna McAleer, management consultant and West Point graduate
Eliminated in primary
[edit]
  • Ryan Combe, small business owner

Results

[edit]
Democratic primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Donna McAleer 3,881 66.6
Democratic Ryan Combe 1,944 33.4
Total votes 5,825 100.0

Constitution primary

[edit]

Candidates

[edit]
Nominee
[edit]
  • Sherry Phipps

General election

[edit]

Polling

[edit]
Poll source Date(s)
administered 		Sample
size 		Margin of
error 		Rob
Bishop (R) 		Donna
McAleer (D) 		Sherry
Phipps (C) 		Undecided
Dan Jones & Associates[8] October 26–November 1, 2012 194 (RV) ±7.0% 70% 15% 2% 10%
Key Research/Brigham Young University[9] October 9–13, 2012 407 (LV) ±7.0% 62% 20% – 18%

Results

[edit]
Utah's 1st congressional district, 2012
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Rob Bishop (incumbent) 175,487 71.5
Democratic Donna M. McAleer 60,611 24.7
Constitution Sherry Phipps 9,430 3.8
Total votes 245,528 100.0
Republican hold

District 2

[edit]

Democratic incumbent Jim Matheson, who has represented Utah's 2nd congressional district since 2001, sought re-election in the new 4th district.

Democratic primary

[edit]

Candidates

[edit]
Nominee
[edit]
Eliminated in primary
[edit]
  • Dean Collinwood
  • Mike Small[10]

Republican primary

[edit]

Candidates

[edit]
Nominee
[edit]
Eliminated in primary
[edit]
Withdrawn
[edit]
Declined
[edit]

Results

[edit]
Republican convention, 1st round results[20]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Chris Stewart 365 39.6
Republican David Clark 234 25.0
Republican Milton Ray Hanks 121 13.0
Republican Howard Wallack 51 5.5
Republican Cherilyn Eagar 48 5.2
Republican Jason Buck 42 4.5
Republican Bob Fuehr 24 2.6
Republican Chuck Williams 16 1.7
Republican Jeramey McElhaney 14 1.5
Republican John W. Willoughby 6 0.7
Republican Edward Mayerhofer 0 0.0
Total votes 921 100.0
Republican convention, 2nd round results
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Chris Stewart 386 43.9
Republican David Clark 283 32.2
Republican Milton Ray Hanks 65 7.4
Republican Jeramey McElhaney 63 7.2
Republican Jason Buck 57 6.5
Republican Bob Fuehr 25 2.8
Total votes 879 100.0
Republican convention, 3rd round results
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Chris Stewart 511 61.6
Republican David Clark 319 38.4
Total votes 830 100.0

Constitution primary

[edit]

Candidates

[edit]
Nominee
[edit]
  • Jonathan D. Garrard

Independents

[edit]

Independent candidate Charles Kimball also filed.

General election

[edit]

Endorsements

[edit]
Jay Seegmiller (D)

Organizations

Chris Stewart (R)

Organizations

Polling

[edit]
Poll source Date(s)
administered 		Sample
size 		Margin of
error 		Jay
Seegmiller (D) 		Chris
Stewart (R) 		Other Undecided
Dan Jones & Associates[23] October 26–November 1, 2012 229 (RV) ±6.5% 28% 44% 5% 22%
Mason-Dixon/Salt Lake Tribune[24] October 29–31, 2012 625 (LV) ±4.0% 28% 55% 5% 12%
Key Research/Brigham Young University[9] October 9–13, 2012 100 (LV) ±10.0% 20% 46% – 34%

Predictions

[edit]
Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[25] Safe R (flip) November 5, 2012
Rothenberg[26] Safe R (flip) November 2, 2012
Roll Call[27] Safe R (flip) November 4, 2012
Sabato's Crystal Ball[28] Safe R (flip) November 5, 2012
NY Times[29] Safe R (flip) November 4, 2012
RCP[30] Safe R (flip) November 4, 2012
The Hill[31] Safe R (flip) November 4, 2012

