Incumbents facing GOP contests in Utah County
Candidate filing ended Monday, and several Utah County legislative districts have multiple candidates, especially multiple Republican candidates.
Of the 13 district races for the House of Representatives, eight races have more than one Republican, and in the Senate, three of the four races have multiple Republicans.
All of the candidates running think there needs to be change, but several Republican candidates said neighbors and other members of the community asked them to run because they want a positive change in the Legislature and not just the same actions by the same people.
"It was a little over a year ago there was a lot of outcry for a change. ... Everybody has a different complaint," said Jennifer Baptista, a candidate in District 57 who is running against Rep. Craig Frank, R-Pleasant Grove. "They feel they're not being heard, that he's not representing them and they're not happy about his lack of support for the public schools. There's been a lot of discontentment in the area, and it just proves the fact that a lot of people want somebody different."
Public education was raised as a major issue by other candidates.
David Starling, a Republican running in District 62 against incumbent Rep. Chris Herrod, is a longtime public school teacher and believes his experience inside the system would be valuable to the Legislature and the decisions made concerning public schools. He also has a background with business and a degree in economics that he says will benefit budgetary decision-making.
However, Herrod, R-Provo, said he feels he represents the district well and thinks he will win the legislative seat.
Lisa Shepherd, who announced she will run as a Republican in District 61 against Rep. Keith Grover, R-Provo, said she received an overwhelming amount of phone calls from Provo residents to run and give them back their voice, especially through protecting public education. Shepherd said she believes, and residents have told her, that the incumbents no longer do what the people want.
Governmental ethics also came into question when candidates decided to file.
"I got tired of reading all the articles about (Rep.) Mike Morley (supporting a bill) that would benefit his construction company," said Chance Williams, a Republican candidate in District 66 running against the Republican Morley. "I want to see people working for legislation that would sincerely benefit the people."
Mary Lou Huffmon, a Democratic candidate in District 57, said she's also upset with the current state of ethics, especially with so many conflicts of interest. She said she's not sure what will happen with the race in her district, but hopes a change will occur.
Recent comments
My children go to Charter Schools and I thank Mike Morley for what...
Sharon | April 25, 2008 at 6:20 p.m.
I think that Mike Morley is the best candiate for the position. Everyone...
Wanda | April 24, 2008 at 4:19 a.m.
I agree that there has been alot of negative attention on Morley....
Lauren | April 24, 2008 at 4:11 a.m.
