News Highlights

Can four supporting groups beat one unified opponent on Amendment 3? (Deseret Morning News). Amendment 3 antagonists disagree over debates (Salt Lake Tribune). State BLM Director Sally Wisely blasts Southern Utah Wilderness Association for “twist(ing) the facts” on oil and gas leasing (Morning News) while SUWA petitions BLM to close off-road trails (Tribune). County mayoral candidates debate budget (Tribune).

Quote of the Day

"As an African-American woman I felt really compelled to get involved. I never, ever want to use the race card, but I want my girls to know they can do anything they want. I want them to see me out there.”

- Saratoga Springs city council member Mia Love, the first African-American woman to serve in an elected position in Utah County (Deseret Morning News)

The Week Ahead

Thursday's presidential debate between George Bush and John Kerry highlights the political calendar this week. It begins at 7 p.m. and will be moderated by Jim Lehrer of PBS. The topic is foreign policy. The other debates are as follows:

· Oct. 5: Vice presidential debate, 7 p.m. Moderator: Gwen Ifill

· Oct. 8: Second presidential debate, 7 p.m. Moderator: Charles Gibson

· Oct. 13: Third presidential debate, 7 p.m. Moderator: Bob Schieffer

For more information about the debates, go to the Commission on Presidential Debates web site: www.debates.org. The week will be busy locally, as well. Check out the political calendar below for local events. Send your calendar items to: daily@utahpolicy.com.

Swallow Goes on Offensive

With five weeks to go in the election, John Swallow has come out swinging in his 2nd Congressional District race against incumbent Jim Matheson. He recently sent out an e-mail newsletter saying Matheson has never passed a bill in Congress, votes 75% of the time with “his ultra-liberal Democrat Party leadership and against President Bush,” and votes for pork while voting against tax cuts. Swallow calls Matheson, “Jumpin' Jim Matheson.”

Meanwhile, Swallow also sent out a fundraising letter noting that Matheson has endorsed John Kerry for president despite Kerry's flip-flops. The letter then compares Matheson to Kerry, describing Matheson flip-flops on several issues.

In the newsletter, Swallow notes that he's supported by President Bush, Vice President Cheney, U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert and the rest of the Republican leadership. He lost by less than 1% two years ago, and expects a higher Republican turnout this year because of the presidential race and other strong Republicans on the ballot.

The Power of Blogging

"[T]he blogosphere isn't just a challenge to journalism in its currently stagnant state, but a potential boon to problem-solving of a higher order. The beauty of the blogosphere is that it is self-igniting, self-propelling and self-selecting, a sort of intellectual ecosystem wherein the best specimens from various disciplines descend from the ethers, converge on an issue and apply their unique talents. Though virtually newborn, the blogosphere has blossomed exponentially in a matter of Earth-time seconds, from a few random voices to a mighty and diverse chorus of sometimes spectacular talent. Bloggers are the Big Bang of the Information Age."

- Kathleen Parker, newspaper columnist

Spam Ad of the Day

I've received a bunch of spam e-mail ads promoting “Genuine Replicas Watches.” The firm has a “fine selection of Italian-crafted Rolex Timepieces” and other brands like Carrier, Bvlgari, Frank Mullet, etc. I'm just wondering if “genuine replica” is anything like “actual simulation” or “authentic fake” or “legitimate phony” or “real imitation?”

Rep. Roger E. Barrus, District 18, October 4
Rep. Ben C. Ferry, District 2, October 11
Rep. Gregory H. Hughes, District 51, October 13
Sen. Gregory Bell, District 22, October 16

Entire Birthday List

(Reprinted From Friday)

Publisher's Note: As we approach the 100th edition of Utah Policy Daily, I am still frequently asked about the purpose and future of this newsletter. It's a good question because e-newsletters are a relatively new phenomenon and there aren't many like this one.

First I'd like to make clear that this newsletter is not an objective journalistic publication. We're not trying to be journalists. We are trying to provide a product that is valuable enough that Utah's policymakers and opinion leaders will read it frequently. Our niche is really being an aggregator of political information. We are attempting to put in one place every morning access to a day's worth of political news and information from all sources. The Daily is a one-stop location for all things related to Utah politics.

