Tuesday’s event was likely the only debate-style forum voters will see this year for local legislative seats, with no others scheduled before the Nov. 8 election. Engelman and Goode have argued they want more time in front of voters with a chance to debate, but local groups that have scheduled events in the past have said they’ve struggled to find dates that will work, especially with the Republican candidates who are already busy with their work in the legislature.
Ipson and Last have said they are willing to meet with voters whenever they can, with Last noting that he hasn’t received invitations from groups within his district.
Ipson said he’s willing to talk any time, pointing to his cell phone number being available on the state legislative website.
The debate was moderated by Dan Bammes of the Utah Foundation, a nonpartisan think-tank based in Salt Lake City.
Questions were based on the group’s recently-published “Utah Priorities” survey, which were used to develop a top-ten list of issues on the minds of Utah voters.
