Gary Herbert-Peter Corroon contest shaping up to be a good one

It's not often that Utah has a competitive gubernatorial race, but the matchup between Gov. Gary Herbert and Peter Corroon is shaping up as a pretty good contest. Here are some questions swirling around the race:

 It has been 30 years since a Democrat was elected governor of Utah. Is 2010 the year a Democrat might win?

Webb: Not likely. But it will still be an interesting race. To win, Corroon has to overwhelm Herbert in Salt Lake County and avoid being buried in the GOP strongholds of Utah and Davis counties.

The most recent somewhat-competitive gubernatorial race illustrates Corroon's problem: In 2004, Scott Matheson Jr., beat Jon Huntsman Jr. by 20,000 votes in Salt Lake County. But Huntsman crushed Matheson by nearly 100,000 votes in Utah and Davis counties. That's an immense hurdle for Corroon to overcome. A solid, centrist, problem-solving Democrat could probably beat a weak Republican in the gubernatorial race. But a strong Republican will beat a strong Democrat.

Pignanelli: "In taking stock of a politician, the first question is not whether he was a good man who used righteous means, but whether he was successful in gaining power and keeping it." — Frederick Scott Oliver.

Yes, a Democrat can win. (Please remember our state was built on faith.) Utah Democrats really, really want this, and Corroon is a great candidate. But to achieve victory in a statewide race, Corroon must capture all the Democrats, most of the independents and a share of moderate Republicans. Attracting independents and Republicans will require Corroon to make statements and articulate positions that will irritate many Democrats. For example, Corroon will need to establish some distance from President Barack Obama/Sen. Harry Reid/Rep. Nancy Pelosi and several of their congressional initiatives. Further, a centrist view toward wilderness, oil and gas development, hot social issues, etc. must be developed and frequently broadcast. The race begs the question: Is Corroon willing to follow the path cut by Utah's most popular Democratic Congressman Jim Matheson?

 What strengths and weaknesses do Herbert and Corroon bring to this race?

Pignanelli: For good reason, Corroon is well-liked by Utahns: a capable administrator, savvy political operative, tested guardian of taxpayers' money, deep thinker, successful businessman, solid family relationships, etc. Indeed, Corroon may bring more advanced education degrees to the Governor's Mansion than any predecessors.