David Kirkham May Think About Challenging Senator Hatch

[David Kirkham]

Guys,

I know this is a political post, but as I consider you all a community of friends we have known for years and years I feel like you should hear this first from me before you read it somewhere else. Ever since I organized the first Tea Party in Utah the thought of running for office has popped in and out of my mind. The thoughts are usually gone with the roar of a 427, driving in a canyon, or the next billet part flashing through our imagination.

Utah's political world upended last week when Congressman Chaffetz declined to enter the Senate race against Senator Hatch. Upon hearing the news, my wife turned to me and said, "If Chaffetz won't do it, then you have to." I told her, "But I love what I do. I love making things at the shop." She replied, "Don't you want other people to be able to have that same feeling and love their businesses too?"

I haven't even dipped my toe into the pool--but I am looking at the water.

Kirkham Considering 2012 Run Against Hatch | Utah Policy

David

[alkire248]

Terrific idea David. You and I spoke over a year ago during the storm of the healthcare debate. Regular people getting involved, running for office, and speaking for the majority will make the difference.

[SpecOp1]

Go for it....as was said this weeknd by a liberal congressman..."The Tea- Party is the enemy"...yes we are ....we want the federal government to act "sane", not like a bunch of pampered elitists....good luck David

[Thieleng]

David, best of luck to you on your endeavor. I entered the political field a while back in a run for County Commissioner in the area that I live. What an awakening! Special interest groups were on the attack and the amount of time it took in the campaign was overwhelming. The pressure that it put on my family was very difficult for all, and this was only for County Comissioner. I felt the need to do so as I felt that you either had to be part of the problem or part of the solution. I was somewhat naive in my awareness and my expectations. The truth did not seem to matter and the political parties had their favorites which channeled campaign contributions in other directions. The only good thing that happened was that I was able to air my concerns in public and broadcasting forums and some of my ideas might have bled over to actual implementation. Good luck on your run, just be ready for all the slanderous issues that arise from the attacks of others. You are needed and hopefully you will make a difference.

[Mark IV]

Well David if you ever wanted your family tree researched diligently, run for office! Perhaps there is horse thief six or seven generations back....the press will find them.

I really don't care what party it is, I just want to see some common (very uncommon today) sense for citizens and business.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by David Kirkham

... I told her, "But I love what I do. I love making things at the shop."

Who says you won't? For some reason there is a belief that you end up making a life long commitment to politics. I believe the founding fathers would cringe at career politicians. If you do then you become one of them. Go do it for two terms and be done then go back to your love. Note that two senate terms is 12 years. You should be able to accomplish a lot in that time, feel good about it, then go back to the shop.

Good luck!

[rodneym]

David,
Many of us have seen this coming like a freight train.
With your experience as a small business man, passion for fighting the good fight and dedication to your family, you'd come on to the political scene as a true breathe of fresh air.
If you decide to run, good luck! If not, we'd be happy to continue kicking you around these parts.
I'm really happy for you on a personal level. Your 'arc' in life probably doesn't peak at Kirkham Motorsports. Your at this dilemma because of your accomplishments. In other words, you've got KMS so nailed, it might be time to spread your wings? KMS would be in good hands.
I think this is a case of 'the times making the man'.
What a place to be!

[rodneym]

Oh, one more thing....
If you decide to stay at KMS full time, I think I speak for many of us when I say we'd breathe a collective sigh of relief.

[Bartruff1]

Chaffetz knows he can't win. The electorate is significantly different in a Presidential Election Year.

[bobcowan]

If you run, I might have to buy property in Utah, just so I can vote for ya.

[ACademic]

All the best to you if you decide to run.

But I can already see the press nailing you down on "hiring that cheap offshore (Poland) labor" to pound out your products. The MSM (Main Stream Media) will be relentless, even if they don't have a freakin' clue what you are all about.

[N2VENOM]

David, you and I have had many political conversations over the years and you always ask “what do you think”. Even with this life changing decision you include those of us who know you on a business and for many of us a level of friendship. I believe you should go for it. Kirkham Motorsports is a great stable company and will run fine with Thomas and the guys. The difference between a good company and a great one is that the great one will continue to grow without the CEO. KMS falls under that category. I think you are ready for this challenge. You have mastered business, family, civic duties, your well traveled, honest, professional and make killer cobras. Those virtues are perfect for our US Senate. Good Luck, Darren

[Dimis]

I have little experience with US Politics, but based on my experience of world politics, I get the impression you are far too honest & way over qualified.

Best wishes either way

[Clayboy]

David,
When I heard on the radio last week that Chaffetz had decided not to run, my immediate thought was... I wonder if David is going to step up. Good Luck with your decision.
Bob

[Buzz]

The unfortunate thing about becoming involved in politics is that you have to become a politician.

[blykins]

Do it. Just keep your head on straight when you get in office.

[FIA Mike]

David,

Put your "swim trunks" on and jump in with both feet! Someday we will be printing up "Kirkham for President" bumper stickers and all of the Cobra owners will want one for their cars.

I say go for it.

FIA Mike

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by David Kirkham

I haven't even dipped my toe into the pool--but I am looking at the water.

David, you're a nice guy and your heart certainly is in the right place. That said, you need to keep in mind that your opponent is in his sixth term, runs a political machine, and is very well connected both politically and financially. A serious senatorial campaign is mucho expensive -- with most of that coming out of your own pocket. Coming out of "nowhere" politically (meaning, not being a congressman, or a state representative, or the attorney general, or hometown mayor, dog catcher...) and stealing the brass ring is not often done. Sometimes, but not often. The traditional method is to establish an "exploratory committee," which is also more expensive than you might think, and see if you can garner support from people that can bring in the large voting blocks. That will require promises, some of which you might not want to make. Then putting together your team, and paying them, is a whole 'nuther story. It's a very dirty game, and most of the successful ones generally don't play by the rules.

[brobehr]

well said patrickt.
perhaps a sniff at a mayoral campaign...
brobehr

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

A serious senatorial campaign is mucho expensive -- with most of that coming out of your own pocket.

I despise political threads on our Cobra forum, but I would like to say that Patrick is spot on with his statement.

The streets are littered with extremely wealthy people, even billionaires, who have failed to win senate seats all over the country and especially here in CA.

On the other hand, everyone likes a good "Rocky Balboa" or "Rudy" story.