Today's key developments and analysis for Utah policymakers

Forward this issue
Subscribe or unsubscribe

A service of

Wednesday's Buzz:
Lampropoulos Not Through With Politics

Fred Lampropoulos has written a nice letter to state delegates that leaves the door wide open for further political involvement. “I have received hundreds of emails and letters asking me if I have a political future,” Lampropoulos writes. “Although I have no current plans, I will always be involved in just what I am asking you to do.” In the letter he thanks the delegates for being involved in the political process and encourages them to stay active. He said he was disappointed that he didn't come out of the convention, but enjoyed the experience of meeting so many people “that were concerned with the future of our state and our nation.” We can expect to see more of Fred Lampropoulos. He is reportedly maintaining relationships with some of his key campaign staff and will continue to maintain a high political profile. Some speculate he's very interested in a congressional race in 2006, depending on the outcomes of some of this year's contests.

Political Numbers Look Bleak for Bush

National Review political analyst Charlie Cook looks at Pres. Bush's sagging poll numbers and notes that seldom, if ever, has an incumbent president recovered from such bad numbers at this point in the campaign. But there is still time for Bush to bounce back. If he can get beyond the prison abuse scandal in Iraq and have a modestly successful relinquishing of power and creation of an Iraqi government, then voters will begin to see progress in Iraq. The economy has made dramatic gains, but worries about inflation and skyrocketing gas prices have so far eliminated any political bonus for Bush. That, too, could improve. I believe things are still highly volatile and poll numbers could swing significantly between now and November. John Kerry isn't exactly catching fire.

Meanwhile, Cook doesn't expect Bush's weakness to dramatically affect the outcomes of congressional elections except in very close races. We will likely have just such a close race in Utah's 2 nd District where Jim Matheson will square off against either Tim Bridgewater or John Swallow . Bush will win in Utah, obviously, but if voters aren't very enthusiastic about him, that could help Matheson.

—LaVarr Webb

Political Trivia

Congressional reapportionments have been occurring every 10 years in the 60 years between 1942 and 2002, changing the face of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The four biggest winners over those years were California, which picked up 30 seats in 60 years; Florida, up 19 seats; Texas, up 11; and Arizona, up 6. No other state picked up more than 3 seats in the 60 years.

The biggest losers were New York, down 16 seats; Pennsylvania, down 14; Illinois, down 7; Ohio, down 5; and Massachusetts and Missouri, down 4.

Several states stayed the same over 60 years: Alaska, with 1 representative; Delaware, 1; Idaho, 2; New Hampshire, 2; Rhode Island, 2; South Carolina, 6; Vermont, 1; and Wyoming, 1. Overall, 15 states picked up new seats while 27 states lost seats.

Utah has been a fast-growing state, but with its small population base it picked up only 1 seat in 60 years, getting a third seat in 1982. Utah is expected to get another seat in the next reapportionment after 2010.

—Source: National Journal Group

The Earlybird is a service of Utah Policy.com

Publisher: LaVarr Webb
Editor: Bart Barker
News: Golden Webb
Calendar and Subscriptions: Paul Hollingshead

Wednesday, May 26, 2004

Today's Headlines

Washington Times
- Bush deal for court nominees irks conservatives

Tooele Transcript-Bulletin
- Bishop supports anti-waste legislation
- School boss a top finalist for state job
- Governor signs off on data sharing

St. George Spectrum
- Cedar council gets good news on city budget

Standard-Examiner
- Race on for state education position
- Ogden cops association takes council to task
- Hill efficiency touted by Utah delegation during talk with general
- Ogden hosting counties' conference
- Support voiced for new Bountiful recreation center
- More revenue in Clinton budget
- Box Elder to hold public Truth in Taxation hearing

Deseret Morning News
- Schools post is down to 4
- Lee Benson: Boss gone; bond rating shines on
- County cars no longer perks
- County shelves its library board
- Shurtleff holds strong lead
- Changes sought in No Child Left Behind
- GOP rivals tangle on amnesty for illegals
- Commuter rail gaining support
- Auditor scandal ends stellar career
- Editorial: The auditor's confession

Salt Lake Tribune
- Throckmorton, Cannon debate borders to books
- Lawmaker repays gas money, Curtis: Car-use issue 'partisan'
- Anderson, county fleet official spar over who has the cleanest machines
- Rolly and Wells: Gov. Walker posed a brief dilemma for top Democrats
- Rec center backers say don't skimp
- Salt Palace expansion drive ramps up
- Vote eliminates library board
- New sales tax method vexing
- Editorial: Sign for open space

