My general preference is to use assistant attorneys general on every case. I do not want to spend limited office resources on outside lawyers. In fact, when I took office I negotiated down the $60 million in private attorney fees committed by my predecessor for the tobacco industry lawsuit. I am confident the Attorney General's Office is staffed with highly qualified and capable attorneys, and only very occasionally do circumstances warrant using outside counsel when there is a conflict of interest or the office lacks the narrow expertise or immediate manpower to staff a case. In those few cases where we have used outside counsel we have selected them based on low fees as required by law.

4. In the past, some AG incumbents/candidates have been criticized for accepting campaign donations from law firms that currently have, or recently had, outside contracts with the Attorney General's Office. Have you accepted donations from firms or law firm principals with outside contracts? If so, why?

Historically, the legal community plays a key role in supporting the best candidates for attorney general in terms of recruiting and touting those most qualified. Over the years, a wide variety of firms have supported my candidacy. But as attorney general I have repeatedly demonstrated that campaign contributions make absolutely no difference in how I do my job. I am proud of my independence and integrity in representing the people of Utah. Outside legal contracts are awarded based on expertise and critical public need.

5. What is the one personal trait/characteristic that you want voters to know about you, and why is that important in this race?

This race is about leadership—bringing people together, focusing on clear priorities, managing the state's largest law firm, and being accountable to citizens. I take my duty to serve very seriously. And while my legal qualifications are substantive and my community service is extensive, my leadership experience is what ultimately qualifies me to continue serving the people as their attorney general.

6. How have you funded your campaign, and what, if anything, does it show voters about your candidacy?

Unfortunately, statewide campaigns are very expensive. As a public servant most of my career, I am not personally wealthy and must rely on the generosity of individual and corporate citizens to get my message to the people. My campaign is primarily funded by those who care about the same values and principles I do. From the widow in Hurricane, to the businessman in Salt Lake, to the dairy farmer in Smithfield, to the national companies that provide goods and services to the people of Utah, my donors value child safety, self-reliance, the rule of law, the free market, fiscal conservatism and equal application of and access to the law.