Say who now? Meet Monty ‘Millionaire’ Nafoosi

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

In reviewing election web sites to update the SWAG 2012 list, I ran across this surprising entry at several web sites. A Monty Nafoosi, a businessman and Democratic candidate for governor of Utah in 2008, is mentioned as a Republican candidate for Rep. Gabrielle Giffords House seat. (There appears to be confusion over his party registration).

Say who now? Apparently he is known in Utah as Monty "Millionaire" Nafoosi. The Salt Lake Tribune (May 8, 2008):

On Saturday, delegates will meet at the Democratic State Convention to elect a gubernatorial candidate and choose candidates in two House races.

Much of the energy will be focused on choosing who will face Huntsman, a Republican who has near-record approval ratings as governor.

Bob Springmeyer wants to see more vetoes, and wants to see increased education funding and better jobs generated in the state. 

"Utah must do better," he said. "We need to hold our executives and policymakers accountable for good jobs and great education." 

Monty "Millionaire" Nafoosi wants to see those jobs created by having the state government manufacture electric cars that residents can rent for $300 a month, which would include comprehensive insurance and free maintenance. 

"All that money will be generated in the state, and I believe that will keep us out of a recession," Nafoosi said. 

While those two candidates want to see more jobs in the state, Matt Frandsen is making income tax reform his main platform point. 

He would like to reinstitute a bracketed income tax system that he said would allow 90 percent of people to pay less than in Huntsman's current plan.

They do things a little differently in Utah. Here is Mr. Nafoosi's nomination speech to the Utah State Democratic Convention in 2008. Bob Springmeyer was the overwhelming choice of convention delegates, who went on to be crushed by Gov. Jon Huntsman in the general election.

Wait, it gets better. There was this exchange at the THE UTAH AMICUS blog (March 8, 2008):

GirlsGoneWeed said…

Looks like Monty's got a court date on Thursday.

PRETRIAL CONFERENCE BOU 081800020 Other Misdemeanor BOUNTIFUL CITY ATTY:
VS.
NAFOOSI, MONTY AZIZ ATTY:
OTN: DOB: 12/12/1955
MA – POSS OF MARIJUANA < 16 OZ.
MA – POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA
> NO OTN NUMBER <

3:02 PM

monty nafoosi said…

Yes, I do have a court date…they dont let people on social security disability use the meds they need in this state…how sad it is that in Cali you can buy your meds in a vending machinee 24/7 365 but in Utah they break down your door

3:42 PM

Anonymous said…

It also looks like Monty is a registered R. Cool idea though. Good luck Monty.

4:43 PM

Anonymous said…

Monty's also been a generous donor to Republican candidates and causes. Probably helps with all those lucrative government contracts you mention on your campaign web site, eh Monty?

March 1, 2001-National Republican Congressional Committee-$500
May 15, 2001-Orrin Hatch Election Committee-$1,000
June 21, 2002-Re-elect Freshman of the Republican Majority (REFORM) PAC-$5,000
June 30, 2003-Re-elect Freshman of the Republican Majority (REFORM) PAC-$5,000
August 24, 2004-John Swallow for Congress-$500
January 3, 2006-National Republican Congressional Committee-$300
August 28, 2006-Orrin Hatch Election Committee-$1,000

Monty also appears to like a Republican Congressman from Illinois, Jerry Weller, to the tune of $4,000 for his 2001 campaign.

Rep. Weller won't be running for re-election this year amid some questions about his Nicaraguan land dealings, his wife's investments, and his relationship to an indicted defense contractor.

7:05 PM

monty nafoosi said…

Yes, I WAS a republican
Yes, Congressman Weller was my Congressman in Illinois
Yes, I was a government contractor
Yes, thats how the game is played
Yes, I do use my name

7:15 PM

Oh, man. It looks like the Arizona GOP is going to need a bigger clown car.