Bramble One to Watch Among Lawmakers

None by KCPW

Senate Majority Leader Packs Powerful Personality

(KCPW News) Despite health concerns, Senator Curtis Bramble is the lawmaker to watch this legislative session. Paul Rolly, veteran political reporter at the Salt Lake Tribune, says Bramble is a forceful personality who can stand up to House Speaker Greg Curtis - which was why Bramble's colleagues elected him senate majority leader:

"The Senate wanted to have a strong, aggressive person in those leadership meetings, whenever they have joint caucuses, who could match Speaker Curtis' personality and go to the mat on certain issues where the Senate and the House might be divided."

One of those dividing points is the full removal of the sales tax on food. Rolly says circumstances are ripe for a fight between the two legislative bodies over this issue:

"This year Speaker Curtis, because of such a large surplus, he would like to completely eliminate [the sales tax on food]. The Senate's already gone on record on the Senate Republican website saying that isn't going to happen. So there's a battleline right there."

Although diagnosed with life threatening blood clots in his legs and chest, Senator Bramble says he will be in attendance Monday for opening day of the Utah Legislature's 57th general session.

To hear more from Paul Rolly on Capitol Hill players, download today's Midday Metro podcast.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW