I attended Tuesday’s Democratic caucus meetings in Salt Lake City. I was thrilled with the optimism and hope that I saw there from my fellow Utahns, particularly the young people who were actively participating in the process. I was, however, disappointed with many of the candidates running for office. Not because they didn’t have lofty goals; as a progressive, Medicare for all sounds wonderful, as does mandatory gun licensing. But they seemed completely disconnected from the reality that is Utah politics.

When a person bases their candidacy on policies that are clear nonstarters in the Utah Legislature, they are sending a clear message that they either don’t understand Utah politics or are willing to say anything to get elected. They reeked of dishonesty and appeasement, rather than political ability.

I hope that when we go to the primary later this year, my fellow Democrats will keep in mind the realities that we face. Experience working across the aisle, and an understanding of the Utah political landscape, should matter far more to us than whether candidates can repeat the wish lists put together by Democrats from more liberal areas.

David Morris-Stump, Salt Lake City