Advertorial: Support Initiative 1 (below)

News Highlights

Developments in Nancy Workman case: Greg Skordas, who happens to be running for Attorney General, replaces Ron Yengich as defense counsel (Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret Morning News). Holly Mullen reflects on Workman woes (Tribune). Alan Dayton reassures county staff (Morning News). And no attempt in special session to change replacement law (Tribune). Three different groups stumping for amendment banning gay marriages (Morning News).

Quote of the Day

"It's feeling like things are turning a bit, and there's a lot of optimism."

- City Council chairwoman Jill Remington Love , commenting on the recent good economic news the city has received (Deseret Morning News)

National Journal Ranks Utah Races

In a special election  supplement, National Journal, ranked Sen. Bob Bennett's race as “safe” for the Republicans, Rep. Jim Matheson's race as “leaning Democratic,” and Utah 's Republican-held governorship as “highly vulnerable” (one of only two Republican-held governorships in the country ranked highly vulnerable). Rep. Rob Bishop and Rep. Chris Cannon are considered so safe they weren't mentioned.

With Scott Matheson now on the air with an effective television ad focused on education, I wouldn't be surprised to see the gubernatorial race tighten considerably. This is really his first exposure to most voters. Jon Huntsman's lead will likely have eroded a bit when the next poll is taken. Matheson is framing himself as the education governor, and it's clearly his best chance to win.

Davis Demos Hold Open House

Candidates for statewide offices will attend a Davis County Democratic Party open house on Sept. 10, 6-8:30 p.m. at the new county headquarters, 7 Crestwood Dr. , Kaysville. The public is welcome. Call Pat Herrera , 801 544-9257.

UEA Likes Skordas

Greg Skordas, Democratic candidate for Attorney General, has been endorsed by the Utah Education Association. UEA President Pat Rusk said, “Mr. Skordas is the candidate who will best ensure that our children remain safe while they are at school, and will work with the state legislature to keep guns out of Utah schools, where they do not belong.  Mr. Skordas is also sensitive to the needs of Utah's teachers and other public employees.”

Reader Feedback

A few readers questioned the statement in Wednesday's Agenda Utah that the LDS Church does not review institutional editorials that appear in the Deseret Morning News. One reader said he was a “copy boy” at the newspaper more than 20 years ago and he personally delivered copies of editorials to Elder James Faust, among others.

Just to set the record straight, I was told this week by Jay Evensen, Morning News editorial page editor, that church leaders stopped reviewing the paper's editorials a couple of years ago.

I also received a nice note from Don Porter, editorial page editor at the Standard - Examiner, who put the issue of ownership control of house editorials in a good perspective. He gave me permission to quote him:

“Your daily observations about the inner workings of Utah media continue to be interesting . . . It would make sense to me that any ownership would have a legitimate interest in the paper's position on every issue. I know ours does, and my publisher OKs beforehand each and every editorial that appears in the paper. It's a scramble, sometimes, being a one-man band, but I don't feel it's onerous or out of place or a violation of journalistic freedom or ethics. Our editorials aren't signed, so they represent ownership's opinion.”

More Feedback

Another reader wrote: “ Love your (newsletter).  Ever thought of putting the communication tips in an archive?” As a matter of fact, we have thought of that. We're in the process of organizing the communications tips, campaign tips, leadership tips and other relevant writings in an archive that will be accessible at www.utahpolicy.com.

The Wisdom of the Gipper

"Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed there are many rewards; if you disgrace yourself you can always write a book."

- Ronald Reagan

(Ok, Ok, so we’re all sick of Crisis Tips. This is the last one. A reader sent this along: “Suggested topic for tomorrow's crisis series: be honest.”)

Tip No. 8: Expect a media feeding frenzy. When every news outlet has several reporters aimed at you and your organization and they're all competing for the next scoop and any tidbit of information, you're going to feel like all hell has broken loose, like you're in a war zone as “shock and awe” is unleashed. Expect it. Expect to feel victimized. Be patient and deal with it. Understand that any usual modicum of restraint and courtesy on the part of the news media will be tossed out the window in the mad scramble, especially if the national media get involved.

Answer all the questions. Choose a good spokesperson, possibly yourself, but don't shield upper management from the onslaught or it will look like a cover up. The top people in the organization must be visible and be seen dealing with the crisis. To help defuse the feeding frenzy, as quickly as possible announce a recovery plan with concrete steps to prevent the blunder from happening again. Any major crisis or scandal is going to hurt, is going to be damaging, and may cost some people their jobs. But handled forthrightly and openly, the harm can be minimized.

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.