Results

[edit]
Utah's 2nd congressional district, 2012
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Chris Stewart 154,523 62.2
Democratic Jay Seegmiller 83,176 33.5
Constitution Jonathan D. Garrard 5,051 2.0
Independent Joseph Andrade 2,971 1.2
Independent Charles E. Kimball 2,824 1.1
Total votes 248,545 100.0
Republican gain from Democratic

District 3

[edit]

Jason Chaffetz, was seeking a third term in representing Utah's 3rd congressional district;[32]

Republican primary

[edit]

Candidates

[edit]
Nominee
[edit]
Eliminated in primary
[edit]
  • Brian Jenkins
  • Lynn D. Wardle
Withdrawn
[edit]
  • Kurt Bradburn.[33]
  • Leonard "Joe" Fabiano, business entrepreneur and candidate for senate in 2010[34]

Results

[edit]
Republican convention, 1st round results[35]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jason Chaffetz 710 75.0
Republican Lynn D. Wardle 208 22.0
Republican Brian Jenkins 29 3.0
Total votes 947 100.0

Democratic primary

[edit]

Candidates

[edit]
Nominee
[edit]
  • Soren Simonsen, Salt Lake City Council Chair[36]
Eliminated in primary
[edit]
  • Richard Clark

General election

[edit]

Endorsements

[edit]
Soren Simonsen (D)

Organizations

Polling

[edit]
Poll source Date(s)
administered 		Sample
size 		Margin of
error 		Jason
Chaffetz (R) 		Soren
Simonsen (D) 		Other Undecided
Dan Jones & Associates[38] October 26–November 1, 2012 232 ±6.4% 68% 18% 3% 10%
Key Research/Brigham Young University[39] October 9–13, 2012 100 (LV) ±4.4% 68% 15% — 17%

Results

[edit]
Utah's 3rd congressional district, 2012
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jason Chaffetz 198,828 76.6
Democratic Soren D. Simonsen 60,719 23.4
Total votes 259,547 100.0
Republican hold

District 4

[edit]

Democratic U.S. Representative Jim Matheson, who has represented Utah's 2nd congressional district since 2001 and had considered running for governor[40] or for the U.S. Senate,[41] sought re-election to the House in Utah's new 4th congressional district after his previous seat was split up by the redistricting.[42][43]

Democratic primary

[edit]

Candidates

[edit]
Nominee
[edit]

Republican primary

[edit]

Candidates

[edit]
Nominee
[edit]
Eliminated in primary
[edit]
Declined
[edit]

Polling

[edit]
Poll source Date(s)
administered 		Sample
size 		Margin of
error 		Jay
Cobb 		Mia
Love 		Stephen
Sandstrom 		Carl
Wimmer 		Other Undecided
Mason-Dixon[44] April 9–11, 2011 625 (LV) ± 4.0% — 23% 14% 35% 28% —
Dan Jones & Associates December 19–21, 2011 341 (RV) ± 5.3% 3% 8% 15% 15% 19% 41%

Results

[edit]

In the Republican convention, held on April 21, 2012, Love received 70.4% of the vote (she needed more than 60% to avoid a primary).[45]

Republican convention, 1st round results[46]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Mia Love 442 53.1
Republican Carl Wimmer 256 30.8
Republican Steve Sandstrom 81 9.7
Republican Jay Cobb 52 6.3
Republican Kenneth Gray 1 0.1
Total votes 863 100.0
Republican convention, 2nd round results
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Mia Love 551 70.5
Republican Carl Wimmer 231 29.5
Total votes 782 100.0

Libertarian primary

[edit]

Candidates

[edit]
Nominee
[edit]
  • Jim Vein
Withdrawn
[edit]
  • Ken Larsen, medical researcher

Justice primary

[edit]

Candidates

[edit]
Withdrawn
[edit]
  • Torin Nelson

General election

[edit]

Campaign

[edit]

