Football's in the air - and so is politics

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Sep 18, 2005 | by Frank Pignanelli

Autumn is in the air, and while most sane people are thinking about football, reveling in or dreading the prospect of the U. pounding BYU, our twisted minds are contemplating those political questions that inquiring minds want to know.

What are the possible ramifications of the recent announcement by Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. that he would attempt a re-election campaign without raising and/or expending contributions?

Pignanelli: At first glance, Huntsman's notion that an incumbent can run solely on "a track record and ideas," and not a big budget, is certainly compelling. The governor initiated his campaign with a focus on campaign and government reform, so at least he is consistent. However, most veterans agree he is begging for trouble. Huntsman also promised that he would expend political capital in order to effectuate much-needed, but controversial, changes to state operations. Thus, if he remains committed to this no-spending concept, his administration will concentrate on protecting public approval ratings, a necessity for a campaign devoid of a media blitz and not on performance. Further, this situation is tempting to a well-funded right-wing gubernatorial challenger who could bombard the airways against a defenseless Huntsman. This exposes him to the real possibility of defeat, or, at very best, limping into a second term. Campaign finance reform is needed in Utah, but it should be applicable to all candidates.

Webb: I'm not sure the governor meant that he would raise and spend no money. He's already been raising political money. I think he meant he will run a low-budget campaign and not amass a huge war chest. That makes sense. Even a politician with an easy race needs to raise some political money to use for party and political responsibilities. Things like travel to conventions and communications with political activists and voters require some money. Re-election is a time to re-connect with voters, to woo and win them one more time. It's a chance to win a new mandate, to campaign on one's success and one's vision for the future. It's a time to show voters and political activists that you care, that you don't take them for granted. All of that takes some campaign cash. Not millions of dollars but enough to get the job done.

Will Sen. Chris Buttars succeed in requiring that "intelligent design" be taught along with evolution in Utah's schools?

Pignanelli: The recent attacks on evolution have generated interesting results. The jokes about the controversy have been quite witty, i.e. "Experts still have not found proof of 'intelligent design' at the state Legislature." A number of LDS scientists, especially from BYU, have offered articulate defenses of evolution. Gov. Huntsman, the state school board and many other Mormons have publicly refused to embrace mandatory instruction of "intelligent design" -- demonstrating again that Utah's flavor of conservatism is often different when compared to other red states. For these reasons, intelligent design is doomed in Utah.

Webb: I don't favor mandatory teaching of creationism or "intelligent design," but I don't think it would be improper at all for a teacher to say, while teaching evolution, something like this: "In this class we are focused on science, and what science teaches us. However, there are many people, a majority, in fact, who are religious and believe in a divine being. Many people believe that a divine being helped guide the creation or evolution of our human species. That is not something we will discuss in this class, but it would be wise for you to discuss it with your parents or religious leader."

Will the Utah GOP ever find a candidate against Congressman Jim Matheson?

Pignanelli: Doug Wright is still considering, but my hunch is he will soon realize he has more influence as the KSL talk jockey -- without all the nasty fund raising. When Wright refuses, Republicans will pressure state legislators LaVar Christensen and Steve Urquhart, thus dropping his challenge to Orrin Hatch. My prediction is if there is not a candidate by December, Huntsman chief of staff Jason Chaffetz will file.

Webb: Doug Wright could give Jim Matheson a serious challenge. He is moderate, centrist and has good name ID to start with. The prospect of Democrats taking control of the U.S. House will be a big factor in the race. Do Utah Republicans want to vote for a guy whose victory may turn control of the House to ultraliberal San Fran Nan Nancy Pelosi, who will attempt to impose San Francisco values on the entire country? The ideal GOP candidate would be a moderate woman who has already proven herself as a leader and executive.

Is Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson in political trouble, and why is he apologizing?

Pignanelli: Earlier this month, the Deseret Morning News released a poll stating 53 percent of Salt Lake City residents wanted a different mayor, and 36 percent would re-elect Rocky. Unfortunately, any expressions of glee are premature. When I commenced my campaign against Rocky in 2003, half of city residents wanted somebody else while 35 percent remained loyal. From February to November, my volunteers and I knocked on thousands of doors with most homeowners stating "Anybody but Rocky!" Our tracking showed the same results -- a majority of Salt Lakers wanted change. What few politicos understand is that the Rockyites, although a minority, are energized and always vote. These diehards don't care about Rocky's many problems. So long as he keeps poking at the LDS Church and the Legislature, he's their guy. Thus, it is no easy task overcoming this voting bloc. His insincere mumblings of apologies are evidence that he runs in 2007.