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Democratic governor candidate Vaughn Cook is today announcing Jan Garbett, community activist and spouse of prominent developer Bryson Garbett, as his running mate.

"I am an advocate for the people of Utah," Jan Garbett said in prepared remarks. "I represent those who have lost confidence in the political posturing of their elected officials; and are yearning, simply, for leadership that acts in good faith to represent every Utahn rather than a party line."

Bryson Garbett was a Republican member of the Utah House for two terms in the mid-1980s.

Jan Garbett said she would support affordable healthcare for all, put education as a top priority, strive to improve air quality, liveable communities and Utah's economy.

Cook, CEO of biometric-devicemaker ZYTO in Lindon, praised Garbett as a partner, calling her "one of our state's true assets.

"To have her as our next lieutenant governor will be a breath of fresh air, and right now we need all of the fresh air we can get."

Cook faces Michael Weinholtz in the contest for the Democratic nomination. The winner will face the Republican nominee who emerges from a field including Gov. Gary Herbert, Overstock.com board Chairman Jonathan Johnson, Nate Jensen and Carlos Tavares Jr., as well as a number of third-party candidates.