Ex-congressman Hansen announces campaign

Former Utah congressman Jim Hansen made his latest campaign official Tuesday, formally announcing he's running for governor and filing the required papers with the lieutenant governor's office.

"I am running for governor because I have the experience to make a difference for Utah and as governor; I can do more for Utah," the Republican said in a statement that cited his many years of experience.

In addition to spending 22 years in Washington, D.C., as the representative from Utah's 1st Congressional District, Hansen served on the Farmington City Council for 12 years and spent four terms in the Legislature.

Hansen said he would build on his record for creating and protecting jobs in Utah. He said he saved the state's largest employer, Hill Air Force Base, from being closed and brought $1 billion in military construction to northern Utah.

Also, he pledged to continue the fight for responsible multiple use of public lands.

"Most of this wonderful state is owned by the federal government and I understand the politics of protecting Utah's interests and maximizing the federal government's investment in our state in ways that create jobs and enhance our way of life," he said.

Other Republican gubernatorial hopefuls include Gov. Olene Walker, former Board of Regents chief Nolan Karras, state Sen. Parley Hellewell, businessman Fred Lampropoulos, House Speaker Marty Stephens, industrialist Jon Huntsman Jr. and Utah County Commissioner Gary Herbert.