Cache GOP looking to replace Rep. Curt Webb for his last three months in office

If you feel you might want to run for an elective office this year, it’s about time to make up your mind. A unique opportunity has opened up to fill the remaining three months of State Representative Curt Webb’s term in Legislative District 5. Webb, a Republican, had already announced his intention not to run for office again last January, but earlier this week he announced he and his wife will be serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hawai’i before his legislative term expires on December 31st, 2018, and would need someone to temporarily fill that legislative position beginning October 1st.

Cache County Republican Party Chair Chris Booth was a guest on KVNU’s For the People program Thursday and said those interested in filling Webb’s seat, or those wanting information about the offices that are open, should contact him or another party leader.

“We, meaning the Cache County Republican Party, will open a filing period and will notify everyone that is in the area of Legislative District 5,” Booth explained. “We will let people know and they will basically file that intent to run with me, the chair of the county party.”

Booth said there is an executive committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 6th to discuss how to notify potential candidates, how many days to keep a filing window open, and when to hold the special election. Although those delegates who can vote must live in Legislative District 5, anyone can attend the meeting.

Booth said the Cache GOP has been extremely grateful for Webb’s service. Webb was appointed as a state representative in the spring of 2003 to replace Brent Parker, but was defeated the following year in a Republican primary by Scott Wyatt. Webb was once again appointed to be the State Representative for District 5 after Wyatt left the office to become the president of Snow College in the fall of 2007. Webb has served in the position since that time.

Booth said Webb’s announcement introduces an interesting twist into an already busy political season as his party campaigns for numerous candidates on the ballot.

It’s a little wrinkle, but we’ll make adjustments and move forward,” Booth exclaimed. “It also causes a wrinkle for the candidate, Casey Snider. He has to stop campaigning for the general (election) and start campaigning for a special (election). We’ll see how all that plays out.”

Booth said the special election is like a mini party convention, with only one purpose. Once the local party chooses who will replace Webb, that name will be submitted to Governor Gary Herbert, who will formally make the appointment. Booth said the party cannot hold a special election until after the official date of Webb’s resignation on October 1st, but he does anticipate it will take place within days of Webb’s retirement.

The Utah Legislature does have meetings planned before the end of the year, with an interim session coming up on October 10th and on November 14th, but no formal votes will take place at those sessions.

Karina Andelin Brown is running as a Democrat to replace Webb in Legislative District 5.

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