"There isn't a single time this session I could have raised my hand and said, 'I'm proud that's my senator,' " Gary Armstrong, one of three Republican challengers to Buttars, told the gathering of about 30 delegates in the South Jordan district. "We need a senator who can represent us with dignity as he fights the good fight."

Clearly, Buttars' mouth has landed him in hot water. On Saturday, Republican delegates will decide if they, too, think it's time for a change.

Buttars was besieged in the past legislative session when he said of a school construction bill that "This baby is black, I'll tell you. It's a dark, ugly thing." Some called the statement racist, and the NAACP called for his resignation despite Buttars' apology.

Later, Buttars lost his chairmanship of the Senate panel that confirms judges after it was revealed that he wrote a letter scolding a judge who had ruled against his friend and political ally.

Those episodes were merely the latest from the plain-spoken senator who has consistently stirred up controversy over the years.

Armstrong is just one of three Republicans, along with West Jordan councilwoman Kathy Hilton and businessman Trevor Darby, who say the district needs a change from Buttars.

But Buttars, who declined to be interviewed, has shown himself to be a fighter. He also has a reputation as a hardworking, impeccably organized and well-funded campaigner and enjoys the backing of the conservative Utah Eagle Forum.

Buttars began planning his re-election last August, according to his financial disclosure, with a retreat at Grand Teton Lodge. Since then, he has spent more than $33,000, treating delegates to scores of meals, purchasing full-page newspaper ads and hiring a paid campaign staff.

His competitors, combined, have spent $2,567.

It may be paying off.

Rep. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman, whose district covers part of Buttars' Senate district, says that, from what he's hearing from delegates, he expects Buttars to survive the convention and could get support from 60 percent of the delegates to avoid a primary.

Saturday's convention also may sort out several of the toughest Republican fights.

In House District 48, incumbent Rep. Sylvia Anderson is being challenged by the man she replaced, Rep. LaVar Christensen, who left his House seat to mount a failed run for Congress, but now wants the seat back.

"I think, worst-case scenario, there will be a primary," said an upbeat Anderson. "Best-case scenario, I'm within reach of not needing a primary. It won't end at convention for me."

In House District 45, several candidates are competing for the open swing Sandy seat now held by Republican Rep. Mark Walker, who is leaving to run for the state treasurer's office. Mary Bangerter, Raymond Paul Corry, Glen Esplin and Brian Monsen are all in the mix.

Farther south, the Utah County Democratic Party will hold its convention in Provo. The party has struggled against the GOP juggernaut in the rock-solid conservative region, but boasts that it has assembled its best slate of candidates in memory.

* Represents Senate District 10.

* He has spent more than $33,000 on campaign since August.