The Standard-Examiner Editorial Board endorses Republican Gov. Gary Herbert over Democratic challenger Peter Corroon in the race for Utah's governor.
Since assuming the governorship after Jon Huntsman left to become ambassador to China, Herbert has consistently impressed us with his resolve, his leadership, his ability to work with different factions, and his wide command of the issues facing Utahns. In other words, the governor has earned our respect and our endorsement.
Herbert has also shown an admirable moderate streak that separates him from more extreme forces within his party. Herbert was among the first to express his outrage with the unauthorized list of names -- some of whom were illegals -- from a state roll. Herbert is also not jumping on the bandwagon to enact an Arizona-type illegal immigration law.
Rather than engage in impotent measures that will be stalled in the courts, the governor wants to bring all sides together to create real immigration reform.
Herbert has also stood strong against efforts to bring more dangerous radioactive waste to Utah. And the governor has earned the respect of teachers for his efforts to craft bipartisan education reform. Herbert has also managed the Utah economy as well as can be expected during these tough economic times.
We also like the governor's determination to make sure that Utah works to develop all the natural energy resources we have in this state. We need leaders such as Herbert who promote innovation to find ways to tap these resources. And on the environment, the governor's selection of Utah Democrat Ted Wilson to lead the state environmental commission is more evidence of his desire for bipartisanship. We also approve that the governor has Davis County moderate Republican Greg Bell as his running mate.
Corroon is an attractive candidate. The Salt Lake County mayor is a strong leader and we like his pick of Republican legislator Sheryl Allen as his running mate. It would be interesting to have a Democratic governor work with the overwhelmingly Republican Legislature. However, Corroon has run an erratic campaign that has included cheap, unfair ads that accused the governor of dishonest conduct. That was irresponsible conduct. Gary Herbert is an honest man, who remained calm and exhibited leadership during the ad assault.
We'll never agree with Herbert -- or anyone -- on every issue. But we trust the governor to remain a skilled, passionate, knowledgable, open-minded and fair leader. He deserves to be re-elected.
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