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News Highlights
Salt Lake Tribune editorial
urges Utah County to spend money on transit. Tough being a Log Cabin
Republican in Utah (Deseret
Morning News). Should public funds pay for officials' attendance
at social functions? (Standard-Examiner).
Campaign finance reform hurting some challengers (Tribune).
Quote of the Day
"It was a fascinating experience. A
lot of people thought that I was the guy who was hired to put out
the signs. I guess it's because I was so young. I did help put out
signs, though, and I was happy to do that."
- 26-year-old Steve Starks,
on running Nolan Karras' gubernatorial campaign.
He's now running Rob Bishop's congressional campaign
(Standard-Examiner).
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Monday
Buzz
Compiled
and Written by LaVarr Webb |
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The Week Ahead
The weather is cooling. The old BYU team we know and love (injuries,
turnovers, penalties, no offense) is back. Any warm days from here
on are a bonus. Fishing is improving. Hunting seasons are starting.
So life is good. (Actually, BYU is just setting up USC. It's all
part of a carefully orchestrated plan.) Autumn is here. Enjoy. (BYU
gets crushed by Stanford; USC blows out Colorado State; USC swaggers
in to LaVell Edwards Stadium fat, sassy and arrogant. We got ‘em
right where we want ‘em!)
It's a big week for politics. Check the Agenda Utah
calendar for all the events. The Legislature will be busy with a
lot of committee and task force meetings this week. Wednesday is
interim day with a full slate of committee meetings and a brief
special session scheduled for 2 p.m.. With the 2005 general session
drawing closer, many committees are working on legislation that
will be introduced at the session. For meeting schedules, notices
and agendas, go to: http://le.utah.gov/asp/interim/cal.asp.
Education & Economic Development
Jon Huntsman and Scott Matheson
both strongly support public education. They both recognize the
interrelationship between economic development and education. But
they approach these two issues from different directions. Matheson
argues for more investment in education to produce skilled workers,
which will then drive economic development. Huntsman argues that
a focus on economic development will grow the economy, producing
more tax revenue for education. Matheson is working hard to establish
himself as the education governor. He wants to own that issue, which
always shows up in surveys as the No. 1 issue in Utah.
In a recent statewide poll, The Exoro Group asked
an interesting question: If you had $100 of government money to
spend on public education and economic development, what percentage
would you allocate to each? The average allocation from the 920
respondents came in at $66.02 for public education and $32.71 to
economic development.
But it would be wrong to conclude from those numbers that Utahns
don't support economic development. Allocating one-third to economic
development is actually a great deal. In real state appropriations,
economic development gets only a tiny amount, while education takes
the bulk of state tax dollars.
Obviously, Utahns support both, as do the two candidates. Will
the nuances of their approaches be enough to differentiate the candidates?
We'll all be watching.
Political Trivia
Barring a terrorist attack, or a major setback or improvement in
Iraq, the next major event that could have a big impact on the presidential
campaign will be the first debate between Pres. George Bush
and Sen. John Kerry, tentatively scheduled
Sept. 30 in Florida. But will voters be watching? Television viewership
of debates has declined considerably in the last two elections compared
with those previously, despite increases in population and the amount
of time people spend watching TV.
According to data from the Commission on Presidential Debates,
reported by National Journal Group, debate viewership hit an all-time
high 24 years ago in the 1980 contest between Ronald Reagan
and Jimmy Carter, when 80.6 million people
watched their single debate.
From 1984 through 1992, viewership ranged fairly steadily between
65 million and 70 million. But television watchers went elsewhere
in 1996 and 2000, with Bill Clinton vs. Bob
Dole attracting only 46.1 million and 36.3 million in
their two debates. George Bush vs. Al
Gore in 2000 attracted 46.6 million, 37.5 million, and
37.7 million.
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| Leadership Tip:
Humility and Power
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| "Really great men have a curious
feeling that the greatness is not in them, but through them. Therefore,
they are humble." - John Ruskin
"The exercise of power requires an especially sharp and sensitive
conscience." - Neal A. Maxwell
New
On-Line Political Debate Forum
Agenda Utah received the following
press release from Paul Van Dam, opposing Sen.
Bob Bennett in the U.S. Senate
race. He is challenging Bennett to a “Print Debate,” an interesting
new on-line debate format. Check it out at www.printdebate.com.
Van Dam doesn't have much chance against Bennett, but he's doing
some interesting web-based things in his campaign, including a Web
log written by his wife, Mary Dawn: We think the “Print Debate”
forum is interesting enough to publish his entire news release.
PRESS RELEASE
PAUL VAN DAM FOR U.S. SENATE
1587 South Main Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84115
E-mail: vandamussenate@mindspring.com
Website:
http://www.vandamussenate.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bentley Mitchell
Phone: (801) 879-3430
Cell: (801) 918-5257
Fax: (801) 463-0003
Van Dam Formally Challenges Bennett to Print Debate
Candidate is First in Nation to Issue Challenge in New Forum
September 10, 2004 – Salt Lake City, Utah – Senate Candidate Paul
Van Dam issued a formal challenge to debate the issues with Sen.
Bob Bennett in a unique new on-line format, the Print Debate. Bennett
has until 8:00 PM MDT on September 15th to respond. Van Dam is the
first candidate in the nation to issue a challenge to debate in
this new forum. “I am pleased and excited to participate in a debate
forum that exemplifies the democratic principles upon which our
nation was founded. It will give the people of Utah an unprecedented
opportunity to participate in the political process, and gain an
understanding of the candidates stand on the issues,” Van Dam said.
The Online Print Debate is a new debate forum that provides a
step-by-step process for candidates to engage in a debate. As described
on the website, www.printdebate.com,
“A Print Debate is an innovative forum combining online channels
and traditional print outlets to create a modern emulation of the
Federalist Papers. It creates a truly level playing field, encouraging
an open and in depth exchange of political ideas between opposing
candidates. In the course of a four round debate, which takes place
online and in print, candidates state their positions, express plans
and initiatives and answer questions from each other and the public.”
Citizens can participate in the Print Debate by posing questions
to the candidates that will be included in the debate format. Because
the debate takes place over several weeks, it promotes a thoughtful,
substantive debate that is focused on the issues. The voting public
will have access to the entire debate, which will be available online
and in print.
“The democratic process requires an informed public, and the Print
Debate will help make that possible. The people of Utah will be
well served by our participation in this debate format, which focuses
on substance, not slogans and sound bites,” Van Dam stated. “As
I've traveled the State, hundreds of Utahns have expressed concerns
about nuclear testing, budget deficits, the lack of affordable healthcare,
and the current state of education. With so many important issues
facing Utah and America this year, it is critical that we debate
the issues as often as possible, in every available forum.”
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| Elected Officials
Birthdays |
| 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
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Monday
September 13, 2004
| Please submit calendar items
to AgendaUtah@UtahPolicy.com
- 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.
- Sept 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, broadcast by KCPW,
88.3 FM, 105.3 FM and 1010 AM
- 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.
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