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SALT LAKE CITY -- Sen. Robert Bennett has another challenger for next year's election. On Monday, a Democrat made his campaign official: Sam Granato.
The challenge to Sen. Bennett from fellow Republicans is already set the stage for one of the more interesting political races going.
Now, a Democrat has thrown his hat in the ring, which adds its own interesting dynamic. Granato said, "I realize that I am not your typical politician but, frankly, that will be a good thing."
In front of his family-owned food importing business, Sam Granato talked about change for: health care, federal spending and partisan sniping. "Starting today I want the people that were once called the silent majority to speak up," Granato said in prepared remarks that focused more on his resume than his plans for the country.
"Silent majorities will not overcome the great challenges this nation is facing. We either work together to solve the problems or we lose."
But he admits his opponent, three-term incumbent Sen. Bennett, is going to be tough. He said, "I'm sure he's tough and he's a legend, but it's time for legends to be broken and for new ideas to move on."
But even as a Democrat, Granato might face uncertainty. Popular Democrat Jim Matheson has not announced his plans for 2010 yet and running for Senate might be an option. Granato says he's not worried.
Granato is the second to take on Bennett publicly. Attorney General Mark Shurtleff is taking Bennett on as not conservative enough.
At least two other Republicans are also expressing interest in the race but have not formally announced. Granato says he's running more in the middle.
Supporters at his rally included at least three Republicans, who say their support is based on friendship, not ideology.
Still Utah Democratic Party Chairman Wayne Holland said Utah is widely seen as part of a bigger trend. He said, "Opportunities for victory in the west are there and we've got some viable candidates, not just the one now that declared today, but other candidates for statewide office that we think have great opportunities."
Granato estimates he's going to need $2 million to run against Senator Bennett. Raising that money could be one of the most challenging aspects of his campaign.
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Story compiled with contributions from Richard Piatt and the Associated Press.
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