GOP Prepares to Replace Provo's Alexander in Utah House

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Ten people - including a rare-book seller, a schoolteacher, several local politicians and a handful of businessmen - are vying for the seat of retiring State Representative Jeff Alexander. Marian Monnahan, chair of the Utah County Republican Party, says the interest is not surprising:

"Whenever you have an open seat - which doesn't happen too often - without an incumbent to run against, why many people are just sitting there waiting for the opportunity," says Monnahan. "So no, it doesn't surprise me at all. And it's good - we have more choices that way."

About 90 delegates in District 92 in Provo will meet on January 2nd to elect a replacement for Alexander, who served for several years as House Majority Leader. Alexander's resignation leaves Utah County without representation in House leadership. However, Senate President John Valentine of Orem is proof that appointed politicians can rise to prominence. That's how he first got his Senate seat, but he says it's no cakewalk:

"You fight a very hard battle within your own party," says Valentine. "And in the Alexander seat, there are ten individuals - so getting 60 percent among a small group of delegates is a challenge."

Jeff Alexander has chosen not to endorse any of the 10 candidates for his seat. After the delegate meeting on January 2nd, two names will be sent to the Governor for final selection - unless one of the ten candidates manages to secure 60 percent of the delegate vote.

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