Springville State Rep. Aaron "Atomic" Tilton uses the Provo Herald op-ed page to defend himself from on-going allegations that he is using his office as a springboard for business opportunities, including a minor deal to, er, build a nuke plant near Green River.

Recent criticism has given many the erroneous impression that since I am a member of the Public Utilities and Technology Committee of the Utah House of Representatives, somehow I have a conflict of interest with a business that I partly own that is seeking to build a nuclear power plant in Utah. ...

The allegation simply is not true.

Of course, the tactic of addressing criticism head on is always an iffy gambit for a politician. First, it reminds everyone of what you've been up to, then makes you a clear target.

A Daily Herald poster, "Thereitis," immediately rips into Tilton, accusing him of the nastiest thing imaginable in red, red Utah County — being worse than Bill Clinton and Al Gore!

What a crock...! You are pulling a Clinton in that you are bold faced enough to just climb in everyone's face and demand we concede to your "innocence." You "own" a company that has business before the very legislative committee that you serve as vice chair. ....

When you first got into office you ran a little non-descript bill that dealt with online pharmacies. Did you bother to tell anyone that you sell viagra online? No! You got elected to serve yourself! Period. ...

You and Al Gore are full of it! And you need to resign!