Attorney general hopefuls spar in Dixie

Shurtleff said he opposes the amendment because it would deny fundamental rights and benefits to "an entire class of citizens" and is legally unenforceable.

"This shouldn't even be part of this campaign. We will be in litigation on this amendment immediately if it passes," he said. "If we're going to have to litigate something, I want to win."

McCullough said he didn't understand the reason behind the proposed amendment.

"I kind of wondered why the Legislature feels it necessary to bring it to Utah voters. Maybe they're making judgments on different lifestyles and that some lifestyles are welcome and some are not," he said. "I just don't like it, and I hope those of you with good will in your hearts will vote 'no' on this with me."

Shurtleff said his fight with the University of Utah over its ban of guns on campus was, and is, the right thing to do in spite of the cost to taxpayers.

"The University of Utah was in violation of the law. It doesn't matter how high you build an ivory tower, you have to obey the law," he said. "My job is to enforce the laws, I don't make the laws."

Protecting children from predators, prosecuting those who steal another's identity, Internet crimes, illegal aliens, gangs and drug-related crimes were all discussed during the debate, which was aired on a local television and radio station.

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Republican Mark Shurtleff's and Democrat Gerg Skordas' answers to the Deseret Morning News questionaire can be found by clicking the Election 2004 link on our Web site.

E-mail: nperkins@infowest.com