8 are trying to pull ahead of the pack

It's crunch time for the eight candidates seeking Utah's GOP gubernatorial nomination.

Sure, the state Republican convention is still two weeks away, on May 8, but the candidates — all of whom paint themselves as true conservatives — are feeling the pressure to set themselves apart, even as their differences are obscured by shared beliefs on issues like lower taxes, spurring greater economic development, reducing government regulation and improving infrastructure.

Deseret Morning News graphic GOP gubernatorial derby Requires Adobe Acrobat.

They are, in many respects, akin to a herd of elephants where some in the herd are touting a longer trunk or floppier ears or bigger tusks. But they are all still elephants.

On Friday, they were taking half-hearted shots at one another in the last debate between all of the hopefuls, this one sponsored by the Salt Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. On Thursday, they were preening before the Utah Association of Counties meeting in Ogden.

The debates — there have been more than half a dozen around the state so far — have offered few clues as to a clear front-runner, nor did the forums define the candidates in the eyes of the 3,500 delegates, most of whom never attended the debates.

But the sessions have shown who can think on their feet and who can work a crowd.

According to insiders, the field does appear to be separating itself, with two or three candidates leading the pack, three or four desperately giving chase and two or three with chances ranging from fat to slim.

Rumors have been swirling around the campaigns that, if they turn out to be true, could alter the political landscape over the next 14 days.

Most involve former U.S. Rep. Jim Hansen — who is rumored to be dropping out of the race just before the convention. The other candidates would covet his endorsement, which would bring with it a loyal block of Hansen delegates and a certain prestige given Hansen's elder-statesman role among the candidates.

One rumor has Hansen throwing his support to Gov. Olene Walker, another that he will be Marty Stephens' running mate. Hansen even heard that he had chosen Vicki McCall as his running mate. None of the rumors are true, he says.