Associated Press - November 24, 2009 6:35 PM ET

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Former Gov. Olene Walker is endorsing a citizens ethics initiative that calls for creating an independent ethics commission and a code of conduct for state lawmakers.

The Republican's comments Tuesday show the GOP is far from united in its opposition to the initiative even though the party's governing committee adopted a resolution over the weekend intended to erode support for the measure.

Walker is 1 of 35 former state lawmakers from both parties who publicly stated their support for the initiative Tuesday. Opposition to the initiative is primarily being driven by sitting Republican legislators.

Among other things, the initiative would limit campaign contributions and prohibit legislators from accepting gifts from lobbyists.

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