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Johnson fires up party faithful

Patrick Parkinson, Of the Record staff

Rep. Christine Johnson, a Salt Lake City Democrat who serves parts of the Snyderville Basin, says she is looking for a job outside the state.

At the Summit County Democratic Party nominating convention on Saturday, Johnson said she has applied for positions in Denver and Austin, Texas. Johnson, who is lesbian, said she has applied for jobs with groups that advocate on behalf of gays.

In her speech to convention-goers at Park City Mountain Resort, Johnson encouraged Democrats to support Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon for governor. Corroon is campaigning against incumbent Republican Gov. Gary Herbert. Corroon spoke at Saturday’s convention.

"Put up a sign, give Peter some money, go walk for him if you really want to take a stand against the bad things that are happening in the state Legislature," Johnson said.

She said Corroon would veto so-called message bills, which lawmakers waste time debating and hurt the reputation of the state.

Herbert has signed several bad bills into law, Johnson said.

And he rejected some good bills, she added.

"I’m baffled by it," Johnson said.

She said she has become "disgusted by the hatred and bigotry" at the highest levels of state government.

More representatives are needed in the Legislature "who are progressive and are not going to apologize for it," Johnson said.

Johnson said in March that she would not seek re-election this year. She says the Republican-controlled Statehouse has continuously favored traditional families over those that do not reflect the norm. She is a second-term Democrat.

Four Democrats are vying to replace Johnson in House District 25. The men had a short debate at Saturday’s convention. Democrats in the race include John Netto, Joel Briscoe, Anthony Kaye and Dixon Hindley.


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