By Ronald Mortensen / Columnist for Utah Standard News

McMullin supporters in their own words – looking for an alternative, principles and morals key; Wilson should probably go if he said vulgar things

On October 27, I talked with people attending an Evan McMullin Rally in Bountiful, Utah. I identified myself as a columnist for the Utah Standard News and I generally asked a combination of these questions: 1. Why are you here? 2. Why do you support McMullin? 3. Are you concerned that Rick Wilson, who has used the F-bomb in Tweets and said denigrating things to a woman, is a key campaign advisor?

Evan McMullin and Mindy Finn in Bountiful, Utah

The following are the comments of those I talked with in their own words.

WOMEN

We’re here to hear Evan because we are looking for an alternative to the other two major party candidates. We want to send a message to the two major parties. Trump doesn’t represent our values, character is lacking. Hillary is the same. We weren’t aware of Rick Wilson and his comments. We need to get more information about him. However, if he is a key advisor and has made crude and derogatory comments, McMullin should get rid of him.

We are eager and excited about a new candidate; someone who represents what we are as Americans both domestically and to the world. We like his values and are impressed because he was a CIA operative. We’re proud to be in Utah because we are about principles and will rise up in support of principles rather than just supporting a party. If Rick Wilson did act improperly it would have an impact but you can’t blame the advisor. If Wilson did say those things, he should leave. Wilson’s not going to be President and it’s likely that all people associate with people like Wilson.

I was a big Ted Cruz fan and couldn’t believe that the party nominated Trump. I considered not voting.

MEN

I’m undecided but I definitely can’t vote for Hillary. McMullin is not owned by the establishment.

I came to see and listen but I’m not convinced. Trump is not a man of morals. McMullen is running against another candidate not on his own policies. He is willing to ignore policies in order to defeat the other candidate.

I came to solidify what I was thinking. If a protest vote makes a point, it is principled. On Wilson, I would have to look and see what he said; however, it isn’t on the same scale of Trump. In addition, Donald Trump’s overall policy is a problem and I oppose Clinton’s policies and dealings with Russia and Libya.

MILLENIALS

I have already voted for McMullin. Morals are a big thing; Trump and Clinton don’t represent good morals. McMillin has a chance in Utah and he aligns with my views. As far as Rick Wilson goes, you can’t control everyone. If the campaign is strong enough to do without him, then the campaign should get rid of him.

I like McMullin because he is articulate and calm. I was curious about alternatives and totally support McMullin because he is conservative and because of his character. As for Rick Wilson, it does make a difference. Whether he should leave the campaign or not depends on the position he holds, whether there is a pattern of vulgarities and other similar statements.

We’re here to see what McMullin is about. If what is said about Rick Wilson is true, we would have to rethink. We have to see what it is about. We are unable to say if Wilson should leave until we read the piece in Utah Standard News.

I’m more concerned about policy and plans. McMullin should make it clear to Rick Wilson that his past actions are not acceptable but I don’t know if he should be asked to leave the campaign. If it’s a trend and character trait then Wilson should go; it depends on if it was just a onetime thing or more.

I’m not happy with Trump or Clinton. I want to feel good about a candidate and was impressed tonight. It confirmed the good things. I wasn’t aware of Wilson. I will have to look into that.

I am voting in principles not for the lesser of two evils and for that reason I’m voting for Evan. I wasn’t aware of Wilson so it is something to consider but he is just one minor representative of the whole. I understand that McMullin won’t be President but if he wins Utah it sends a message and makes a difference.

MCMULLIN STAFFERS

Rick Wilson heard about Evan and joined us in doing the right thing. “I’m in,” that’s our slogan. I’ll admit he has a lousy mouth but his sons and daughters are doing well. He has a potty mouth but he is keeping it in check. He is a good guy dedicated to his family.

I have met and talked with Rick. He is so nice, so much fun. I wasn’t aware of any of his past comments.

When asked the following questions, a senior campaign official responded:

Does Wilson reflect the campaign’s values? “No Comment.”

What is Wilson’s role in the campaign? “No Comment.”

Will McMullin ask him to leave because of his history of lewd, crude, vulgar remarks? “No Comment.”

MINDY FINN

When asked by a member of the audience if she and McMullin are looking to create a new party or reform the Republican Party, Finn replied that the Republican Party would have to repudiate racisms, sexism and religious bigotry if they were to use it for a new conservative movement. She said that she was “pretty skeptical that it would happen, thus a new party will likely be required.

She also said told those present that Trump’s personal conduct is repulsive and Hillary is too corrupt.