Democrats lead GOP in money chase in Salt Lake County mayor race

Politics » Close contests await verdicts from party conventions on Saturday.

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Cook and Snelgrove also criticized Crockett, whom most candidates also named as one of the top contenders, for voting for big spending when he was on the County Council and for losing re-election in a GOP-leaning council district — which they said shows he may not be able to prevail countywide.

Crockett said he is focusing on providing core county services, saving money to avoid higher taxes and borrowing less through bonding for high-ticket items. He said he has personally met with more than half of the 1,600 delegates, "and it feels like we are picking up speed and adding delegates every week."

While Cook was elected twice to Congress, he has lost many other races, including for governor, U.S. Senate and a 2004 bid for county mayor. "It shows I am persistent and will not give up," he said. "That’s what we need to get budgets under control."

County conventions will also pare down the fields in County Council contests.

Four Democrats are running for the east-side District 4 seat being vacated by Democrat Jani Iwamoto, the council’s lone woman. They include former County Auditor Jeff Hatch, former U.S. Senate candidate and restaurateur Sam Granato, attorney Paul Nielson and Occupy activist Deb Henry.

Three Republicans are running for the same seat, including Missy W. Larsen (daughter of former Democratic Salt Lake City Mayor Ted Wilson and sister of former Democratic County councilwoman Jenny Wilson), small-business owner Craig Ward and longtime wilderness foe Rainer Huck.

For the countywide seat held by Democrat Jim Bradley, GOP delegates will choose among: Joseph Demma, a former campaign manager for Gov. Gary Herbert; former Councilman Steve Harmsen; and Melvin Nimer, chairman of the Log Cabin Republicans, a caucus for gay GOP members.

Republicans currently hold a 5-4 edge on the council.

ldavidson@sltrib.com

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