Sen. Ed P. Mayne, District 5, September 16
Rep. Michael R. Styler, District 68, September 16
U.S. Sen. Bob Bennett, September 18

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

Christian Science Monitor
- On the range, gas trumps wildlife

Deseret Morning News
- Senator targets abortion cost gap
- Skordas to defend Workman
- Capital feeling bullish
- Delta to grow in Salt Lake
- Dayton reassures his staff
- Shortfall in road funding?
- Debate on gay nuptials grows
- Bennett aide says nuclear test ads unneeded
- Cannon departs D.C. to be with ill daughter

Standard-Examiner
- Davis candidates echo one another
- State group talks road funding
- No Child Left Behind scores to be released for Ogden

St. George Spectrum
- Land agencies try to work together
- Editorial: Senate should dump funds for new nukes

Salt Lake Tribune
- Ballot law change kicked around
- Workman is booked, hires new attorney
- Legislative task force tackles taxes, traffic woes
- Regents likely to lift moratorium on new programs
- Mullen: Workman reaps cold comfort
- Green Party members sue over ballot
- Greens put feds on notice over trout
- Cannon to cut back D.C. schedule because of daughter's illness

Please submit calendar items to AgendaUtah@UtahPolicy.com

- 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: Hinckley Institute of Politics presents “U.S. Middle East Policy and its Implications for World Order”. Featuring professor and author Stephen Zunes, University of San Francisco. 10:45 am, U of U Spencer Hall Rm 255. Also broadcast on KUER-FM 90.1.
- 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: 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: Utah County Democrats Annual Spaghetti Dinner, 6:30 pm, Orem Senior Center 93 N. 400 E.
- Sept 9-11: Steve Thompson for Congress Neighborhood Walk in Salt Lake County. Call 435-753-3979 to schedule a visit.
- Sept 9-19: Utah State Fair, 10 am – 10 pm, Utah State Fairgrounds, SLC, UT
- Sept 10: Congressional Candidate Beau Babka on 630 AM KTKK, 12 pm.
- 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: Progressive Caucus 9/11 Freedom Fair, 3-10 pm, Gallivan Center, SLC.
- Sept 11: Jim Matheson at Voter Contact Rally in Salt Lake County. 801-359-5474
- Sept 11: Scott Matheson in Peach Days Parade, 10 am, Brigham City.
- Sept 11: Diana Lee Hirschi for SL County Mayor meet the candidate fundraiser, 11- 2 pm, One World Café, Downtown SLC.
- Sept 11: Peter Corroon walks precincts in Cottonwood Heights and Holladay. 801-328-2208.
- Sept 13: Scott Matheson Jr. at Tooele Valley Rotary Club luncheon, 12 pm, Best Western Inn Tooele.
- Sept 13: Utah Foundation & Hinckley Institute of Politics presents “Crime in Utah: Are We as Safe as We Think We Are?”. Utah Attorney General candidates Mark Shurtleff and Greg Skordas will debate crime solutions. Noon, U of U Spencer Hall Rm 255. Also broadcast on KUER-FM 90.1.
- Sept 13-17: Steve Thompson for Congress Neighborhood Walk in Cache and Rich Counties. Call 435-753-3979 to schedule a visit.
- Sept 14: Fundraiser for Peter Stevens, Candidate for SL County Auditor, 5 pm, Port O' Call, 78 W 400 S, SLC, suggested contribution $35
- 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: Meet the Candidate Night with Nancy Workman, Peter Corroon, and Jon Huntsman. 6 pm, Anderson/Foothill Library, 1135 S 1200 E, SLC.
- Sept 15-17: Utah League of Cities and Towns Annual Convention, register: www.ulct.org
- Sept 16: Mark Shurtleff addresses Women's Republican Club, 6:30 pm. 801-910-9463.
- 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: Mark Shurtleff speaks to the Taxpayer's Association, 11 am, SLC. 801-910-9463.
- 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 17: AFGE Union Event guest Congressional Candidate Beau Babka, 6:30 pm, Labor Building, 2261 S Redwood Rd.
- Sept 17: Jim Matheson and Paul Van Dam will attend Redfest at the University of Utah.
- Sept 18: SLC Greater Avenues Street Fair. Jon Huntsman will be there at 8 am.
- Sept 18: Mark Shurleff at the Ogden Hispanic Festival. 801-910-9463.
- Sept 18: Jim Matheson at Voter Contact Rally in Salt Lake County. 801-359-5474.
- Sept 18: Peter Corroon will walk the precincts in Herriman and South Jordan. 801-328-2208.
- Sept 20: Steve Thompson at Tooele Valley Rotary Club luncheon, 12 pm, Best Western Inn Tooele.
- Sept 20-25: Steve Thompson for Congress Neighborhood Walk in Davis County. Call 435-753-3979 to schedule a visit.
