News Highlights

Former Gov. Mike Leavitt visits Utah news media, touts Bush environmental record (Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret Morning News). Agenda set for legislative special session next Wednesday (Tribune). Political columnist Bob Bernick says the county mayor job must not be very important to GOP leaders (Morning News). Workman saga is “lush political theater,” according to editorial (Morning News).

Quote of the Day

"You don't just get out of the rules because you're a Republican."

- Lawrence Barusch, an attorney and stalwart Democrat, who has filed a complaint trying to keep the Bush-Cheney ticket off the Utah ballot (Salt Lake Tribune)

New Calendar Items Daily

As the election nears, candidates are getting busier and scheduling more events. Check out the Agenda Utah Political Calendar every day to stay up to speed on what's happening. We think it's the most complete best political calendar in the state. E-mail your calendar items to: agendautah@utahpolicy.com.

Religion and Politics

If you're interested in the intersection of politics and religion, The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life has a terrific web site with a lot of research, publications and news. A recent Pew Research Center poll finds that most Americans are comfortable with President Bush's reliance on his religious beliefs in making policy decisions. They also see the Republican Party more friendly toward religion than the Democratic Party. Some 60 percent of respondents oppose gay marriage.

Let's Gather Our Neighbors to Vote

By Maura Carabello
Exoro Group Managing Partner

The Democratic Party of Utah hosted the annual Eleanor Roosevelt luncheon on Thursday. This year's award recipient was Sen. Paula Julander. The featured speaker was former New Hampshire Gov. Jeanne Shaheen, who is currently serving as National Chair of John Kerry's presidential campaign. Gov. Shaheen gave a rousing pep talk encouraging Utahns to vote for Kerry/Edwards in November. Among her challenges was this: take five other women to the polls with you on Nov. 2.

Now, if any among us are wondering about the effectiveness of this sort of grassroots politics, Gov. Shaheen reported that recently our Democratic neighbors in Nevada registered 6,000 new Democrats to vote this year, and with that have surpassed the Republicans as the majority party in the state. Grassroots can be a powerful tool for the campaigns and parties that effectively organize this year. The luncheon, held in the downtown Marriott Hotel, was sold out and tables had to be added, demonstrating that the Democrats are enthusiastic this year.

In today's world of “info-tainment,” it can be tough to get coverage for your issue in the news media. No amount of planning can stop the world from turning, and you may have your big press conference the same day a celebrity scandal breaks. As you plan advertising or PR campaigns, consider that each form of media offers a different route into the news cycle, with different advantages and drawbacks:

• Television. Most people identify television news as their primary source of information. Watch the ads on network news—they're geared toward older people. If you are trying to build support around an issue, they are a good audience because they vote and engage in civic activities.

• Radio. Radio is an effective medium because it's demographically segmented. Identify your demographic targets and figure about what programs they are listening to in your area.

• Newspapers. Readership of daily newspapers is on the wane, but newspapers are still crucial to communications campaigns. Elected officials/opinion leaders read newspapers, particularly the front page, metro section and editorial pages. Newspapers also drive much of the TV and radio coverage. Get an extra bang for your buck by sending newspaper clippings about your issue to targeted audiences such as legislators or other potential allies.

• The Internet. An increasing number of consumers are turning to the Internet for news and information. Don't overlook Internet news outlets (like Agenda Utah) when you send out media releases.

Jay Leno On the Dems

(Compiled by the Federalist Patriot)

Did you see the pictures in the paper today of John Kerry windsurfing? He's at his home in Nantucket this week, doing his favorite thing, windsurfing. Even his hobby depends on which way the wind blows...

Just before his appearance last night to pump himself up for his speech, Arnold bench pressed Michael Moore...

Arnold is a powerful weapon for the GOP. He appeals to Republicans, Democrats, Liberals, Conservatives -- everybody but film critics...

John Kerry is keeping a low profile this week. He said he wanted to get away and go someplace where no one would expect to see him. So I guess he showed up at his old seat in the Senate. Nobody's going to look for him there...

Last night John Kerry held a midnight rally in Ohio right after the Republican Convention...John Kerry giving a speech at midnight -- how hard was it to stay awake at that?...

I was stunned when I heard Bill Clinton was in the hospital. I just assumed Hillary finally ran over him with the Mercedes. He looked so healthy.

Reader Feedback

Another Viewpoint on Democrats & Agenda Utah

(Note: Reader Bill Lee submitted the following in response to another writer who criticized Agenda Utah for being “violently conservative.”)

In order to provide prospective I should begin by saying that I usually keep my personal politics under my hat when trying to convince voters to consider any Democrat in Utah. That because on many issues I am further left than most of the candidates I espouse. I am diametrically opposed to what I consider to be the core of conservative philosophy. In fact in the bright light of day I fail to see where conservative ideology has large substance to offer any but those consumed by the accumulation and or conservation of wealth or a preoccupation with religion.

I, too, mysteriously began to receive Agenda Utah earlier this year. How exactly I "got on the list" I can't confirm. It is my suspicion that it was as a result of having been a state convention delegate.

When Agenda Utah first "arrived" I immediately began to find it useful. However, realizing that solid democrats are probably not much further down Utah's endangered species list than the Peregrine falcon, I almost immediately thought to "consider the source". Thus, under the heading of "know thine enemy", I continued to use Agenda Utah, but with a healthy degree of skepticism. I filed my source concerns in the “to be investigated later” pile.

