News Highlights

Spectrum provides interesting facts about Utah's National Republican Convention delegates. Standard-Examiner guest editorial objects to undisclosed credit union executive salaries. Groups question value of Truth-in-Taxation hearings (Deseret Morning News). Tax increases debated (Morning News). District attorney won't charge House Majority Leader Greg Curtis in county gasoline scandal (Salt Lake Tribune and Morning News).

Quote of the Day

"I had to ask myself if this would appear too partisan, and I decided it was never inappropriate to pray. But I prayed for our country, not the Republicans."

- Utah author and businesswoman Sheri Dew, who started the GOP Convention with prayer on Monday. She said she sometimes votes for Democrats and has no idea how GOP leaders decided to invite her to pray (Morning News)

Follow all the Republican convention happenings at www.gopconvention.com.

Whose Convention Is This, Anyway?

(From National Journal's "Convention Alert")

It's no secret that midtown Manhattan is filled with journalists right now, but it turns out delegates are outnumbered by media organizations in and around Madison Square Garden. There are 2,509 official delegates, compared to 3,400 credentialed media outlets -- 2,300 dailies, 900 radio and TV organizations, and 200 magazines or other periodicals.

Convention Quote

". . . there are probably more Americans who have seen UFOs than undecided voters who have read party platforms. Such documents are for partisans and ideologues -- and, the more I think about it, pretty much just for ideologues. (I am pleased that after 32 years in and around politics and after attending 14 major party conventions, I haven't read one platform and have no intention of starting now.) What's wrong with throwing a little red meat if only carnivores are in the cage? Who cares? My guess is that very few members of Congress or governors have ever read a platform, either."

- National Journal columnist Charlie Cook, chiding the news media for focusing on the GOP platform

Education Still Biggest Issue in Utah

By far, Utah voters consider public education to be the most important issue in Utah. A recent Dan Jones & Associates poll commissioned by The Exoro Group asked registered voters to place selected issues at the top, middle or bottom of their priorities list. Some 78% of respondents placed public education at or near the top of their priorities, with 17% placing it in the middle, and only 5% placing it at or near the bottom.

The next highest issue in importance was economic development, with 68 percent placing it at or near the top of their priorities, followed by higher education, 64%; crime, 61%; high-level nuclear waste, 57%; and homeland security, 54%.

Kemp Stumps for Huntsman

Jon Huntsman, Jr., held a successful fundraising dinner Friday night. Hosted by Larry Miller in the Delta Center, the event featured Jake Garn and surprise guest Jack Kemp, the former pro football player, congressman, Cabinet secretary and presidential candidate. Kemp gave a rousing speech, promoting Huntsman as the best candidate to further free enterprise and entrepreneurship, and Huntsman raised a lot of money.

Talk Politics With Ozwald

You are invited to tune in to "Talk of the Town," a live weekly Current Affairs program on KTKK-630AM on Saturdays from 7-9 p.m. The show is produced and hosted by Ozwald Balfour, Chair of the Utah Republican Black Assembly and features guests and calls from listeners. To suggest a topic or to be a guest, call 801 347-1698 or e-mail: ozmedia@msn.com

Reader Feedback
It's Not Just Hayduke!

Dr. Randy Simmons, head of the Political Science Department at Utah State University, sent along this note after reading the "Casual Friday" article about the peculiar eating habits of my dog, Hayduke:

"My large yellow lab has started taking down the corn stalks in my garden and after tossing the ears of corn around for awhile, lying down in the shade and eating the kernels off the ears. I initially thought I had a raccoon or a skunk feasting on my corn, but then discovered it was just Jackson."

Tip 2: Never, never, never, never, try to cover up what happened. Most policymakers and corporate leaders know that if something bad happens, trying to cover it up is usually the worst thing you can do. However, in the heat of the moment when a crisis erupts, when reputations and careers are on the line, an enormous temptation exists to think the mistake or improper behavior can be swept under the rug and no one will ever know. Only a few people know about it, right? They can be trusted, right?

Trust me, the walls have ears and it will get out. Someone will talk and the resulting crisis will be much worse than the original mistake. Whether the original problem was a big deal or not, a cover-up attempt will turn it into a big deal. The cover up will be a much bigger story than the original foul-up. The first step in resolving the crisis is to acknowledge the mistake, misbehavior, or whatever happened. Come completely clean. More about that tomorrow.

Sen. Carlene M. Walker, District 8, September 2
Rep. Chad E. Bennion, District 44, September 6
Rep. Kory M. Holdaway, District 34, September 8

Entire Birthday List

Agenda Utah is a service
of Utah Policy.com

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

Associated Press
- State, university attorneys debate campus gun ban

St. George Spectrum
- Utah Republicans rally behind Bush

Standard-Examiner
- Credit unions should disclose salaries of their executives
- Both sides now
- Ogden's deputy mayor stays busy
- Editorial: Expect few surprises from GOP convention

Daily Herald
- Utah's small Democratic party is a 'well-oiled machine'
- Editorial: Tax hike should include mass transit

Deseret Morning News
- Prayer by Dew gets GOP going
- GOP hosts hearty party
- U. fears fallout on gun ban
- Taxing times here again
- Tax burden on Utah's poor called unbalanced
- Residents face hikes from several sides
- Utah House chief won't face counts in 'guzzle-gate'

Salt Lake Tribune
- Rep. Curtis won't face charges
- U. links gun ban, academic freedom
- Mullen: Nordstrom deal had wild cards
- Scratched candidate appeals her case to Utah's high court
- Some Utahns puzzle: Are we in right place?
- Oil, gas auction breaks records
- Editorial: Such a deal

