Time to Organize for Political Caucuses
With the legislative session over, the mad scramble can begin to organize for neighborhood party caucuses scheduled for Tuesday, March 25, a little more than two weeks away. Lots of candidates and interest groups attempt to organize the caucuses. No one does it as well as they’d like, or as well as they brag. I've heard candidates claim the election was over on caucus night because they got so many committed delegates elected, only to fall flat come convention time.
It's extremely difficult to effectively organize party caucuses because so many dynamics exist that prevent any one candidate or interest group from dominating. In some cases, numerous candidates at all levels are attempting to organize the same caucus meetings, including statewide candidates, congressional candidates, legislative candidates and county candidates. In addition, a wide range of interest groups often attempt to get their supporters to attend and get elected as delegates, including Realtors, the PTA, the UEA, environmental groups, credit unions, bankers, health care organizations, conservative groups, and so forth.
Some caucus meetings are dominated by the same party stalwarts who attend every year and get elected as delegates. It’s sometimes difficult for a newcomer to break in. Some people who attend are a little intimidated and are not prepared for the nature of the meetings, which can sometimes be adversarial as attendees jockey for position and maneuver using parliamentary procedures. In hotly-contested races, the party caucuses can become mini-political contests, with campaigning and one-upmanship.
Despite the difficulties of "stacking" party caucuses, it's still clearly worth the effort for candidates. The discipline and hard work required to organize at neighborhood levels will pay off big time as the campaign progress. Campaigns will identify good workers and volunteers, raise the visibility of the candidate, and learn the issues of concern to average citizens. Events drive politics, and party caucus night is a big event worth expending a large effort.
One organization making a big effort to stack party caucuses is Utahns for Public Schools, the anti-voucher organization with close ties to the UEA and PTA. More about that on Monday.
Regional Politics
The Udalls
Outside Magazine profiles New Mexico Reps. Mark Udall and Tom Udall, descendants of Mormon pioneers and current Senate candidates whose "fathers were titans" and whose "family defined conservation in the West."
Higher Fees on Federal Lands
Federal land agencies have been imposing new fees and increasing existing ones at recreation sites across the West to offset the costs of fighting wildfires (New York Times).
Non-Profit CEO of the Year
Hat's off to EDCUtah CEO Jeff Edwards, who has been named Non-Profit CEO of the Year by Utah Business Magazine. A dynamo in the economic development community, this honor comes as no surprise to the EDCUtah staff and the many others who have experienced Edwards' charm, wisdom good nature. Read the full story in this week's Economic Review or in Utah Business Magazine.
Business Optimism is Muted
Utah business leaders entered 2008 with muted optimism about the prosperity of their companies, according to an independent study conducted for Zions Bank. Dan Jones & Associates surveys a panel of Utah business leaders every quarter to gauge the pulse of Utah's economy from an insider's vantage point. Survey results will be published quarterly in "Taking Care of Business," the Zions Business Resource Center newsletter. Read the latest survey results here.
Washington Watch
Hatch: Patience on Mine Investigation
Sens. Orrin Hatch, Mike Enzi, and Johnny Isakson say federal investigators looking into the Crandall Canyon Mine tragedy "must be allowed to complete their work" and urge Congress "to refrain from rushing to judgments based on incomplete and unofficial evidence" (see press release).
Cannon: No to Anti-Competitive Fees
Rep. Chris Cannon introduces the "Credit Card Fair Fee Act", which seeks "to address the anti-competitive aspects of credit card interchange fees and save American consumers and American families billions every year" (see press release).
Today in Political History
March 7, 1876: Alexander Graham Bell is granted a patent for the telephone. (Source: Inventors)
March 7, 1889: Lawyer turned Republican legislator William Windom takes over as the 33rd Secretary of the Treasury. Windom's primary task was taming the mountain of public debt that had piled up in the wake of the Civil War. (Source: Friends of Business)
March 7, 1965: A march by civil rights demonstrators is broken up in Selma, Ala., by state troopers and a sheriff's posse. (New York Times)
Wise Words
"Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun's rays do not burn until brought to a focus."
