Oldest lawmaker retires

The Utah Legislature is losing its oldest representative.

Rep. Don Bush, R-Clearfield, has withdrawn from the race for the House of Representatives district that he has represented for 14 years, leaving the party nomination open for the three Republicans who filed against him. The 80-year-old representative said that he actually intended to retire two years ago, but it would have meant the seat was uncontested within the party and that wouldn't be fair to voters.

"I filed to make sure there would be a choice, and waited to make sure that a couple of my friends who filed were serious," Bush said. "There isn't any special reason, except that I've been there 14 years and I think it's time to move on . . . I'm leaving with good feelings and good friends."

Bush, the only remaining World War II veteran in either chamber of the Legislature, said that he is most proud of his efforts to keep taxes from increasing, as well as the repeal, which he sponsored, of a temporary flood control tax.

"It was a temporary tax that was still there after 10 years," he said. "It's the only time that we repealed a statewide tax."

In recent sessions, Bush has become notable for sponsoring a resolution urging Congress to consider leaving the United Nations.

This year, the resolution passed the House, where it had previously died. Since the resolution will still be forwarded to Utah's congressional delegation, he said that he felt he had accomplished his goal and that even if he had returned for an eighth term, he doubted he would run it again.

"I think it was successful because I got it passed in the House, which was the first time it had happened in any state," he said. "Even though it didn't pass the Senate, it will still get back to Congress."

Cheryl Lynn Phipps, who filed against Bush as a Republican, said that while she expected to have to unseat an incumbent to win, Bush's retirement does not significantly change the landscape of the race. She did challenge him because of his record as a legislator, however.

"The feeling I got when I was talking to people about running was that it was time for a change," Phipps said. "I didn't run to try to unseat him, but because I think I can make a difference."

Curtis Oda, another Republican, said that he is close to Bush personally and politically and hopes to receive the support of convention delegates and voters that the incumbent would have received. He also applauded the way that Bush has represented the Davis County district during his tenure.

"He represented the values of this community," Oda said. "He's been a good representative, and I hope that I can carry on his legacy."

Also running for the District 14 seat are Republican Glen Mills, Democrat Tab Uno and Libertarian Chandler Cowles.

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E-mail: jloftin@desnews.com