Despite beginning her campaign at a significant name recognition disadvantage to Matheson, Love was able to mount a strong challenge. This was in part fueled by a prime time speaking slot at the Republican National Convention where she impressed many with her backstory of a being the daughter of Haitian immigrants whose parents "Immigrated to the U.S. with $10 in their pocket" and her themes of self-reliance, small government and fiscal responsibility.[47] However she was later hit by claims that she was technically an Anchor Baby, despite having seemingly backing the deportation of the US-born children of illegal immigrants.[48]

Facing a district largely new to him, Matheson ran ads showcasing his independent credentials and airing clips of Love voicing support for cutting the Department of Education and privatizing Social Security. Despite the NRCC running ads trying to tie him to Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama, Matheson's favorability rating remained at around 60% throughout the campaign.[49]

Endorsements

[edit]
Jim Matheson (D)

Organizations

Mia Love (R)

Organizations

Polling
[edit]
Poll source Date(s)
administered 		Sample
size 		Margin of
error 		Jim
Matheson (D) 		Mia
Love (R) 		Jim
Vein (L) 		Undecided
Dan Jones & Associates[55] October 26–November 1, 2012 414 (RV) ±4.8% 43% 48% 3% 6%
Mason-Dixon/Salt Lake Tribune[24] October 29–31, 2012 625 (LV) ±4.0% 40% 52% 2% 6%
Key Research/Brigham Young University[9] October 9–13, 2012 407 (LV) ±7.0% 43% 43% — 14%
Global Strategy (D)[56] October 9–10, 2012 407 (LV) ±4.9% 48% 41% — 11%
Dan Jones & Associates[57] September 26–29, 2012 414 (RV) ±5.0% 43% 49% — 8%
Public Opinion Strategies (R-Love/NRCC)[58] September 10–11, 2012 400 (LV) ±4.9% 36% 51% — 13%
Global Strategy (D)[59] July 26–29, 2012 400 (LV) ±4.9% 51% 33% — 16%
Dan Jones & Associates[60] June 15–21, 2012 379 (RV) ±5.1% 53% 38% 1% 8%
Mason-Dixon/Salt Lake Tribune[61] April 9–11, 2012 625 (LV) ±4.0% 45% 42% — 13%
Dan Jones & Associates[62] December 19–21, 2011 341 (RV) ±5.3% 53% 36% 4% 12%

An early poll published by the Deseret News on Dec 25, 2011 showed Jim Matheson leading all potential opponents.[63]

Hypothetical polling
With Cobb
[edit]
Poll source Date(s)
administered 		Sample
size 		Margin of
error 		Jim
Matheson (D) 		Jay
Cobb (R) 		Undecided
Dan Jones & Associates December 19–21, 2011 341 (RV) ±5.3% 54% 35% 11%
With Sandstrom
[edit]
Poll source Date(s)
administered 		Sample
size 		Margin of
error 		Jim
Matheson (D) 		Stephen
Sandstrom (R) 		Undecided
Mason-Dixon[64] April 9–11, 2012 625 (LV) ±4.0% 45% 42% 13%
Dan Jones & Associates[65] December 19–21, 2011 341 (RV) ±5.3% 50% 41% 10%
With Wimmer
[edit]
Poll source Date(s)
administered 		Sample
size 		Margin of
error 		Jim
Matheson (D) 		Carl
Wimmer (R) 		Undecided
Mason-Dixon[64] April 9–11, 2012 625 (LV) ±4.0% 46% 45% 9%
Dan Jones & Associates[65] December 19–21, 2011 341 (RV) ±5.3% 52% 41% 7%

Predictions

[edit]
Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report Lean R November 5, 2012
Rothenberg[26] Tilts R November 2, 2012
Roll Call[27] Lean R November 4, 2012
Sabato's Crystal Ball[28] Lean R November 5, 2012
NY Times[29] Tossup November 4, 2012
RCP[30] Tossup November 4, 2012
The Hill[31] Tossup November 4, 2012

Results

[edit]

Matheson narrowly defeated the Love in the general election by only 768 votes.[66] If Love had won the seat, she would have become the first African-American Republican woman to sit in the House.[67]

