Mid-Term Election Results

Utah Election Results: No Surprises

By Tracy Medley, 11-08-06

Above: Catching Rep. Jim Matheson off guard at the Democratic Election party Below: Christian Burridge and future Salt Lake County Sherriff, Jim Winder

Updated
1:40a.m.
There were no real suprises in Utah tonight. Sen. Orrin Hatch(R), Rep. Rob Bishop(R) , Rep. Chris Cannon(R) and Rep. Jim Matheson(D) all held onto their seats by pretty high margins. The success of these incumbents makes Utah unique in an election that saw major changes throughout the rest of the nation. While Republicans have once again, won the battle here in Utah, they may have a war on their hands when Dems take control of the House this winter; something they haven't had to deal with since Republicans took control of Congress in 1994.

Hatch: 62.63 percent
Ashdown: 30.79 percent (99.37 percent reporting)

Matheson: 59 percent
Christensen: 37.38 percent (99.4 percent reporting)

Bishop: 63.39 percent
Olsen: 32.17 percent (99.1 percent reporting)

Cannon: 57.86 percent
Burridge: 32.08 percent (100 percent reporting)

1:06a.m.According to The Salt Lake Tribune exit polls show that Proposition 3, which will raise sales tax .25% earmarked for transit and transportation, will pass as expected.

12:34a.m.
It looks like bad news for 3rd District Judge Leslie Lewis. The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Judge Lewis was voted "off the bench" along with Grand County Justice County Judge Paul C. Cox. Lewis became a target of the Gun Owners of Utah after, what they perceived as "extreme prejudice" against lawful activity by gun owners, though it was her appearance on YouTube, where she was seen giving the business to a defendant's brother. She was also accused of allegedly changing the sentence of a sex offender without notifying the prosecution.

Despite the criticism she's received, Lewis does have her supporters. According to The Tribune several attorneys who have publically supported Lewis feel that the district is "losing a competent, experienced judge."

Lewis will serve as a judge in the 3rd District until December 31 when her term ends.
11:55p.m.
With 93 percent of the district reporting, things aren't looking good for Senatorial hopeful Pete Ashdown. Ashdown's early lead was most likely the result of early returns from the Salt Lake valley; clearly the most liberal area in the state.

11:06p.m.
Hatch: 62.29 percent
Ashdown: 31.14 percent

Matheson: 59.68 percent
Christensen: 36.71 percent

Cannon: 59.94 percent
Burridge: 32.66 percent

Bishop: 65.24 percent
Olsen: 30.31 percent

10:52 Live from the Democratic Election party at the Marriott hotel in downtown Salt Lake City. It's hot, but the free brownies are good and the booze is flowing freely (though, this being Utah..at considerable cost to one's wallet). Jim Matheson is making his victory rounds with the various news stations and the crowd continues to cheer at the national victories taking place elsewhere in the country.

Christian Burridge is looking cheerful despite his projected loss to longtime Republican incumbent Chris Cannon.

Pete Ashdown is refusing to give up telling KCPW that the 18 months he's spent on the campaign make it impossible for him to give up until every vote is counted.

9:02p.m. In the race for Congressional District 1, Rob Bishop is pulling ahead of his Democratic challenger Steven Olsen with 19 of 667 precincts reporting.

Bishop: 55.43 percent
Olsen: 40.87 percent

Christian Burridge is holding onto his slight lead over Republican incumbent Chris Cannon with only 2 of 634 precincts reporting.

Burridge: 47.1 percent
Cannon: 45.64 percent

As predicted Democrat Jim Matheson is pulling way ahead of his Republican challenger LaVar Christensen with 21 of 925 precincts reporting.

Matheson: 70.67 percent
Christensen: 24.85 percent

Though the race between Ashdown and Hatch has tightened up, Ashdown is still holding his early lead with 42 of 2227 precints reporting.

Ashdown: 48.86 percent
Hatch: 45.95 percent

As of 8:50p.m. In Salt Lake City, Democrat Pete Ashdown has an early lead
over Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch in the U.S. Senate race in Utah. With 16 of the
2227precincts reporting, according to KSL.com

Ashdown: 53.34 percent
Hatch: 41.62 percent

Updates will be provided troughout the night.

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