Q&A: Nate Blouin says he won't back down in Washington
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State Sen. Nate Blouin (D–Salt Lake City) is positioning himself as a progressive in the Democratic primary for Utah's 1st Congressional District.
State of play: The Bernie Sanders-backed lawmaker, seen as former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams' strongest challenger, is facing questions about his effectiveness in the Utah Legislature and whether he can meaningfully influence Congress.
Catch up quick: Blouin suffered a set back in April after Punchbowl News published online comments he wrote more than a decade ago condemning Latter-day Saints and minimizing sexual abuse.
- He apologized for the posts, saying "there's no excuse" for them.
How it works: Axios Salt Lake City asked Blouin to complete a survey ahead of the June 23 primary to better understand his priorities and approach to representing the district.
Here's what he told us:
1. What is the single biggest issue facing Utahns and what would you do about it?
We have an economy rigged by billionaires and corporate interests who bought their way into politics. Rent rises while wages stay flat, and nothing changes no matter who wins.
We need to get money out of politics, ban gerrymandering, and make representatives accountable to the people. I don't take corporate PAC money, because you can't fix a rigged system when you're bought.
I'll fight for Medicare for All, a living wage, and housing working families can afford.
2. What have congressional Democrats gotten wrong in the first two years of President Trump's second term?
Most congressional Democrats spent years playing defense. Some fought hard, but too many were silent when Trump took us to war with Iran, invaded Venezuela, and ICE tore families apart.
When you compromise with cruelty, you don't get a better deal. You just get cruelty, and you lose your credibility along the way.
Utah deserves a representative who knows the difference between finding common ground and surrendering it.
3. Describe your favorite part about living in Utah in five words or less.
Public lands and good people.
4. Describe your leadership style in one word.
Bold.
See Blouin's competitors' survey responses here: Michael Farrell, Ben McAdams and Liban Mohamed