Please submit calendar items to AgendaUtah@UtahPolicy.com

- Aug 30-Sept 2: Republican National Convention, New York City.
- Sept 1: Reception Fundraiser for Steve Harmsen, Guests Russell Skousen and Steve Poulton, 5:30 pm, Home of Scott and Linda Rice, call 801-688-4457 for address.
- Sept 1: Interviews with Attorney General candidates, 12 - 1 pm, KRCL 90.9 FM
- Sept 1: Stonewall Democrats meeting, 5:30 pm, GLBTCC, 359 N 300 W, SLC
- Sept 2: Washington County Republican Women “Party for the President”, 11:30 am, Bloomington Country Club, St. George, $10, RSVP 435-688-0777.
- 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 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 4: Jon Huntsman at Hispanic Fiesta Days, 3 pm, Gallivan Center, SLC.
- Sept 4: Libertarian Party meet/greet/eat fundraiser, 11am-10 pm, Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, 911 East Fort Union Blvd, Midvale. 15% of purchase donated to Libertarian Party if you identify yourself as a Libertarian.
- 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: Huntsman Campaign at United Way Day of Caring Breakfast, 7:30 am, Lavell Edwards Stadium, BYU; Logan Rotary Club, 12:30pm, Coppermill Restaurant, Logan; also at Vietnam Veterans meet the candidates night, 7 pm, Salt Lake City Library, 4th floor, 210 E 400 S.
- Sept 9: Eleanor Roosevelt Luncheon featuring Kerry Campaign Chair Gov. Jeanne Shaheen, 11:30-1 pm, Marriott Hotel 75 S W Temple, SLC, $50.
- 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 10: Weber County Democrats Sawbuck Reception, 7 pm, $100, contact Erica Anderson 801-479-8927.
- Sept 11: Davis County Democrats No-Host Breakfast, 8:30 am to 10 am, Joanie's Restaurant, 286 North 400 West, Kaysville. Contact: Richard Watson 801-292-6772.
- Sept 11: Diana Lee Hirschi for SL County Mayor meet the candidate fundraiser, 11- 2 pm, One World Café, Downtown SLC.
- 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 15: Jon Huntsman at National Assisted Living Week luncheon, noon, Legacy Retirement Residence, South Jordan.
- Sep 15: Voice for Moderation meeting, Gubernatorial candidate Jon Huntsman Jr., County Mayor candidates Nancy Workman and Peter Corroon, 6 pm, Anderson/Foothill Library, 1135 S 2100 E, SLC.
- Sept 15-17: Utah League of Cities and Towns Annual Convention, register: www.ulct.org
- 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: Utah League of Cities and Towns gubernatorial debate, 9 am, Sheraton Hotel, 150 W 500 S, SLC.
- Sept 17: Jon Huntsman at Governor's Council for People with Disabilities, noon, 750 W Heritage Park Blvd, Layton.
- Sept 17: Salt Lake County Republican Party’s Constitution Day Picnic, 6 pm, Murray City Park, 5125 S State St, donations welcome. Come meet the candidates! Call 801-718-4882 for more info.
- Sept 18: SLC Greater Avenues Street Fair. Jon Huntsman will be there at 8 am.
- 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.
- Sept 29: Salt Lake County Mayoral Candidate Debate, 7:30 pm, Westminster College, 1840 S 1300 E, SLC.
- Oct 1: Gubernatorial debate at Provo/Orem Chamber of Commerce, 12 noon, Provo Marriott.
- Oct 2: Women's Democratic Club Luncheon, 12 pm to 2 pm, Sheraton City Center, VIP 2 Room, 150 West 500 South, Salt Lake City. Contact: Sheryl Ivey (801) 942-2312.
- Oct 2: Libertarian Party meet/greet/eat fundraiser, 11 am-10 pm, Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, 911 East Fort Union Blvd, Midvale. 15% of purchase donated to Libertarian Party if you identify yourself as a Libertarian.
- Oct 5: Attorney General Candidates debate, 7 pm, Southern Utah University, TV KCSG 4, Radio KRCL 90.9 FM
- Oct 5: Utah Log Cabin Republicans Monthly Meeting, 7:30 pm, Room N4010, Salt Lake County Building, 2001 South State Street, Salt Lake.
- Oct 7: Progressive Democratic Caucus Meeting, 6:30 pm to 8 pm, 455 South 300 East, Suite 102, Salt Lake City. Contact: Craig Axford (801) 918-6017.
- Oct 9: Davis County Democrats No-Host Breakfast, 8:30 am to 10 am, Joanie's Restaurant, 286 North 400 West, Kaysville. Contact: Richard Watson (801) 292-6772.
- Oct 14: Sutherland Institute seminar "Ethical Fitness--Being an Authentic Leader," 8:30-11:30 am, 6th Floor 150 E Social Hall Ave, SLC. Register: 801-355-1272.
- Oct 19: Gubernatorial Debate at Salt Lake Rotary Club, 12 noon, Marriott Hotel 75 S W Temple, SLC.
- Oct 20: Attorney General Candidates debate, 12:30 pm, Sutherland Moot Court Room, S.J. Quinney College of Law, Univ. of Utah.
- Oct 25: KSL Gubernatorial Debate, 7 pm, Rose Wagner Theater, SLC.
- Oct 26: Green Party of Utah Roots Local Monthly Meeting, 12 pm, Sprague Library, 1100 East, just past 2100 South, Salt Lake City. Contact: 486-2558.
- Nov 2: General Election, 7 am to 8 pm.

- See the entire calendar