"We're too dignified for that," said Lew Garrett, Democratic candidate for Senate District 8, which covers parts of Murray, Midvale, Sandy and the soon-to-be incorporated Cottonwood Heights.

While he speaks in jest, Garrett and his opponent, Republican incumbent Sen. Carlene Walker, have followed that rule exactly. Their race has been deemed one of the state's most hotly contested legislative battles, yet both are playing it cool.

"He's a nice guy," Walker said of her opponent.

"It'll be in the voter's hands."

Niceties aside, Walker wants to win and she's more than willing to say why she should. The problem is an equally smart, determined, tough opponent who agrees with her on most of the issues.

What it will come down to is a battle over background, beliefs and a persuasive definition of balance, the biggest factor at play in the race.

Walker and Garrett are fighting to represent a district with an equal mix of Republicans and Democrats. Their messages are of the need for balance and moderation, both in the Legislature and in how they would represent their constituents.

"I represent more of the mainstream values of our neighborhoods and communities," Garrett said.

"I think that I'm a voice of reason and I think that's why people have supported me," said Walker.

What may tip the scale in her favor, however, is a combination of her incumbent record, work ethic and ability to woo supporters at their front door.

Garrett has on his side a powerful background in health administration, support from some educators and a realigned district with a history of Democratic representatives.

But that hasn't stopped Walker from bucking that trend.

"I haven't made any enemies," said Walker, who worked in real estate and stayed home to raise her children. "I have a very transparent, open record of my votes and I believe that it's there for them all to see."

Her own legislation is also on the table. During her four years in the Senate, Walker has worked on identity theft, education, protection of private property and keeping drunken drivers off the road.

"[Driving under the influence] has been a big issue for me," said Walker, who lost her sister in 1970 to someone thought to be drunk. "It's a totally preventable crime."

And education is essential to prevention, she said.

"If you put them in jail, all you're doing is inviting it to happen again," Walker said. "What I have learned is that what's more important to get at is their core drinking problem."

Garrett also believes in education, but a different kind.

"I am a very strong, consistent supporter of public education," he said, making a subtle jab at Walker's record with the Utah Education Association. On a "report card" listing six education votes, her score is zero, primarily because of support for charter schools and some tuition tax credits.

"I will always be opposed to that," said Garrett, who works as director of the Davis Department of Health. "That takes money out of our schools. I think that's the wrong approach."

During a round of door-to-door campaigning, Garrett pointed to a number of teachers walking in his support.

"I think it's important that our legislators work as partners with the educators," he said. "That means we're partners, not adversaries."

That's why Pam Bunderson, a registered Republican and fifth grade teacher, is supporting Garrett.

"As a public education teacher, I can't very well support someone who doesn't represent my values," she said. "I am supporting Lew because he . . . believes in the benefit of a strong public education system. He believes that health is an important part of our daily life."

Also important is tax reform and better health insurance coverage for children.

"One of the things I bring to the Legislature is a good technical understanding of a lot of the issues that are important," Garrett said. "I would put Utah priorities first and restore balance to state government."

But Walker says she already represents balance.

As she makes her way from door-to-door in a small neighborhood in Cottonwood Heights ÐÐ a city she helped work to incorporate ÐÐ Walker smiles at the several young and older mothers who answer the door at her knock.

"They talk about balance and a lot of times, I think the balance [constituents] want to see is gender," she said. "Women are more collaborative and that may be part of the reason why women may be gaining inroads politically. A lot of times you don't care who gets credit."

And that's important, said Dave Gessell, a lobbyist with Utah Hospitals and Health Systems Association.

"I've been doing this for about 10 years . . . and my experience with Carlene [Walker] is that she's a capable lawmaker who listens to all sides of the issues," he said. "She is in the top rank of legislators in my mind."

Senate District 8

Carlene Walker and Lew Garrett will face off in the Nov. 2 election. For more information about their campaigns, visit http://www.carlenewalker.com and http://www.garrett4senate.com.