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Politicians challenge for party nods

Jay Hamburger OF THE RECORD STAFF

Five Republicans are challenging for the GOP’s nomination for the state Senate seat now held by the retiring Beverly Evans, a Republican, making the contest one of the most competitive locally of the political season.

Gordon Peterson, from Midway, Kevin VanTassell, who is from Vernal, James Allen, from Vernal, Mike Kohler from Midway and David Ure, who is from Kamas, want the Republican Party’s nod. In Summit County, Ure is the best known of the candidates, having served in the state House of Representatives.

Democrats Laird Hamblin, who is from Roosevelt, and Roland Uresk, also from Roosevelt, are campaigning for the party’s nomination for the Senate seat.

Two Constitution Party candidates Jerry Owens and Sonya Ray — are seeking the party’s nomination. Neither is from Summit County.

The Senate district encompasses parts of Summit, Daggett, Duchesne, Uintah and Wasatch counties.

Two Republicans, meanwhile, want the party’s nod in the House district Ure is abandoning, including Olympic skeleton champion Jim Shea Jr., who is from Park City. Mel Brown will compete with Shea for the Republican nomination. Awaiting the winner will be Laura Bonham, a Democrat, and Libertarian Gary Shumway.

The district spreads over parts of Rich, Morgan, Summit, Wasatch and Daggett counties.

The other House seat representing Summit County has drawn four Democrats and two Republicans, all from the Salt Lake Valley. The district is centered in Salt Lake but winds its way into the Snyderville Basin.

The Democrats seeking the nomination are Jeffrey Breglio, Josh Ewing, Chris Ferguson and Jack Gray. The Republicans are Kenneth Grover and Martine Smith.

Democrat Ross Romero holds the seat but is seeking a spot in the state Senate instead of running for re-election.

Party faithful will try to pick their candidates at upcoming conventions. If they are unable to do so, primaries will be held to determine the parties’ nominees on the November ballot.

Caucus meetings are scheduled next week to pick delegates to the conventions.


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