Demo could take elected seat early

Democrats have nominated Mark Wheatley to replace former state Rep. Judy Ann Buffmire for the last month of her office.

Wheatley won the seat in the Nov. 2 election, but Democrats want him to take office early so he can have some seniority among freshman lawmakers.

His name will be forwarded to Gov. Olene Walker for appointment.

Buffmire, also a Democrat, had represented House District 35 (which covers parts of Murray, South Salt Lake City and unincorporated Salt Lake County) for 12 years. She is a psychologist in private practice.

Buffmire, whose husband died of cancer earlier this year, did not run for re-election and resigned her seat just before the Nov. 2 election to allow her to take a position with an unaffiliated board.