Man makes push for Wright to withdraw candidacy

By Tim Merris

Mesa County republican voter Alex Chaffetz has paid out $400 of his personal money for 6,000 automated calls asking voters in the county to ask beleaguered HD 54 candidate Jared Wright to step down from his candidacy.

Wright’s ability to represent his constituents has come under fire lately with public scrutiny  surrounding his forced resignation from the Fruita Police Department.  A short time later, his personal bankruptcy in 2011 became public. Wright claimed “bad investments” which according to public record included classic cars, jewelry and a membership to a tanning salon.

Chaffetz said that if the voters were aware of Wrights questionable character, it’s unlikely he would be the party’s candidate for the House District 54 seat. Cahaffetz said he spoke to  Wright on the phone directly and encouraged him to step down.

In his recorded message to the voters, Chaffetz said Wright owed it to the voters of the house district to step down. He went on to say in the message that “

his unethical behavior as a police officer and his unwillingness to take responsibility for his own actions speak volumes about his ability to represent us in Denver.”

Unless Wright steps down before Sept. 14, the ballots will be printed with his name on them and he will be the official party’s candidate after that.

Wright posted a message on his twitter account to his 23 followers which only of a video of Johnny Cash singing “I won’t back down”.

Leaders of the Mesa County and Delta County republican party acknowledged that Wright is the duly elected candidate and he cannot be removed by the party unless he voluntarily steps down. However, they have asked him to answer questions about his character.

Gary Bailey, President of the Western Slope Conservative Alliance sent out similar automated calls also asking voters to encourage Wright to step down. His message was “

I’m calling today to ask you to stand with us in demanding Jared Wright withdraw from the race and allow the Republican Executive Committee for District 54 to appoint someone with integrity and experience”. Bailey said

“we deserve better representation”.