The hottest political race in Utah cooled a bit today. Republican candidates, for the Second Congressional seat met for yet another debate, this time, at Salt Lake City's Chamber of Commerce.

Political Specialist Richard Piatt shows us how this latest encounter went.

A little joke from the Chamber of Commerce rang true to the candidates. And both Derek Smith and Merrill Cook appear to have taken the humorous hint.

Both candidates stuck to the issues in this pre-primary debate.

Derek Smith/R-Candidate For Congress: "I WILL FIGHT FOR LOWER TAXES. MUCH LOWER. MUCH FLATER, MUCH FAIRER."

Rep. Merrill Cook/R-Utah: "THE ISSUES ARE SO IMPORTANT THAT IT'S CRUCIAL THAT WE HAVE EXPERIENCED PEOPLE REPRESENTING THE INTERESTS OF THE SALT LAKE VALLEY."

It was much different Thursday.

Merrill Cook: "I'M NOT SURE, BUT I THINK MY REPUBLICAN OPPONENT DOESN'T BELIEVE MEDICARE SHOULD COVER ... OR YOU DO? OH I'M SORRY. PLEASE, CLARIFY ...."

And this encounter was mild compared to some recently.

The sniping got so bad at another debate this week that voters openly expressed their displeasure. Since then, it appears the candidates have taken notice.

Derek Smith: "I HAVE ALWAYS TRIED TO STAY ON THE ISSUES, AND I'VE ONLY HAD TO GO OUT INTO THE MUD IF MERRILL DRAGGED ME THERE."

Merrill Cook: "IN ANY KIND OF DISPUTE YOU'RE ALWAYS GOING TO HAVE SOMEONE YELLING-- YOU WERE FIRST, NO YOU WERE FIRST--. I DON'T THINK THAT GETS US ANYWHERE."

But at this point, there is a fine line between spirited debate and a verbal brawl. Both men know there is a lot at stake in a race that's being watched nationwide.

Richard Piatt, Eyewitness News: "DESPITE THEIR CIVIL JOINT APPEARANCE TODAY, IT'S CLEAR THE PRIMARY PRESSURE IS GETTING TO BOTH CANDIDATES A BIT. BOTH ARE UNDERSTANDBILY JUMPY, ANTICIPATING A VERY BUSY FOUR DAYS BEFORE THE PRIMARY."