I find it ironic that Utah County — one where 67% of its voters cast ballots for Donald Trump in 2024 — has installed Kai Schwemmer, a rabid, right-wing political “influencer” as its new deputy county clerk.
Remember, this is the party that has vociferously bleated since Donald Trump took office in 2016 that elections are rigged and that Democrats don’t want a fair election system (Mike Lee, take a bow).
Explain how Utah County Clerk Aaron Davidson chose a completely inexperienced, hardcore right-winger to serve as his deputy clerk, a title that should be nonpartisan and includes, among other things, helping “oversee elections.”
Schwemmer, for those not aware of his maniacal history, is essentially a Charlie Kirk clone, a wannabe rising star of ultra “conservative” politics. His social media posts are inflammatory — much like most anti-woke garbage being shoveled these days — a litany of divisive rhetoric, including claiming that women “generally do not have what it takes to endure the pressures of a public office”; supporting a “household voting” model where the male head casts a family ballot; being anti-equal rights for LGBTQ folks; and myriad antisemitic remarks.
I’d love to see Schwemmer in a debate with Provo Mayor Marsha Judkins, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, and/or any of the other 59 women who currently serve as mayors of their respective cities (1 in 4 statewide, according to Utah Women & Leadership Project), regarding how women “can’t handle political pressure.”
The fact that Davidson did not vet Schwemmer is irresponsible; he apparently backtracked, saying Schwemmer’s role will now mainly consist of:
• Outreach to young voters;
• Reducing ballot rejection rates;
• Organizing town halls for voter education;
• Leveraging Schwemmer’s social media presence.
How does anyone in Utah County expect Schwemmer to conduct any of this in a “nonpartisan” manner? Or maybe that’s exactly the point; no doubt Schwemmer would further exacerbate the GOP’s monopolistic voter influence.
The GOP can officially stop claiming elections are rigged and that the election system is unfair.
Schwemmer should be replaced — immediately — and Aaron Davidson should resign. (Memo to Utah County voters: vote him out this election).
Brad Fullmer, Kaysville