It was not until I thought I detected a minute degree of favoritism in dealing with Bob Bennett vs. Paul Van Dam that I revisited my need to "know the source". I followed the trail from Agenda Utah to Utah Policy.com to Exoro Group and emailed LaVarr Webb. As I planned to be downtown that day I also decided to drop in. I find "face to face" to be the most reliable method, if possible.

When the receptionist told LaVarr Webb that I was there he came out and took me into a conference room. We had a very pleasant discussion, which, quite likely, consumed more time than he really thought he had to spare. Once I had voiced my concerns, Mr. Webb began by telling me that he was indeed a Republican and that that would likely be evident in Agenda Utah, no matter how even handed he tried to be. He did however tell me that there are Democrats involved in Exoro Group and that the company willingly handles clients with democratic agendas.

Did Agenda Utah publish the recent letter, Dislikes “Violently Conservative Organization", knowing that it appeared to be somewhat radical? Did they hope as a result that Agenda Utah would gain added support from those more moderate and conservative? Who knows. It certainly might be considered to have been politically astute, and no doubt it had that effect. Still, having spoken with LaVarr Webb, I have to consider that he did it in keeping with a desire to have Agenda Utah considered as a publication that gives the opposition an opportunity to speak.

I would like to confront the author of Dislikes “Violently Conservative Organization” on two points.

1. If indeed Agenda Utah and or its source is a " violently conservative organization dedicated to promoting the Far Right or Republican agenda " I would like to see evidence to that effect. billleetle@juno.com

2. His credibility crumbles when he makes the statement, "some would say that only the most liberal seeming events are included". I have little doubt that "some would say that". Yet I believe that a very viable argument could be made that the non-conservative organizations for which events have been published do not represent only the most liberal.

Would I prefer that Agenda Utah state the party and political leanings of the contributors? Absolutely, and I have suggested that to LaVarr Webb. Would I prefer Agenda Utah seek out all pertinent events? Yes. Especially considering that conservatives are more likely to have the finances and personnel to make sure they are visible. However I realize that Agenda Utah does not as yet have those resources itself.

In conclusion, I would suggest that Democrats continue to use Agenda Utah as a method of communicating with those who might be willing to consider their platform. That, unless and until it can be dramatically demonstrated that Agenda Utah is being used to radically alter perceptions in a covert manner.

Florida is Ready for 2004

Fisher-Price Voting Device

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

New York Times
- Editorial: Valuing wilderness

Associated Press
- Anti-suicide bill OK'd
- Letter set to light on fire sent to Gov. Olene Walker

Salt Lake Tribune
- Leavitt upbeat about election
- Workman starts media campaign
- Slip at the keyboard gives a new meaning to mayor's job
- Governor's office is among several sent booby-trapped letters
- Kerry campaign chairwoman rips Bush in Utah visit
- Grinch law blocked; Santa and crew are OK to fly
- Agenda set for special legislative session
- SLC lawyer hopes to keep Bush off ballot

Standard-Examiner
- Dems open Davis office
- Centerville Board of Adjustment gets pay raise

Daily Herald
- Candidates differ on economic, education issues

Deseret Morning News
- 40 and frail: Park found woefully underfunded
- EPA duties keep Leavitt scrambling
- Workman trial falls in difficult gray area
- Walker gets a 'hot' letter from inmate
- Guard tax waiver hits snag
- Herbert, Hale agree genially on issues
- Salt Lake bidding process goes green
- Kerry campaign chief rallies troops in Utah
- Demos get office in Davis
- Bob Bernick Jr.: Truth stranger than fiction in Workman saga
- Editorial: What was she thinking?

Please submit calendar items to AgendaUtah@UtahPolicy.com

- 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: Tax Review Commission, 1 pm, State Capitol, Rm W135.
- 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: Individual Income Tax and Corporate Franchise Income Tax Task Force, 1 pm, State Capitol, Rm W135.
- Sept 13-17: Steve Thompson for Congress Neighborhood Walk in Cache and Rich Counties. Call 435-753-3979 to schedule a visit.
- Sept 14: Legislative meetings at the State Capitol: Task Force Studying Water Issues, 8 am, Rm W135; Hazardous Waste Regulation and Tax Policy Task Force, noon, Rm W110; Building Executive Appropriations Committee, 1 pm, Rm W135; Utah Technology Commission, 2 pm, Rm W130.
- 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: Interim Committee Day at the State Capitol: Judiciary Interim Committee, 8 am, Rm W130; Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee, 8 am, Rm W020; Revenue and Taxation Interim Committee, 8 am, Rm W135; Transportation Interim Committee, 8 am, Rm W010; Workforce Services and Community and Economic Development Interim Committee, 8 am, Rm W025; Business and Labor Interim Committee, 10:45 am, Rm W135; Education Interim Committee, 10:45 am, Rm W125; Government Operations Interim Committee, 10:45 am, Rm W020; Health and Human Services Interim Committee, 10:45 am, Rm W010; Political Subdivisions Interim Committee, 10:45 am, Rm W025; Public Utilities and Technology Interim Committee, 10:45 am, Rm W130.
- 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 20-24: Legislators Back to School Week.
- 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: Child Welfare Legislative Oversight Panel, 10 am, State Capitol, Rm W025.
- 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: Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee meets, 9 am, State Capitol, Rm W135.
- 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