Trent Staggs, a candidate for the U.S. Senate with the support of Trump, ended his time on stage at a Republican primary debate on Monday night by accusing his opponent, Rep. John Curtis, a Republican from Utah, of insider trading.
On March 4, 2020, Abbott Laboratories — a medical device organization — was granted government subsidizing to create a Coronavirus test. Curtis bought stock in the organization that very day, Staggs said.
Damning Accusations
“This is the problem in Congress at a time when somebody should be looking out for their constituents,” Staggs claimed.
“They end up looking out for their own profit,” according to Staggs who is the current mayor of Riverton.
Contract with Utah
Staggs continued saying that he confirmed an agreement with Utah and would “ban the trading of individual stocks for Congress and their families.”
He went on to state: “I want to also stop members of Congress from retiring and becoming lobbyists and enriching themselves further.”
Curtis Request
Glen Mills, the debate moderator, stated that they would have to conclude the discussion because they were running out of time following Staggs’ closing remarks.
“You have to let me respond to that,” Curtis replied. “As fast as possible.” was Mill’s reply to the request.
Responding to Accusations
“That is such a low shot,” Curtis said. “You wait until I have no response. You throw something out that I can’t respond to.”
He continued: “You’ve accused me of a felony here tonight. You better have very good evidence, and I’d like to challenge you to produce that evidence that somehow I’ve committed a felony.”
Stock Purchase
The Salt Lake Tribune affirmed Curtis purchased stocks that went up because of the Coronavirus pandemic, as per financial disclosures.
Curtis stated to the newspaper at the time, “The real story isn’t as damning,” in response to questions from reporters.
Mutual Fund Manager
Curtis stated that a mutual fund manager executed the majority of the stock purchases without his knowledge, including those of BlackRock Inc. and Abbott Laboratories.
The purchases were made at significant times, like when Abbott approved a COVID-19 test and when BlackRock directed bond purchases during a downturn in the economy.
Romney Replacement
Staggs, who is racing to supplant resigning Sen. Mitt Romney, acquired a reputation in 2020 for his resistance to mask mandates in the midst of the Covid pandemic.
Notwithstanding Trump’s endorsment, Staggs has received the support of Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.
Paul Endorsement
In May Rand stated that Staggs is the “type of Republican” needed in the upper chamber after Romney retires.
Staggs has claimed he will “push back against the establishment” if he is elected to the position after Romney announced that he would retire at the end of his term next year.
Trump Seal of Approval
According to Trump in a post to Truth Social back in April: “Trent Staggs is 100% MAGA, and is running to fill The Mitt Romney, a Total Loser, Seat as the next Senator from the Great State of Utah,”
He continued to say: “Highly Successful Entrepreneur, who has served brilliantly as Mayor of Riverton for the past six years, Trent knows how to Create Jobs, Stop Inflation, Grow the Economy, and Secure the Border.”
Differing Views
Almost a dozen Republicans came forward to compete for the seat including former House Speaker Brad Wilson.
This race for the nomination is expected to show what kind of political conservatism will be most appealing to voters in the state.
Senate Retirement
Romney’s statement on his retirement to Fox News Digital stated: “I have spent my last 25 years in public service of one kind or another. At the end of another term, I’d be in my mid-80s. Frankly, it’s time for a new generation of leaders.”
He went on to say: “They’re the ones that need to make the decisions that will shape the world they will be living in.”
The explosive allegations from Staggs are sure to have an impact on how voters will view the race for the seat.
