"I wish we would have done a better explanation of the finances," said Urquhart. "All the money would be new. That's an important point that needed to be stressed."

The man whose bill took a public flogging sighed.

"You know, I was opposed to vouchers my first session (in the Legislature)," he said. "Then some constituents cornered me and very kindly said, 'We think you don't get it on this one.' They convinced me that choice can be a good thing. I went through an education process. The whole Legislature went through an education process. We went through a learning curve, and that curve takes time.

"Maybe we were out of step with the public on this one," he said. "Or maybe we were ahead of the public."

Consider it a concession speech — at least for now.

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Lee Benson's column runs Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Please send e-mail to benson@desnews.com and faxes to 801-237-2527.