PoliticIt Podcast

Rachel Terry has been an attorney for almost 20 years and is a candidate for Utah Attorney General

Join Senator John D. Johnson as he delves into a dialogue with Rachel Terry, who is vying for the Utah Attorney General.
Rachel Terry has been an attorney for almost 20 years and has spent the last decade representing Utah agencies in state and federal courts. Her experience as an Assistant Attorney General and Director of the Utah Division of Risk Management makes her an skilled fighter for Constitutional rights and the protection of state assets. She stands ready to continue that fight for all Utahns.
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Holly Sweeten is deeply committed to her community and is a candidate for Utah House Dist. 58

MEET HOLLY SWEETEN!
Holly is deeply committed to her community, with a strong focus on creating positive change. With firsthand experience in the challenges of family life and small business management, she brings a practical perspective to her work. Over four years with Congressman Burgess Owens, she championed limited government and addressed community needs directly. Holly holds a bachelor's degree from Utah Valley University and a two-year certificate in National Security. She lives in Orem with her husband, Rod, they are proud parents and grandparents to nine children and seven grandchildren, respectively.
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Dr. Mike Kennedy Candidate for Utah Congressional District 3

Join Senator John D. Johnson as he delves into a dialogue with Dr. Mike Kennedy, who is vying for the Utah Congressional District 3 seat. During their discussion, they delve into Dr. Kennedy's early life, involvement in the church, educational journey, experiences as a father, professional background, and political endeavors.
Meet Mike!
We need representatives in Washington who understand that standing on principle is as crucial as the ability to effectively work toward common goals. Mike Kennedy represents both the conservative leadership and the civility Washington is lacking to get results for our families. Mike is committed to bringing principled, results-driven leadership to the forefront and putting Utahns ahead of special interests. As a family physician, attorney, business owner, and father, Mike Kennedy has seen up close how the failure of Washington to control inflation, secure our border, or even pass a budget makes life harder for everyday Americans. As a legislator, serving in Utah’s part-time legislature, Mike Kennedy has been a conservative advocate for fiscal responsibility, limited government, and safeguarding individual liberties. His legislative achievements include working with others to cut taxes and balance the budget while spearheading multiple efforts to make government more efficient and protecting the most vulnerable in society. As a state senator, Mike is respected by colleagues on both sides of the aisle for his ability to listen and present thoughtful, conservative solutions to complex problems. Mike understands that standing on principle while getting things done is more important than just grabbing headlines. No stranger to hard work, Mike grew up in a single-parent household, working to put himself through college at BYU and later medical school and law school. Today, Mike works as a family doctor in Lindon and volunteers his time providing free medical care to uninsured Utah residents at the Provo Volunteer Care Clinic. He is a dedicated husband to his wife of 31 years, Katrina, a father of eight, and a grandfather of nine. Mike’s diverse and unique expertise and his commitment to family values are the cornerstones of his approach to public service and making America a place where all can succeed.
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Cari Bartholomew candidate for State School Board 13

Join Senator John D. Johnson as he engages in a conversation with Cari Bartholomew, a seasoned educator and candidate vying for the Utah State School Board Position 13. Together, they delve into the pressing matters concerning the district and explore the key priorities Bartholomew aims to address if elected. Cari cares about TEACHERS, STUDENTS, AND their PARENTS. Too many times parents are removed for the conversation. Often the opinions of industry “experts” overshadow the commonsense input of parents. Cari believes the concerns of the dad who is a farmer or the mom who is a store clerk are just as valuable as the Ph.D. sitting on the school board. Cari is also concerned that teachers are overworked and being asked to do things above and beyond pursuing excellence in teaching academic fundamentals like Math, Literacy, and Science. She would like to restore trust between parents and teachers by encouraging more open access for parents, and more support for teachers. Evidence shows Cari is committed to educating herself and others on the pressing educational issues of today; whether that is Social Emotional Learning, Culturally Responsive Teaching, PBIS, or Ethnic Studies, the roles of schools are changing rapidly! Cari believes that knowledge is power and one cannot simply read the file summary and make a responsible decision. Cari works locally and nationally to help educate parents and policymakers on these complicated issues affecting our children’s education. She is considered an expert in these areas and understands the roots and ideology of these seemingly helpful programs being adopted in k-12 schools. In addition, she has advanced understanding and technical expertise and how they in fact are harming our children. The USBE is being called to make important decisions regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. They have studied trauma, but Cari has lived it. Cari brings a vital perspective that diversity is more than skin or gender. Diversity of Viewpoint is something to respect and something the USBE is currently lacking. Cari put herself in foster care at age eight. With each new foster home came a new school. She was never adopted. In addition, Cari is biracial and has worked to overcome many traumas; Yet she does not consider herself a victim and is committed to helping students meet their full potential.
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Heidi Balderree is the State Senator in District 22 and is running for re-election.

