Utah's guest worker bill was one of the hot topics at Saturday's state GOP convention, with the party divided over a resolution to oppose the bill.

Some say that the bill violates the Republican platform, while others say it helps fight crime.


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"The truth about HB 116 is that it helps me as attorney general to fight crime and protect Utah families," said Mark Shurtleff, Utah Attorney General.

Despite the heated debate, a fairly civil vote of 833 to 739 urged legislators to repeal the guest worker bill. The call for repeal goes against Republican legislators, Republican Governor Herbert and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The convention also saw the election of Thomas Wright with some other delegates trying to oust him later in the convention.

"I move to rescind the election of Thomas Wright because of his inflammatory comments," said one delegate.

The rise of the conservative Tea Party was obvious as yellow stickers throughout the crowd showed support for the group.

Senator Orrin Hatch attended, along with Congressman Jason Chaffetz, who has said that he intends to possibly run against the longtime senator next year.