GREAT news, we need some color in there. I know senator buttars will not like it....

I think Ms Valdez sounds as if she has professional qualifications--however, it's interesting that she doesn't go by her husband's anglo name. From the headline, I wonder whether this is playing the ethnic card?

Reminds me of an anglo friend of mine who married a fellow with a Hispanic last name and when she took his name, she tells me, it certainly opened doors for promotion in her Federal job that she was convinced were because of her new "minority" status.

I'd like to see people chosen and considered due to qualifications, black, white, green, brown, male, female, just on qualifications. I don't care what color, sex, or religion my governor, my plumber, my lawyer, or my waiter is--just whether they are qualified to do the job!

This is so great! The Democrats put on such a great convention this weekend. The positive energy in the air was palpable. These guys are really shaping up to be the party of balance, trust and accountability this year. Maybe Utahns this cycle will find Democrats really to share their values.

Republicans beware... Apparently all the anger, arrogance, and corruption is starting the catch up. That's more than evident from the sludge-fest that Chris Cannon, David Leavitt and Jason Chaffetz put on display at the Republican convention. What a shame. Where are the Statesman?

Times they are a-changin'....

Great news. Always good to see a Texan make good in other states. Congratulations, Josie.

First of all, Josie has always gone by Valdez and her husband is Mark Archuleta Whetley - I believe he is part Latino. Utah has a large Hispanic population and it's past time that the Latio constituency is represented in government in this state.

My maiden name is Adams so I'm as white as can be and married a Martinez. This family is from New Mexico and have been Americans since New Mexico became part of the United States. Having had both a white name and a latino name I can tell you from personal experience that I have felt the sting of discrimination from people more often than I have had the opportunity to use my "minority status by marriage" to any advantage.

I'm offended by your comment and the suggestion that Josie is playing the ethnic card. If you really make choices based on qualifications then why did you even feel it necessary to make that comment? That was a rhetorical question - I think the answer is pretty clear.

....what qualifies Ms. Valdez to be the Lt. Gov? Has she any experience in elections administration? Does she know ANYTHING about what the Lt. Gov. office does?

Seems to me that that office does quite a bit (I admit, I know very little of what that office does) because I read the Lt. Gov.'s name in the paper sometimes 2 or 3 times a week. They must do SOMETHING...

What's her plan, besides being the next "Karen Hale" to lose the race for Lt. Gov lopsidedly?

I want to know.