Gubernatorial race may hinge on name

An emerging question is developing in the Republican race for governor: Are you just going to vote for a name?

Thursday night, gubernatorial candidate Nolan Karras, the underdog in challenging Jon Huntsman Jr. for the coveted GOP title, said, "Look at my 30 years of work, my deep, rich, robust resume, and find me worthy."

No, countered Gary Herbert, Huntsman's lieutenant governor running mate, don't just look at a well-respected name. Look at the man, what he's done, and what, with his well-deserved connections, he can do now.

Herbert, who as Huntsman's running mate may be able to speak better to the sensitive issue than Huntsman himself, said likewise, don't condemn Huntsman Jr. because of his father's success.

Herbert, who filled in for Huntsman, who declined to attend, told a Salt Lake County GOP group: "Most of you know the Huntsmans. They are good people. They've done a lot of good things for Utah. They've made it a better place. Yes, his father is well-to-do. (Jon Huntsman Sr. is one of Utah's few billionaires.) I am who I am today because of my father. We've all stood on our father's shoulders, as has Jon Jr."

"Yes, some doors were opened" for the younger Huntsman, who has served two GOP presidents as an ambassador, Herbert said. "But what you learn is that you are not invited back in if you don't perform. And Jon Jr. has."

In debating candidly perhaps the main undercurrent issue of the June 22 GOP gubernatorial primary — Huntsman's name and pedigree — Karras clearly has to be careful.

"I have the deepest respect for the Huntsman family," said Karras. "I'm not as well-known as the wonderful Huntsman family. I am not running against anyone. I'm running for something. I'm the kind of guy who puts his hands on the wheel. I understand you and your world, and I will be a better leader."

But not only is Huntsman Jr. a man who can get things done, said Herbert, his personal relationships are invaluable, especially now as Utah faces growing problems with public education, land use, water and roads.

Who else can say that President Bush called him up and asked him to come to a Cabinet meeting to discuss trade relations with Japan? Bush did call Jon Jr., his trade ambassador, for just that, he said.

Huntsman Jr. is on a first-name basis with the Bush Cabinet members, said Herbert.

He calls (U.S. Defense Secretary Donald) Rumsfeld "Rummy" — a nickname only friends may use. "That is a real asset" as the Defense Department considers closing bases like Utah's Hill Air Force Base.