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Provo • Gov. Gary Herbert testily accused his Democratic opponent of using the controversy surrounding the state's selection of a highway contractor to score political points.
"Don't impugn my integrity, or the integrity of honest business people," Herbert, a Republican, warned Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon, a Democrat, during Friday's debate at the Provo Marriott.
"I am not questioning your integrity," Corroon responded. "I am questioning the leadership and judgment."
The flare-up at the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce, hosting the candidates' third debate, began when moderator Quin Monson, a political science professor at Brigham Young University, allowed the candidates to ask each other a question.
Corroon's question: Why did the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) pay $13 million to a contractor who did not win the bid for the Interstate 15 reconstruction in Utah County?
UDOT paid Flatiron/Skanska/Zachry $13 million to settle a bid protest over the I-15 contract, which went to Provo River Constructors. Members of Provo River, a consortium, contributed $87,500 to Herbert's campaign, prompting Corroon to ask if the company received special treatment.
"The question is," Herbert scolded Corroon, "are you looking for the truth or are you trying to score political points?"
Herbert defended the contract process, saying it complied with Utah law. After the debate, he reiterated to reporters that the Federal Highway Administration also reviewed the bid process and found no impropriety.
But Corroon said the controversy was an example of how big money was corrupting Utah politics. He pointed to the fact that Guy Wadsworth, one of Provo River's principals, had two meetings with Herbert prior to the award of the contract. A fundraiser for Herbert arranged one of the meetings and sent an e-mail reminding the governor that Wadsworth had donated $50,000.
Herbert said he has offered to have Corroon meet with transportation officials to go over the bid process and all the documents, an offer Corroon has passed on.
Corroon, who said he had gone over the records and spoken with UDOT Executive Director John Njord, said the problem is the pattern of money influencing politics.
The governor also accused Corroon of hypocrisy, pointing to Corroon's acceptance of large contributions from unions, as well as having a county staffer who sent inappropriate campaign e-mails.
Corroon has said he reprimanded the staffer in question, spokesman Jim Braden. And he said he would not accept donations from anyone seeking a major contract.
As for campaign finance reform, Corroon said the state needs to either bar corporations, unions and political action committees from donating, or limit their money.
But Herbert said the remedy is full and immediate disclosure.