Utah's 4th congressional district, 2012
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Jim Matheson 119,803 48.8
Republican Mia Love 119,035 48.5
Libertarian Jim L. Vein 6,439 2.6
Total votes 6,439 100.0
Democratic win (new seat)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "2012 Election Information". Utah Lieutenant Governor. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  2. ^ "Utah Election Results". Archived from the original on January 12, 2007. Retrieved January 12, 2007.
  3. ^ "Congress: SB3002, Final Congressional Boundaries Designation, by Sen. Okerlund". October 18, 2011. Archived from the original on April 9, 2012. Retrieved April 12, 2012.
  4. ^ "Republicans approve new Utah congressional map". October 18, 2011. Retrieved April 12, 2012.
  5. ^ Davidson, Lee (September 27, 2011). "Favored redistricting map splits Salt Lake County three ways". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  6. ^ a b Romboy, Dennis (October 10, 2011). "Redistricting squabble has GOP congressional hopefuls wondering where to line up". Deseret News. Archived from the original on January 21, 2013. Retrieved October 14, 2011.
  7. ^ "Election Results: Utah Congressional District 1". Utah Republican Party. April 21, 2012. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  8. ^ Dan Jones & Associates
  9. ^ a b c Key Research/Brigham Young University
  10. ^ "2012 Utah State Democratic Convention | Utah Democratic Party". Archived from the original on April 24, 2012. Retrieved April 22, 2012.
  11. ^ a b Roche, Lisa Riley (November 12, 2011). "Author Chris Stewart running for 2nd District seat". Deseret News. Archived from the original on April 26, 2012. Retrieved November 21, 2011.
  12. ^ a b Gehrke, Robert (January 19, 2012). "Former NFL player Jason Buck is in contest". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved January 23, 2012.
  13. ^ Romboy, Dennis (January 11, 2012). "Dave Clark launches bid for Congress at St. George economic summit". Deseret News. Archived from the original on January 12, 2012. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
  14. ^ Page, Jared (August 16, 2011). "Cherilyn Eagar announces congressional campaign". Deseret News. Archived from the original on August 18, 2011. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  15. ^ "Executive Focus: Robert C. Fuehr, V.P. & CEO, US West Communications". The Deseret News. Archived from the original on November 5, 2013.
  16. ^ Davidson, Lee (April 6, 2011). "Republican announces he will challenge Matheson". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved July 14, 2011.
  17. ^ Hesterman, Billy (October 22, 2011). "County lawmakers mulling futures after redistricting". Daily Herald. Retrieved October 26, 2011.
  18. ^ Gehrke, Robert (November 30, 2011). "Philpot will challenge Herbert for Utah governor". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  19. ^ Gehrke, Robert (December 15, 2011). "Dan Liljenquist resigns en route to expected challenge of Orrin Hatch". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  20. ^ "Election Results: Utah Congressional District 2". Utah Republican Party. April 21, 2012. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  21. ^ "Utah Chapter Political Committee Endorsements for 2012". sierraclub.org. Archived from the original on December 14, 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  22. ^ "CANDIDATES". gopyoungguns.com. Archived from the original on January 1, 2013. Retrieved January 16, 2023.
  23. ^ Dan Jones & Associates
  24. ^ a b Mason-Dixon/Salt Lake Tribune
  25. ^ "The Cook Political Report — Charts – 2012 House Competitive Races". Cookpolitical.com. November 5, 2012. Retrieved November 6, 2012.
  26. ^ a b "House Ratings". Rothenbergpoliticalreport.com. November 2, 2012. Retrieved November 4, 2012.
  27. ^ a b [1], as of November 4, 2012
  28. ^ a b Crystal Ball, as of November 5, 2012
  29. ^ a b House Race Ratings, The New York Times, as of November 4, 2012
  30. ^ a b [2], as of November 4, 2012
  31. ^ a b "House Ratings". The Hill. November 3, 2012. Retrieved November 4, 2012.
  32. ^ Page, Jared (August 22, 2011). "Rep. Jason Chaffetz running again, but not against Sen. Orrin Hatch". Deseret News. Archived from the original on August 24, 2011. Retrieved August 23, 2011.
