Hughes expressed optimism that the west's time is coming. "The future of the city is the west side," he said.

In an officially nonpartisan race, the three were asked to define their political ideologies. Many of the upper-tier candidates have easily identified party affiliations through previous elected office or other means. Hughes has said he is a Republican, and Comstock said he is a Democrat.

Renteria has run for several offices as a Democrat and currently serves as a party precinct chairman. Ideologically, he places himself somewhere between Anderson and New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin: "pretty much aligned progressive and liberally with the majority of the population here in the city."

Comstock didn't put a label on his ideology, saying only that his experience working with Salt Lake City's homeless has given him an emphasis on the socio-economic issues of those in need.

Hughes touted his professional experience as giving him insight into the needs of those who lack health insurance.

The other candidates for mayor are House Minority Leader Ralph Becker, D-Salt Lake; current City Councilman Dave Buhler; former Councilman Keith Christensen; current Councilwoman Nancy Saxton; and current County Councilwoman Jenny Wilson.

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E-mail: dsmeath@desnews.com