Enid Greene back in the public eye

Former U.S. Congresswoman Enid Greene will have her name on a ballot again — although this time it will be for state Republican Party vice chairwoman at next month's state convention.

Greene, 44, left her 2nd Congressional District seat in 1996 after a national campaign finance scandal perpetrated by her former husband, Joe Waldholtz. She has been recently rumored to be interested in a number of public offices, including the Salt Lake County Council and mayorship. But she never filed for office.

Greene said her new party candidacy "should not be read" as preparation for future runs at public office.

"Anyone who knows me knows I've always been interested in politics. I want to strengthen the state party. This does not mean I'd run for higher office some day. I take my life six months at a time, and now I just want to be party vice chair," she said Tuesday.

Greene has been the appointed chairwoman of some state and Salt Lake County party committees and conventions the past several years. But she's kept a rather low profile since the scandal. The Aug. 23 state GOP convention at Salt Lake Community College will be the first time Greene has put herself forward as a candidate in nine years.

"F. Scott Fitzgerald was wrong: there are second chances in politics," said Meg Holbrook, state Democratic Party chairwoman. "Enid is a very bright, talented woman. And Utahns are very forgiving. If George Bush can give up drinking, Enid can run for office again. But I don't know if she could win."

Party leaders are selected in off-year conventions to serve two-year terms. While all 3,500 state party delegates can vote on party leaders, probably only 2,000 will show up at the convention in three weeks, state party chairman Joe Cannon predicted.

Cannon seeks a second, two-year term as state party chairman. Cannon is a former U.S. Senate candidate; brother to 3rd District Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah; a top official at Geneva Steel; and a Deseret Morning News board member.

Cannon will be challenged for the top party post by three men: Drew Chamberlain, Tom Clay and Ron Levine.

Running against Greene for vice chairman is Frank Guliuzza, current vice chairman, and Mark Towner.

"I'd like to know why (Enid) didn't run for party chair. Republicans have never elected a woman state chair," Holbrook said.