News Highlights

Merrill Cook urges Nancy Workman to drop out, but she says she plans to keep running. David Yocom decision due today (Deseret Morning News and Salt Lake Tribune). Rocky Anderson asks DA to investigate his use of city e-mail for campaign (Tribune).

Quote of the Day

"He's an enormous talent. I like to think he's incredibly politically perceptive. He's very well wired. He's exceptionally intelligent. He is like a quarterback who can read a defense."

- County Council member Randy Horiuchi, describing Deputy Mayor Alan Dayton, who could take over today as acting mayor if Nancy Workman is charged with felonies. Dayton is profiled in a Salt Lake Tribune story.

8 Weeks to Win

Well, back to work after the long Labor Day weekend. By tradition, political campaigns kick into high gear right about now. Candidates at all levels should have the last eight weeks of the election scripted out in minute detail. While candidates in major races usually execute their game plans pretty well, many legislative, county and school board candidates don't have much of a plan to begin with.

You should have done your targeting by now so you know exactly which, and how many, voters you are trying to reach, precinct by precinct. You should know your messages, have any graphic design/production well in hand, and be ready to communicate with targeted voters several times over the next eight weeks. You should be aware of what your opponent is doing, and be prepared to respond to any last-minute campaign surprises.

Working back from Nov. 2, you should have a detailed schedule of all your campaign activities: When your yard signs will hit (if they're not out already); when you will be walking neighborhoods and making literature drops; when you will be making phone calls; when your mailings will go out (and what is the production/printing schedule); and your get-out-the-vote strategy and timetable. Don't leave anything to chance. Now is when it really counts.

Latest Presidential Numbers

Political junkie Ron Fox sent along a good web link for anyone who wants to stay up-to-date on the latest national presidential polls. Check out http://www.pollingreport.com. Click on White House under Election 2004 for the latest Bush-Kerry head-to-heads. The site features dozens of other surveys on a variety of races and topics.

Reader Feedback

(Permission to use names not solicited)

Dislikes “Violently Conservative Organization”

“I mysteriously began receiving your Utah Agenda e-mail, as I had never ordered it. But as I looked at it, I thought--Hmmm, perhaps this is really a place that candidates might want to list their itineraries. (I did, of course, notice that Jon Huntsman's many little engagements dominate your coverage). So, I suggested to a few Democratic candidates that this might be a place they also could list the rotary clubs and ladies art groups they were speaking to.

“I was then told that you are a violently conservative organization dedicated to promoting the Far Right or Republican agenda and, alas, no one I spoke to--as far as I am aware--has been willing to take even a moment to try getting listed in your political calendar. Some feel that if their items are submitted, they are scrutinized and only the most liberal-seeming events are included.

“Now, I think if you are advertising Utah Agenda you should not do that. Utah's agenda, unfortunately as you may think, is not the conservative Republican agenda. There are other people here too. And they have their ideas which are much different than the prevailing power structure would like. Suggest you change the name of your newsletter to Utah Conservative Republican Agenda Today. At least you would be complying with truth in advertising that way.”

(Pub. Note: While I no doubt deserve any name I'm called, we truly welcome all calendar items from any political group and don't discriminate in any way. Just take a look at the events we've listed.)

From a State Legislator

“Your Agenda Utah is outstanding and I can't believe what I was missing. Now I look forward to it every day. Thank you.”

Tip 6: Don’t misjudge the severity of the crisis. That’s easy to say, but hard to do. When something bad happens, the natural tendency is to underestimate its impact and expect and hope that the situation will quickly blow over. That’s particularly true if details are still being uncovered and you are just seeing the tip of the iceberg. You should think through worst case and best case scenarios, but expect the worst. Ask this question: “If a half-dozen investigative reporters are digging into this matter and calling everyone involved, what is going to emerge?” It’s important to think carefully through how big the incident is, and all the ramifications. Don’t minimize the impact. If you know there’s more to be uncovered, take the initiative and get it all out there yourself.

Advocacy-Opinion-Advertorial

Protect What Makes Utah Special -- Help Pass Initiative 1

This November, for the first time ever, Utah voters will decide whether to invest in the protection of their quality of life. Utahns for Clean Water, Clean Air & Quality Growth has launched a campaign to encourage everyone to vote "YES" on Iniatitive 1. If successful, Initiative 1 will fund a variety of conservation projects throughout Utah, including the protection of drinking water, air quality, wildlife habitat, family farms and ranches, and our state's beautiful natural areas. Let's plan wisely now and save Utah's unique natural assets for future generations. Find out how you can be part of this historic effort! Campaign volunteers and financial contributions are needed. Contact Kate Ferguson at (801) 531-7304 or kferguson@utahlands2004.org or visit www.utahlands2004.org.

Rep. Kory M. Holdaway, District 34, September 8
Sen. Ed P. Mayne, District 5, September 16
Rep. Michael R. Styler, District 68, September 16

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

Deseret Morning News
- Drop out, Cook is urging Workman
- Editorial: 'Truth in taxation' is good

Salt Lake Tribune
- Booming cities put Utah County to test
- Mullen: Carters have no time to slow down
- District attorney asked to investigate Rocky - by Rocky
- Workman decision due today

Standard-Examiner
- In with Wal-Mart
- Growth spurs safety hearing

Monday, September 6

Salt Lake Tribune
- Group takes on task of blending transport needs
- What makes a book offensive? Clubs balance picks
- Senate to consider appointments by Walker
- Davis may float bigger jail idea on ballot this time
- Huntsman hitches his wagon to Bush
- Editorial: More tax hikes

Daily Herald
- Politics is paramount for Orem High senior
- Editorial: Candidates should keep campaigns clean

KSL
- Editorial: Nordstrom's decision

Standard-Examiner
- Weber property valuation notices meant to prepare residents for tax bill
- Editorial: Make government car allowance the norm

Deseret Morning News
- Nuptial ban for gays legal?
- Education benefits, waivers for employees 'ingrained'
- Op-ed: Amendment 3 deserves support
- John Florez: Educating all Utah children is key to future

St. George Spectrum
- S. Utah shows its pride in Springdale

Sunday, September 5

Salt Lake Tribune
- Wilderness Anniversary: Lone Peak a team effort
- Workman, Yocom known to be at each other's throats
- Carter turns new page in Sundance
- Wilderness Act was one for the ages
- Davis Demos getting revved up
- Colleague calls Dayton 'politically perceptive'
- Rolly Report: Lobbyists don't want to lose Workman connections

St. George Spectrum
- Governor hopefuls tout economic views

Deseret Morning News
- Political ruin familiar sight
- Carter credits Redford
- Is timing right for Corroon?
- Utahns seeing decline in real wages
- Pignanelli & Webb: Workman should drop out of race

Saturday, September 4

Deseret Morning News
- Mayor insists she's in race
- Matheson fighting against nuclear tests

KSL
- Expedite Workman case

St. George Spectrum
- Liberals can be people of faith

Standard-Examiner
- Utah says education act needs changes

Salt Lake Tribune
- GOP leaders to confer on mayor's future
- Will Workman scandal help Demos end their hibernation?
- Editorial: Education is the key

Please submit calendar items to AgendaUtah@UtahPolicy.com

- 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 9-19: Utah State Fair, 10 am – 10 pm, Utah State Fairgrounds, SLC, UT
- 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