But, the governor pointed out, at least one national expert has said eliminating the deduction for charitable giving may not hurt contributions. The deductions currently allowed by the state are part of the federal income tax system.

"I'm not sure that will have much of an impact on charitable giving all by itself," Huntsman said. "Particularly, the small amount that is tied to the state taxes versus that which is deductible on federal taxes, which, of course, would remain the same."

The governor said a variety of organizations that depend on charitable contributions, not just the LDS Church, are likely to be concerned about the loss of the deduction. "I suspect that they would all be together in wanting to keep that deduction in," he said.

"Now, that's when elected officials have to kind of remember their duty and obligation as being elected by all the people in determining what survives and what doesn't at the end of the day in tax policy."

The issue is key to the governor's economic development efforts. Huntsman told reporters after the taping that only a rate lower than 5 percent would keep Utah competitive with other Western states.

Also Thursday, the governor reiterated his call for a Western states primary for the 2008 presidential election. He said it would draw more attention to Western issues "and have candidates come through and listen to us and pay attention, as they today do not."

---

E-mail: lisa@desnews.com