Political Calendar

Please submit calendar items to Earlybird@UtahPolicy.com

May 26: Kitchen Table Talk with Enid Greene, 6 pm at 4356 Bobwhite Court in Ogden, East of Dee Events Center, Hosted by Dr. David and Carlin Goff.
May 26: WIR Annual Conference—Eccles Conference Center, Ogden.
May 27: Kitchen Table Talk with Nolan Karras, 6 pm at Murray City Park Pavilion #5 (Take Vine Street to the 330 East park entrance).
May 27: Kitchen Table Talk with Enid Greene, 6 pm at 949 S. Wisperwood Cove in Kaysville, Hosted by Micol Karras.
May 30: Howard Dean fundraiser for Peter Corroon, Democratic candidate for Salt Lake County Mayor—donuts 10:00 - 11:00 am, Millcreek Coffee Roasters, 657 South Main, SLC, $35; brunch buffet 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, Anderson Commons, 734 East 200 South, SLC, $200. 801-328-2208 or www.VoteCorroon.com.
May 30: Iron County Tax Freedom Day Governors Forum—6:00 pm, Sharwan Smith Center Ballroom, SUU, Cedar City.
June 1: Utah Log Cabin Republicans Monthly Meeting—7:30 pm, Room N4010, Salt Lake County Building, 2001 South State Street, Salt Lake.
June 2: Utah Stonewall Democrats monthly meeting, 5:30 pm GLBT Center 355 N. 300 W. (first Wednesday of every month).
June 2: Kitchen Table Talk with Nolan Karras, 8 pm at the Osmonds' Home 8908 Sunridge Drive in Sandy, Hosted by Dr. Joseph and Anne-Marie Osmond & Dr. Harold and Ranae Olafsson.
June 3: GOP Primary Debate (gubernatorial and congressional), 6:30 pm at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 W. 300 S. in Salt Lake City. Questions for candidates may be submitted to PrimaryDebate@aol.com. Hosted by John D. Jacob, moderated by County Recorder Gary W. Ott.
June 3: Salt Lake County GOP Gubernatorial Debate, 5:30 pm at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center 138 W. 300 S. Salt Lake City.
June 3: Kitchen Table Talk with Enid Greene, 6 pm at Greg & Lynell King's Home 45 W. 2960 N. in Provo.
June 3: Washington County Republican Women meeting and luncheon—11:30 am to 1:00 pm RSVP 435-688-0777
June 3: Progressive Democratic Caucus Meeting—6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, 455 South 300 East, Suite 102, Salt Lake City. Contact: Craig Axford (801) 918-6017.
June 4: Debate between John Huntsman Jr. and Nolan Karras, Provo/Orem Chamber of Commerce and Daily Herald, First Friday Forum lunch—noon at the Provo Marriott Hotel . Lunch reservations, 379-2555; debate questions, Michael Mower 852-6103.
June 4: Davis County Republican Women Gubernatorial Debate, 6 pm at West Point Junior High School.
June 6: Gubernatorial Debate: On the Record with Chris Vanocur—KTVX Channel 4, 9:30 am, Contact Chris Vanocur, (801) 975-4444.
June 10, 11: Government Affairs Advisory Committee of the Salt Lake Chamber—11am, Eccles Board Room, Salt Lake Chamber.
June 12: Davis County Democrats No-Host Breakfast—8:30 am to 10:00 am, Joanie's Restaurant, 286 North 400 West, Kaysville. Contact: Richard Watson (801) 292-6772.
June 13: Gubernatorial Debate: Take Two with Rod Decker—Live on KUTV Channel 2 at 5:30 pm, Contact Rod Decker, (801) 973-3000.
June 14: Lt. Governor Debate: KCSG and Bonneville Radio in St. George—Live at 7:00 pm, Contact: Dan Matheson, (435) 467-7452
June 15: Gubernatorial Debate: KCSG and Bonneville Radio in St. George—Live at 7:00 pm, Contact: Dan Matheson, (435) 467-7452.
June 16: Ogden Rotary Gubernatorial Debate, noon at the Ogden Eccles Conference Center.
June 21: Gubernatorial Debate: KUED Channel 7—Live at 9:00 pm.
June 22: Utah Primary Election—7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
June 22: Green Party of Utah Roots Local Monthly Meeting—12:00 pm, Sprague Library, 1100 East, just past 2100 South, Salt Lake City. Contact: 486-2558.
June 24: Legislative Golf Tournament—Thanksgiving Point. 533-9777.
June 26: Republican Central Committee Meeting.
June 27: Green Party of Utah Roots Local Monthly Meeting—12:00 pm, Sprague Library, 1100 East, just past 2100 South, Salt Lake City. Contact: 486-2558.
July 19-23: National Conference of State Legislatures— Salt Lake City.

See the entire calendar.