An advisory panel's unanimous recommendation that Utah get its first set of campaign contribution limits, with the blessing of state legislative leaders, could ultimately get traded for full disclosure requirements.

Rep. Craig Frank, R-Cedar Hills, served on the Governor's Commission on Strengthening Democracy, which earlier this month voted -- without dissent -- to recommend campaign finance caps in the state.

Frank has opened a bill file to generate debate on contribution limits during the 45-day legislative session that starts Jan. 25. But he also has put in a second bill request, this one for an option that could derail contribution limits in favor of quick and complete disclosure of donations.

On Monday, Frank -- chairman of the House Government Operations Committee -- said that he sides with Gov. Gary Herbert in preferring disclosure over caps.

"I believe that full reporting should happen without limits," Frank said, "and people should decide at the ballot box."

In his underthedome.org blog Monday, Frank noted the commission's "decidedly left-leaning tendencies" -- reflective of the leader, former Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., who appointed its members, he said.

Herbert, who inherited the ad hoc commission this fall when Huntsman resigned to serve as U.S. ambassador to China, has publicly opposed any such limits for years and, instead, endorsed full and frequent public reporting of all campaign finance activity.

However, Herbert said he would honor the board's mission to revive voter enthusiasm, and would give its recommendations -- especially those with full backing -- his careful consideration.

That discussion will take place at a public meeting to be scheduled in early December.

"He eagerly awaits the official document and the discussion that goes along with that," said Jason Perry, Herbert's chief of staff, "as to why they think this is the best approach for the state of Utah."

Several scenarios are possible as the issue gets further discussion. And a more comprehensive ethics-reform initiative is in the works, driving further action on Utah's Capitol Hill.

Republican Kirk Jowers, acting chairman of the Governor's Commission, gathered support from colleagues and legislative leaders as he drafted the campaign-finance proposal.

"The commission covered the entire rainbow of the political spectrum, from far-right to far-left," Jowers said of the 19-member board's composition. "But its center point was probably slightly center-right."

Jowers hopes his hard-fought consensus does not unravel in the coming weeks.

"The Legislature has a chance to make significant reform," Jowers said. "Or it could make very minor modifications that would improve disclosure and transparency."

If it does the latter, Jowers believes the commission's united front on campaign-finance reform speaks for itself.

"I think the public would see through any half-hearted reform legislation," he said.

cmckitrick@sltrib.com