This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2004, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
In their first public debate seeking the governor's office, the two Utah political heirs talked about what they inherited from their fathers.
"I got a dad with a big heart," said Jon Huntsman Jr. "From him, I'll always remember the importance of leading with your heart."
"I learned the value of public service," said Scott Matheson Jr.
What they also may have learned from their fathers is that whether you're a Republican or a Democrat running for office in a politically conservative climate such as Utah's, avoid any mention of raising taxes. Both agreed that the state's tax structure needs an overhaul. But for the most part, the Republican Huntsman and the Democrat Matheson avoided nailing down which taxes they would raise to pay for schools, road construction and water projects.
"How do we pay the bills?" asked Huntsman, without really answering his own question.
The candidates' first debate was more like a forum for political stumping than an occasion to attack the fiscal and political philosophy of the other.
They seemed friendly, almost intimate, with each other minutes before Friday's debate at a Utah League of Cities and Towns gathering at the Sheraton in downtown Salt Lake City.
The moderator asked the candidates to imagine how their policies would shape a growing Beehive State, expected to have 4 million residents by 2030. How to pay for water? Roads? For the increasing needs of education? What about traffic? And who will bear the cost of fixing current problems and building an infrastructure to support growth? Building a strong economy for Utah is key, they both said.
But revenue from business growth, not taxes, will help to pay for the state's needs, Huntsman said.
Heavy tax burdens will keep businesses from moving here and that will keep away quality high-paying jobs, Huntsman said.
Matheson said that while the state should have a strategy to recruit businesses, the government needs to protect existing Utah entrepreneurs.
When it comes to taxes, Matheson and Huntsman kept saying "everything should be on the table." Yet, as the moderator pointed out, neither answered with a "yes" or a "no" to specific questions on the gas tax, on user fees, or the sales tax. But they were more open to disclosing their thoughts on the rights of gun owners and gay marriage.
Both said they supported the rights of gun owners but didn't think concealed weapons belonged in schools and churches.
Huntsman received applause from some audience members when he said he supported a proposed Utah constitutional amendment on the Nov. 2 ballot that would ban gay marriage. Matheson said he opposes the amendment.
For both of them, the goal of the first of eight debates was to please the audience.
"I'm for local empowerment," Matheson said, appealing to the predominant mentality in the room that local governments know best. "I'm not for having a Legislature act as super city council."
Scott Matheson Jr.
Bryce Canyon - but "it's like asking which one of your children do you like best."
He has spent almost million.
He supports the rights of gun owners but doesn't think concealed weapons belong in schools and churches.
He is opposed to Amendment 3, which would ban gay marriage.
Jon Huntsman Jr.
Fillmore - where his family comes from.
He has spent roughly $2 million.
He supports the rights of gun owners but doesn't think concealed weapons belong in schools and churches.
He is in favor of Amendment 3, which would ban gay marriage.