In the past week I have had several people reach out to me asking, “Did Phil Lyman withdraw from the gubernatorial race?” The answer to that is no. The only Lyman that withdrew was Richard Lyman and his mother who was given $1,000 and a steak dinner to file as write-in candidates.
Yes, Phil Lyman is still running as a write-in candidate.
You may think that this other Lyman filing to run just to thwart Phil Lyman’s chances is all a conspiracy theory; however, if you look at anything with Richard Lyman you will find that he has never been politically involved in the past. Why now?
Another concern people may have with Phil Lyman is that it will split the conservative vote. Current polling numbers, along with previous numbers, the democrat vote will get 20-30% leaving 70-80% for the conservative base. Even with a split vote, a Republican governor will still win.
What’s most concerning is Utah’s vague and inconsistent election requirements. A county commissioner, Willie Greyeyes, who lived in Arizona was able to be left on the ballot by then-Utah AG Spencer Cox, because his umbilical cord was buried in Utah and San Juan County.
Likewise, Celeste Maloy, who had been living in Washington, DC, was able to run as a candidate for Congress.
Spencer Cox was able to stay on the general ballot through signature gathering when an audit showed he likely did not gather the required amount of signatures. I don’t point these situations out to belittle all the candidates, some I proudly voted for. I point them out to show that Utah’s voting laws are extremely vague and clearly flexible.
Why then was Phil Lyman’s original running mate removed from the ballot? That was the only instance I’m aware of that the LG’s office was willing to take a stand on. Sounds a little fishy to me. It is also highly likely the Democrat nominee will sue over Spencer Cox’s eligibility after the election is final.
Phil Lyman is the true conservative voice in this race. He was my neighbor, my first employer, my bishop and I know him better than anyone in our three counties knows Spencer Cox. I can confidently make the claim that he will do more good for Garfield, Wayne and Piute Counties than any Governor ever has before. Yes, Phil Lyman is still running.
– by Simone Griffin
Feature image caption: Phil Lyman a few years ago at the Garfield County Republican Convention on April 6, 2022 at Panguitch High School.