Four years ago, the District 8 race was one of the more costly state Senate contests. Walker spent $80,000, and Democratic challenger Lewis Garrett spent $40,000. Walker won 57 percent to 43 percent.

"It will cost even more this year," said Walker. As an incumbent, Morgan "will have access to funds that my previous two" Democratic challengers did not have, she added.

Walker starts her 2008 re-election effort with 10 times more campaign cash than Morgan. In pre-primary filings at the end of June, Walker had more than $46,000 on-hand, to Morgan's $4,600. However, in 2006, Morgan was able to raise and spend around $40,000 in her House re-election campaign, so she can raise money.

"She will outspend me," Morgan said. "But no amount of money can change how she's voted — and I have that on my side."

Besides education, Walker said she has been a leader in fighting identity theft and DUI. Morgan points to her "success" on a number of education issues, including passing a new reading program. (For more on the candidates' issues and backgrounds, go online to www.carlenewalker.com and www.karenmorgan.org.)

Walker is in a lucky GOP cycle — her district is up for election when U.S. presidents run for office, leading to a bigger GOP turnout in Republican-dominated Utah.

"But, honestly, this will be a tough year for Republicans," said Walker. "So many of us are upset over what's gone on in Washington — the huge budget deficit" that President Bush and the GOP-controlled Congress piled up before Democrats took over Congress in 2006.

Asked if the public problems of state Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, (he is accused of making racists comments) in his District 10 race (that district makes up the western border of Walker's District 8) will affect her race, Walker said: "Boy, how do I answer that one. I hope it doesn't."

Liz Phalp is the Constitution Party candidate in Senate District 8. The Deseret News will report on all third party legislative candidates at a later date.

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E-mail: bbjr@desnews.com