SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - Utah Democratic Chairman Jim Dabakis is now running for the senate seat currently held by Ben McAdams.
McAdams is expected to resign soon from the state legislature after being elected Salt Lake County Mayor.
Thursday, Dabakis told ABC 4 that he is now officially a candidate in Senate District 2.
When asked why, Dabakis said,
"I think a party chair ought to be an elected official. I think they go together hand and glove."
Yes, this is the same Democratic chairman who has, on a regular basis, gotten under the skin of Utah Republicans.
But now, Dabakis says he can and will work with GOP lawmakers.
ABC 4: "Occasionally, you knock heads with some of the Republican legislators?”
Dabakis: “Oh, l always knock heads with Republicans here and there."
But given his outspoken nature, we asked Dabakis if he really wanted to spend his days debating the state budget.
To which he replied,
"You know, I love hearings."
Dabakis says he's confident and expects to win the votes of District 2 Democratic delegates.
He also says he will accept only a dollar a year legislative salary.
Which led us to ask,
"Would you describe you being in the legislature as, perhaps, a breath of fresh air?”
To which Dabakis answered,
“I wouldn’t go that far."
But Dabakis may get some competition.
ABC 4 news is also hearing the names of Salt Lake Mayor Peter Corroon and former Salt Lake County Councilwoman Jenny Wilson as possible senate candidates.
Also, former party chair Meghan Holbrook is, reportedly, being urged to run.
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UPDATE - 9PM (MST) 11/8/12
According to a new post on Jenny Wilson's Facebook page, she confirms that she is also planning on entering the race.
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