Lessons of a mayoral race

Although this page does not endorse political candidates, the primary election for Salt Lake City mayor was noteworthy for many reasons.

It was a true horse race, with four candidates ultimately emerging from a field of nine hopefuls. As of last week, pollsters said the race among three of the four front-runners was too close to call.

Unlike previous mayoral races, where candidates had downplayed their respective political affiliations while competing for the nonpartisan position, many candidates in this race relied on their respective party connections to build support.

Whether voters in November select primary victors Democrat Ralph Becker or Republican Dave Buhler in the general election, Salt Lakers win. Here's why: Both have strong legislative credentials, which means either can improve the strained relationship between City Hall and the state Capitol.

Both are reasonable men, so much so that Buhler campaigned on that attribute. Becker, as House minority leader, has long been a voice of reason in the Utah Legislature.

How did these two men emerge from a field of nine candidates? Buhler's political advertising was clever and focused on his sensible, nose-to-the-grindstone personality. Meanwhile, Becker's grass-roots campaign out-hustled his opponents. Becker and Co. literally walked the city and knocked on hundreds, if not thousands, of doors.

Time will tell what role outgoing Mayor Rocky Anderson had in the outcome of the primary election. His early endorsement of Keith Christensen did not lend any political advantage to Christensen.

The pundits will continue to debate whether Anderson's concerns about parents of young children seeking the position of mayor undermined Jenny Wilson's campaign.

Anderson also took on Buhler, saying he would not pursue programs or zoning changes opposed by his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ultimately, this may have worked to Buhler's advantage. (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints owns this newspaper.)

Whatever the case, the voters have spoken. It's a new race, and a host of challenges and opportunities await the eventual winner. There are fences to mend and the redevelopment of downtown Salt Lake City to help oversee. There is an expectation that the next mayor of Salt Lake City will consider the business of the city his highest priority.

We have great confidence that Becker or Buhler has the capacity to lead Salt Lake City to greater heights.