Goodfellow, a 21-year veteran representative and former House minority leader, is expected to be appointed by Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. to replace Allen, a Stansbury Park Democrat who is resigning to become one of three Public Service Commission members. Goodfellow, a vice president at Salt Lake Community College, was backed by all Senate Democrats, including Allen, who nominated Goodfellow for the post.

"I will do my best," Goodfellow said after winning 70 percent of delegate votes at a short meeting at Hunter High School. "I will work hard. I will represent all of you."

Goodfellow defeated challengers Steve Shamy, Dan Tuttle, James Valarian and Judy Weeks to serve the remainder of Allen's term, which ends Jan. 1, 2007. Allen's District 12 covers parts of Salt Lake and Tooele counties.

Goodfellow said he will resign his House seat this week. Democrats are expected to elect a replacement for that spot April 16 during the Salt Lake County Democratic Convention.

House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-Sandy, on Saturday wished Goodfellow luck and said Goodfellow's new position is a loss for the House.

"Brent's a good representative," Curtis said. "He's somebody who's been able to cross party lines and get things done for his district. We're going to miss him."

Democrats expressed similar sentiments over losing Allen, the Senate's minority whip.

"We're going to miss his leadership," State Democratic Party Chairman Donald Dunn said. "But we know that he's going to do a good job representing all of us on the Public Service Commission."

Allen's resignation and Goodfellow's election continued three months of lawmaker musical chairs. Several legislators representing both parties have left their posts to take appointed positions within Huntsman's administration. One left for a new position within Salt Lake County government and another resigned for health reasons.

tburr@sltrib.com

Voting results

l 40 Brent Goodfellow

l 9 Judy Weeks

l 5 Dan Tuttle

l 2 Steve Shamy

l 1 James Valarian