This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I follow the recent developments of the arrest of former Attorneys General Shurtleff and Swallow with amazement, as do all the residents of Utah. What got me was Mr. Shurtleff's response after being released on bail.
He makes several statements that the arrest was "politically motivated" and a "political witch hunt." My response to that is "So?"
I did not see anything in his responses that says he was innocent, that he did not do what he is being charged with. He only attacks Sim Gill.
Mr. Shurtleff, if you are innocent of these charges, why don't you say that ? Put our minds at ease. Tell us you did not take campaign cash for favors. Tell us you did not stay at fancy resort homes, go on private jets and everything else you have been accused of.
If you did these things, then have some honor. Admit it, take the consequences and do not force Utah taxpayers to pay money to have you put on trial. If in fact Mr. Gill did overreach and you are in fact innocent of the crimes you are charged with, then by all means defend yourself. If, however, you are found guilty, then the judge should throw the book at you and show no leniency in sentencing.
David T. Lancaster
Murray