Peter Corroon (D): 35 (32)
Gary Herbert (R-inc): 48 (56)
(MoE: ±5%)
In a state with a pretty limited Democratic bench, the recent entry of Peter Corroon in the gubernatorial race is a huge boon for Utah Democrats. Corroon isn't just another sacrificial lamb that Utah Dems have become accustomed to running against entrenched incumbents -- he's the mayor of Salt Lake County, which is home to more than a third of the state's population. While it goes without saying that this will be a challenging race, Corroon at least gives Democrats a fighting chance here, especially if some of the same budgetary problems facing many of the other beleaguered governors begin to take a toll on the freshly-minted Gov. Gary Hebert. SSP is changing its rating of this race from the sub-competitive Races to Watch to the more competitive category of Likely Republican.
