Richard Piatt will moderate. (He's one of my favorite reporters.)
JOHN SWALLOW - This is a critical time in our state. I'm a conservative, and that's the real difference between the two of us. I led on repealing ObamaCare; Sean thought we should wait. I led on regaining our lands; Sean thought we should wait and try a different approach. Utah needs an AG with conservative values. That's why I should be elected.
(Swallow came out swinging this time.)
SEAN REYES - The office of AG is critical to the state to defend freedom and families. The AG is the lawyer for the state. My vision is turn the office of AG back into a law office for the people. I'm not a fan of the unduly influences by politics, by lobbyists, and what I want to see is a law office accountable to the people. I'm not a career lobbyist, I'm not a career fundraiser, I'm a career lawyer.
(I do think the more people realize that Swallow was a lobbyist for the payday loan companies, and that Swallow's appointment to the AG office was after all the fundraising he did for Shurtleff, the more they'll look to see what Reyes has to offer.)
Piatt asks what specific leadership qualities would you bring to the AG office.
SWALLOW - I have experience in the AG office. Leadership is about having a vision, it's not just about being a lawyer and logging billable hours.
REYES - Being a seasoned, experienced lawyer is an important part of being a leader. I've been a leader in civic and community teams, some bigger than the AG office.
Piatt - What would you change?
REYES - The office needs to be less political, less beholden to special interests, to lobbyists. I'm not a career lobbyist, not a career fundraiser. I'm a career leader, and that's what the office needs right now.
SWALLOW - I'd like to change the political nature of the job. I have experience in the AG office, in the legislature, I've worked with the governor, but I'd like to deal with policy issues behind the scenes, not as much in the public light. We've led the fight on getting back our public lands.
Piatt - Will this be a non-partisan office?
REYES - It is a partisan race, it's set up that way, but a lot of the functions are non-partisan. I liken it to a firefighter. If someone's house is on fire, they care most about the experience and ability of the firefighter, not his party. The AG should have the best record of winning cases, fighting cases in court.
SWALLOW - I've been leading the largest case in the history of the state, the ObamaCare case. I cannot divorce myself from my conservative principles and values. My conservative bias will come through as AG.
(he's smarmier when he's more comfortable)
Piatt - So you're saying you will keep it a partisan office?
SWALLOW - No, but I will always be a Republican and conservative at heart and my decisions will be based on my core beliefs.
REYES - The AG needs to be independent; he is the voice for the people and in many cases is the last line of defense for the people.
Piatt - Mark Shurtleff stepped out a bit; he defended Eric Holder in the fast and furious case for instance. Does that mean you disagree with Shurtleff about taking positions against the GOP line?
SWALLOW - Not at all. My record will show I'm able to be independent from anyone I disagree with. I have the courage to stand on my own. If and when I disagree with the legislature, i will let them know. I'll do so behind the scenes.
REYES - The approach is better when done behind the scenes. The governor and legislature appreciate that. That said, but if there's an issue I care about, or something the AG office can shine a light on, like domestic abuse, I would use the office in a more public way.
Piatt - What about the selection of attorneys to represent outside of Utah?
REYES - As long as it's an open process. Could apply to 10th Amendment cases, could be large liability cases.
SWALLOW - Generally speaking, I'd like all to stay in-house to save taxpayer dollars. We have specific rules as to how to do it.
Piatt - How far should Utah go in prosecuting polygamy?
SWALLOW - The AG office doesn't pursue what happens between consenting adults, but when there's abuse or fraud or teen victims, that's when we'll step in.
REYES - I would prosecute polygamy. It's not my highest priority, but I would go after those committing teen rape, predators like Warren Jeffs. My focus would be on protecting women and children and going after tax fraud.
Piatt - How far should the state's roll be in illegal immigration?
REYES - I didn't support HB116 because it went too far, but I would support going after more identity theft cases, background checks for those arrested for serious crimes, that's an appropriate use of our state police power. We need to do something. I'd support E-Verify. I'd push the feds to come up with national solution.
SWALLOW - It is a federal issue, but we have to deal with the consequences. As AG I'll be ever stronger on that issue.
Piatt - Closing remarks.
SWALLOW - I'm running for this office because I believe in this office. I have support of conservatives because I'm conservative. No one needs to wonder how I will run. I stand on my conservative record. I'm a conservative. I'll lead with conservative integrity. I conservatively thank you for your conservative vote.
REYES - I appreciate the opportunity. I'm the most qualified candidate for the AG office. I've done more representing in court and that's why so many legal leaders support me. I'm proud of my conservative credentials. I'm not running for Lobbyist General, I'm running for Attorney General. Please go to my website http://www.SeanReyes.com
Very brief debate.
If this was the only one I'd seen and I didn't know anything about these candidates, I would have said it was close and my mind would not be made up by this. But because I have seen their other debate and know a little something about each, edge to Reyes.
Kudos for the two men to meet on TV and debate and help educate voters. A fine example to all Utah politicians. (Looking at you, Orrin!)
You can watch it here.
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