Poor Choice of....

So state convention was Saturday. I was not there (had family obligations) but I was following it from the kitchen table thanks to the joys of the internet. However, by the time the 2nd and 4th Congressional Districts nominations rolled around I was logged off for the day so I completely missed this story.

Saratoga Springs Mayor Mia Love is the Republican nominee in Utah's 4th Congressional District. But her victory came after some serious controversy. After the first round of balloting at Utah's Republican convention Saturday, the GOP 4th district field was narrowed down to two – Love and former legislator Carl Wimmer. However, when Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff appeared on the convention stage to offer his support to Wimmer, Shurtleff referred to Love as a, “novelty.”

To the delegates credit, the response to such a stupid statement was appropriate.

Shurtleff's characterization of Love was met by boos from several delegates.... Pastor Greg Johnson criticized Shurtleff for his comment. Later, Johnson told ABC 4, "The insinuation that she is a novelty is what? What did the attorney general mean when he called her a novelty or that we shouldn't elect a novelty?"

Apparently, State GOP leadership was not too thrilled with the AG's remarks either.

ABC 4 News has learned that Shurtleff also got an earful from one of the leaders of Utah's Republican Party.

And of course, after Shurtleff's comments like cost his guy a chance at being in a competative race.....

Just moments later, we caught up with a tearful and regretful Mark Shurtleff. He told us,"My attitude was she's brand new to this process, we need someone who is proven. Terrible choice of words.”

Ah the old "poor choice of words" excuse.  Sorry you didn't like my utterly stupid statement....I didn't really mean to say it that way. 

Seriously - if you rise to the position of elected office (or communications spokesperson for a campaign <cough Hillary Rosen>) you had better not fall prey to the "poor choice of words" syndrome - especially when you are elected as the states TOP ATTORNEY and are expected to argue legal briefs before the court!  That excuse won't fly Mr. AG