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Gubernatorial debate mostly civil

The only thing Springmeyer is right about was that in his opinion Huntsman is aspiring to higher government position. If McCain is elected, which is unlikely, he plans on being in that administration. If Obama wins, in my opinion, Huntsman will talk Sen. Hatch into an over due retirement and run for the senate in 2012. The voters of Utah see the Huntsman name, but know so little about him that he would likely be elected.

As for illegal immigration they are both on the same page. They both have positions that make them enablers because they feel that the federal government, being unable to pass "Comprehensive Immigration Reform," (Commonly referred to as Amnesty) is the problem. Huntsman made it known to the Utah legislators that any serious restricts on illegal immigration in Utah would be vetoed. These were laws restricting the use of fraudulent IDs, restrictions on employment, and support of federal law enforcement.

Both Springmeyer and Huntsman are so bad, in my opinion, the only thing left to do is to vote for "SuperDell" Shanze (Libertarian) as a protest vote. Springmeyer may even get fewer votes than Superdell, if voters put a little thought into it.

If you read Gov. Huntsman's comments, and read Jason Chaffetz's comments, you sure can't tell what is going on from this news report.

Jason has called for a federal detention facility in the west to house federal prisoners. Only those convicted of a crime would be housed in this facility.

He concurs with the Western Governor�s Association, which passed a resolution calling for the federal government to build a facility to house its own prisoners. Federal prisoners who are not violent criminals are often released because there is no prison space to hold them. The detention facility would house those who are convicted of federal crimes � whether or not these people are illegal aliens.

Jason has ALSO suggested that tent facilities similar to those in Arizona are good enough for our soldiers in Iraq and should be good enough for our federal prisoners here at home.

It is the MEDIA putting words in both Gov. H and Jason's mouths.

Too bad this race isn't even going to be close. I don't understand the huge margin for Huntsman...I mean he isn't terrible, but he certainly hasn't been great either.

I think Jon Huntsman has done a good job as Governor. Could he have done better? Probably. Could he have done worse? Much. I will be voting for Huntsman to serve another term.

I did have to laugh though; Jason Chaffetz didn't say, "...round up illegal immigrants and put them in tent concentration camps surrounded with barbed wire," either. So, if Jon Huntsman and the WGA didn't say it and Jason Chaffetz didn't say it, then who did say it? Where can I find the source with that exact quote, outside of those trying to discredit Jason Chaffetz?

For the sake of journalistic integrity, I hope this author can come up with the transcript in which Chaffetz calls for "concentration camps surrounded with barbed wire." Let's be honest, even those running for office and those who are in office aren't dumb enough to say something like that.

Hey - I like Huntsman! Actually, I seem to really like anyone who can stand up to the good ole boys club. He doesn't put up with boorish legislators who are so certain THEY run the state. Good for him. Plus, I think it's way cool that they've adopted twice.

I don't have anything bad to say about Huntsman, except his (and the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce)involvement to have the illegal alien bill implementation delayed for a year. A vote against enforcing illegal alien laws is a vote against Utah's poor and middle class workers. Cheap labor for business was more important to Huntsman than his fellow Utahns.

He has also underfunded medicaid during his tenure. Compared to other states we have a very poor record with funding medicaid. For every Million we spend the Feds matched it, sometime on a three to one ratio. So little could go a long way. Yet he wants affordable health care for everyone and it should be "a right, not a privilege?"

None of the rights listed in the Bill of Rights cost anyone else. Healthcare is different, it takes the time and effort of skilled proffesionals and materials produced by many different people.

'Both men said affordable health care should be "a right, not a privilege."'

How can they justify the right to tell people what they may receive in return for their labor?

I was there when Huntsman won the election, I was at his feet on the platform in the photos with him, campaigned for him and still receive his cheesy Christmas Card. While he has surrounded himself with the likes of Vincente Fox, and other corrupt leaders. He has mis-managed Utah into a budget shortfall and helped lead Utah on a path into recession and furthering the disparity between the highest cost of living in the country with the lowest wages. Vote anybody but Huntsman.

Both of these guys ought to get a real job. Bobby has been trying to be a career politician his entire adult life. Fortunately, without much success. Ken and Barbie want to portray the image of Camelot. Sorry, Jonny Jr. it doesn't work. What a country, to get two guys like this running against each other. Go figure.

You mean Super Dell wasn't invited to the debate? I can't imagine why...

It is unfair to blame Governor Huntsman for Utah's current budget shortfall. The shortfall is due to the horrible national economic picture and it is only through good management and a comparatively stable local economy that our state is not in a worse situation. Early in his term Governor Huntsman did a few things that were quite honestly cruel. He also put a number of people in key positions who were not able to function effectively in the public sector which is far different from private industry. However, his administration has become stronger as it has matured. Bob Springmeyer is an outstanding proponent of grassroots community and economic development and deserves our respect for taking on what is likely on insurmountable task. Utah only becomes stronger when people like him offer alternative perspectives. It is all too easy to criticize those who are willing to endure the abuse of public office. Both gentleman have my sincere thanks.

When voting for Governor this election, write in your own name as a protest vote. Huntsman may still win but the undervote margin will send a message. He may not even get to 50%.

... that will be on the ballot.

Both men should be commended for their willingness to serve. Although I can't name a solitary person that I have agreed with on every single issue, I agree with Gov. Huntsman more often than not. I think that we are fortunate to have him, and I think that Utah would be well served to have him for four more years.

The idea that Huntsman stands up to the good old boys is strange. He hasn't vetoed anything. He signs everything the legislature gives him, including bills on issues he cares about. For example, education. Why sign the flawed omnibus bill? Why champion education but agree to a spending increase that doesn't cover growth?

I think Springmeyer has a point about the Governor not standing up to the legislature.

Huntsman is a great asset to Utah. Not returning him to office would be a travesty. As for his future plans, let him do what he wants with his life. It should not be a campaign issue.

Huntsman has given me Fridays off AND taken steps to protect the environment.
He's ok in my book although I usually vote democratic.

Catching arc in a lie or watching her flip-flop never grows old. Only those who commit crimes will be in tent cities surrounded by barbed wire. Jason continually says 'fugitive aliens' will be imprisoned. That means women and children.

Come on arc, you seem like a smart person. Don't lose your soul trying to save Jason's political career which at this moment is very much in doubt.

And I will for the first time vote Democrat. Not for Mr Springmeyer, but for Bennion Spencer. Jason Chaffetz scares me.