Utah State Senate District 12 candidate surveys, 2022

Elections in Utah, 2022

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This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for Utah State Senate District 12 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

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• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for Utah State Senate District 12

Incumbent Karen Mayne defeated Linda Paulson in the general election for Utah State Senate District 12 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Karen Mayne (D)	57.2	13,450
		Linda Paulson (R)	42.8	10,051

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 23,501
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

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Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Linda Paulson (R)

God--loves all His children

Family--traditional marriage and children are the basis of society

Constitution--is the Law of the Land and protects the family

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Linda Paulson (R)

Stand Up for Freedom

Less Government Control Uphold Moral Values & Honesty

Pro-Life Schools Teach Academics Only And Not Parenting/Values Back to Constitution -- Protect Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness Less Taxes Hard Work is the Heart of our Country

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Linda Paulson (R)

I look up to a pioneer ancestor great-great grandmother,, Ann Grimshaw Jackson. She was the mother of nine children like myself and crossed the prairie from Iowa to Salt Lake City, Utah pulling a hand cart. When times have been hard for me in my life, I knew they had to have been much harder for Ann. Thinking of her gave me courage to never give up.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Linda Paulson (R)

"The Making of America" by Cleon Skousen

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Linda Paulson (R)

An elected official should weigh each decision by the constitution.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Linda Paulson (R)

Love of God. Love of family. Love of Country. Love of Community.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Linda Paulson (R)

Follow the constitution.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Linda Paulson (R)

Hard work, service, kindness, study, study, study.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Linda Paulson (R)

I went to first grade when I was 6 years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Linda Paulson (R)

I worked as a telephone operator for a telephone company for about a year.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Linda Paulson (R)

"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen This is my favorite book because of the strong, woman character, Elizabeth Bennet.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Linda Paulson (R)

Maria in the "Sound of Music."

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Linda Paulson (R)

"On this Day Earth Shall Ring" (Personent Hodie) Music and text--14th Century Carol

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Linda Paulson (R)

Caring for nine children, preparing food for a family of eleven three times a day. Communication

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Linda Paulson (R)

The governor needs to listen to the legislature and the main voice of the people.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Linda Paulson (R)

Our state's greatest challenges: Water; air inversions; affordable housing, homeless, Federal government over-reach/mandates; Socialism, and protecting our children and families.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

Linda Paulson (R)

Benefits of unicameralism would be decision making. Drawbacks would be not having enough representation.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Linda Paulson (R)

Yes as long as they stay humble.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Linda Paulson (R)

Yes. It is always good to appreciate the talents and strengths of those whom you will be working.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Linda Paulson (R)

Keep neighborhoods together.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Linda Paulson (R)

I have no preconceived ideas or plans.

If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?

Linda Paulson (R)

NA

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Linda Paulson (R)

Senator Mike Lee

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Linda Paulson (R)

No

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Linda Paulson (R)

Families who have immigrated from Venezuela, who left because of Socialism/Communism, which was threatening their families economy, freedom, happiness.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Linda Paulson (R)

One day, before I had hearing aids, our sixteen year old daughter was getting ready to go on a date. I thought she asked me if I had some gum. I replied, "No, but I have some breath mints." She promptly fell to the floor laughing hysterically! She said, "I asked you if I looked dumb!"

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Linda Paulson (R)

Yes, for the safety of its citizens.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Linda Paulson (R)

Yes as long as one does not sacrifice principles.

See also

More about these elections:

• Utah State Senate elections, 2022

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