GOP retains 3 state posts

Republicans likely retained control of three state administrative positions Tuesday as Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, treasurer Ed Alter and auditor Auston Johnson appeared headed to easy re-election victories, according to early but unofficial election returns.

Shurtleff, who held a 42-point lead over Democratic challenger Greg Skordas in the latest poll prior to the election, was running for a second four-year term.

Alter, who has served as state treasurer for 24 years, was well ahead of Democrat Debbie Hansen and two other challengers, according to the incomplete results.

Johnson, state auditor since his appointment in March 1995, appeared assured of defeating Democrat Carlos Vasquez of Ogden and two third-party candidates.

Shurtleff looked to be a landslide winner.

"I think this establishes, if these large numbers hold, that people are OK with me. They want an attorney general who will state what his position is on the law, give advice on the law and be an independent representative," Shurtleff said as the night wore on.

"I am obviously delighted . . . that Utahns, apparently in large numbers, have said they like what I'm doing and trust me for four more years. . ."

Shurtleff enjoyed an almost 3-to-1 advantage over his Democratic opponent in campaign fund-raising. According to the latest pre-election campaign finance reports, Shurtleff raised $620,572 while Skordas raised $212,523.

During the campaign, Shurtleff opposed Amendment 3, the ban against gay marriage. That may have upset some Republicans — many of whom misunderstood his position, he said Tuesday — but ultimately did not cost Shurtleff much support. Skordas, meanwhile, served as the criminal defense attorney for Republican Salt Lake County Mayor Nancy Workman during the campaign. Polygamy, rising crime rates and Amendment 3 were among the main topics debated during the campaign.

Neither Alter nor Johnson faced a Democratic challenger four years ago. In 1996, Alter garnered 57 percent of the vote to 39 percent for Democrat D'Arcy Dixon Pignanelli. Johnson, meanwhile, won his first election bid that year by 58 percent to 42 percent over Democrat Karen Truman.

With Alter as treasurer, the state has maintained a top bond rating and has been ranked as one of the best-managed states in the country.

Johnson began working in the auditor's office after graduating from Utah State University in 1976. He was appointed to the post when Tom Allen resigned. He was named 2002 Outstanding CPA in Business and Management by the Utah Association of CPAs.

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E-mail: zman@desnews.com

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