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Gubernatorial debate mostly civil

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Stewart | 1:47 p.m. Sept. 29, 2008
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.
arc | 3:56 p.m. Sept. 29, 2008
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.
Madden | 4:25 p.m. Sept. 29, 2008
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.
Comments continue below
ross58 | 5:57 p.m. Sept. 29, 2008
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?

fcf | 8:16 p.m. Sept. 29, 2008
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.
HJ | 11:26 p.m. Sept. 29, 2008
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.
casual observer | 6:35 a.m. Sept. 30, 2008
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?"
Steve | 7:09 a.m. Sept. 30, 2008
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?
Changed My Mind | 8:11 a.m. Sept. 30, 2008
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.
New Yorker | 8:20 a.m. Sept. 30, 2008
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.
What? No Super Dell?? | 8:47 a.m. Sept. 30, 2008
You mean Super Dell wasn't invited to the debate? I can't imagine why...
Ed Meyer | 9:01 a.m. Sept. 30, 2008
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.
Write In Yourself | 9:09 a.m. Sept. 30, 2008
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%.
Dell Schanze is the protest vote | 11:05 a.m. Sept. 30, 2008
... that will be on the ballot.
Clay | 12:03 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
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.
Jay | 1:45 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
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.
G | 1:58 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
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.
Friday | 2:31 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
Huntsman has given me Fridays off AND taken steps to protect the environment.
He's ok in my book although I usually vote democratic.
The truth | 2:49 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
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.
Lifelong Republican | 2:57 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
And I will for the first time vote Democrat. Not for Mr Springmeyer, but for Bennion Spencer. Jason Chaffetz scares me.
Is Chaffetz insane? | 3:04 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
arc,

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

Governor Huntsman clearly stated of Chaffetz's plan: "I think that on its face it�s an extreme idea," and "I heard somebody reference the Western Governor's model. I was involved with drafting that with (Arizona Governor) Janet Napolitano. We talked about a regional correctional facility to handle some of the overload that the states can't handle. Nobody talked about tent cities with barbed wire fences around it."

Jason Chaffetz stated "Now this isn�t some wild Jason Chaffetz plan, this is a concurrent resolution, a joint resolution, between Republican and Democratic Governors."

No one in their right mind would support such a sick position. Huntsman and every other Governor who was involved in drafting the Western Governor's proposal are correctly outraged to be associated with (in the Governor's words) an "extremist" position.

The media isn't putting words into Huntsman's mouth when he calls Chaffetz suggestion extremist. They are not putting words in his mouth when he says that tent cities with barbed wire was never part of the Western Governor's proposal. Unlike Chaffetz, the members of the Western Governor's Association aren't crazy lunatics.
Ask McCain. He will say the same | 3:21 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
fcf,

"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."

It has nothing to do with journalistic integrity. It is completely appropriate and ethical to call it what it is. If it is a concentration camp you call it a concentration camp.

If it's a dungeon under a house than you call it a dungeon. We can call what Joseph Smith went through at "Liberty Jail" a jail or we can point out that he and those with him were kept in a dungeon. Just because those who put him in the dungeon didn't want to call it that wouldn't make it any less true.

If Chaffetz never used the word "prison" and always referred to it as a CITY would it make it any less of a prison? You people are really sick and I'm glad Huntsman denounced the claim that he's associated with it and I'm glad McCain did the same in 2000 when another nut proposed it.
LDS Church may have to denounce | 3:37 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
The truth,

"Catching arc in a lie or watching her flip-flop never grows old."

Lying is part of her character. To claim that Jason Chaffetz has not proposed creating a "tent city" to house illegal immigrants is a lie. To not call this proposal an effort to create concentration camps to house illegal immigrants and their families would be an injustice because even the Germans called their concentration camps prisons but that didn't make them any less a concentration camp.

"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."

Concentration camps are dehumanizing, disgusting and immoral. Those who support them are evil. It's one thing to create regional correctional facilities to house criminal aliens who have been apprehended and convicted in our state criminal justice systems and another to create concentration camps.

