Illustration by Cody Angell

Yes, there are two very different candidates in the running for Arizona's governorship. One is genuine. One is more reptilian. Her skin changes colors to resemble her surroundings, but in her veins the blood runs cold and red.

Matt Salmon is the genuine article. He has spent most of his life in Arizona and has been at the forefront of public service for this state ever since. Supporters of his opponents whine about inconsequential nuances of his personality and in doing so, make mountains out of nothing.

To contend that Mr. Salmon ÷ or any other conservative, for that matter ÷ is against gun safety is ridiculous. Gun safety is a conservative issue. If gun safety is of so much concern, why don't liberals come out against glorification of the "run-and-gun, gangsta" lifestyle in the media instead of championing it behind the guise of the First Amendment? The much-maligned NRA will be the first in line to support gun safety. Gun control legislation doesn't equate to gun safety. Gun safety starts at home, not in the halls of Congress.

Deriding Mr. Salmon's faith and making it an issue of governance is similarly irrelevant and in poor taste. During his final term in the service of Arizona, Mr. Salmon ÷ my congressman ÷ spoke before my high school graduation at the baccalaureate, a nondenominational service in a Christian church ÷ not his particular denomination ÷ near my high school. He didn't use this opportunity to convert people, amass a crusade against anything or even to stump for his party. He knows ÷ as should any professional ÷ where to draw the line. This is something lost on his opponents.

Jason Baran

Mr. Salmon worked as a lobbyist and as a consultant for a number of clients, one of which was the city of Phoenix. What's the problem? Apparently, those who hide behind the First Amendment while they criticize Mr. Salmon forgot to read it to the end. The right to "petition government for the redress of grievances" means the right to lobby, even on behalf of the city of Phoenix. It doesn't take a broad interpretation to make this point clear. To assail him for pursuing a basic political right that doesn't infringe on the liberties of others is appalling. Would there have been such an uproar if the city of Tucson had had the foresight to acquire his services? It's doubtful.

Mr. Salmon believes in tax cuts. His opponent doesn't. His opponent dons a skin that, at first glance, blends in with the tax-shy attitudes in Arizona. A closer look reveals the true creature hiding in the desert landscape. She says to look at Mr. Salmon's record ÷ with a jaundiced eye. The fact is that because of cuts enacted during his time in the Legislature, the state's receipts improved 38 percent from 1995 to 1999.

He rightly contends that spending is the problem, not the cuts. He notes that had the state reigned in on spending in a way similar to that of Colorado, the state would have a $5 billion surplus ÷ significantly more than the current deficit. Tax cuts will work better than his opponent's "plan" to "look at everything" ÷ meaning tax increases.

Mr. Salmon has national experience and expertise unrivaled by any other candidate. The national government plays a critical role in the affairs of the state. Mr. Salmon knows how to represent Arizona's interests in the national arena. His opponent does not.

Her foray into the national realm as attorney general failed to protect the state's interests before the Supreme Court. In fact, as her first case representing Arizona she chose a death penalty issue, a hugely important case to the Arizona corrections system. She lost. She failed Arizona.

Mr. Salmon's critics complain about some of his traits and beliefs, but are wrong in their assessment of what those traits and beliefs mean. What they show is an honest passion for and dedication to Arizona.

They don't describe a totalitarian theocrat. These beliefs show conviction and secular responsibility.

Don't be fooled by his opponents shape-shifting. Look to Salmon for the best governance and the best vision for Arizona. Go to the polls today and vote for Matt Salmon, not the cold-blooded lizard. Don't let his tax-and-spend opponent scurry into the capitol.