In only the second day of candidate filing, there have already been many notable announcements, either from candidates or retiring incumbents. And with 10 days left for filing — the final day for filing is March 17 — it is likely that election plots will get even thicker.

While the Senate Democrats may be getting a former member of House minority leadership, the House itself could see the return of two former leaders. Mel Brown, a former Speaker of the House, is running for House District 53, while Kevin Garn, former House majority leader, is running in Davis County for House District 16.

Brown is looking to fill the shoes of Rep. Dave Ure, R-Kamas, who is running for Senate District 26. Sen. Beverly Evans, R-Altamont, announced her retirement from that district Monday. Brown previously served 14 years, including four years as speaker, but resigned in 2000 after accusations of ethics violations relating to a job offer as a lobbyist from US WEST while he was still speaker. It was also reported that he had an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.

Brown was eventually cleared by the House Ethics Committee, while his relationship with the staffer was never investigated. He later married the woman, however, and relocated to Coalville, where he now lives. Like Ure, he runs a dairy.

Ure said he filed Tuesday for the Senate seat now held by Evans, a spot he said was traditionally held by someone from the Uinta Basin. Redistricting in 2001, however, put much of Summit County — all but Coalville and Kamas — into Senate District 26.

Although Ure, a rancher and farmer, said he "naturally" represents the area's rural interests, he's also learned about tourism in the 14 years he's represented Park City. Now, he said he's studying oil, gas and mining issues that are key to the Uinta Basin.

"There could be a lot of shake-ups," Ure said about the upcoming elections. "One thing that won't be lacking is excitement."

Garn, meanwhile, is looking to return to the House after leaving in 2002 to run for Congress. His candidacy for the House quashes rumors that Garn would actually make a run for the Senate by challenging Sen. Greg Bell, R-Farmington.

Garn is looking to replace Rep. Stuart Adams, R-Layton, who announced his retirement this week. Adams has long been one of the major forces behind the construction of Legacy Parkway, and with it officially under way, he decided it was the best time to leave the political world.

"When you get something done and feel a sense of accomplishment, then maybe it's time to leave when you feel on top," he said.

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Contributing: Lisa Riley Roche, Nicole Warburton

E-mail: jloftin@desnews.com