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Provo • Andrew Holmes announced his bid for Sen. Curt Bramble's seat at the restaurant where the "Pizza Girl" whom Bramble reportedly berated worked.
Holmes, a Republican and chairman of the finance department at Brigham Young University's Marriott School of Management, told a group of supporters at Nicolitalia Pizzeria that the district needed a senator who would represent them.
"When I talk about representation, I mean that I work for you," Holmes told the group.
To do that, Holmes said he would not accept campaign contributions from businesses that hire professional lobbyists or special interest groups such as Realtors' associations. Instead, he will seek support from small businesses, individuals and anyone interested in promoting good government.
Among those at Tuesday's event was Taylor Oldroyd, former Utah County Republican chairman and executive director of the Utah County Association of Realtors.
Oldroyd said he came down to hear what Holmes had to say. But he disagreed with a blanket ban on campaign contributions from groups such as Realtors.
"I think candidates should reach out to people in all walks of life," Oldroyd said
Attempts to contact Bramble, also a Republican, were not successful.
Holmes wouldn't comment on whether he chose the pizzeria because of its connection with Bramble.
"It's the best pizza place in town," Holmes said.
In 2008, Bramble got into a dispute with a pizza delivery woman, dubbed "Pizza Girl," when he insisted on paying with a personal check, which was against the restaurant's policy.