Comments about ‘Pressure grows on AG Swallow as allegations fly’

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Published: Thursday, May 9 2013 7:35 p.m. MDT

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Henry Drummond
San Jose, CA

Is it too much to suggest that an independent investigation of this mess be undertaken by the Legislature? How much further must public trust sink before some takes a leadership role in cleaning this up?

one old man
Ogden, UT

A thorough investigation, yes, yes and yes.

But involving the legislature?

No, no and NO.

It must be completely non-partisan and independent.

Huntsville, UT

"Swallow" your pride, John, and step down.

Kaysville, UT

Mark Shurtleff said he didn't know about Swallows dealings with Johnson until a week before the November elections. He was Swallows boss. Swallow worked for Shurtleff getting money for the campaigns prior to Swallow going to the AGs office. Shurtleff did this kind of wheeling and dealing, it appears for a long time. Voice recordings and records have stories to tell and politicians are mixing Utah's highest law enforcer and the dealings with people that end up going to prison with deep pockets.

You can keep on blaming others for your problems but at some point, you stop the Party's losses and admit you may have made some errors in judgment if not the laws and ethics of the state and party.

Mark Shurtleff took all the legal people of the State Agencies and put them under his reign and control. He wanted to make all agencies fall under him and become Governor in desguisia. The Consumer Protection and other agencies it appears they wanted under the AGs office and jurisdiction and not under the executive branch.

Enforce the laws of what they had been doing. Power goes to people's heads and maybe unethical?

Brigham City, UT

Old Man: Amen! The legislature is NOT the body that should investigate this issue.


Please just step down!!! I am tired of hearing your name in the news with new allegations. I used to be a supporter of your congressional races, but now you are no different than other politicians. How are Utahns, who you are supposed to represent trust you? You are doing more harm than good to the office. Where there is smoke, there is fire.

Salt Lake City, UT

Investigate the fetid mess? By all means. However, there is no such thing as non-partisan or unbiased in the political world, so don't expect some angelic person or persons to magically appear and hold impartial hearings. Whatever is done it must be open to the public, and testimony has to be under oath, and the investigating body must have subpoena power for records and testimony.

I am of the opinion that a lot of current office holders who are members of the Republican party know a lot about what is going on and are hiding behind a wall of silence hoping this all blows over. We should not let this "blow over". Too many people who run for office wrapped in the Flag and their membership in the LDS Church as shield from criticism are cowering behind a wall of silence and cowardice. Shame on them!

There may be some merit to have the AG be appointed by the governor with consent of the senate.

The Real Maverick
Orem, UT

Why is the repub controlled state legislator so eager to sweep this under the rug? What are they hiding? Why are they fighting so hard to prevent an independent investigator from looking into this? Momma always told me that if it smells like a rat and looks like a rat it probably is.

This whole situation stinks. And I want answers! I demand accountability.

Kaysville, UT

Officer in West Valley have been placed on leave while being investigated for wrong doing. It should be no different for Utah's top cop. However his involvment with persons being investigated or having been convicted of criminal activily places the AG's Office in a bad light. As such he should resign. I've know officers who have been forced to resign for being involved with the wrong crowd. There was no allegations of wrong doing only their association put Departments in bad lights due to criminal activity be associates.

Kaysville, UT

I believe the GOP doesn't want this fly in the ointment or their elections next year. He is keeping the party vulnerable for the active Democrats to win seats back that haven't been Democratic for years. With the GOP alienating their own people as shown by the poor attendance at the polls, even with early voting, they have disenfranchised the people that should be supporting the principles of their forefathers.

Land developers and people without employees have taken control of the GOP. These are people that look at themselves in the mirror and see no wrong. Splinter groups without Utah backing have made their way on the scene with the latest from FreedomWorks who attacked Senators Bennett and Hatch. Senator Hatch was able to hold onto his seat but FreedomWorks spent $600,000 trying to take down Hatch. If they take down Republicans that have given a lot for our country and State, who will fill the void? Will they be people that are from out of state? Where are our values for Utahn's? We have become like many other states, #1 is all those people care about.

The GOP is still there but with 80 percent fewer people.

Murray, UT

When Johnson made negative claims towards Swallow, I said let's let the FBI investigation run its course. Now we have election law violation accusations and Jensen indicating that Swallow totally misused his position and has the documents to prove it. Who knows what's next.

All these items so far are unproven allegations, but they keep mounting. The cumulative allegations have distracted the attention of Mr. Swallow, have put a negative light on the Republican Party, as well as the State of Utah, and has created a large distrust of the citizens of this State. The right thing to do, Mr. Swallow, is to voluntarily step down, and work to clear your name, if indeed it can be cleared. In the event it is cleared, then you can run for office again down the road. But step down now, and let the State move on without your situation hanging over Utah's head. It is the right thing and the ethical thing to do.

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