Ruffled plumage and clamorous chest-pounding on Monday almost annulled the scheduled debate between Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson and radio talk show host Sean Hannity.

In a series of events more fit for professional wrestling than political dialogue, the May 4 debate at Kingsbury Hall was first canceled by Hannity on his nationally syndicated show. He peppered his explanation with a string of personal attacks against Anderson. Less than three hours later, it was renewed — once again, live on KSL radio — and the personal attacks not only continued but were responded to, in kind, by Anderson.

Ostensibly, the contract dispute occurred because Anderson wanted to bring a documentary film crew with him, which Hannity objected to because he could not ensure they would not "selectively edit" their footage. That request was withdrawn by the mayor Monday afternoon, and both said the contracts had been signed and the "Showdown Salt Lake," as sponsor KSL radio is calling it, was pretty much set in stone.

Judging from their assorted interviews on KSL, however, the dispute seemed to be as much about personality conflicts and egos as both men resorted to insults.

Hannity repeatedly called Anderson "duplicitous" and described the mayor as "dishonest," "deceitful" and "Michael Mooreish." On his radio show and Monday evening's "Nightside," he said Anderson wants to be a "movie star" instead of mayor.

"He is the single biggest publicity hound I have seen in my life," Hannity said. "He does nothing for Salt Lake. He's too busy running around, protesting (President) George W. Bush."

Anderson retorted to Hannity's characterizations by saying on "Nightside" that Hannity only "cares about the money and the publicity." The personal attacks did not surprise him, however.

"He truly is one of the most hateful human beings," Anderson said. "He's utterly obnoxious and doesn't care about the truth."

The mayor agreed to prohibit the film crew, however, because he did not want to give Hannity a reason to cancel. The crew was not hired by him, but was hired by a supporter of his to create a film about his work, Anderson said.

If the two stick to the script, the debate will focus on the war in Iraq and Anderson's call for Bush's impeachment, which he has made in speeches — including one at a rally in Washington D.C. earlier this year. Ken Verdoia, director of production for KUED, will moderate the debate.

Neither participant will benefit financially; proceeds from the "Showdown Salt Lake" will go to charity. A third will be donated to Guadalupe Schools in Anderson's name, a third to Primary Children's Hospital in Hannity's name and a third to a scholarship at the University of Utah.

Tickets for the debate will be $5 for Utah students and $20 for the general public. There is no firm date when they will go on sale, but it most likely will be sometime later this week or early next week.

Rod Arquette, vice president of news and operation for KSL's parent company, Bonneville Salt Lake Radio Group, said the company is pleased to have the "Showdown Salt Lake" back on track.

"I'm very happy," he said. "With the intensity and energy that this is being debated, it should make for a very lively night."

---

E-mail: jloftin@desnews.com