KAYSVILLE—The June primary is fast approaching and the three candidates for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Mike Lee is up for grabs. Becky Edwards and Ally Isom shared their political stance and goals if elected at the Davis Chamber of Commerce March meeting held last week. Sen. Mike Lee sent a video message from Washington, D.C.

“Davis County is my home,” said former Utah House Representative Becky Edwards. “It is near and dear to my heart.”

Industry is strong here, she said. “I will champion the issues in the county. We’re one of the most densely populated counties in the state. A diverse economy is so important here. We have robust manufacturing and HAFB provides world defense. We’re a major player in state discussions.”

Edwards said if elected she would like to take a deep dive into the economic needs of Utah. “With the growth we’re seeing right now we need to address that in all parts of the state and the role of education. We’re incredibly fortunate to have DTC. Their role in the state has been the gold standard for education in the workforce pipeline.”

Top of mind are individuals, families and businesses, she said. “We need someone in the Senate who has a track record of getting things done. During the 10 years that I was in the House I voted on hundreds, thousands of bills. I have a track record of being an effective leader and working with civility across the aisle.”

Edwards said she’s not afraid to tackle the tough issues. “I will work intentionally and inclusively so everyone has a seat at the table to create solutions. We don’t need someone who will just kick the can down the road. I will bring people together to move the needle forward.”

Isom served on the Kaysville City Council and worked as director of communications for former Gov. Gary Herbert. She is currently acting executive officer for EVOQ Nano. 

“People feel unseen, unheard,” she said. “It’s time to bring the nation back together again.”

Isom has made a two-term commitment. “That gives me the freedom to be what Utah needs me to be,” she said. “Bureaucracy stifles innovation.”

The immigration process is broken, said Isom. “There are families double bunking – that’s unacceptable. I want to put a face on these issues.”

Isom said she has visited communities throughout the state. “When you stand in their place you know them. Lincoln said ‘people are the reason you do government. It’s in our hands what happens to this nation.’”

 “We’re witnessing tragedy perpetuated by evil (in Ukraine),” said Lee. “We need energy independence and we have to fight for the future so that we’re not saddling our children and grandchildren with suffocating debt.”

This is the worst time to tack on more debt, he said. “Utahns have endured COVID and inflation is robbing everyone’s pay checks. We must get this under control.”

Disagreement is not itself a disease, said Lee. “Politicians disagree in Congress the same as people do at the ballot box. I chose to run to keep Washington out of Utah.”

“If you have good people and good principles you get good outcomes,” said Isom. “I want to be able to say I left the world a better place for you.” l