A $100,000 tag in Senate race?

The cost of running for an open state Senate seat in Sandy is climbing close to $100,000, according to campaign disclosures filed Tuesday in advance of the June 27 primary election.

Why is the race for the Republican nomination to the Senate District 9 seat so expensive?

"That's a good question," said Bryson Garbett, one of the two candidates vying to succeed longtime GOP leader Al Mansell. Garbett's contributions to date total nearly $92,500 and his primary opponent, Wayne Niederhauser has almost $84,500.

Both candidates said they needed to spend more than usual for a legislative race because the campaigns actually started in April with a field of five candidates in the Salt Lake County Republican Convention.

And since then, they've used almost all of what they've raised — from themselves and donors — for mailings, yard signs and other campaign tools intended to turn out voters in a primary that typically doesn't attract a lot of interest.

"We have thousands of voters in our district," Niederhauser said. "When you start out with five good candidates, it's going to take some effort and some money to get your message out and to differentiate yourself from your opponents."

The spending won't stop after the primary, either. The winner will face Democrat Trisha Beck, a former member of the House. Niederhauser said the cost of the general election campaign could be as much as the primary.

For a primary, a lot has been spent already, said Jeff Hartley, executive director of the Utah Republican Party. "Typically, some Senate seats are creeping up that high — for a general election. It'll be interesting to see how high this race goes."

No one has accused the candidates of turning negative, a tactic that can quickly drain campaign coffers. "It's just really hard to get our names out," Garbett, a developer and owner of Garbett Homes, said.

Niederhauser, a certified public accountant who owns a real estate management and development company, said he believes his "opponent today is as passionate as I am" about getting his message out.

The pair are getting some help, however. Garbett has the backing of House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-Sandy, and Niederhauser is supported by Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem. Both say that split in GOP leadership hasn't been a focus in the race.

All of the candidates with primary races had to file a financial disclosure report with the state Elections Office or face being taken off the June 27 ballot. Everyone made the deadline, said Joe Demma, chief of staff for Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert who oversees the office.

---

E-mail: lisa@desnews.com