Swallow defeats Weber's Dee to replace Shurtleff

SALT LAKE CITY — Republican John Swallow has won the race to replace his retiring boss, current Attorney General Mark Shurtleff.

Swallow, a deputy under Shurtleff, had faced Democratic Weber County Attorney Dee Smith.

Shurtleff is retiring after three terms and 12 years in office.

Swallow has focused on immigration and states’ rights — two issues that topped Shurtleff’s agenda and resonate among Republican voters.

He had received much of his campaign cash from a national Republican political action committee with ties to Las Vegas-based casino company Wynn Resorts and operative Karl Rove. Shurtleff’s PAC has also donated large sums to Swallow.

Democrats had denounced the out-of-state money as wrong for Utah and its voters.