SALT LAKE CITY – With Utah’s Super Tuesday presidential primary just days away, the wife of one of the Democratic hopefuls is looking to connect with voters in the Beehive State.
Jane Sanders, the wife of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, listened to voters and answered questions at a small fireside chat before holding a rally.
“I was in Oklahoma, Tennessee and Minneapolis,” Jane Sanders said to the gathering at the fireside chat when describing the hectic campaign schedule.
Healthcare, agriculture and education were some of the topics that dominated the discussion.
The crowd cheered as she said, “Bernie wants to make sure no teacher makes less than $60,000 a year.”
Following the campaign rally near downtown Salt Lake City, Jane Sanders met with FOX 13’s John Franchi for a one-on-one interview.
In 2016, Bernie Sanders enjoyed a convincing win over Hillary Clinton in Utah’s Democratic Caucus.
Despite the format changing to a primary in 2020, Jane Sanders believes her husband will continue to find success with Utah’s voters.
“I think they are reasonable people who think things through. They want a better quality of life for themselves and future generations,” she said when describing the Utah electorate. “If you care about your community and you want to have a better, equitable share of a good quality of life, he’s [Bernie Sanders] ready to work with you.”
29 delegates are up for grabs in Tuesday’s primary.
Earning a share of those will be a tough fight, but won’t be nearly as challenging as trying to flip Utah in November’s general election.
Utah has been a “red state” and chosen the Republican candidate in every Presidential election since 1968.
Lyndon B. Johnson was the last Democrat to carry the state in 1964 when he won a landslide victory over Barry Goldwater.
Despite what seems like long odds, Jane Sanders believes her husband will have a legitimate chance in Utah if he earns the Democratic nomination.
“As you say, it’s a red state,” Sanders said. “But there are people who need to hear from progressive minded individuals. I think Bernie crosses party lines.”
Bernie Sanders is scheduled to hold a rally at the Utah State Fairpark on Monday afternoon.
