The race to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Jim Hansen, R-Utah, got even more crowded Tuesday when Utah House Majority Leader Kevin Garn formally entered the contest.
Garn, R-Layton, is considered one of the leading contenders, partly because of his stature in the 75-member House, but also because of his financial muscle. A millionaire who made his money when he sold his home-grown record and tape retail chain several years ago, Garn has already said he's prepared to spend some of his own money in the 1st Congressional District contest.
Garn hopes to fill the spot vacated by Hansen, who announced in January that he was retiring after 22 years in office.
Garn, elected in 1990, was named House majority whip in 1994 and elected majority leader in 1998.
"Though I've loved being a state legislator, I know I can do even more to benefit Utah by taking a stand in Washington than I can from these halls," Garn said.
After the Legislature redrew Utah's three U.S. House seats last fall, the 1st District now includes most of Salt Lake City, reaching in from west Davis County as far east as 700 East. It's homebase is still Weber and Davis counties, with the new district stretching to the north and west and southwest down to the Iron County line.