Chaffetz also chided Huntsman, his old boss, for embracing global warming. Chaffetz was Huntsman's campaign manager and first chief of staff.

"Note to Jon Huntsman," Chaffetz said. "Global warming? It's a farce."

Both lines drew loud applause from a roomful of conservative delegates who pushed the candidates to expand the debate from 90 minutes to 135 despite the stuffy atmosphere and dim lights in the Provo Council Chambers.

The lights on the candidates were dimmed at the start of the debate when Cannon pointed out they were hot and no TV cameras were present.

Cannon's opponents tried to shine some light on their cases for why they should replace him. After at least 16 months of campaigning, the first ballots in the race will be cast at Saturday's state Republican convention.

If one of the candidates manages to get 60 percent of the delegates' votes, he will automatically win the Republican nomination. If not, the top two will advance to the Republican primary in June.

"I think you've seen there's not seven hairs' difference between any of us," Leavitt said, emphasizing that his style and leadership would be an improvement over Cannon's.