Pete Ashdown, Democratic candidate for the Utah Senate, is visiting campus today at a special meeting hosted by the BYU Democrats.

“I need the help of everyone to win this election,” Ashdown said. “I look forward to meeting with everyone—not just Democrats.”

Ashdown said his campaign should appeal to college students, who are often technologically savvy. The candidate is the founder of Xmission, the first Internet Service Provider in Utah, and many of his political platforms involve the support of online networking.

“An Internet free from government control, taxation and monitoring strengthens our economy,” Ashdown said. “As long as the United States takes a backward stance on the advancement of technology, other countries will leave us behind.”

Ashdown began his interest in technology as a student at the University of Utah, where he majored in computer science. Prior to graduation, he began work as a computer operator for Evans and Sutherland, a computer graphics company. He devoted his efforts to the success of Xmission after its launch in 1993.

He was born and raised in Bountiful. He said he loves Utah and has the desire to ensure its future success.

“I am committed to making our government more adaptable and technologically capable,” he said. “Utah’s economy and America as a whole can benefit from my representation.”

Despite the university’s conservative reputation, BYU Democrats is the largest contingent of College Democrats in the state. The club is excited for Ashdown’s visit, said Rolf Straubhaar, club vice president.

“I’m curious to see what he has to say,” Straubharr said. “He’s got to have something that really stands out because he’s running against the longstanding Senator Orrin Hatch.”

Ashdown will visit campus Thursday at 6 p.m. in Room 2036 JKB. All students, faculty and staff are invited to attend.



Copyright Brigham Young University 27 Oct 2005