While Holland knows of no formal ties Biden may have to Utah, a number of Utahns went to Nevada for that state's presidential debate last year and were thoroughly impressed by Biden.

"We did try to get him to come to Utah" for the Feb. 5 presidential primary, but Biden was winding down his presidential bid at that time and decided not to come here to campaign, Holland said.

Many other rank-and-file members of the Utah delegation to the convention were excited about the choice of Biden.

Millicent Lewis, an Obama delegate and artist, said, "I'm thrilled. I think he brings foreign policy experience. I think he's smart and tough, and he doesn't take guff from anybody. I think he's an excellent choice."

Kathleen Snyder, an Obama delegate who became involved because of her dislike for the war in Iraq — where her son, Army Capt. Brian Freeman, was killed two years ago — also praised the choice of Biden.

"I think he's a great asset to the ticket. One of the areas of concern that people had about Obama is foreign policy, and Sen. Biden complements that very well. He will be an asset to the ticket," she said.

Delegate Jan Lovett said, "Not only does Joe Biden bring valuable foreign policy experience to the presidency, he is more like you and me. He grew up in a middle-class family, has lived through personal tragedies that have given him strength and strong family values. He has worked hard for the everyday workers for most of his life and I believe he will continue to do so."

State Rep. Phil Riesen, D-Salt Lake, an Obama delegate, said, "I believe Sen. Obama's selection reflects exactly what this Democratic ticket needs to win in November. Senator Biden brings with him a wealth of international and foreign relations experience and the proven ability to help Senator Obama govern the nation."

State Sen. Scott McCoy, D-Salt Lake, said, "I know that if, God forbid, something happened to President Obama, Vice President Biden would be able to capably lead our nation."

McCoy, who is gay, added, "For the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community, while Sen. Biden as a practicing, devout Catholic, opposes marriage equality for same-sex couples, he appreciates that LGBT families deserve recognition through civil unions and believes in basic fairness in terms of health insurance and other employment benefits. I believe the LGBT community will have a friend in Vice President Biden."

The Utah Republican Party issued a statement about Obama's pick. "Choosing Sen. Biden as his running mate shows that Obama's own campaign knows that he (Obama) is not ready to lead."

The statement also said: "Sen. Obama's decision points out that he is concerned about his own foreign policy experience. Sen. Joe Biden has criticized Sen. Obama's lack of experience, saying that 'the presidency is not something that lends itself to on-the-job training."'

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