We urge Republicans in the Utah State Senate on Wednesday to support Senate Majority Whip Scott Jenkins, R-Plain City, as the new Senate majority leader, replacing former Sen. Sheldon Killpack, who resigned Saturday after being arrested for driving under the influence.
The Top of Utahn Jenkins will be competing for the post against former Senate Majority Leader Curt Bramble, R-Provo.
There are three solid reasons for elevating Jenkins to Senate majority leader:
* First, it would be a deserved promotion for a legislator who has done an admirable job as majority whip.
* Second, it would preserve a top legislative leadership slot for the Top of Utah. With an effective, qualified choice such as Jenkins, there's no reason to move that slot to a southern legislator.
* Finally, Bramble was replaced as majority leader because he represented a distasteful style of legislative leadership that we hope can be phased out of Utah politics. Whether it's unapologetically soaking up lobbyist perks or intimidating pizza delivery workers, we need leaders who are cognizant that they are public servants.
Jenkins is the right choice, period.
It was a quick end to one-time rising star Sheldon Killpack. The Syracuse politician was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence early Friday morning. By Saturday night, the lawmaker had resigned from the state senate.
Killpack had no choice but to resign. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a conservative Republican politician, being arrested on suspicion of drunken driving made him a pariah. He is a member of a church that forbids alcohol. His district is predominantly Mormon.
To be frank, Killpack's political success is tied to his image -- one that he has cultivated -- as a political leader who touts and lives a life that follows traditional moral standards. He was smart enough to see that a DUI arrest was a political death blow.
As his court case is resolved, we hope that any legal, personal or family challenges Killpack is dealing with have a positive resolution.
Political falls such as Killpack's remind us that just about all politicians, no matter how high they may go, are very expendable.
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