'Little guy' says large campaign donations necessary

Is $50,000 too much to ask from political contributors?

Gov. Gary Herbert says no.

"I am a little guy. I need to have those people who believe in me support me in extraordinary ways," the governor said during the taping of his monthly KUED Channel 7 news conference.

The cost of becoming a sponsor of Herbert's first "Governor's Gala" fundraiser is as much as $50,000. The black-tie event on Oct. 30 is expected to raise well over $500,000.

"Whether I get $50,000 or $10,000 or $5,000, you have the same argument — are you buying your politicians, are you buying influence and access," Herbert said. "Pick a number. You either believe your politicians are honest or not. I think we ought to address that based on their conduct."

The governor, who must run next year for the remainder of former Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s term, said capping contributions favors candidates who can afford to fund their own races.

Herbert said he was trying to create a level playing field for all candidates. Because incumbents have an easier time tapping donors, he said "the best thing I can do for my own self-preservation is limit my challengers' ability to raise money."

His position is contrary to that of the Governor's Commission on Strengthening Utah's Democracy. The commission, created by Huntsman, has recommended setting contribution limits.

Herbert suggested he may change his mind, noting he has "unique circumstances" now because of his pending election "that may cause me to reconsider down the road."

After the KUED taping, the governor said he will not accept contributions from nuclear waste storage company EnergySolutions. Huntsman also refused to take money from that company.

The governor also touted his decision to post a list of contributions online ahead of mandatory disclosure deadlines. "That's the balance to unlimited contributions," he said. "It's much more important that people know who is contributing to me as opposed to what they contribute."

Utahns can see a list of his financial backers at www.garyherbert.com. "It's not that they're necessarily buying anything," Herbert said. "They're just saying, 'Hey, we like the guy.'"

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