U.S.: Bob Bennett out: In Utah, Republicans throw over one of their own
- The political atmosphere, obviously, has been toxic and it’s very clear some of the votes that I have cast have added to the toxic environment. Looking back on them, with one or two very minor exceptions, I wouldn’t have cast them any differently even if I’d known at the time it would cost me my career.
- Utah Sen. Bob Bennett • Regarding his shocking loss at the Utah Republican Convention, where he was ousted in favor of two fresh faces – Tim Bridgewater and Mike Lee, who will face each other in a June primary. Bennett, a three-term politician, is the first Utah senator ousted by his party since 1940. Fellow Sen. Orrin Hatch said he felt bad for his counterpart, “But you know, people are angry. They’re really upset at the way things are going and I think to a degree that’s what hurt him.” source