- Sept 21: Mark Shurtleff addresses the Cache County GOP Women, 12 pm, Coppermill Restaurant in Logan. 801-910-9463.
- Sept 23: USACCC Annual Conference, Homestead Resort, Midway.
- Sept 23: Hinckley Institute of Politics presents “Religion in Life and the World: A Personal and Geopolitical Perspective”. Address given by President Michael Young. 10:45 am, U of U Spencer Hall Rm 255. Free to Public. Also broadcast on KUER-FM 90.1.
- Sept 23: Matt Everett for Senate Campaign BBQ, 7 pm, Adams Park, Logan. Special Guest Donald Dunn. $20. 435-770-6567.
- Sept 25: Republican Central Committee Meeting.
- Sept 25: Peter Corroon walks precincts in SLC and Taylorsville. 801-328-2208.
- Sept 27: Utah Foundation & Hinckley Institute of Politics presents “Utah‘s Water Supply: Where Will it Come From?” Panel discussion. Noon, U of U Spencer Hall Rm 255. Free to Public. Also broadcast on KUER-FM 90.1.
- Sept 27-Oct 2: Steve Thompson for Congress Neighborhood Walk in Weber and Morgan Counties. Call 435-753-3979 to schedule a visit.
- Sept 28: Hinckley Institute of Politics presents “Every Student a Politician: The Importance of the 18 to 24 Vote”. Featuring Lt. Governor Gayle McKeachnie, Dan Jones, and Frank Pignanelli. 11 am, U of U Spencer Hall Rm 255. Free to Public. Also broadcast on KUER-FM 90.1.
- 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 28-Oct 1: Constitution Party's Presidential Candidate Michael Peroutka tours Utah. Tickets: www.cputah.org
- Sept 29: Hinckley Institute of Politics presents “Middle East Watches the U.S. Presidential Election” Panel discussion. Noon, U of U Spencer Hall Rm 255. Free to Public. Also broadcast on KUER-FM 90.1.
- 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 2: Peter Corroon walk s precincts in Sandy and West Jordan. 801-328-2208.
- Oct 4: Mark Shurtleff at Orrin Hatch's Women's Conference, 10:30 am, Salt Palace. 801-910-9463.
- Oct 4-9: Steve Thompson for Congress Neighborhood Walk in Salt Lake County. Call 435-753-3979 to schedule a visit.
- 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 9: Mark Shurtleff at Utah County GOP Women's Fundraiser, 5 pm, Provo Marriott. 801-910-9463.
- Oct 9: Peter Corroon walks precincts in the East Benches. 801-328-2208.
- Oct 11: Utah Foundation & Hinckley Institute of Politics lecture on Utah‘s Economy-The Challenges and Benefits of Growth, Noon, U of U Spencer Hall Rm 255. Free to Public. Also broadcast on KUER-FM 90.1.
- Oct 11-16: Steve Thompson for Congress Neighborhood Walk in Weber County. Call 435-753-3979 to schedule a visit.
- 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 14: Mark Shurtleff speaks at the Minority Community Event, 9 am, SLC. 801-910-9463.
- Oct 16: Peter Corroon will walk the precincts in Midvale and WVC. 801-328-2208.
- Oct 17: Civic Dialogue presents a moderated debate on the Open Space Initiative, 5:30 pm, KUED Channel 7.
- Oct 18: Jon Huntsman Jr. at Tooele Valley Rotary Club luncheon, 12 pm, Best Western Inn Tooele.
- Oct 19: Gubernatorial Debate at Salt Lake Rotary Club, 12 noon, Marriott Hotel 75 S W Temple, SLC.
- Oct 19: First District Candidates Rob Bishop and Steve Thompson debate, 7 pm, KUED Channel 7.
- Oct 20: Attorney General Candidates debate, 12:30 pm, Sutherland Moot Court Room, S.J. Quinney College of Law, Univ. of Utah.
- Oct 20: Mark Shurtleff holds Meet the Candidate Night, 6 pm, Brigham City. 801-910-9463.
- Oct 24: Civic Dialogue presents Salt Lake County Mayoral Race Debate, 5:30 pm, KUED Channel 7.
- Oct 24: Third District Candidates Chris Cannon and Beau Babka debate, 7 pm, KUED Channel 7.
- Oct 25: Utah Foundation & Hinckley Institute of Politics lecture on Education-The Debate Over School Choice and Tuition Tax Credits, Noon, U of U Spencer Hall Rm 255. Free to Public. Also broadcast on KUER-FM 90.1.
- 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.
- Oct 26: Utah Attorney General Candidates debate, 7 pm, KUED Channel 7.
- Oct 28: Second District Candidates Jim Matheson and John Swallow debate, 7 pm, KUED Channel 7.
- Oct 28-29: UEA Convention.
- Oct 31: Civic Dialogue presents a moderated debate on the Utah Constitutional Revision of Marriage, 5 pm, KUED Channel 7.
- Oct 31: US Senate Candidates Bob Bennett and Paul Van Dam scheduled to debate, 7 pm, KUED Channel 7.
- Nov 1: Utah Candidates for Governor scheduled to debate, 7 pm, KUED Channel 7.
- Nov 2: General Election, 7 am to 8 pm.

- See the entire calendar