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South Jordan • Republican delegates in Senate District 10 will have plenty of options when they vote to replace retired Sen. Chris Buttars, who represented West Jordan, later this week.
So far, 11 hopefuls have joined the contest, and that number could grow with nominations from the floor at Thursday's caucus. Delegates will elect a nominee to fill the remaining two years of Buttars' term. Confirmation of the nominee will be considered by Gov. Gary Herbert.
Buttars announced on March 10 that he was stepping down immediately. Candidates have spent the subsequent weeks wooing roughly 230 delegates with free breakfasts, ice cream, barbecues and conservative credentials, trying to show they are Buttars' true ideological heir.
Buttars' actual heir has already received his endorsement. Christie Buttars Giles was relieved after her father announced his retirement because of failing health, happy that he would no longer have to deal with the stress. That night, she went to bed and slept like the dead — for about an hour. Giles awoke and began to worry that no one currently serving would be willing to continue her father's practice of sponsoring controversial legislation that still found backing by a majority of legislators. She decided that night to run for his seat.
The other hopefuls include several sitting elected officials looking to upgrade their titles with a move to the Senate. House members Ken Ivory and Merlynn Newbold are vying for the post, as is South Jordan City Councilwoman Aleta Taylor.
Others, like James Williams and Aaron Osmond, have run for office in the past and are hoping this is their time. Williams was an early candidate in the tea party upset of Sen. Bob Bennett, and Osmond challenged South Jordan Mayor Kent Money in 2009.
The remaining contenders — Jay Cobb, Rich Cunningham, Michael Johnson, Ed Loomis and Pat Malan — are seeking office for the first time, though most have been active in the Republican Party or served in student government in high school or college.
Delegates got a chance to meet all the candidates Thursday and ask about their take on issues. Some questions drew unanimous responses — all of them believe the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to bear arms and that government records bill HB477 should be repealed. Others, such as increasing the sales tax on food, had supporters on both sides.
Delegate John Hellwig, an assistant principal in the Canyons School District, kept a running tally of every response, hoping to narrow the field. His major issues include HB477, limiting state government, taxes and education. He is not particularly concerned with finding an exact match for Buttars, hoping instead for someone who agrees with him on key issues.
"There are a few I'm interested in talking to more," Hellwig said at the end of the meeting. "This has helped me limit my options."
Emily Brackner's concerns include immigration enforcement and education. She has narrowed her list to three candidates but doesn't believe that will make the election go much faster.
"Next Thursday's gonna be a long night," she said. "Bring a snack."
Salt Lake County Republican Party chair Julie Dole believes the meeting will go quickly, even with the large number of candidates. Only candidates who collectively receive the top 50 percent of the vote move on in each round, which should eliminate candidates quickly.
Dole believes several factors contributed to the large number of contenders, including the sheer size of District 10, which covers parts of West Jordan, South Jordan and Herriman. The area has seen huge growth in the past decade and includes 94 precincts. Dole expects it to be split next time the Legislature redistricts the state.
"It's a pretty huge area that you're covering, so you've got a lot more people who are interested," Dole said.
Other motivations, Dole speculates, include frustration with the Obama administration, the economic downturn and that there is no incumbent.
Financially speaking, it's an easier campaign. The short time frame and small numbers make hosting an event more feasible for those without large coffers. Giles admitted she most likely could not afford to run for her father's seat in a regular election.
"People have come out of the woodwork — who have never even thought of running for office — because it's an easy campaign," agreed Taylor. "You can jump into a race that you don't have to mortgage your house for." —
Who can vote?
P Republican delegates from Senate District 10 are eligible to participate in Thursday's caucus. Registration begins at 6 p.m., with the meeting starting at 7 p.m. at Merit Medical, 1600 W. Merit Parkway in South Jordan. For more information, contact Julie Dole at 801-359-4600. Candidates have several events scheduled this week. For more information, visit http://www.slcogop.org. Meet the candidates
Jay Cobb, South Jordan
Age • 39
Occupation • Attorney
Rich Cunningham, South Jordan
Age • 50
Occupation • Investment
adviser
Christie Buttars Giles, West Jordan
Age • 43
Occupation • Communi-
cation coordinator
Ken Ivory, West Jordan
Age • 48
Occupation • Mediator/
attorney
Michael Johnson, South Jordan
Age • 41
Occupation • CEO
and president of FCS
Community
Management
Ed Loomis, South Jordan
Age • 38
Occupation • Heath care
finance expert
Pat Malan, South Jordan
Age • 52
Occupation • retired
Merlynn Newbold, South Jordan
Age • 60
Occupation • Consultant
Aaron Osmond, South Jordan
Age • 41
Occupation • CEO
of Real Estate Investors
Education
Aleta Taylor, South Jordan
Age • 53
Occupation • Medical
office manager
James Williams, South Jordan
Age • 37
Occupation • Business
owner