The Salt Lake County Council has chosen Republican activist Sean Thomas to be interim county auditor until the November election.

Thomas, an investment banker, small business owner and business analyst, replaces Craig Sorensen, who recently resigned after it was revealed he had used the county gas card to fill his personal vehicles.

The council followed the recommendation of the county's Republican Central Committee, which earlier this month chose Thomas as the party's nominee for auditor in November's election.

The committee was required by law to present the council three names for interim auditor. In addition to Thomas were David Beck, the current chief deputy auditor and acting auditor, and MacRay Curtis, a division chief with the state auditor's office.

Both Beck and Curtis had hoped to be named November's nominee. After losing the nomination to Thomas, both wrote the council letters saying they recommended Thomas as the interim auditor.

"I was honored to be considered," said Beck, who has been in the auditor's office 29 years. "I gave it my very best shot. . . . They were anxious to have a new face."

Despite his squelched desire to be top dog, Beck said he would be the "lamest of lame ducks" if he were chosen as interim auditor only to bow out after November's election. A majority of council members agreed.

The three Democrats on the council — Randy Horiuchi, Jim Bradley and Joe Hatch — nonetheless voted for Beck, saying he could concentrate on the budget and other matters during the four months leading to election day rather than on running a campaign.

The Democratic Central Committee is scheduled to choose its nominee for the election tonight.

Thomas, 32, is not a certified public accountant but has a degree in accounting and 10 years experience in investment management and investment banking. A native of Sandy, he returned to Utah four years ago and started Latter-Day Bride with his wife — a business she will continue to operate.

He has been active in the Salt Lake County Republican Party, and made an unsuccessful run for the County Council two years ago against Hatch.

He will be sworn in by County Clerk Sherrie Swensen at 9 a.m. Thursday in the county office complex.

Given the turmoil of late in county government generally and the auditor's office specifically, Thomas represents a backlash against the establishment.

The Republican Central Committee wanted "new people in there, someone with fresh thinking and forward thinking who could revitalize the office," County Mayor Nancy Workman said.

"Congratulations, and condolences," Councilman Russell Skousen said to Thomas after the vote.

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