Herbert Formally Launches Campaign

03.18.2010 by Elizabeth Ziegler

Governor Gary Herbert

(KCPW News) Republican Governor Gary Herbert touted his seven months of experience running the state as the reason Utahns should elect him and Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell at yesterday’s campaign launch at the University of Utah. He said the best choice for governor this year is the governor.

“I believe Utah needs a strong leader, one who is fiscally prudent, fiscally responsible, a common sense approach to the issues that we are faced here and who can balance the budget, but work tirelessly, as we’ve demonstrated in this past legislative session, that we will keep tax increases out of any plan for economic recovery,” he said.

However, Herbert has said he won’t veto a $1 per pack tobacco tax increase the Legislature passed this year.

Herbert also called out his Democratic opponent, Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon, for what he said are inaccurate comments about his experience running a campaign, and record on education funding. Herbert said it’s time to lay out the rules of engagement.

“I’m calling for us to have an issue-oriented, visioning approach of what we think Utah can be,” said Herbert.  “And what you think that vision is, I’m happy to engage. To make some of these petty comments, and as been mentioned in the newspaper, he’s trying to get me by death by a thousand cuts, is not going to stand.”

In addition to fiscal responsibility, Herbert said he’ll focus on education, economic development, and energy.  He also mentioned public lands, natural resource development, clean air and health care. Herbert succeeded former Governor Jon Huntsman when he left office just months into his second term to become ambassador to China.