For the past two decades, Heidi Balderree has dedicated herself to serving the community in various capacities. Collaborating with surrounding cities, she led efforts to address the humanitarian needs of Hurricane Katrina evacuees at Camp Williams for two months. Her commitment extended to serving in Scouting, contributing to the Utah County Good Governance Advisory Board, and actively participating as a room mom in local schools. With a passion for community engagement, Heidi has been elected to key positions such as Secretary of the Utah County Republican Party and as a 4-term member of the Republican State Central Committee. Her advocacy also included successfully fighting against the relocation of the prison to Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs. Notably, she served as the Chair of the Utah County Planning Commission for the past three years. A devoted family woman, she and her husband of 29 years have enjoyed raising their four children in Saratoga Springs for nearly two decades. Professionally, she brings a wealth of experience, having worked as a former educator for grades 4-12 and currently serving as a Business Evaluator for Western Governors University. Balderree holds a Master's degree in Human Resource Management and a Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in Anthropology and Spanish. Having been elected state senator in a special election last October with 13 candidates, Senator Balderree feels extremely honored to represent her constituents. Recognized for her exemplary record, she received the nomination for the Republican Party with 70.42% of the vote this April. Endorsed by prominent figures like U.S. Senator Mike Lee and Congressman Burgess Owens, Senator Balderree remains committed to advancing conservative causes and fostering strong relationships within the community. Transparent and accessible, she prioritizes engaging with constituents through town halls and public events, ensuring their voices are heard on issues like transportation, education, and inflation.
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Rachelle Morris is a lifelong Republican and is a candidate for Salt Lake County Council

Join Senator John D. Johnson as he engages in a discussion with Rachelle Morris, candidate for Salt Lake County Council. As the second of seven children, Rachelle’s early years were marked by determination and hard work. Rachelle embarked on an entrepreneurial path at a young age, selling gum and snacks from her backpack to help pay for her school lunch. By the age of 18, she was financially independent and became the first woman on her mom’s side to finish college, graduating with a degree in Information Systems from Brigham Young University. With a keen eye honed by a career in managing capital, Rachelle understands the significance of responsible financial stewardship. Her investment background, particularly in the tech sector, has nurtured her appetite for innovation, positioning her as a bridge between modern ideas and practical implementation. Her unique insight will help streamline government operations and save money.
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Carson Jorgensen, a convention only candidate for Utah Governor, reflects on his campaign journey and the spirited speech he delivered at the convention.

Join Senator John D. Johnson as he engages in a discussion with Carson Jorgensen, a conservative candidate who exclusively participated in the convention for governorship. Carson delivered a captivating speech during the convention, showcasing his unwavering commitment to the convention process and offering valuable insights on our path forward.
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Rep Rob Bishop's new book, The Things I Learned In Congress They Never Taught In School

Join Senator John D. Johnson and Rep. Rob Bishop for an insightful discussion.
In his new memoir, former Utah Congressman Rob Bishop delves into the foundation of our constitutional republic, shedding light on what the Founders created and how America has strayed from that ideal in his book, "The Things I Learned in Congress They Never Taught in School." He then proceeds to offer solutions. Order your copy now, available in print for $25.95 or as a Kindle e-book for $9.99 on Amazon. To get a signed copy directly from the publisher at an upcoming event, send an email to Preservationbooks@icloud.com to find out when and where Rob will be appearing. Several appearances are scheduled for early 2024. 
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Matt Hymas is seeking re election Utah State School Board 10

Join Senator John D. Johnson and Matt Hymas, Utah State School Board member, for a discussion. Matt is currently campaigning for re-election to continue representing District 10 on the Utah State Board of Education.
Matt Hymas was raised in West Valley City, Utah. He has a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Teaching from the University of Utah, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University. He has been in education since 2008 as a teacher, coach, athletic director, junior high director, assistant secondary director, high school director, and is currently the Executive Director at Excelsior Academy.
Matt is an advocate for education in all forms and believes that regardless of where a family chooses to be educated, it is the best possible education for them. Matt’s time in the classroom has helped him better understand the needs of students, parents, and teachers. His time as an administrator has brought a different perspective to the needs of families and communities. When he’s not working, Matt enjoys spending time in the mountains — any time he can get to a lake or river for fishing, he’ll take it. He also enjoys coaching, working with his hands, and simply being near his family.
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Kim Coleman is running for RNC National Committeewoman for Utah

Join Senator John D. Johnson and Kim Coleman, current Vice Chair of the Utah Republican Party, and a candidate for Republican National Committeewoman for Utah. Kim believes in people, and she believes in the power of associations that unite them. She believes the Republican Party has a vital role to play in our national politics as the vehicle for conservative values, the infrastructure for electing the people who will carry those values into the halls of government, and the amplified voice for freedom.
 
Utah leads our great nation in so many ways, and it is time Utah takes a stronger position of influence and action on the Republican National Committee. Kim is ready and exceptionally qualified to serve alongside our National Committeeman on the RNC to ensure Republicans are elected to the Presidency in '24, '28 and beyond and to gain and maintain majorities in Congress.
 
Powerful and steady forces continue to tear at the fabric of our nation-from enemies foreign and domestic, seen an unseen. Kim will work to resist those forces like my children's futures depend on it. Moreover, I will work with Republican leaders across the county to create a triple strategy of reviving Americans' natural tendency toward conservatism, taking the fight to our active battleground states and providing proactive resistance in red states that are overlooked due to the flawed assumption that they will always be okay.
 
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