Democratic hopefuls up for election in Washington County this November don’t view themselves as sacrificial lambs, even if they concede the odds of winning are against them. And they define success a little differently.
The Washington County Democratic Party holds a breakfast meeting at George's Corner in St. George, on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022. The minority party organizes Conversation Over Easy, a weekly breakfast gathering for progressives.This story is available to Salt Lake Tribune subscribers only. Thank you for supporting local journalism.
Still, there are actual registered Democrats in Washington County — 9,796, of them compared to 67,164 Republicans, according to Abplanalp. Given that discrepancy, Democrats like Tom and Helen Platis try and keep a low profile surrounded as they are by many avid “MAGA” Republicans. To cope, they gather with a few close Democratic friends living in the area to commiserate.
Chuck Goode, Washington County Democratic County chair who is running for County Commission Seat B against incumbent Republican Victor Iverson, has also encountered some opposition. , is trying to upend Incumbent Republican Adam Snow in the battle for County Commission Seat C. Washington City resident Ila Fica, a certified mental health counselor, is vying against Republican Joseph Elison in the state House District 72 race.
As short as the party is on candidates, Democratic candidates’ say they are long on ideas that pose fresh solutions to old problems, like the area’s looming water shortage. Instead of doubling down, like some Republicans, on creating new reservoirs and building the Lake Powell Pipeline, Democrats in Washington County say they are upping their counterparts by introducing conservation measures.that pull moisture from the air and can produce up to 20 liters of water per day.
Vince Brown, director of the Utah Tech University’s Institute of Politics, said it’s important for candidates belonging to parties in “permanent minority status,” like Washington County Democrats, to put distance between themselves and the national party and to avoid divisive cultural issues.