Gubernatorial debate mostly civil

Civil, but with some pointed exchanges.

That was the debate Monday between Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. and his Democratic challenger this year, Bob Springmeyer.

The pair took only a few shots at each other during an hourlong debate on KUER 90.1 FM.

After some prodding from Springmeyer, Huntsman promised to serve out his full four years should he be elected governor again.

And the governor rejected the claim that he has not used his popularity — his political capital — to take on tough issues.

After listing a number of stands and asking "what other Republican" would touch them — like fighting global warming and other environmental issues, Huntsman said: "Why does the Legislature every year try to take away" his executive power? "Because I use it in a way that displeases them."

But Springmeyer charged that Huntsman, like former Gov. Mike Leavitt before him: "Has ambitions for higher office — they are get along, go along governors, not rock any boat, not disturb anything."

"Give me a break," said Huntsman. He embraced GOP presidential candidate John McCain when "99 percent" of Utah Republicans were for Mitt Romney.

"I embraced alcohol reform." Who else would have done that? he asked, his voice rising. "Most (Utah Republicans) would be running from it."

Not being a "traditional" GOP officeholder is one reason so many Democrats and independents are supporting him, said Huntsman, who has already said winning a second term would be his last as governor.

Both men said they blame Congress for the stalemate on illegal immigration.

Springmeyer said he takes the LDS Church's stand: "I'm for compassion" for all those involved. He also favors a guest worker program.

Huntsman took a jab at his former chief of staff Jason Chaffetz — who unseated GOP U.S. Rep. Chris Cannon , R-Utah, in the 3rd District Republican primary in June — in saying he never suggested, via a Western Governors Association brief — that illegal immigrants should be rounded up and put in tent concentration camps.

"I helped draft that model, and it talked about regional" illegal immigrant holding areas, not "tent cities with barbed wire" around them, said Huntsman.

"We should have a guest worker program" that is verified by a "biometric identification card, tamper-proof" so employers can know they are hiring a legal immigrant.

Both men said they oppose any kind of amnesty for current illegal aliens.

Springmeyer, again, criticized the 5 percent flat-rate personal income tax that Huntsman championed, saying it is costing public education $200 million a year while giving tax breaks to Utah's wealthiest residents.