-- Alexander Graham Bell (Source: Brainy Quote)
Utah Landmarks
Wasatch Mountains
The Wasatch Mountains, the western range of the Rocky Mountains, stretch across Utah from the Bear River in the north to Mount Nebo near Nephi. Most peaks along the range are between 9,000 and 10,000 feet; Mount Nebo is the highest at 11,877 feet. Some of the other significant peaks from north to south include Willard Peak, Mount Ogden, Bountiful Peak, Mount Olympus, Lone Peak, Mount Timpanogos, Provo Peak, Spanish Fork Peak, and Loafer Mountain.
Since the earliest days of Mormon settlement, the majority of Utah's population has chosen to settle along the range's western front, where numerous river drainages exit the mountains. The mountains were a vital source of water, timber, and granite for early settlers. Today they continue to serve as the primary source of water for the populous Wasatch Front, and to provide year-round recreational opportunities to residents and visitors alike. (Source: Utah.edu)
National Politics
Best Stories From . . .
-- New York Times: Barack Obama "once again failed to administer an electoral coup de grâce, and so allowed a tenacious rival to elude his grasp. Now, after appearing nearly invincible just last week, he faces questions about his toughness and vulnerabilities -- never mind seven weeks of tramping across Pennsylvania, the site of the next big primary showdown."
-- Politico: Pennsylvania "is another must-win state for Hillary Rodham Clinton. But it is also a should-win state."
-- Miami Herald: Clinton's resurgence "could force replays of the Florida and Michigan primaries as pressure mounts to break the deadlock over the Democratic nomination. ... Florida party officials said they would survey both candidates' campaigns to gauge interest in a new vote that could produce tie-breaking delegates."
-- The Hill: John McCain "faces the daunting task of getting his message out amid all the media attention placed on the race between [Obama and Clinton]. ... McCain will now have to find a way to stay in the headlines but out of politically uncomfortable situations on Capitol Hill, where Democratic leaders might be eager to make the Arizona Republican take politically sensitive votes."
Sutherland Hails Successful Session
The Sutherland Institute praises the passage of six bills it supported this legislative session: 6SSB 38 (Transparency in Government Finance), 1SHB 33 (Waivers of Immunity -- Exceptions), HB 256 (Criminal Penalties Amendments -- Including Jessica's Law), SB 242 (Law Enforcement Tracking of Domestic Violence Statistics), HB 34 (Email Information Required of Registered Sex Offenders), and 1SSB 36 (Charter and Online Schools -- Participation in Extracurricular Activities) (see press release).
Lighter Side
"It looks like John McCain has clinched the Republican nomination. He was very excited when they woke him up to tell him." —Craig Ferguson
"Hillary Clinton asks in a new ad whom you want as president if the White House phone rings at three in the morning. Only she knows how to handle that call. Nine times out of ten it’s just Bill saying, 'Don't believe what it says in the morning paper.'" —Argus Hamilton (Patriot Post)
Casual Friday
Fishing Report
Utah Lake has a little open water in the harbors and around Lincoln Beach, and people are fishing it, but there is still considerable ice on the main lake. Beware because wind can move ice around and put you in a dangerous squeeze, particularly if you are out in a tube or pontoon.
It looks like a small storm will hit us Saturday. It could bring enough wind to push all the ice off the lake. But it will still be a week or more before walleye start to get active.
Overall, the thaw is coming slower than expected and there is still thick ice on many waters. Expect Deer Creek, Jordanelle, Yuba, Otter Creek and similar reservoirs to open up later this month.
Best bets for the next week: Ice fishing is still very good at Fish Lake. It is also good at Strawberry and Scofield, if you get away from the easy access spots. I'll probably fly fish the Provo, trying streamers and small nymphs. The Weber and Ogden should also be good now.
At Lake Powell, the Castle Rock Cutoff is expected to be usable sometime in June, as runoff causes the lake to rise. That projection has resulted in an interesting houseboat promotion, according to this article in the SL Trib. The Cut is a popular shortcut between Wahweap and destinations uplake. Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas is offering a "Cut Open Guarantee" from June 15 to Oct. 31. If the Castle Rock Cut does not open, houseboaters will get a free day and $200 fuel credit.
