Davis GOP picks Adams for Senate

KAYSVILLE — Davis County Republicans have selected former state Rep. Stuart Adams to replace Lt. Gov. Greg Bell as a state senator from the county.

Saturday, Adams was selected by delegates from Bell's former Senate district, which includes Layton, Kaysville, Fruit Heights, Farmington and part of Centerville. He emerged as the top choice from a field of eight candidates.

Saturday's meeting, held at the Davis Applied Technology College in Kaysville, was attended by 94 percent of the 286 eligible delegates from Senate District 22.

Adams said he's excited to return to the Utah Legislature. He served two terms from 2003 to 2006 while representing Layton and sponsored the bill that permitted Legacy Parkway's construction.

"My experience from before will be a great asset," Adams said Saturday.

He cited the state budget and the economy as challenges he looks forward to taking on if confirmed by Gov. Gary Herbert.

"I believe economic development is the solution to the budget," he said.

Adams currently serves as chairman of the Utah Transportation Commission, which prioritizes UDOT projects and decides how funds are spent. Adams expects to resign from the post at some point in the future.

He also serves as chairman of the Military Installation Development Authority.

Chairwoman Shirley Bouwhuis said the county Republican Party had the option to send up to three names to Gov. Gary Herbert, but she wanted delegates to send only one name.

"We wanted this to be the choice of Davis County," Bouwhuis said.

Adams was on Herbert's lieutenant governor short list and predicts a smooth appointment as senator.

"I think I'll make it through," he said.

e-mail: jdougherty@desnews.com

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