"This is about targeting active Democrat voters," said Cliff Lyon, House's campaign manager.

The House campaign is playing the Democrat card in this officially nonpartisan race. But Jergensen, who says he "leans Republican," is playing up his Democratic connections, too.

It's no wonder - the district is Democratic.

In a flier, House asks: How can the city's "most progressive community be represented by one of the most conservative City Council members?"

Meantime, Jergensen touts endorsements from such Democratic loyalists as House Minority Leader Ralph Becker, former state Sen. Paula Julander and former state Reps. Frank Pignanelli and Dave Jones.

House has former Democratic Party Chairman Donald Dunn, state Sen. Scott McCoy and Democratic Salt Lake County Council members Jenny Wilson, Randy Horiuchi, Jim Bradley and Joe Hatch.

She also has Mayor Rocky Anderson behind her. District 3 likes Anderson - they overwhelmingly voted for him in his 2003 re-election.

The mayor views Jergensen as an obstructionist on the council - and Jergensen has considered running for mayor in 2007. But Jergensen's camp may use Anderson's endorsement of House to Jergensen's benefit. "Janneke's a side piece. It's Eric versus Rocky," said Pignanelli, who ran against Anderson in 2003.

Debates are set for Salt Lake City races

The Salt Lake City Library and KCPW radio will host three debates for Salt Lake City's three contested City Council races (Districts 1, 3 and 7) on Nov. 3 at the Main Library auditorium. The debates will start at 6:30 p.m.