Herbert Takes the Bait

The Trib's report on the 2nd gubernatorial debate indicates the dialogue was 'nasty.'

Most of the animosity seems to center around the I-15 bid "pay for play" scandal or lack thereof or whatever it is. The Corroon campaign is brilliantly running with this issue. And the reason why it's working is because the Herbert campaign is taking the bait! My question is why? Because now the issue has serious legs, the press is eating it up, and it's giving Corroon so much more air time than without.

Herbert should have just laid out the facts, opened up the records, dismissed it as an ongoing campaign issue and focus on the economy (stupid). But every time Corroon brings it up you can tell he's getting under Herbert's skin. Herbert can't help himself but respond - as if it's a personal attack on his integrity. Note to Gary - IT'S NOT - unless YOU make it so which you are doing. SO STOP!

Corroon Challenge

I know this is so last Thursday but I have to comment on the Corroon to Herbert Challenge.

Corroon challenged Governor Herbert to return any donations over $10,000. It's kind of a funny gimmick really. That would mean Herbert would have to return about $750,000 and Corroon $250,000. So let's face it. It ain't going to happen.

Should campaigns be limited in what money they can raise? Eh. I'm not against requiring some limits. I'm not sure what the numbers should be. Raising money is soooooo difficult. Limiting donation amounts can sometimes force campaigns to reallocate resources from communicating with voters to simply dialing for dollars. A quick example - say you need to raise oh $10,000. Right now, a (state) campaign could get that from one donor. But if the limit were $2,500 then the campaign's got to raise that from four different people. It's a lot more work.

And let me add, I do have serious concerns about limiting one's ability to speak with their wallets - read free speech concerns. Complex issues. I encourage the dialogue.

But the best part in whole back forth between Corroon and Herbert is the zinger delivered by Herbert campaign manager Joe Demma. In his response to "The Challenge" Demma throws it back in Corroon's face and says "If the Mayor has reservations about any of those donations and the influence they have on his ability to govern Salt Lake County, his commitment to returning them should not be contingent upon the governor."

Awesome. I love that. Yes, Mayor; If this is such a concern why are YOU taking donations over $10,000 in the first place? Nice call out by Demma.