Utah Legislator Campaigns With Vehicle-Mounted Message Board

Given its socially conservative legacy, one would assume a Republican running for office in Utah needs little more than to file candidacy papers, memorize the tune of John Souza marches for summertime picnics and autumn public events, and coast to victory in November. However, as in most locales, a mobile population has subtly tweaked Utah’s electoral dynamic – at least in Salt Lake City and other large, urban areas – and created a more competitive environment.

Eric Hutchings, who’s served in the Utah House of Representatives for 11 years (representing Kearns, a town of approximately 35,000 in suburban Salt Lake City), wanted to energize his promotional arsenal during his 2010 campaign. He purchased an AdHitch (Murray, UT) portable, changeable-message display.
AdHitch comprises a tri-vision display, which features louvers decorated with inkjet-printed, laminated-paper media. The display is attached to a standard, 2-in. hitch receiver that mounts to a car, van, truck or SUV, and is illuminated across its surface by LED edgelighting. The system runs on a standard 12VDC automotive electrical system (a self-contained power supply and portable stand are also available) to which it connects via a plug connector or an adapter. To ensure the display’s safety, the aircraft-aluminum frame incorporates a locking pin and standard trailer safety chain.

Hutchings has used the AdHitch display at caucuses, meetings, conventions and other public appearances.
“I have to campaign very intensely,” Hutchings said. “I have a team dedicated just to my signage. On the AdHitch, as an example, I’ll load a display with a message about how I’ll help senior citizens before visiting a senior center. Targeted messages are beneficial to a campaign.”