News Highlights

Democrats in County Council races are raising more money than Republicans (Salt Lake Tribune). Mark Shurtleff wants to fix Amendment 3 (Deseret Morning News). Electoral College causes presidential candidates to ignore Utah, says political columnist Bob Bernick (Deseret Morning News). Standard-Examiner editorial wonders where First District Democrat is. Tribune editorial comments on Michael Moore visit.

Quote of the Day

"I'd be glad to take him on. I don't think he'd have the courage to stand up and debate me, but if he does, I'd be glad to do it."

- Conservative talk show host Sean Hannity telling KSL’s Doug Wright he’d be happy to debate Michael Moore at UVSC (Deseret Morning News)

A Tough Political Conundrum

A number of Utah Republican leaders and activists are still scratching their heads over what to do about the Nancy Workman situation. There is much ferment and discussion behind the scenes, but there are simply no easy solutions. A big fear is that her wounded candidacy will hurt other Republicans on the ballot, particularly those running for County Council positions.

With little more than six weeks to go in the election, whatever happens has to happen fast. The best hope would be for her to quickly get her day in court and be exonerated. The party could rally around her and make a fight of the race. But the judicial system proceeds slowly, and some party leaders believe that if the process goes much into October, it will be too late to save the seat.

The other possibility would be for Workman to resign from the race (even though her name would still appear on the ballot) giving the party time to rally behind a write-in candidate. Names of possible candidates are being discussed, but there aren’t a lot of good possibilities. Fred Lampropoulos has apparently said he’s not interested. A write-in campaign would be very difficult. At this point a GOP win would be the equivalent of scoring three touchdowns in the last six minutes of a football game, the last coming on a 60-yard Hail Mary in the end zone.

The Friendliest Campaign in Town

I heard Jon Huntsman and Scott Matheson make presentations before the Utah Information Technology Association Thursday morning. They both performed very well. Huntsman, with his business background, was able to talk “business talk” a little more fluently than Matheson, a law professor. Huntsman was very sharp. But Matheson also showed he is smart and capable, and very supportive of the IT industry.

I was struck by how genuinely respectful and friendly they are with each other. These are two very classy candidates. They didn’t debate at this event, but each warmly complimented the other. Matheson noted that some 40 years ago Cal Rampton and Mitch Melich faced off in the gubernatorial race and then played a round of golf together the day after the election. He joked that he wants a similar kind of friendly campaign with Huntsman – “with the same election result.”

Will all the sweetness and light last through Nov. 2? I don’t expect either candidate will ever resort to real negative campaigning, no matter how close the race is. At some point, however, one or both of them may need to start drawing some contrasts, differentiate themselves, give voters a reason to vote for them and not the other guy. I wouldn’t be surprised to see some contrasts drawn on tuition tax credits, for example. Huntsman is supportive of a modest pilot program focused on children with special needs (which I think makes great sense), while Matheson is opposed to any form of tuition tax credits or vouchers.

The Tomato(e?) Fable

(Submitted by a reader with a sense of humor)

An unemployed man is desperate to support his family of a wife and three kids. He applies for a janitor's job at a large firm and easily passes an aptitude test. The human resources manager tells him, "You will be hired at minimum wage of $5.15 an hour. Let me have your e-mail address so that we can get you in the loop. Our system will automatically e-mail you all the forms and advise you when to start and where to report on your first day."

Taken aback, the man protests that he is poor and has neither a computer nor an e-mail address. To this the manager replies, "You must understand that to a company like ours that means that you virtually do not exist. Without an e-mail address you can hardly expect to be employed by a high-tech firm. Good day."

Stunned, the man leaves. Not knowing where to turn and having $10 in his wallet, he walks past a farmers' market and sees a stand selling 25lb crates of beautiful red tomatoes. He buys a crate, carries it to a busy corner and displays the tomatoes. In less than 2 hours he sells all the tomatoes and makes 100% profit. Repeating the process several times more that day, he ends up with almost $100 and arrives home that night with several bags of groceries for his family.

He decides to repeat the tomato business the next day. By the end of the week he is getting up early every day and working into the night. He multiplies his profits quickly. Early in the second week he acquires a cart to transport several boxes of tomatoes at a time, but before a month is up he sells the cart to buy a broken-down pickup truck.

At the end of a year he owns three old trucks. His two sons have left their neighborhood gangs to help him with the tomato business, his wife is buying the tomatoes, and his daughter is taking night courses at the community college so she can keep books for him. By the end of the second year he has a dozen used trucks and employs fifteen previously unemployed people, all selling tomatoes. He continues to work hard.

Time passes and at the end of the fifth year he owns a fleet of nice trucks and a warehouse that his wife supervises, plus two tomato farms that the boys manage. The tomato company's payroll has put hundreds of homeless and jobless people to work. His daughter reports that the business grossed a million dollars.

Planning for the future, he decides to buy some life insurance. Consulting with an insurance adviser, he picks an insurance plan to fit his new circumstances. Then the adviser asks him for his e-mail address in order to send the final documents electronically.

When the man replies that he doesn't have time to mess with a computer and has no e-mail address, the insurance man is stunned, "What, you don't have e-mail? No computer? No Internet? Just think where you would be today if you'd had all of that five years ago!""Ha!" snorts the man. "If I'd had e-mail five years ago I would be sweeping floors at Microsoft and making $5.15 an hour."

