Sens. Patrice Arent, of Murray, and Karen Hale, of Salt Lake City, say they won't seek re-election, and possible replacements have already stepped forward. State Rep. Pat Jones, a Holladay Democrat, will run for Arent's seat, while former Democratic Rep. Ty McCartney will attempt a comeback in Hale's district.
"I just decided it was my time," Arent said Wednesday.
She spent six years in the House before Republicans eliminated her seat through redistricting. Arent defeated Senate Majority Leader Steve Poulton in 2002 to stay in the Legislature.
Known for her consumer advocacy bills, Arent had a better success rate with her legislation than any other Democrat during the past eight years, according to a Salt Lake Tribune review. She passed 40 of the 48 bills she sponsored.
In the 2006 session, which ended earlier this month, Arent pushed legislation to help diabetic students gain access to life saving medicine and to increase the criminal penalty for scamming Utahns with e-mails designed to look like they come from legitimate companies.
Arent said she is not worn down, just looking for a change. But she doesn't know what that change will be just yet.
"I haven't made a decision about anything," said Arent, who asked Jones to run for her seat.
If she wins the race, Jones, the House assistant minority whip, plans to continue her focus on education, health care, senior citizen services and ethics legislation.
Jones complimented Arent and Hale for their years of service in a male-dominated Legislature. There are 21 women and 83 men.
"They have done women an incredible justice by the examples they have set," she said. "Women offer a little bit different perspective that is important.
"I would just love the opportunity to continue that effort."
Three of the Senate's four women are expected to retire this year - Sens. Beverly Evans, Hale and Arent - leaving only Sen. Carlene Walker, who is not up for re-election until 2008.
Women have a shot at claiming a few open seats. Jones is running for Arent's slot and Rep. Margaret Dayton, R-Orem, is running for the spot vacated by retiring Sen. Parley Hellewell.
Hale has not formally announced her retirement, but has told many political insiders that she is done. Democratic leaders are still trying to talk her out of it.
McCartney isn't waiting for her announcement. He filed in her district early Wednesday.
McCartney spent four years in the House and resigned in the middle of the 2005 Session to take a job with Salt Lake City government. He oversees the police Civilian Review Board. Mayor Rocky Anderson did not believe McCartney could adequately fill both roles. He has now changed his mind.
"I think he underestimated my energy and tenacity," said McCartney, who promises to focus on education and public safety issues.
Utah Democratic Party Executive Director Todd Taylor said he expects others to file for Hale's seat. One possibility is state Rep. Jackie Biskupski, D-Salt Lake City, though she has not made up her mind.
Candidates have until March 17 to file for congressional, legislative or county races.
In other filings Wednesday, Republican Rick Bouillion will challenge sitting Democratic Rep. Karen Morgan. Bouillion is a lobbyist for Salt Lake Community College and his supervisor is Democratic state Sen. Brent Goodfellow.
Bouillion said the two have shared a laugh about their political differences.
"But I think the common denominator is, while we may be with different parties, we both want what is best for the citizens living in our area," Bouillion said.
Goodfellow has two Republican challengers, including Dan Tuttle, who previously served in the House as a Democrat.
House Majority Whip Steve Urquhart, of St. George, faces an intraparty challenge from Terry Williams, while Urquhart's wife, Sara, is running for a seat on the state school board.
mcanham@sltrib.com
