Representative Jason Chaffetz (Utah’s 3rd Congressional District) announced yesterday that he will be seeking a second term in Congress.

Don’t get me wrong, I believe Congressman Chaffetz is doing a fabulous job representing me back in D.C.; however, the real thanks goes to Julie Chaffetz (the congressional spouse, who BTW makes the BEST lasagna EVER…sorry, Kim) who yesterday stood next to her husband in full support of their choice to begin the process…again.

Thanks, Julie…oh, and thanks Jason.

Read more:

Joe Pyrah, Daily Herald

From a podium in the Capitol Board Room this morning, Mike Lee announced he would begin his campaign to un-seat U.S. Senate incumbent Bob Bennett.   Mike joins a handful of other would-be senators vying for the office currently occupied by a three-term, entrenched republican.  Surrounded by former Governor Norm Bangerter, former Congressman Jim Hansen, current Attorney General and previous senate candidate Mark Shurtleff, and a number of state house and senate members, Lee laid out to attendees and local media, his vision of what he plans to accomplish in Washington D.C.

Read more here:

Robert Gehrke, Salt Lake Tribune

Joe Pyrah, Daily Herald

Another fourth Monday in January is just around the corner.  The 2010 General Legislative Session will certainly be one to watch…closely.  To assist you (District 57 residents) in better equiping yourselves to stay informed and engaged during the 45 day session, I’ve included, for your reference, the following:

#1  Your “lifeline” to daily activities at the Capitol is le.utah.gov .  This award-winning legislative website has volumes of data and links to moment-by-moment action throughout the session.  Live audio and video of committee meetings and floor debates are just a mouse-click away.  New HD cameras make it possible for citizens to experience an up-close-and-personal engagement with their lawmakers.  Bills and other documents are posted and archived at this site for your reference.  A comprehensive on-line Bill Tracker alerts your email whenever the bill you’re following changes its status.   Awesome!

#2  Two Pre-Session Sub-Appropriations Meetings.  Budget meetings begin BEFORE the first day of the session.  Live audio of Sub-Appropriations meetings are available on-line at le.utah.gov on the 12th and 20th of January (9 am).  With the budget shortfall for FY11 projected to be between $700 Million and $850 Million, legislative leadership has arranged these preliminary budget meetings to get a jump on the budget process to keep the state’s coffers in balance.   Take note Washington D.C…Utah is constitutionally bound to balance its budget every year.

#3  Holly On the Hill.  Conservative political activist Holly Richardson, began covering the session’s “hot” topics at the Capitol last year.   In just a year, her blog has become a national sensation.  Holly’s hard hitting, no holds barred, approach to telling it like it is, makes her one of the most respected social media experts in Utah…and beyond.  hollyonthehill.wordpress.com  Follow her on Facebook and Twitter, too.

#4  District 57 Pre-Legislative Briefing, Friday evening, January 22nd from 7-9 pm.  Location:  TBA

#5  Utah County Republican Party’s “Legislative Report,” Saturday, February 20th.  Time & Location:  TBA

#6  An Evening with Mike Lee & the U.S. Constitution.  Mike is one of the state’s leading experts on the U.S. Constitution.  Date and Location TBA.

#7  American Fork Chamber of Commerce/IHC Pancakes & Politics, Two Saturday mornings during the session.   Come grab a plate of pancakes and spend the morning in a Q & A format with Senator John Valentine, and Representatives Dougall, Frank, and Sumsion.   No question is too large.

#8  District 57  Mid-Session Q & A, President’s Day, February 15th from 9-10:30 am.  Location:  TBA

#9  District 57 Legislative Session Wrap-up, Saturday morning, March 13th at 9 am.  Location:  TBA

#10  Other Events:

Utah County Lincoln Day Dinner, Saturday, February 6th

Common Sense Rally @ Pinnacle in Orem, January 23rd from 5-7 pm. 

Independence Caucus Fundraiser/Dinner/Debate, Friday Evening, January 15th.  Location: Provo Marriott