Democrats set up challengers for 2008 races

• House Minority Leader Brad King, D-Price, has filed for the seat being vacated by retiring Senate Minority Leader Mike Dmitrich, D-Price. That means there will be a new House Democratic leader next year.

Democrats Jimmy Leonard and Christine Watkins, both Price, have filed for King's House seat.

• Rep. Curt Oda, R-Clearfield, will be challenged by fellow Republican Christopher Williams and by Democrat Marcie West.

• Rep. Kevin Garn, R-Layton, is being challenged by Democrat Carole Peterson. Peterson knows the House well — she recently retired as the House clerk, the top administrative post in the House, after more than 25 years of service in that post.

• Rep. Gage Froerer, R-Huntsville, is being challenged by fellow Republican and Huntsville resident Max Hohman.

• Rep. Paul Neuenschwander, R-Bountiful, is being challenged by Republican Becky Edwards from North Salt Lake.

• Rep. Carl Duckworth, D-Magna, who despite being treated for a serious form of cancer attended nearly all of the 2008 Legislature, is being challenged by fellow Democrat Michael M. Miller, a Democrat from West Valley.

• House budget chairman Ron Bigelow, R-West Valley, says he plans to run again but has not yet filed. If he does, he'll be challenged by fellow Republican Walt Sorensen, a photographer.

• Rep. Sylvia Anderson, R-Sandy, will be challenged by former House member Trisha Beck, a Democrat.

• House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-Sandy, will again be challenged by Democrat Jay Seegmiller, who lost to Curtis by just 20 votes in 2006.

• Rep. Craig Frank, R-Pleasant Grove, is challenged by Jennifer Baptista, also a Republican.

• Rep. Bud Bowman, R-Cedar City, who underwent first heart surgery and then removal of a cancerous kidney already this year, has filed for re-election. He faces fellow Republican Evan Vickers.

• Finally, "Cowboy" Ted Hallisey, a former radio DJ/rodeo rider and announcer, and now a local economic development director, is a Democrat challenging Rep. Mike Noel, R-Kanab.

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