The first question in today's Boise City Club debate was on whether the two major-party candidates for governor support a "proper investigation" into allegations of special deals at the state Tax Commission for influential taxpayers. "I do support a proper investigation of it, in fact ... we did have an independent investigation," Gov. Butch Otter responded. Otter said the state investigation two years ago showed a need for several reforms in the tax compromise process, including new definitions and new steps in the process, and they were adopted. "I will tell you that that Tax Commission and those previous definitions were put in long before Butch Otter became governor," he noted.

Challenger Keith Allred responded, "This is just one of the many areas, special interests get better treatment than everyday Idahoans, and Idahoans are frustrated about that. ... You think about who it is that really engages the Tax Commission and tries to oppose an audit and challenge it." Allred said it's those with the resources to fight, while "those who play by the rules get punished. We've got a problem there and Butch Otter is telling you it's just fine the way it is, I don't think it is."