Republicans don't pay attention, or follow the law

So, back in 2004, the Republican-dominated Utah Legislature passed a law that changed how we replace a legislator that leaves office. Before, parties could send two names to the Governor, and let the Gov make the final choice. However, the new law requires the party to send only one name.

The Democrats changed their bylaws to reflect the new law in 2004. The Republicans?

They still have a 2003 mentality.

PROVO — Republican leaders huddled Wednesday night trying to untie a legal knot that postponed the appointment of a new state legislator to replace former Utah House Rep. Jeff Alexander, R-Provo.
Party leaders went to bed Tuesday night believing Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. would choose between finalists John Curtis and Chris Herrod after one-on-one interviews scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
They woke up Wednesday morning to learn that they had overlooked a 2004 change in state law that took the decision away from the governor and was intended to leave it to local party officials.
The problem is that outdated Utah County Republican Party bylaws conflict with the fresher state law. The county party ran a convention-style election Tuesday night where Republican delegates in House District 62 narrowed a list of 10 candidates down to two: Curtis and Herrod. The bylaws say that if one of the finalists doesn't earn 60 percent of the vote on the final ballot, the two names go to the governor. (Deseret Morning News, January 4, 2007)

Oh, and the person who informed them they goofed? Governor Huntsman.

I've decided that one of two things could be to blame. Either 1) the Republicans don't pay attention to bills they are passing, or 2) they pay attention, but choose to not honor nor sustain the law.

-Bob