Orem » Utah County Democrats pledged to follow the path to electoral victory blazed by Bill Orton in 1990.

Speakers at the party's convention Saturday said Orton demonstrated that voters in this Republican bastion will vote for Democrats. Orton, who represented Utah's 3rd Congressional District for six years in the 1990s, was killed in an ATV accident April 18.

"Bill left a legacy for us," Richard Davis, county Democratic chairman, told the 150 people gathered at Orem Junior High School. "He proved a Democrat could win here, but not just any Democrat."

He said the best way to honor Orton's legacy is to encourage good people to run as Democrats and to represent the will of the people.

U.S. Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, echoed that sentiment.

"When you want to win in Utah as a Democrat, you have to work hard and listen to people," said Matheson, who survived a Republican attempt to gerrymander him out of office.

Matheson said Utah's Republican officials have demonstrated how far out of step they are with the people by voting against regulating tobacco and supporting nuclear weapons testing in Nevada.

Davis said the party has worked to recruit good candidates, as well as build grass-roots support.

Among candidates who ran in 2008 were Ken Peay, a retired Utah Highway Patrol officer, former Alpine School Superintendent Steven Baugh and Nebo school board member Debbie Swenson.

So far, party leaders say, that strategy is reaping dividends. While Democrats were unable to win any seats in the 2008 election, the party made significant gains. Three legislative candidates had 40 percent or more of the vote in their races, and Democrats combined received 40,781 votes, compared with 8,577 votes in the 2006 election.

Wayne Holland, state Democratic Party chairman told convention delegates that more people in Utah are identifying themselves as Democrats or supporting Democratic candidates.

Rep. Carol Spackman Moss, D-Holladay, said the tide is definitely turning toward Democrats in Utah.

"I believe we are breaking the stranglehold of right-wing politics in the Utah House," Moss said. But, she said, the party needs help from voters who will support Democrats.

Former state Sen. Scott Howell said 53 percent of Utahns have indicated their approval of President Obama, a definite sign of change in Utah's traditionally deep-red politics.

He also praised Ned Hill, who withdrew his candidacy for Utah Valley University president rather than apologize to Utah County Republicans for the campaign his wife, Claralyn, ran against Rep. Chris Herrod, R-Provo.

The only contested leadership race at the convention was for the vice chairman's post. The incumbent, Larry Brown, soundly defeated challenger Thomas McClure 84-6.

Davis and secretary Deon Hurley and Treasurer Vaughn Cook were re-elected by acclimation.