Guv raises funds for his campaign debt

Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. played keyboard Friday night with his band, The Politically Incorrects, at the Governor's Gala 2006.

More than 1,000 people attended the $250-a-plate fund-raiser held at the Salt Palace Convention Center. The majority of the money raised will go to the Governor's Special Initiative Office to pay down Huntsman's campaign debt, estimated to be about $500,000, spokeswoman Lisa Roskelley said.

Firm figures were not available Friday night, but Roskelley said the governor's office was hoping to cover about 20 percent of the campaign debt with the fund-raiser.

Early in the evening, the governor announced that $10,000 would go to the House of Hope, a Salt Lake City women's substance abuse treatment program.

Musician Kurt Bestor served as master of ceremonies for the event, which featured buffet-style dining and a wine service. Decorations played upon the Friday the 13th angle, with cards placed at each table featuring trivia about things such as superstitions and four-leaf clovers.

Attendees entering the ballroom were also encouraged to rub a pair of large elephant tusks for luck.

In addition to the governor's band, which played songs from REO Speedwagon, former Eagles' band member Joe Walsh and the 1970s band Badfinger, the Kendra Lowe Band also provided entertainment.