Democrat Jenny Wilson exploring run for Sen. Orrin Hatch's seat

SALT LAKE CITY — Even before becoming fed up with what she sees as boys-club elitism brewing in the U.S. Senate seat held by seven-term GOP Sen. Orrin Hatch, Democrat Jenny Wilson started thinking about a run for the office.

Hatch recently mentioning former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney as his possible successor, and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. also considering a Senate run, drew Wilson's ire.

"It got me close to saying, 'Yes, I'm in,'" she said Monday.

Utahns deserve an open campaign where anyone could participate, not a coronation by the wealthy and privileged, the Salt Lake County councilwoman said.

"As a fifth-generation Utahn and elected official working in the state and on the ground, the back and forth between the Hatches, Romneys and Huntsmans regarding who is entitled to a seat in the U.S. Senate is offensive," Wilson said. "The Senate seat is not a family heirloom to be passed along from one elite family to another."

Read more: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865677500/Democrat-Jenny-Wilson-exploring-run-for-Sen-Orrin-Hatchs-seat.html