Utah Senate swears in Stewart Adams and adopts 2009 rules for extraordinary session

The Utah State Senate convened in its fourth extraordinary session on Sept. 3, 2009, and swore in Stewart Adams as a state senator before proceeding with business. President opened the session with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and the body quickly moved to formal items.

Senator Stewart Adams took the oath of office, pledging to "support, obey, and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of this state" and to discharge the duties of the office "with fidelity." After the swearing, colleagues rose to congratulate him.

Shortly after roll call, Senator Dayton moved that the Senate adopt the rules of the 2009 general session for use during this extraordinary session. The motion was put and carried by voice vote. The adoption of the rules provided the procedural framework for the Senate to consider the slate of gubernatorial appointments that were the stated purpose of the session.

A point of order was raised during proceedings when Senator Alan Christiansen said members should not be lobbying on the floor for their appointment candidates, calling such conduct a contravention of Senate rules. The matter was noted on the record but did not halt the day's business.

The Senate recessed briefly into the Committee of the Whole to hear from the newly confirmed judge and then reconvened to continue consent business. The President reported the Governor had no further business and the Senate completed its agenda and adjourned for the day.