Killpack resigns from state Senate

SYRACUSE — One day after being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence,  Sheldon Killpack resigned from the state Senate on Saturday to avoid being a distraction to his legislative colleagues.

“I spent the evening considering my options and discussing them with my wife, family and trusted friends,” Killpack said in a news release issued through the Utah State Senate.

Killpack, 41, could not be reached directly for comment.

“At this time the Legislature would be a distraction from what is most important and, frankly, I find that I have become a distraction to the Legislature,” Killpack went on to say in the release.

“In light of that I have decided to tender my resignation as majority leader and as a Utah State senator, effective immediately,” Killpack said.

“I am sincerely grateful and touched for the outpouring of support and love expressed to my family by so many of my constituents and friends.”

The decision made by Killpack has the support of his colleagues, although, they do not believe the position will be easily filled.

Davis County Republican Chairwoman Shirley Bouwhuis said she had a long conversation with Killpack Saturday morning as he contacted her about his decision.

“I am very sad. I was upset when I talked with him on the phone,” Bouwhuis said. She said regardless of what has happened, she believes Killpack served Davis County and the state with distinction.

“We have lost a statesman. He has made a mistake. We all know it. He knows it. It is a sad day for all of us. It is a sad day for Republicans. It is a sad day for Davis County,” Bouwhuis said.

Late Saturday night, Rep. Paul Ray, R-Clinton, announced his interest in Killpack’s seat, while expressing concern for the Killpack family.

Ray said his eight years of experience in the House, including chairing the health and human services committee, qualified him for the job.

Representing residents in Clinton, West Point, Syracuse and Sunset, Ray said he already serves many of the same constituents as Killpack did.

He said plans are under way to hold a convention to select a new senator Saturday, just two days before the Legislature is set to open.

“It’s a perilous time right now,” he said. “It’s important that we have the right person in place.”

The hope is the party will be able to do an “emergency turn-around” in getting Killpack’s seat filled as rapidly as possible to avoid the new senator having to lose any more time than necessary with the Legislature set to convene on Jan. 25.

“It’s possible the person elected may miss the first week,” she said.

Bouwhuis said when she gets back in town Tuesday she will send out letters to the delegates in Senate District 21.

“(Killpack) will leave a hole. There are very few people that have the capacity and the knowledge of what is going on with the state budget and legislative issues, and the rapport to move through those issues,” Sen. Stuart Adams, R-Layton, said.

“He has been so capable. When he focuses on something, he puts everything into it," Adams said of Killpack, who has been his friend and will remain a friend.

Knowing the great family Killpack has been blessed with, Adams said, he is confident the former senator based his decision to resign on what is best for them and based on that, he supports Killpack’s decision.

Killpack, whose father was killed by a drunken driver when Killpack was a teenager, supported and sponsored drunken-driving measures during his six years in office. He is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which counsels its members not to drink alcohol.

The Utah Highway Patrol said a trooper pulled over Killpack early Friday after observing his vehicle driving erratically.

Killpack was was representing the 21st District, which includes Syracuse, Clinton and West Point. He was  appointed to the state Senate in 2003, then won election in 2004 and again in  2008. He was elected to the No. 2 position in Senate GOP leadership last year and was viewed as a rising star in Utah politics.

He had attended a fundraiser for state Rep. Greg Hughes, R-Draper, on Thursday night, but no alcohol was served at the event. Former state Rep. Mark Walker was his passenger when he was pulled over.

Information from the Associated Press is included in this story.

ON THE WEB: Support pouring out for Syracuse lawmaker arrested on suspicion of DUI

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SYRACUSE -- Sheldon Killpack resigned Saturday as a state senator, effective immediately.

Killpack's resignation follows by one day his arrest early Friday in Salt Lake County on suspicion of DUI.

In a statement posted on the Senate web site, Killpack who was the Senate majority leader, said "I spent the evening considering my options and discussing them with my wife, family and trusted friends. My heart weighs heavy. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the legislative process, my legislative colleagues and for my constituents. At this time the Legislature would be a distraction from what is most important and, frankly, I find that I have become a distraction to the Legislature. In light of that I have decided to tender my resignation as Majority Leader and as a Utah State Senator, effective immediately.

"I am sincerely grateful and touched for the outpouring of support and love expressed to my family by so many of my constituents and friends."