Pete Ashdown for US Senate FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 3, 2006 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Brett Garner Office: (801) 983-7383 Cell: (801) 573-4759 ****PRESS RELEASE**** Ashdown Speaks to Rural Voters Needs in Daggett MANILA, UT--Speaking to the Daggett County Democratic Convention, Pete Ashdown addressed how rural voters would be better served by new Senator who listens to their needs and will connect them to their Federal Government. The Democratic US Senate candidate spoke to the Convention, meeting in Manila, hoping to capitalize on Democratic successes in Daggett County in recent history. One of Utah's smallest counties, but home to the it's second biggest tourist draw, Ashdown addressed how the Federal Government has ignored rural considerations but could do so much so easily. Ashdown focused his remarks on his campaign theme of using technology to revitalize democracy and two of his major campaign issues: energy and infrastructure. "I really believe that government can become a two-way street; that the everyday citizen can have as much influence with their Federal Government as the lobbyists who sit in the offices of Congress," Ashdown said. He pointed to his campaign website and the revolutionary wiki as to how he is already using technology to change interaction between candidates and citizens, emphasizing how easily it could be transferred to the Government in general. "This Congress decided that the solution to America's energy problems was to look for more oil," said Ashdown about the nation's energy problems. "We need a more balanced solution, one that incorporates clean, renewable generation over pollution and dependence on foreign oil." Ashdown cited the wind turbines he saw traveling through Wyoming to reach Manila as something Utah should be imitating. Ashdown talked about how he wanted to dramatically invest in physical and technological infrastructure. "I think we should be thinking about 300 mph trains and broadband deployment, items our competitors in Europe and Asia are already benefiting from. I think if 2 million people are coming to Flaming Gorge every year, I would hope that the Federal Government could help Daggett County with its infrastructure needs." Ashdown later discussed this with the Daggett County Sheriff, Allen Campbell, and Manila's Mayor, Chuck Dickson, who related their frustration with the Federal government. Specifically, they have tried to access the fee reimbursement program from the US Forest Service for the roads that Daggett County maintains but the Forest Service charges for. Ashdown stated he heard the same kind of frustration in other rural communities, such as East Carbon and Hurricane, where the Federal Government doesn't listen to local needs, but either ignores or misappropriates funds to programs that are not wanted. "The Federal Government should disburse funds on local request and stay out of the way." Ashdown stated. Daggett County was the first convention for Ashdown and first trip there as a candidate. He hopes to capitalize on the success of previous Democratic candidates, including Sheriff Campbell and US Rep. Jim Matheson, who have carried the county in their elections. Ashdown will travel to the Tooele County Democratic Convention on Tuesday evening.