Which brings us to the moral:

Since you got this story by e-mail, you're probably closer to being a janitor than a millionaire.

Sadly, I received it also.

Reader Response

Member of the Club

This letter is in response to the recent reader comments about Nancy Workman.

I, too, am a supporter of Gov. Olene Walker and hope to see more women in Utah politics.

However, it appears that one of Workman's strategies for avoiding her current predicament is to paint her situation as a "lynching" by a "good old boys" club that doesn't like women in office for some reason. Nothing could be further from the truth! Anyone who knows county politics knows that Nancy Workman is the quintessential good old boy/girl (take your pick). In fact, it was all of the Republican "good old boys" that ran to Workman's aid in the wake of the scandal. Unlike Merrill Cook (who was jettisoned for bizarre--though noncriminal--behavior two elections ago), Workman is a member of the "club."

Hiring friends, nepotism, and the misuse of funds are rife in our county government and this has been known for some time. Having previously worked for the county, I am not surprised by guzzlegate or hiregate. The have only made me sad. If secretly diverting county funds to a non-county entity (run by a family member) is not criminal, then I don't know what is. If what Workman says is true (that it was a bureaucratic snafu) then she is not fit for office on grounds of incompetency. Like the ex-county auditor, she should take the high road: resign and plead guilty.

Lastly--instead of acting as gatekeepers and sifters, today's political parties often try to hold onto power at all costs. While I am a Democrat, electing honest people (and removing bad ones) is my first goal as a voter. My ideology comes second.

-Doug Holm

U.S. Sen. Bob Bennett, September 18
Rep. Gordon E. Snow, District 54, September 22
Rep. Bradley G. Last, District 71, September 24
Sen. Lyle W. Hillyard, District 25, September 25
Rep. Calvin G. Bird, District 65, September 25

Entire Birthday List

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Editor: Bart Barker
News: Golden Webb
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Deseret Morning News
- Hannity is itching to debate Moore
- Workman attorney seeks a dismissal
- Lee Benson: More money coming for Moore
- City leaders flock to 'stay out of jail' workshop
- Shurtleff stands by his criticism of Amendment 3
- Matheson, Huntsman favor a high-tech future for Utah
- Bob Bernick Jr.: Utah remains quietly taken for granted, again

Standard-Examiner
- Legislator removes sporks from Roy High School
- Editorial: The 1st District's phantom candidate

St. George Spectrum
- Matheson speaks out against House another pay raise
- Lawmaker continues fight against cystic fibrosis

Salt Lake Tribune
- Workman moves to dismiss charges
- Rolly & Wells: Paid leave campaign bonanza
- Emotions flare over Sandy proposal
- State backs off its claim to disputed Juab road
- On the Stump: First Huntsman TV ads focus on education
- Democrats ahead in County Council cash race
- Governor hopefuls agree on high tech
- Editorial: Balance, Utah style

Please submit calendar items to AgendaUtah@UtahPolicy.com

- Sept 13-17: Steve Thompson for Congress Neighborhood Walk in Cache and Rich Counties. Call 435-753-3979 to schedule a visit.
- Sept 15-17: Utah League of Cities and Towns Annual Convention, register: www.ulct.org
- 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 17: Salt Lake County Mayoral Forum, 2 pm, Jubilee Center, 307 E 100 S, SLC.
- 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 22: Attorney General candidates debate, sponsored by Women's State Legislative Council, 12 pm, Salt Lake Library, 210 E 400 S, SLC.
- 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 28: Presidential candidate Michael Peroutka, 7:30 pm, Western Regional Park, Vernal.
- 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.
- Sept 29: Presidential candidate Michael Peroutka, Snow College, 150 E College Ave, Ephraim. Also at Canyon View HS, 7:30 pm, 166 W 1925 N, Cedar City.
- Sept 30: Presidential candidate Michael Peroutka, 7:30 pm, UVSC, Sorenson Student Center, Grand Ballroom, 800 W University Parkway, Orem.
- Oct 1: Gubernatorial debate at Provo/Orem Chamber of Commerce, 12 noon, Provo Marriott.
- Oct 1: Presidential candidate Michael Peroutka, 7 pm, Ben Lomond HS, 800 Jackson Ave, Ogden.
- 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: Utah Log Cabin Republicans Monthly Meeting, 7:30 pm, Room N4010, Salt Lake County Building, 2001 South State Street, Salt Lake.
- Oct 5: Eminent Domain Conference, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Red Lion downtown SLC, register 801-731-5399.
- Oct 6: Attorney General Candidates debate, 7 pm, Dixie State College, Dunford Auditorium, TV KCSG 4, Radio KDXU 890 AM.
- Oct 6: Utah Stonewall Democrats monthly meeting, 5:30 pm, GLBTCCU, 359 N 300 W.
- Oct 6: Utah Land Use Institute, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Red Lion downtown, SLC, register 801-731-5399.
- 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 12: Open Forum with the Gubernatorial Candidates, 7:30 pm, New Davis Conference Center in Layton, 801-510-1221.
- Oct 13: Gubernatorial Debate, KSL Radio 1160 with Doug Wright, 10 am, KSL studios.
- 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.

- See the entire calendar