News Highlights

George Bush and John Kerry are endorsing the call for a national intelligence czar, but not Orrin Hatch (Salt Lake Tribune). Columnist John Florez says local control of Utah schools is a myth (Deseret Morning News). Downwinders oppose renewal of nuclear testing (Chicago Tribune story published in Salt Lake Tribune).

Quote of the Day

"I don't have to run again for any office. But I'm going to stay active in politics."
- Fred Lampropoulos, quoted in a story Saturday by Bob Bernick in the Deseret Morning News about Lampropoulos' plan to maintain a high profile. He spent nearly $3 million of his own money just through the gubernatorial primary.

The Week Ahead

Nearing the middle of August, local politics will likely stay rather quiet this week. Most candidates will keep their paid media powder dry until after the Republican National Convention Aug. 30-Sept. 2 and until families are settled in for another school year. Members of Congress have the month off and are out campaigning and holding town meetings. Gubernatorial candidates are visiting local town celebrations and giving speeches. The Olympic Games start Friday and will soak up a lot of attention. College football teams begin workouts this week.

U.S. Senate: Wishful Thinking

Sure it's August of 2004, but it's not too early to be thinking about 2006. A few Republicans, mostly those who salivate over the prospect of an open U.S. Senate seat, have speculated that perhaps Sen. Orrin Hatch will retire after five terms and 30 years. Forget about that. Longtime Hatch ally Stan Parrish has been quietly dusting off the old Hatch campaign machinery, and Dave Hansen will likely run the campaign. Hansen is probably the most experienced Republican campaign manager in the state. He helped Fred Lampropoulos to a better-than-expected finish in this year's gubernatorial race. Hansen works for W Communications.

Political People

Spencer Zwick might not be well known in Utah, where he has lived most of his young life, but he's making a name for himself as a political operative in Massachusetts. Spencer graduated from East High School, attended the University of Utah, and graduated from Brigham Young University. Soon thereafter, he went to work for the Salt Lake Organizing Committee in a marketing role.

When Mitt Romney was drafted to take over scandal-plagued 2002 Winter Games, he assessed the personnel he inherited and came to view Zwick as a great young talent. After the Games concluded and Romney decided to seek the Massachusetts governorship, he asked Zwick to stick with him and help run the campaign. Zwick then followed Romney into the Masachusetts governor's office and now serves as deputy chief of staff and advisor to the governor. Zwick is said to be Romney's closest political confidante. He is frequently mentioned in the Massachusetts news media, and has already been named by Romney to head up his re-election campaign in 2006. And after that? Who knows. But Romney clearly has further political ambitions and Zwick will continue to ride the shooting star. Zwick said he enjoys Massachusetts and the East Coast, but also likes getting back to Utah.

Spencer is the son of Craig Zwick, who was Utah Department of Transportation director under Gov. Mike Leavitt for a time, and is now a general authority for the LDS Church.

Huntsman Coverage

The Salt Lake Tribune published an interesting package of stories on the Huntsman family chemical empire on Sunday, focusing particularly on alleged pollution caused by Huntsman holdings in Texas. But don't expect the coverage to have any real impact on the gubernatorial race. The Tribune seemed to carefully avoid turning the issue into a topic of political debate. Jon Huntsman, Jr., was not quoted at all in the stories and his gubernatorial candidacy was barely mentioned. He was not quizzed on his position on industrial pollution in Texas or in Utah. Huntsman's opponent, Scott Matheson, Jr., was also not quoted or questioned. The Tribune, to its credit, seemed intent on keeping the issues raised in the stories separate from the governor's race. It's doubtful Utah voters will be very concerned about the Texas operations.

-LaVarr Webb

Agenda Utah is a service
of Utah Policy.com

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

Deseret Morning News
- Walker submits list of names to Senate for confirmation
- John Florez: Local control of schools has become a myth
- Editorial: Smoking ban makes sense

Standard-Examiner
- Senate confirmation process begins for judge nominee
- Editorial: Thwart embezzlers in city government

Salt Lake Tribune
- Hatch is not leading cheers for terror czar
- Plans for Nevada Test Site rekindle downwinders' fears
- Arrested development: Downtown Ogden project has stalled
- Editorial: A poor standard
- Editorial: Repeal cruel law

Sunday, August 8

Salt Lake Tribune
- Huntsman paradox: Cancer claims vs. cancer research
- Huntsman donations: Two sides to the coin?
- Op-ed: Time for new water laws that serve all of Utah
- Editorial: Nuclear secrets

Deseret Morning News
- The great Divide: Time to rewrite river law?
- Thousands bid Capitol farewell before 4-year renovation starts
- Jay Evensen: 'Fair' taxes unfair when they infringe on privacy
- Pignanelli & Webb: Will 'brother act' hurt the Mathesons?

