January 14, 2006
For further information: Representative Margaret Dayton 801/221-0623

Dayton Announces State Senate Candidacy

Margaret Dayton of Orem today announced that she will be a candidate for the Utah State Senate, District 15, in this fall's election. She currently represents Legislative District 61 in the State House of Representatives, which includes parts of Orem, Provo and Vineyard.

"For several months as I've anticipated making this announcement, I have organized a campaign team, raised funds, and been meeting with delegates. It's an exciting process, and I'm very optimistic about it," said Dayton as she announced her candidacy.

"I believe very strongly that the traditional family is the fundamental unit of our society," commented Dayton. "As I declare my intent to become a part of Utah's State Senate, I emphasize that much of my energy will continue to be directed toward protecting the sanctity of families. I am very passionate about this topic, and there is much that can be done in the legislature to protect the family unit."

Dayton also stressed her belief that less government serves Utah's people far better than more government. "I believe Thomas Paine had it right when he said, 'That government is best which governs least.'"

Dayton gained national stature recently as she led Utah's fight against the federal government's "No Child Left Behind" act. "This federal law attempts to put supervision and accountability issues for local schools in the hands of the federal government. I believe that is not only philosophically wrong, but clearly and specifically violates the United States Constitution, Utah's State Constitution, as well as the codes that created the U.S. Department of Education," said Dayton. "I firmly believe that our schools should remain accountable to parents and to local communities, not to the federal government," said Representative Dayton.

In 2002, Dayton began an effort to distance Utah's school system from the federal law that attempts to encroach on local accountability. The strength and merit of her efforts have grown to the point where not only has Utah enacted Dayton's legislation that maintains local control of local schools, but all 49 other states have since followed Utah's example in objecting to the federal "No Child Left Behind" act. Some states have parroted Utah's language almost exactly.

Because of her leadership in resisting "No Child Left Behind," Dayton has been interviewed by many national publications, including the Washington Times, USA Today, and the New York Times, and has been a guest on major national television networks. A Google search on "Margaret Dayton No Child Left Behind" will yield more than 175,000 articles.

Further information about her stand against No Child Left Behind and other issues can be found on her web site, www.margaretdayton.com.

Dayton, who considers herself a conservative Republican, is married to Dr. Lynn T. Dayton, a Provo physician. "I consider myself very fortunate to be the at-home mother of a large family. The privilege of having one parent stay at home full-time is becoming increasingly elusive in our society, and I'm grateful to have been able to do so."

Dayton was recognized by Educators' Mutual for her efforts to eliminate what she calls "the sick tax, an unconscionable tax levied on hospital patients." She was honored by the Utah Hospital and Health Systems Association with their "Distinguished Public Service Award" for her successful crusade to eliminate the hospital tax.

She annually receives the "Friend of Taxpayer Award" from the Utah Taxpayers' Association, and is a repeated recipient of the "Defender of Free Enterprise" award from the Utah Manufacturers' Association. Margaret is one of the few legislators so recognized each year.

Margaret was honored as "Champion of Property Rights and Free Enterprise Principles" by the Utah Association of Realtors, and recognized by the National Federation of Independent Businesses for voting 100% in favor of small business and free enterprise. She has annually received NFIB's "Guardian of Small Business" award.

She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Utah's System of Higher Education