NRCC MEMO: UTAH PRIMARY RESULTS
TO: INTERESTED PARTIES
FROM: NRCC POLITICAL and NRCC COMMUNICATIONS
DATE: JUNE 29, 2016
SUBJECT: UTAH PRIMARY RESULTS
In an effort to distract from their glaring recruiting failures in districts all across the country, national Democrats are working overtime to convince political onlookers that they have a chance in Utah’s heavily Republican 4th District, but the data is not on their side. In 2012, President Obama received only 30% of the vote here. The Partisan Voter Index also heavily favors the GOP with a score of R+16. Additionally, Mia Love has established herself as a hardworking member who gets results for her constituents. Simply put, a strong incumbent like Mia Love starts the general election as the unquestionable favorite given her efforts on the ground and the fundamentals of the district. Anything else is just desperate spin by Democrats.
UT-04: Mia Love, R vs. Doug Owens, D
In this heavily Republican district, Mia Love enters the general election as a strong favorite. Love has established herself as a hardworking member and an articulate voice for the concerns of her constituents. She also sports a war chest of more than $1 million cash on hand and an effective campaign organization. As the general election ramps up, Love’s strength in this district will become even more apparent as voters begin to compare her record of service with Owens’ liberal positions.
Doug Owens has fully embraced Washington Democrats’ agenda as the DCCC continues to go to great lengths to tout his candidacy. Owens has abandoned all pretense of being an independent voice in hopes of receiving financial help from the national party. Given the heavily Republican tilt of this district and Mia Love’s strength as an incumbent, Owens has little choice but to hope national Democrats are willing to put their money where their press releases are if he is to have any shot at being competitive in November.
Overview: PVI: R+16; Romney 67.17% – Obama 30.22%. Utah’s 4th Congressional District is located in Salt Lake City and includes parts of Utah, Juab, and Sanpete Counties. The Cook Political Report rates this race as “Toss Up.” The Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report rates it as “Republican Favored.”
STATEWIDE ROUNDUP
The following are the unofficial results from Tuesday’s primary election in Utah.
*Indicates Winner determined by AP
UT-04 – GOP
Mia Love* Uncontested
UT-04 – DEM
Doug Owens* Uncontested