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Jill Atwood ReportingGovernor Olene Walker is adding an interesting twist to an already crowded gubernatorial field. So how will Walker running change the dynamics of the race? We have reaction on Walker's decision tonight from both parties.
Governor Walker's announcement is being received with both surprise and admiration. An already crowded challenger field just got a little tighter with an incumbent governor now added to the fray.
For fellow GOP hopeful Nolan Karras her decision is bittersweet; they are close friends, yet Karras knows Walker will cut into the moderate GOP vote.
Nolan Karras, (R) Candidate for Governor: “I think most insiders believe I”m qualified and I can do the job. So I think that I'm going to be first, second or third on a lot of the ballots. Olene coming in means that some people won't put me first that would have put me first in the first place.”
Jon Huntsman Jr's campaign manager says he thinks Walker's hat in the ring will make for a better race.
Jason Chaffetz, Campaign Manager, (R) Jon Huntsman, Jr. Campaign: "I hope what it does is that it draws more attention to the debate and the issues that are facing our state and how we are going to move forward with our state. So if it draws more people into the process and focuses more intention on the race itself, we think thats a healthy thing."
On the democratic side of things, State Chair Donald Dunn says Governor Walker deserves to be a candidate, but it's members of her own party she has to worry about.
Donald Dunn/Chairman, Utah Democratic Party: "I think what were going to see is that the radical right side of the party, really, prevails at the convention, or certainly have a lot of influence. I wish the democratic party could sell tickets as a fund raiser to watch the fight go on."
Of course governor walker will carry the burden of the last 12 years. Other candidates will say it's time for the Leavitt-Walker era to end. the next weeks and months will be interesting.