"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."

This is why Huntsman and other Republicans don't support his plan. His proposal is evil and immoral.
Support Bennion Spencer | 3:55 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
Please donate to Bennion Spencer. He is pro-life and will better represent us than Jason
Anonymous | 4:02 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
Lifelong Republican,

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

Ditto. This guy is out there. I don't want to see someone like him in Congress especially since he doesn't even live in my district yet he's running here.

I don't want to vote for Spencer but the more I learn about him the more I like him.

It seems that he is a social conservative and fiscal moderate. There are Republican candidates who agree with him so I'm going to vote for him.
Anonymous | 6:41 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
What difference does it make if Illegals who break the law are sent to state prison, or a Federal regional prison?

According to the supporters of illegal aliens the State prison is also a concentration camp.

Your using ticky-tack arguments trying to keep this country from enforcing their laws.
I have no problem with prisons | 7:59 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
Anonymous,

"What difference does it make if Illegals who break the law are sent to state prison, or a Federal regional prison?"

I support regional correctional facilities to house those who are in the process of being deported. What I do not support is concentration camps where men, women and children are housed in tents with barbed wire fences. It's dehumanizing, disgusting and immoral.

"According to the supporters of illegal aliens the State prison is also a concentration camp."

Name a single person who thinks that prisons are the same thing as a concentration camp? Jon Huntsman who supports regional correctional facilities made it clear that he considers these so-called tent cities to be extremist.

"Your using ticky-tack arguments trying to keep this country from enforcing their laws."

This has nothing to do with enforcing the law which I want to see enforced as much as the next person but to suggest that we have to become soulless and evil to do so is wrong. Anyone who has lived through such camps know full well that they aren't prisons. Representative Honda of California lived in one as a child so he knows what it's like. Many others do too.
arc | 10:59 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
I do not think it is smart, or fair, or even humane to reward those that come to this country without permission and penalize those that come legally. We have been doing that and it should stop. Jason proposed solutions, and while not perfect, are better than his opponents.

Even Jason's democrat opponent started this contest with requiring fines, English and a line of some sort on the way to being a citizen.

Well that was dropped off of his website when he started getting help from La Raza, JACL and Mr. Honda. Honda never even talked to Jason, nor saw anything Jason had written or listened to him. He based everything from La Raza. La Raza is hardly neutral.

The guy behind JACL's comments was someone that lived in Utah and had been president of the board of Alpine Country Club. What? Did Jason hit him with a Golf Ball?

Huntsman made the mistake of quoting the media, and not Jason. He has been notified of the error.

There are millions of people from around the world who seek to legally become a citizen of the United States of America.
Call it whatever you want | 11:03 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
Anonymous,

Because these "tent cities" aren't prisons. Calling them prisons doesn't make them prison anymore than the U.S. calling the Japanese internment camps by other names such as Assembly Centers, Relocation Centers, Detention Centers and Internment Camps make them anything except internment camps. Some of us, rightly, call them concentration camps.

These "tent cities" are nothing more than your version of a concentration camp.

If you would like to call them something else that is fine but their purpose is clear. We didn't even force Japanese-Americans to live in "tent cities" surrounded by barbed wire fences.

"According to the supporters of illegal aliens the State prison is also a concentration camp."

If these tent cities came even close to the Japanese American internment camps, or to prisons we wouldn't be calling them concentration camps. We might call them something more benign like Relocation Centers and delude ourselves into believing that they are prisons.

"Your using ticky-tack arguments trying to keep this country from enforcing their laws."

That's what people said about those who opposed the internment camps. Wonder why?
RE: I have no problem with priso | 11:37 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
A federal holding facility would only house illegal aliens that have been convicted of a crime. It would be a place to house them while processing them for deportation. Is there really a need for a permanent facility?

It would not house children. Let me repeat that, it would not house children. Using families and the fear factor is ticky-tacky excuse to stop construction of a Federal holding center. I find the use of lies involving Children deplorable.

