As House speaker - a role he's filled since 2004 - Curtis wields considerable clout.

"[Being speaker] gives you an opportunity to help set policy in a very direct way and accomplish things you couldn't accomplish otherwise," Curtis said.

That power - to fast-track legislation or pack it away in mothballs - generates praise and attracts hundreds of thousands of corporate dollars in campaign contributions. Conversely, it raises suspicion and ire from those who object to where Curtis is headed and how he's getting there.

Some of those folks are flocking to Seegmiller.

"Greg has enough people that are unhappy with him that I have people calling me and asking to volunteer," Seegmiller said. "I don't even have to look for them."

In his first challenge against Curtis in 2004, Seegmiller drew 47 percent of the vote. In 2006, Curtis bested him by only 20 votes.

"When I first decided to run, I committed myself to at least three times," Seegmiller said. For one thing, Democrats are outnumbered 2-to-1 in the state Legislature. For another, Curtis held leadership positions and had become a formidable force.

Curtis makes no apologies for his blunt approach to lawmaking.

"I find it easier to say I won't support your bill because I disagree with the policy in it," he said. "Why find a compromise? Does everything have to be negotiated toward a compromise?"

Curtis adds that coalition-building is key to getting anything done on the hill.

Rep. Ben Ferry, R-Corinne, applauds Curtis's deft leadership. As House Speaker pro-tem, Ferry said he and Curtis enjoy a high level of trust as they work together to conduct the business of the House.

"He has the leadership style to say I can get it done, and yet he's smart enough to take suggestions and guidance," Ferry said. "He plays such a key role in government right now, if he were not to be re-elected, it would create a vacuum."

Seegmiller, a self-described centrist Democrat, said he prefers to take a more collaborative, reach-across-the-aisle approach.

"I'd like to think that I'd always have my mind and my door open."

This year, Sandy resident Dave Thomas, a lifelong Republican, is openly supporting Seegmiller.

"I was so proud that someone I knew had enough brass to stand up and say I'll serve," Thomas said. "I'm not quite sure he's got a shot but I don't like him being out there trying to be David without any stones [in his slingshot]."

Outfunded by Curtis more than 10-to-1, Seegmiller spends his spare time knocking on the 10,000 doors in southeast Salt Lake County's House District 49. In those face-to-face encounters, he routinely hears the same three gripes.

"The most glaring thing is the fact that Curtis voted for and promoted vouchers, when the district was clearly against them," said Seegmiller. Transportation travails and worries over using tax dollars for a soccer stadium follow close behind.

"I supported vouchers - I'm not running away from that," Curtis said. It's now a dead issue, he added.

"I respect the vote of the people. Vouchers aren't coming back regardless of who holds my seat."

In June, the pro-voucher Parents for Choice in Education gave Curtis an in-kind donation of $5,479.

The Jordan Education Association's PAC backs Seegmiller.

Flush with campaign cash, Curtis said he prefers to host neighborhood meetings rather than to show up unexpected at someone's front door.

"A lot of people have made up their minds already, both for and against," Curtis said. But, keenly aware of the fact that he almost "let it slip away" two years ago, he said this time he's invigorated and "much more engaged."

Both candidates support removing the state sales tax from food. Curtis is notably proud of the progress lawmakers have made toward that goal and plans to pursue it further.

If elected, Seegmiller hopes to enact ethics and campaign finance reforms.

For starters, he would ban gifts from lobbyists. He also favors public financing for campaigns.

Curtis agrees that gifts should be limited, noting the House has passed some legislation but "the Senate has been reluctant" to go along.

cmckitrick@sltrib.com