Daily Herald
- Cities lacking uniform vehicle policy

Saturday, August 7

Tooele Transcript Bulletin
- Feds nix state power over N-waste storage

Davis County Clipper
- Centerville gives first round to Wal-Mart
- ‘RAP' tax issue headed to ballot
- Rec center wins in nail-biter
- Bennett upbeat over economy, Iraq's legacy

St. George Spectrum
- Sen. Bennett unveils nuclear safety measure

Salt Lake Tribune
- Bennett rolls out nuke-testing legislation
- A.G. candidates unite against gay marriage amendment
- Tossed-out candidate runs anyway
- Matheson reveals policies on seniors
- UTOPIA secures $85 million in short-term revenue bonds

Daily Herald
- Candidates against gay marriage amendment
- Bennett backs bill requiring approval for nuclear testing

Standard-Examiner
- Candidates oppose amendments
- Civic and character education discussed by state board committee
- City staff recommends Wal-Mart
- Bennett backs bill halting nuclear testing without OK

Deseret Morning News
- Outdoor retailers weigh S.L., Vegas
- Lampropoulos makes sure his name isn't forgotten
- Ready for book club, S.L.?
- 'Chain gang' working at the Capitol
- AG hopefuls oppose Amendment 3
- Bennett grilled about avoiding Nuclear fallout
- Jilted incumbent plans write-in for state board
- Editorial: Rocky versus Rockwell

Please submit calendar items to AgendaUtah@UtahPolicy.com

- Aug 2-11: Hinckley Institute of Politics holds annual Huntsman Seminar in Constitutional Government for Teachers. Info: jnelson@hinkley.utah.edu
- Aug 10: Greg Skordas for Attorney General Open House, 5:30 pm, Skordas Campaign HQ, 260 S Main St, SLC.
- Aug 12: Sutherland Institute monthly seminar "The Unavoidable Rule of Law," 8:30-11:30 am, 6th Floor 50 E Social Hall Avenue, SLC. Register: 801-355-1272.
- Aug 13-14: Atlas Economic Research Foundation, the Sutherland Institute, and International Freedom Educational Foundation host "Communicating the Ideal of Liberty," Little America Hotel, SLC. Register: 703-934-6969.
- Aug 14: 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.
- Aug 17: Jon Huntsman at Vernal Chamber of Commerce, noon, Vernal Golden Corral, $8.
- Aug 17-18: Constitution Party starts 12-week history of Constitution course taught by Jim Brown. Class A is Tuesday nights starting Aug 17. Class B is Wednesday nights starting Aug 18. 7-8:30 pm. 801-557-9225.
- Aug 18: Voice for Moderation Meet the Candidates night. Meet Democratic candidate for Governor Scott Matheson, and Salt Lake County Auditor candidates Sean Thomas and Peter Stevens at 6 pm at the Anderson/Foothill Library located at 1135 So. 2100 East in Salt Lake City.
- Aug 18-21: Davis County Democrats looking for volunteers for their Davis County Fair booth, call Pat Herrera 801-546-0283.
- Aug 20: Matheson for Congress Fundraiser, Open House sponsored by Iron County Democrats, 7-9 pm. Call 435-865-7482 for location.
- Aug 20: Box Elder County GOP Summer BBQ, 6 pm, Marble Park, 435-723-7410.
- Aug 24: Greg Skordas for Attorney General Fundraiser, 5:30 pm, Em's Restaurant, 271 N Center St, SLC, $100 suggested contribution.
- Aug 24: Attorney General debate on KRCL radio, 90.9 FM, Noon - 1 pm, at 1971 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT.
- Aug 24: Green Party of Utah Roots Local Monthly Meeting, 12 pm, Sprague Library, 1100 East, just past 2100 South, Salt Lake City. Contact: 486-2558.
- Aug 26: Jon Huntsman at Park City Sunrise Rotary Club, 7:45 am.
- Aug 26: Davis County Democrats Picnic, 6 pm, Barnes Park, West on 200 N in Kaysville.
- Aug 26: Jon Huntsman Jr. at Utah Republican Hispanic Assembly meeting, Utah Republican Party HQ, 117 E. South Temple
- Aug 26: Salt Lake County Libertarian Party monthly meeting, 7 pm, Bohemian Brewery & Grill, 94 E 7200 S Midvale.
- Aug: 27: Jon Huntsman Jr fundraiser at Delta Center, $100 for single ticket up to $5,000 for platinum table. Call 737-1811.
- Aug 30-Sept 2: Jon Huntsman attends Republican National Convention, New York City.
- Sept 2: Professional Republican Women monthly meeting, 11:45 am, Panini's restaurant, Wells Fargo Building, 299 S Main, SLC, $20 RSVP call 801-270-0802.
- Sept 2: 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.
- Sept 3: Huntsman campaign at Midway Swiss Days.
- Sept 3-4: Huntsman campaign at Iron County Fair, Cedar City.
- Sept 7: Utah Log Cabin Republicans Monthly Meeting, 7:30 pm, Room N4010, Salt Lake County Building, 2001 South State Street, Salt Lake.
- Sept 9: Sutherland Institute seminar "The Rules of the Game-Applications in Boundaries and Procedures," 8:30-11:30 am, 6th Floor 150 E Social Hall Ave, SLC. Register: 801-355-1272.
- Sept 11: 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.
- Sept. 15: Attorney General Mark Shurtleff's annual "Wasatch Challenge." Trap, skeet and target shooting, Western entertainment and down-home cooking. Call 801.746.3030 or email info@markshurtleff.com for more details.
- Sept 16: Jon Huntsman at the Salt Lake Women's Republican Club Meet and Mingle Night, 6:30 pm, Bicentennial Park, Sandy.
- Sept 17: Jon Huntsman at Salt Lake County Republican BBQ, 6 pm, Murray Park.
- Sept. 17: Salt Lake County Republican Party's Constitution Day Picnic, 6 pm, Murray Park. Come meet the candidates!
- Sept 23: USACCC Annual Conference, Homestead Resort, Midway.
- Sept 25: Republican Central Committee Meeting.
- Sept 28: 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.

- See the entire calendar