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Stay up to date on all the latest from the campaign trail with KUER's coverage of the 2014 Mid-Term Elections.

Chaffetz Holds on to 3rd Congressional District Seat

In Utah’s 3rd Congressional District race, Republican Incumbent Jason Chaffetz handily defeated Democrat Brian Wonnacott by a 50 percent margin.

Neither Democrats, nor Republicans expected the battle over Utah’s Republican-heavy 3rd Congressional to be competitive. Political newcomer Brian Wonnacott stepped up to run with little name recognition, experience or money. But Chaffetz is a well-heeled, three-term incumbent and Wonnacott was unable to put together a formidable challenge. During his victory speech, Chaffetz told the crowd it’s an honor and a privilege to serve in the United States Congress.

“There’s a lot for the Republicans to be very excited about but I can tell you it’s also a very humbling moment because there’s a lot of issues that face this nation that need to be tackled,” Chaffets said.

Throughout the campaign, Wonnocott spoke passionately about thwarting climate change and ending political logjams in Washington. He told the crowd of Democrats Tuesday, there are real problems that require real solutions.

“I want to encourage all Utah potititions, whether national or local to see past narrow agendas to do what is best for all Utahns,” Wonnocott said.

Now that Congressman Chaffetz has been re-elected, he hopes to be become chairman of the powerful U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

Whittney Evans grew up southern Ohio and has worked in public radio since 2005. She has a communications degree from Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky, where she learned the ropes of reporting, producing and hosting. Whittney moved to Utah in 2009 where she became a reporter, producer and morning host at KCPW. Her reporting ranges from the hyper-local issues affecting Salt Lake City residents, to state-wide issues of national interest. Outside of work, she enjoys playing the guitar and getting to know the breathtaking landscape of the Mountain West.
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