See the complete fishing report on RedRockAdventure.com.
Outdoors Report
-- Morning News reports on skinny skiing
-- Utah family has love of BMX racing, says article in the Tribune
-- Morning News and the Tribune write about Snowbasin for the XTerra Winter World Championship
-- Brighton Ski Resort's runs highlighted in the Morning News
-- Colorado River set free, reports the Tribune
-- Find out about upcoming events in the Morning News' Outdoor Notes
-- Check out the Tribune's Outdoor Notebook and Recreation Roundup for sports and recreation activities this week
-- For the latest wildlife news and information and the fishing report visit the DWR website
Weekend Events
New Films
-- The Bank Job: Tribune review
-- College Road Trip: Tribune review
-- Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day: Tribune review
Concerts
-- "Playing the Field: Fun & Games," Repertory Dance Theatre, Friday, 7 p.m., Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 W. 3100, West Valley, free
-- Dmitri Ratser, piano, Friday, 7:30 p.m., Rose Wagner Center, $15
-- Riverton Metropolitan Orchestra, Friday, 7:30 p.m., Temple Square Assembly Hall, free
-- U. School of Music Camerata Awards, Friday, 8 p.m., Libby Gardner Concert Hall
-- "Cinderella," Ballet West, Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m., Browning Center, WSU, Ogden, $16-$37
-- "Magic With a Flair," Repertory Dance Theatre, Ring Around the Rose, Saturday, 11 a.m., Rose Wagner Center, $5
-- "Charette," Repertory Dance Theatre, Saturday, 7 p.m., Rose Wagner Center, $50
-- American Fork Children's Choir, Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Temple Square Assembly Hall, free
-- Clyn Barrus Memorial Concert, Saturday, 7:30 p.m., de Jong Concert Hall, BYU, Provo, free
-- "From Broadway to the Met," Wasatch Chorale, Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Covey Center for the Arts, 425 W. Center Street, Provo, $10
-- Pacifico Dance Company, Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Eccles Center for the Performing Arts, 1750 Kearns Blvd., Park City, $18-$65
-- U. Singers, Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Libby Gardner Concert Hall, U., $7
-- Organ Recitals, every Saturday, noon, and every Sunday, 2 p.m., Temple Square Assembly Hall
Theater
-- "George Washington Slept Here" through March 8, Springville Playhouse
-- "Cinderella" through March 16, Capitol Theatre
-- "Inherit the Wind" through March 22, Grand Theatre
-- "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" through March 22, Center Street Musical Theatre
-- "The Miracle Worker" through March 22, Academy of Performing Arts
-- "My Valley Fair Lady" through March 22, Desert Star Theatre
-- "Pirates of Penzance" through March 24, Valley Center Playhouse
-- "Big River" through March 29, Rodgers Memorial Theatre
-- "Forever Plaid" through March 29, Heritage Theatre
-- "Cabaret" through April 5, Egyptian Theatre Company, Park City
-- "She Loves Me" through April 5, Hale Center Theater Orem
-- "The Sound of Music" through April 11, Terrace Plaza Playhouse
Museum Exhibits
-- The 11th Black & White Statewide Art Competition Exhibition, Photography by Randy S. Chatelain Exhibition through March 29, Eccles Community Art Center
-- Bravo! The Tortilla Paintings of Joe Bravo Exhibition, Wasatch Back Student Art Show Exhibition through March 30, Kimball Art Center
-- Masks, Magic, and Mirrors Exhibition through March 31; Natural Revelations: Paintings by Susan Swartz Exhibition through April 13, Utah Museum of Fine Arts
-- Masterworks of Victorian Art From the Collection of John H. Schaeffer Exhibition through August 18; Minerva Teichert: Pageants in Paint Exhibition through May 26, Brigham Young University Museum of Art
Et cetra
-- 5th Annual Foursite Film Festival, through Saturday, Ogden
-- XTerra Winter World Championship, through Sunday, Snowbasin Resort
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