Huntsman Urges Voucher Sides to "Keep the Heat Down"

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Governor Jon Huntsman isn't exactly thrilled that he's the inadvertent star of a new pro-voucher campaign ad, but he says that's part of being a public figure. He says he couldn't prevent voucher supporters from using footage from a public press conference in their TV ad. But, Huntsman says he's always been supportive of vouchers and now hopes voters will see past campaign rhetoric:

"I would ask that people in the next couple of weeks maintain a sense of respect and equilibrium as we do the due diligence and determine for ourselves what we think is right for the state," says Huntsman. "And that we keep the heat down a little bit."

Campaign advertising for and against vouchers is saturating Utah media. The Utah Education Association is planning an anti-voucher publicity blitz during its annual conference on Monday. Recent polls show Utahns against vouchers by as much as 60 percent. If vouchers pass, Governor Huntsman says they'll just be one piece of his education strategy.

And if they don't?

"My priority will remain what it is - and that is teacher compensation," says Huntsman. And I think there will be a lot of good thought to come out of the assessments reform undertaking. These are the kinds of things that longer term are very important for our state. So my priorities are going to stay where they have always been."

On November 6th, Utah voters will either opt "yes" on Referendum One and keep school vouchers on the books, or "no" to have the program repealed.

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