There are 3 candidates that present themselves best in this type of venue:

1. Jon Huntsman Jr:  It’s an understatement to say that he comes across best.  His answers were succinct and intelligent.  His demeanor was dignified, coherent and committed.  To me, he presents himself more competently than any Utah public figure I have seen in the state in my memory.  He is a Jake Garn-Mitt Romney-Scott Matheson Sr. type of talent.  Every answer brought a unique thought to the gathering and the audience was listening and responding.  I looked around and saw heads turning to others with a confirmation that this guy is something special. Here is a “statesman” not a politician. Unlike most of the others, there was no need to detail his past accomplishments.  You could tell that he knows who he is, understands where we need to go and has the leadership and vision to take us there.   If there is a preliminary perception from the electorate that Jon Jr. is simply the son of his father, it will be dispelled very quickly.  I expect that years from now, his legacy may outshine his father’s… not an easy fete.
2. Jim Hansen:  He continues to be a battle hardened, experienced warrior for Utah.  His answers were fact-based and delivered with authority.  Observers can see that he really understands the game.  He still appears to have the fire in his belly and the combativeness that characterized his time in Congress.  I was hoping to see that.  He would make a very good Governor.  My only concern is that though respected and capable, he is a known commodity to the electorate.  I sense that in this general election, there will be a desire from the people of the state for change and new ideas and that he might not fare well against Scott Matheson. 
3. Marty Stephens:  You have to love this guy.  He comes across as gutsy and principled. He too would make a very good Governor.  With the exception of Governor Walker, he has the most experience in the trenches of state government. That experience obviously helps him but the same experience may hurt him in the general election in the same fashion that it may affect Jim Hansen.  Marty’s responses to the questions showed that he is very bright, very confident and has well conceived plans for Utah’s future.  His initial poll numbers were very low…. Probably because he presides over a body that is not very popular at this time of year.  If he doesn’t win this election, I would love to see him run for Congress or Senate.  He represents himself and the Party very well. 

Fred Lampropolus gets an honorable mention but he is a tier below the other three.  He appears to be a bit self absorbed.  His ideas, while enthusiastic, appear to be rather impulsive.  This is the third time that I have heard him speak and I do find him refreshing, entertaining and “Republican” but probably not elect able as our next Governor.  He appears to be a right-leaning Ross Peroit, which is not that bad, but probably, too colorful for the Utah electorate.

None of the others shine very brightly in this type of setting. They appear to be honorable and accomplished men who but won’t take us to the next level.  Parley Hellewell projected a somewhat rural persona, not conducive to being the chief executive of a State with 2 million people.  Nolan Karras sounded competent but worn out.  Gary Benson was courageous but a tad mean spirited.  Gary Herbert presented himself better than the other three.  He made sense but nothing jumped out at me as anything but standard Party dialogue.

This one surprised me. Governor Walker appeared to be way out of her league here. Previously, I had only heard news sound bites and prepared speeches from her.  After observing her here, my guess is that without incumbency she would not be a factor in this race. Her responses were ponderous and rambling.  Her substance was cliché and frankly, a little embarrassing.  I suspect, that after five or six of these events with good delegate attendance her support will erode substantially.  She also made the mistake of giving in to UEA pressure by vetoing the Carson Smith disabilities tuition credit bill on the eve of this debate.  I thought I was the only one who sincerely cared about that piece of legislation, but I was wrong.  Lampropolus called for a move to override the Governors veto and almost got a standing ovation. Governor Walker looked flustered and her response was unconvincing. One cannot walk away from a performance like that with the conclusion that she could represent our party in the general election and win.  The Democrats would eat her alive.

It will be interesting to see how the various newspapers view this and the subsequent debates.  However, don’t take the views of the newspapers too seriously.  Go see one of these yourself.  You will be proud to be a Utah Republican!