Subject: Questions from the Southern Utah University student newspaper - the University Journal.
Issue:
General
Date: October 28, 2004
Author: Ken Larsen

___Rachel Glidden wrote:

Hi,

My name is Rachel Glidden and I am a staff writer for the University Journal - the Southern Utah University student newspaper in Cedar City.  I am working on an article about some of the national parties, and I was hoping you could answer a couple of questions for me.  If you could get back to me as soon as possible, I would really appreciate it.

How many supporters of the Personal Choice party are there in Utah?

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Impossible to say.  We do not have a list of members.  That answer will be given on election night.

What is the party's platform on abortion?  On gay marriage?  On taxes?

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The Party platform is the two words, "Personal Choice."  Each individual then chooses how to interpret that platform for any specific issue.  Since our name is Personal Choice, you wouldn't expect us to make group choices, would you?  You can read the Party Constitution on our web site.  It specifically forbids the party from taking any stand on any issue.  Thus, those who may disagree on one issue can work together on another.  Thus, we tolerate where we disagree so we can cooperate where we agree.  You are free to decide what "personal choice" means to you regarding abortion, gay marriage, taxes, and every other issue.

What are the goals of the party?

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To lead the whole world into a new world of peace, freedom and  prosperity, through the magic of trust, love, respect and tolerance.

What is the party's history in Utah?

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We began talking about it in 1997.  For several weeks, we filled pages with names and finally agreed that "Personal Choice" said it best with the least baggage, even though PCP is also the name of a street drug.  We tried to petition in 2000 and 2002, but didn't quite make it.  In 2004, we submitted over 6,000 names and about 3,000 were certified, though we only needed 2,000.  I guess that means we have at least 6,000 supporters, or people willing for us to be on the ballot.  This is our first year.  We achieved ballot status in February and scrambled for the two dozen or so candidates who agreed to join us in March.  Now, we will see if Utah is ready for freedom.

What kind of promoting is done in Utah for the party?

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Mostly through our web site, Internet postings and press releases.  We are not connected to any big business or wealthy sources.  We are just little people, like the Minute Men, standing together on the bridge.

Where in the United States is the party the strongest?  Weakest?

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Right now, the party is on the ballot only in Utah.  However, our presidential candidate, Charles Jay, is from Indiana, and people in several other states have expressed an interest.  Hopefully, in a couple of more election cycles we will be a major force across the nation.  Then, the world.

How many candidates are running for national offices?  for offices in Utah?

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Charles Jay and Marilyn Chambers are running for President and Vice President.  Go to our web site and check out the list of candidates.  I don't know the exact number because we might have lost one or two for failing to file financial reports, but it is around two dozen.

I realize that you are busy with the elections coming up soon, but I appreciate your help in getting this information correct.

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The whole purpose of my campaign is to communicate my issues through people like you.  Please read my statements about my personal interpretations of the party platform on our website.  You'll find material there for dozens of articles.  And believe me, I sincerely appreciate any coverage you can give us at this early point in our history.  Hopefully, we'll have more for you to report in 2006.

Sincerely,
Rachel Glidden
University Journal Staff Writer

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Sincerely,
Ken Larsen, State Moderator and Candidate for Governor
Personal Choice Party of Utah