PROVO — The candidates for the state's second highest elected post — lieutenant governor — were so focused Thursday on being civil to one another that they actually were hard to tell apart.

Republican candidate Gary Herbert talked about the pressing need to fund education and kickstart economic development.

Democratic candidate Karen Hale did the same.

When Hale talked about education, she said parents have to become involved.

Herbert agreed.

Both candidates said transportation and infrastructure must be funded or jobs won't come to Utah.

Both said funding will always be a challenge but economic development is key along with cutting out redundancy and inefficiency in government.

Both said it's time for Utah to take steps to keep teachers from leaving the state and maintaining an educated workforce.

They did differ slightly on some of the specifics, however.

Hale, who has been a state senator for six years and who shares the Democratic ticket with Scott Matheson Jr., said the "No Child Left Behind" program cannot just be tossed aside along with the funding that is tied to it.

Republican Herbert said running-mate Jon Huntsman, Jr. has made it very clear: "It (No Child Left Behind) ought to be scrapped."

Herbert said there is a difference between Native American students in San Juan County and students in Utah County and that the needs of each are very different. He said it does not make sense to try to treat them exactly the same.

He said Utahns know what's best for Utah.

Hale said the No Child program has lofty enough goals but is hampered by stipulations and regulations that don't make sense for Utah school districts.

"But we're not willing to disregard it," she said.

The two spoke at a Women in Leadership luncheon in Provo where each had an opportunity to speak unfettered for several minutes and then to take questions.

Both said they are committed to participating in a "high road" type of political campaign that stays focused on issues and not personalities.

Herbert reminded the audience that he has been involved in local politics for 14 years and is invested in furthering the needs of Utah County.

"Local government really is where the rubber meets the road," he said, "Most of our services come from local government."

Hale said she clearly recognizes the unbreakable link that exists between good education and every other state program such as corrections, health and human services.

"All roads lead through the classroom," she said.

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