Webb: Saxton was not gaining traction (which is why she withdrew), so I doubt having her out of the race will make a big difference. She could still surprise everyone and endorse one of the Republicans. We can play with numbers in a variety of ways, but there clearly is a large enough base of moderates and Republicans for Buhler or Christensen to emerge from the primary if they don't split the moderate vote too closely.

Former Councilman Keith Christensen is far ahead in fund raising; does this guarantee victory in the primary and a head start in the general election?

Pignanelli: Money is the "mother's milk of politics." However (to further abuse this metaphor from Jesse Unruh), some babies reject maternal nourishment and seek alternatives. In other words, not all elections can be bought. Such is the case with Salt Lake City primary elections. Turnout is usually low and intensive media bombardment is an ineffective means to persuade voters. Local community council leaders and special-interest groups control the outcome of this contest. Those candidates who attract support from neighborhood activists, identify supporters and bring them to the polls will emerge from the primary. Money has limited value for Christiansen in the primary. However, it will help him in the general election.

Webb: It's obviously far better to have plenty of money than not to have enough. But money must be spent wisely. Frank is absolutely right that in a municipal primary TV ads don't drive voters. But if money is spent smartly on a massive grass-roots organizing and outreach effort, it can be effective. All of the top four candidates are raising enough money to get their messages out. The difference in the primary will be hard work and wearing out the shoe leather.

Will the education voucher referendum have an impact on the mayoral elections in November?

Pignanelli: A theory is floating among political circles claiming the voucher referendum election will encourage GOP voters to the polls. Consequently — according to this conjecture — a Republican could be elected mayor as a byproduct of the emotional issue over school choice. This is a possibility; but so is the potential of little green Martians visiting the City-County Building. Not one of the mayoral candidates will endorse the voucher program. Traditionally, anti-voucher forces claim that state subsidization of private schools harms inner cities. As a result, there will be a strong push in the city to support the referendum (a vote against vouchers). With all the turmoil and controversy surrounding this issue, the most vocal candidate against vouchers may benefit the most from the referendum.

Webb: The voucher issue will boost voter turnout, as activists on both sides will certainly vote. But these people are generally voters anyway, so I don't expect a big impact on city voting. Because none of the top candidates favors vouchers, the issue won't loom large in the race.

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Republican LaVarr Webb was policy deputy to Gov. Mike Leavitt and Deseret News managing editor. He now is a political consultant and lobbyist. E-mail: lwebb@exoro.com. Democrat Frank Pignanelli is a Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser. Pignanelli, who ran against Rocky Anderson for Salt Lake mayor in 2003, served 10 years in the Utah House of Representatives, six years as House minority leader. Pignanelli's spouse, D'Arcy Dixon Pignanelli, is a Utah state tax commissioner. E-mail: frankp@xmission.com.