If Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon wants to be Utah's first Democratic governor in three decades, he has to do the unthinkable: win a sizable number of Republican votes.
He cannot, says BYU political scientist Quin Monson, be perceived as a "liberal Democrat."
"You can elect one in Salt Lake City. You can elect one in Park City," Monson says. "It's not doable statewide."
Corroon certainly doesn't appear to be one based on his five-plus years as mayor, Monson says. And, according to Salt Lake Tribune interviews with both candidates, he doesn't appear to be a left-winger on sometimes-hot-button social issues, either.
In fact, the Mormon governor and Catholic mayor agree on a few things: They both believe in keeping marriage between a man and a woman and oppose abortion except in cases of incest, rape and where the life of the mother is at stake.
There are differences. Corroon is more favorable toward other gay rights, and he endorses a cigarette-tax hike, unlike Herbert. Both say they represent Utah's values.
Corroon, Monson says, needs to make the governor's race about fiscal responsibility and good government. "If it turns on social issues," he adds, "you activate the vote-Republican gene" in GOP-dominated Utah.
So where do the two candidates stand on those social issues -- gay rights, abortion, liquor laws and more? Here's what the two candidates had to say, in their own words:
On gay marriage and civil unions (both were banned in Utah when voters approved Amendment 3 in 2004):
Corroon » "I believe traditional marriage is between a man and a woman. I also do support making sure all our citizens can work, live and support their loved ones without discrimination in our society.
"Our citizens have spoken on [civil unions] through a constitutional amendment so it wouldn't be something I would pursue."
Herbert » "I oppose gay marriage. I think it creates a whole bunch of social problems that are not appropriate. Marriage has traditionally been defined for thousands of years as a relationship and a commitment between heterosexual couples. ...
"I don't think [civil unions are] an issue in Utah, that's already been settled by the [state's] constitution. ... As we've seen in other places, civil unions can, in fact, become the gateway that allows the courts to make the decision on gay marriage. I think that shouldn't be done."
On expanding the state's fair housing and employment laws to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity:
Herbert » "It's a local government decision -- what the local communities decide to do through their representatives and their governments is appropriate. I think that's played out in Salt Lake City. ... The state ought to sit back and let the local communities make those decisions."
Corroon » "Every city or county should have the option of passing such an ordinance [as Salt Lake County and Salt Lake City have]. If the state Legislature decided to pass that on a statewide basis, I would be supportive of it."
On changing state law to allow unmarried, cohabiting couples -- gay or straight -- to adopt and foster children (Current law allows only single adults or married couples):
Corroon » "Every child should have the ability to live in a loving and caring family. If the Legislature decided to expand our laws [in a way] that would allow adoption by others, I would be supportive of it."
Herbert » "That's one I haven't really thought a lot about. ... I'm one that believes the traditional family is the best environment [for children], but it's certainly not the only environment. I have a sister who is a single mom. ... There's no black-and-white answer to that question of who can be a good parent. ... I see no reason to change [current policy], but I am very willing to listen to all sides."
On abortion and amendments to Utah law proposed by Rep. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman:
Herbert » I'm opposed to abortion except in cases of incest, life of the mother and rape. ...
"I have not read Representative Wimmer's [bills that deal with showing abortion patients ultrasound images and allowing those who obtain illegal abortions to be charged with criminal homicide]. At least in concept, I think there ought to be, in fact, full disclosure and all the information you need [including an ultrasound image] to make an intelligent decision. ...
"In concept, I understand what they're trying to do [with the criminal homicide change]. There should not be the ability of the woman to have gotten off scot-free [when she obtains an illegal abortion]. What we don't want to do, as we create laws with the best of intentions, is to have some unintended consequences."
Corroon » "Based on my [Catholic] faith and upbringing, I am opposed to abortion except in limited circumstances: rape, incest and the life and health of the mother. ...
"I certainly understand that other people may have a different opinion. I respect that difference. As governor, my goal would be to unite everybody to see how we could reduce the number of abortions. ...
"I don't know all the details [of Wimmer's bills, HB12 and HB200]. I wouldn't want to specifically comment on the bills."
On sex education:
Corroon » "Most research does show that comprehensive sex education is the most effective way to prevent unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. But I do believe that parents should have the right to choose the type of sex education their children receive."
Herbert » "Parents have the responsibility to raise their children first, last and always. ... If there's going to be any kind of a sex-education course, the school needs to have permission from the parents so they understand what the sex-education content is going to be."
On liquor laws and loosening the population-based cap on liquor licenses:
Herbert » "I'm reluctant to shake things up after we had significant liquor reform a year ago. ... I'm not prepared to [increase the number of liquor licenses available] now, but I am willing to have that discussion. I tend to come down as a free-market person."
Corroon » "I'd certainly sit down with all sides and look at the issue [of availability of liquor licenses]. ... We've come a long way to make our liquor laws more in line with what's needed for our tourism and hospitality industries. I wouldn't be pursuing any major changes. ...
"Gov. [Jon] Huntsman [Jr.] had a balanced approach. That's what I'd pursue as well."
On raising the tobacco-tax rate:
Corroon » "I'll support any initiative that helps reduce the use of tobacco and helps educate our children to not use tobacco. Tobacco kills, and we all know it. So we should do whatever is best to reduce the use of tobacco."
Herbert » "I oppose it. ... I've said no to any kind of a tax increase [this year]. I don't think it's right that we say we don't have a tax increase except for you -- because you are defenseless and we don't like you."