The State prison has walls and barbed wire. Thus according to pro-illegal organizations it also is a concentration camp.

No one has complained about Maricopa County in Arizona using tents to house prisoners.

Even worse, you have allowed our brave men and women the past 100 years to live in tents while defending this country. To object to a temporary facility to house illegals that break the law, while being processed, is a slap in the face to every man or woman who served this country, and lived in tents.

Huntsman never worked a day in his life. He cares very little about the problem because he can't identify with the poor and middle class Utah worker.
arc | 12:07 a.m. Oct. 1, 2008
re: i have,
While I agree that Gov. Huntsman failed to catch the gotcha trap set about immigration by those wanting to twist Jason's comments, I will strongly disagree about your statement about Jon Huntsman Jr.

The first time I saw Jon and his wife to be, was over 30 years ago. I don't always agree with Jon Jr., but he has not had the "easy" life you think. Yes he was Jr. Class Pres. in high school.

His father is one of the most respected person I have ever met, and overall, he has reason to be proud of Jon Jr.
Is arc Jason Chaffetz's wife? | 12:17 a.m. Oct. 1, 2008
arc,

"Jason proposed solutions, and while not perfect, are better than his opponents."

Chaffetz' opponent, Spencer correctly proposes that we utilize technology to prevent the flow of illegal immigrants, crack down on employers who hire illegal immigrants and encourage lawbreaking and supports an employment verification system. Unlike, Chaffetz his plan doesn't include "tent cities."

"Honda never even talked to Jason, nor saw anything Jason had written or listened to him. He based everything from La Raza. La Raza is hardly neutral."

How do you know what Honda did or didn't do. I'm getting tired of you demonizing others so you can defend a man like Jason Chaffetz. All Honda had to do is log onto Chaffetz's website, or Google his name to read enough about Chaffetz.

To suggest that he would have relied solely on one organization is an insult to Honda who had to suffer under the hands of people like you. I will not let you insult him without responding. You are a horrible person and I would no more vote for you than I would vote for Chaffetz who is the same kind of person as you. For all we know you are Chaffetz.
Carl Hawkins | 1:22 a.m. Oct. 1, 2008
There were no tents in the relocation camp (Topaz). There were permanent buildings used by the administration, apartments used by Government workers, and barracks used by the citizens of Japanese decent.

A lot of people are using this distortion to further their ambitions.

Honda, Huntsman, La Raza to name a few.





Emily E | 8:14 a.m. Oct. 1, 2008
I'd really like to know when Jason has ever said anything about concentration camps with barbed wire. This whole thing has been spun to the point it's almost unrecognizable. Jason has never ever proposed putting women and children in camps and separating their families and all the terrible things you have accused him of. These "tent cities" would be built only IF necessary to hold criminals until they could be put to trial.
Anonymous | 1:20 p.m. Oct. 1, 2008
I am glad some one is doing something about wicked people; who brake the law, sell drugs on the streets, murder, and rob, etc. Not only is Jason Ch. trying to do something, it looks like he is doing it in a way that doesn't cost much to the honest worker. I don't see why you should be afraid if you haven't broken the law? Does any one have a better plan than Jason's? Let's hear it.
arc | 3:07 p.m. Oct. 1, 2008
Mr. Honda, publicly on the Doug Wright show, was asked directly from Doug Wright if he had spoken to Jason, or where he had got his info. Mr. Honda answered that the information he was basing his criticism of Jason from was provided to Mr. Honda from La Raza.

The last I knew, that 2 to 5 minute conversation was still available to listen to.

My comments about Mr. Honda supporting a bill that will cost the tax payers $600,000,000.00 for immigrant and for employers to hire them was from his website, and also from the US thomas bill search site. That amount was to be spend over 6 years of time.

My comments re: the democrat candidate deleting English, fines and line for citizenship, before and after this broke, came directly from the candidates website. I had cut and pasted what was there, and I cut and pasted what was changed.

My comments are accurate, as long as they come from me.


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