KUER Local News
(2004-05-10)
SANDY, UT
(ksut) -
Jon Huntsman Jr. and Nolan Karras will on the Republican primary ballot in June as contenders for the party's nomination for governor. There were selected at the party's state convention Saturday in Sandy. Governor Olene Walker finished fourth in the eight-way contest.
Huntsman is heir to his father's chemical conglomerate and former ambassador to Singapore. Karras is a financial consultant and business owner who serves as chairman of the state Board of Regents.
The winner of the run-off will face Democrat Scott Matheson, Junior in November.
Governor Olene Walker's loss in the Republican state convention this weekend was the first time in 48 years that a standing Utah governor has failed to win a party nomination.
Walker had enjoyed an 81 percent approval rating among voters.
She said it was some relief going back to just being governor.
Possible factors in her defeat may have included her legislative vetoes and her late entry in the race.
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