Expect twists, turns, intrigue in legislative races

The pay is lousy. The hours are ridiculous. The glory is limited and the potential for embarrassment is huge. But still, for some crazy reason, lots of people want to serve in the Utah Legislature and other local offices.

Both parties did well fielding candidates for offices along the Wasatch Front and some other areas of the state. As with a sports event, the fans and commentators are analyzing and handicapping the races. All sorts of twists, turns, attempted comebacks, grudge matches and interesting relationships are evident in many of the races this year. Interest groups have been active in recruiting. We don't have space in today's column to do real analysis on the races, but we will address some of them in more depth in the future (and disagree on who ought to win). Following are some of the more interesting matchups this year.

Senate 4. Democrats were obviously chagrined when the confident and respected Sen. Patrice Arent announced her retirement. But the minority party is blessed that Rep. Pat Jones is ready to step up to this "must-win" race for the Democrats. Jones co-owns the polling firm Dan Jones & Associates with her husband, and therefore has her finger on the pulse of issues, trends and voter views. Four Republicans are in the race, with long-term-care expert Dirk Anjewierden perhaps best positioned for the nomination.

Senate 7. Another big retirement loss for the Democrats is Sen. Karen Hale, who was also the party's lieutenant governor nominee in the last two gubernatorial elections. A huge wrestling match has ensued among local Democrats to replace her, but the presumptive front-runner has to be Rep. Ross Romero. Politicos will have fun watching a convention fight (and possible primary) between Romero, longtime activist Kelly Ann Booth, Mark Flores, former Rep. Ty McCartney, and Kymberly Meyer. The Democratic nominee will likely face former city council member Bryce Jolley, who is opposed for the GOP nomination by Peter J. Morgan. An even bigger free-for-all is occurring for Romero's House seat among a huge array of Democrats.

Senate 9. Former Senate President Al Mansell, a major force in the Legislature, is retiring, and has handpicked fellow Realtor Wayne Niederhauser as his replacement. But a number of Republicans are refusing to cede power to the Sandy Republican Club, the powerful political club that has spawned the political careers of Mansell, Mayor Tom Dolan, Speaker Greg Curtis and others. Expect a hotly contested race for the GOP nomination from Jim Bennett (son of U.S. Sen. Bob Bennett), former Rep. Bryson Garbett, Randy Moore and Marc Puckett.

The eventual nominee will likely face former Rep. Trisha Beck who is opposed for the Democratic nomination by Jennifer Lee Jackson.