"I promise you that if you elect me I will work hard and be effective," Hill said. "And I will do the job with the integrity and excellence in which I have done everything else in my life."

Several people spoke Tuesday, endorsing Hill during her announcement, including her former law professor and a former classmate from BYU's J. Reuben Clark Law School.

Friends and neighbors also vocalized their support for Hill at Tuesday's event.

"I think she would bring honesty and clarity to the Legislature," said Wayne Johnson, 51, of Provo.

Robin Tuck, 63, of Provo, said he sees a need for a variety of opinions in politics. "We can't just all be Republicans," he said.

Nola deJong Sullivan, 83, of Provo, said she has known Hill for 25 years and sees her as brilliant and honest. "We're tired of Utah having only one party," she said. "Otherwise, it's just like a dictatorship."

Hill and her husband have five children.

---

E-mail: astewart@desnews.com