  33. ^ Gehrke, Robert (July 11, 2011). "Wimmer declares his candidacy for Congress". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved July 31, 2011.
  34. ^ "Utah Republican Party". Archived from the original on June 23, 2012. Retrieved August 19, 2012.
  35. ^ "Election Results: Utah Congressional District 3". Utah Republican Party. April 21, 2012. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  36. ^ Cortez, Marjorie (April 21, 2012). "Democrats to have primary election in 1st Congressional District". The Deseret News. Archived from the original on January 21, 2013. Retrieved September 17, 2011.
  37. ^ Jeff Robinson (July 6, 2012). "Equality Utah Releases 2012 Endorsements, Some Stay Private". kcpw.org. Archived from the original on September 11, 2015. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  38. ^ Dan Jones & Associates
  39. ^ Key Research/Brigham Young University
  40. ^ Vanocur, Chris (September 29, 2011). "EXCLUSIVE: Matheson may run in different district". ABC 4.com. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  41. ^ Miller, Joshua; Trygstad, Kyle (October 28, 2011). "Matheson Decides Against Utah Senate Bid". Roll Call. Retrieved October 31, 2011.
  42. ^ a b Romboy, Dennis (December 15, 2011). "Rep. Jim Matheson jumps to 4th Congressional District for re-election". Deseret News. Archived from the original on January 7, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2011.
  43. ^ TERRY GILDEA (May 3, 2012). "In Utah, GOP House Candidate Out To Make History". npr.org. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  44. ^ Mason-Dixon
  45. ^ Gehrke, Robert (April 21, 2012). "Love wins 4th District nomination, will face Matheson". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved April 24, 2012.
  46. ^ "Election Results: Utah Congressional District 2". Utah Republican Party. April 21, 2012. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  47. ^ "Rising GOP star Mia Love glides into the spotlight at convention". Fox News. August 28, 2012. Archived from the original on May 13, 2013. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  48. ^ Stephanie Mencimer (October 1, 2012). "GOP Rising Star Mia Love: "Anchor Baby"? (Updated)". motherjones.com. Archived from the original on June 19, 2013. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  49. ^ Kyle Trygstad (November 15, 2012). "Matheson Brand Trumped Top of the Ticket in Utah". rollcall.com. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  50. ^ "Blue Dog Membership". bluedogdems.ngpvanhost.com. Blue Dog Coalition. Archived from the original on October 28, 2012. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  51. ^ "2012 Frontline Democrats". actblue.com. DCCC. Archived from the original on July 29, 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  52. ^ "Maggie's List is pleased to endorse these conservative women candidates". maggieslist.org. Maggie's List. Archived from the original on August 26, 2012. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  53. ^ "CANDIDATES". gopyoungguns.com. Archived from the original on October 29, 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  54. ^ "2012 Candidate List" (PDF). sba-list.org. June 27, 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 14, 2012. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  55. ^ Dan Jones & Associates
  56. ^ Global Strategy (D)
  57. ^ Dan Jones & Associates
  58. ^ Public Opinion Strategies (R-Love/NRCC)
  59. ^ Global Strategy (D)
  60. ^ Dan Jones & Associates
  61. ^ Mason-Dixon/Salt Lake Tribune
  62. ^ Dan Jones & Associates
  63. ^ Romboy, Dennis (December 25, 2011). "Rep. Jim Matheson leads all comers in Utah's new 4th Congressional District, poll shows". Deseret News. Archived from the original on January 21, 2013. Retrieved December 26, 2011.
  64. ^ a b Mason-Dixon
  65. ^ a b Dan Jones & Associates
  66. ^ "Mia Love Election Results: Jim Matheson Bests Republican Challenger". The Huffington Post. November 7, 2012. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
  67. ^ Moody, Chris (April 24, 2012). "Mia Love: black, conservative, Mormon, GOP House candidate from Utah". OTUS News. ABC News. Retrieved May 23, 2012.
[edit]
Official campaign websites
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2012_United_States_House_of_Representatives_elections_in_Utah&oldid=1256428989"