Republicans lining up to seek Utah County offices

PROVO — Kim Jackson is hoping to propel his political career forward by moving two floors down in the Utah County Administration Building.

Jackson, now in the final year of his first term as Utah County clerk/auditor, has filed as a candidate for county treasurer.

Melvin R. Hudman plans to retire at the end of the year as Utah County treasurer, opening the door for Jackson to make what he says would be "an exciting change."

"The opportunity was there, and I've always had an interest in the treasury function," said Jackson, a Republican from Orem. "I figured, if I'm going to do it, now was the time."

Hudman has served as county treasurer for a little more than six years. He was appointed interim treasurer in 1999 when Leonard Ellis resigned and then won election to fill the final two years of Ellis' term and a subsequent term of his own.

With less than a week remaining until the filing deadline — candidates have until Friday at 5 p.m. to file — it's looking like most of the races for Utah County government will be decided at the Utah County Republican Party convention or the June primary. Only one Democrat is seeking election to a county office.

Jackson is the lone candidate for treasurer. Bryan E. Thompson, a Republican from Spanish Fork, has filed for Jackson's position as clerk/auditor.

The race for Utah County attorney is shaping up as a three-way race for the Republican nomination. Curtis L. Larson, American Fork, is a deputy Utah County attorney and the only candidate who has officially filed for the post. Fellow county prosecutor Jeff Buhman and Utah County Attorney Kay Bryson have said they plan to run.

Jerry Grover, a Republican from Orem, is seeking a fourth term on the Utah County Commission. Joining Grover in the race for Seat A is Gary J. Anderson, a Republican from Springville.

Utah County Commissioner Steve White, a Republican from Provo, faces an intraparty challenge in the race for Seat B — Bill Ellis ofProvo. The winner will face Democrat Joseph Brierley from Spanish Fork.

Elsewhere in the county, Assessor Kris Poulson and Sheriff James Tracy are seeking re-election.

In the race for the Republican nomination in the 3rd Congressional District, Eagle Mountain millionaire John D. Jacob is running against five-term Rep. Chris Cannon. Democrat Christian Burridge of South Jordan also has declared his candidacy for the 3rd District seat.

On Utah's Capitol Hill, Rep. Margaret Dayton, R-Orem, is running for the District 15 Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Parley Hellewell, R-Orem.