We do that by publishing the headline links and a comprehensive political calendar. And then we add periodic tips on communications, campaigning and leadership, plus a little commentary. We are planning new features.

The aggregation service is the basic product we're trying to “sell,” and we think we've got a good start at it. But we also think it can be a lot better. We now have readers all over Utah and in many other locations around the country. We need all these eyes and ears to be on the lookout for political stories and information that they think would be of interest to our readers, then e-mail the links (internet addresses) to us. This would include stories or information from newspapers, magazines, web logs (blogs), web sites, etc. Stories are frequently published in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere about Utahns and the Utah delegation that we may not see. Stories are published about people like Mitt Romney who have Utah ties. Send us the links. We also like to link to new postings on candidate and incumbent web sites, think tanks (like Utah Foundation or the Sutherland Institute) press releases, etc. If readers will send along these links, Utah Policy Daily can become a better aggregator, a one-stop center for Utah political information.

So what's the catch here? How does all this effort benefit the publisher and The Exoro Group, a political consulting firm in which he is a partner?

Well, that's pretty simple. If we have a direct, daily channel to policymakers, opinion leaders and the broader Utah political community that we own and control, then we have something pretty valuable. We can use our “channel” to deliver messages on behalf of our clients and to market the services of The Exoro Group. To offset the newsletter costs, we also plan to offer paid “advertorials” or advocacy essays to businesses, groups or associations who want to reach policymakers and the political community. We will also offer sponsorships of the headline links, calendar, and other features to entities who want to maintain a high profile in the political community.

Most of this is theoretical, of course, because we haven't done it yet and it might not work. This is all pretty new territory. But we'll find out over the next few months. We've been doing all of this very much in our spare time. Taking the newsletter to a new level will require a more businesslike approach with dedicated resources.

I mentioned previously that this newsletter is not a journalistic undertaking. However, we think it's important to delineate between what is essentially paid advertising in the newsletter and other commentary and opinion. So we will clearly label or disclose advertorial and advocacy pieces that benefit clients or are paid for by other businesses or interest groups. Without sponsorships or advertising support the newsletter will not reach its full potential If you are interested in a sponsorship or advertising, let us know at daily@utahpolicy.com or 801 537-0900.

Agenda Utah is a service
of Utah Policy.com

Publisher: LaVarr Webb
Editor: Bart Barker
News: Golden Webb
Calendar and Subscriptions: Paul Hollingshead

Washington Post
- Oil and gas hold the reins in the Wild West

Deseret Morning News
- Utah parks feel pinch
- Amendment 3 foes unified
- Amendment 3
- Political novice lovin' it
- Lee Benson: Workman spoiling the party
- Tooele city considering own PAR tax
- Is electronic voting risky?
- 2 views of Lake Powell: 'insurance policy,' outdated
- Op-ed: Carping over river deal is sour grapes
- Editorial: Be sure before nixing meters

Salt Lake Tribune
- Amendment 3 supporters, opponents argue over debates
- Resilient Babka optimistic in bid for U.S. House seat
- House District 44 candidates differ on balance of children's, parents' rights
- SUWA petitions BLM for closure of certain off-road trails
- Mayoral hopefuls pledge cuts

Sunday, September 26

Salt Lake Tribune
- With a smile: Mayor Workman's on-air meltdown
- UVSC student body not a bunch of naive, idiot children
- For gay Republicans, endorsements no easy matter
- Norma Matheson continues to stay above the fray
- Utahns in Politics: Fathers & Sons
- Politics of Kin: Fathers & Sons
- Tooele will vote on ZAP-like tax Nov. 2
- I like Mike
- Rolly Report: Salary crisis in the Utah Highway Patrol needs fixing

Standard-Examiner
- S. Ogden passes rare tax increase

Deseret Morning news
- National parks in budget turmoil
- Demos hoping for small gains in mostly GOP Utah Legislature
- PAC spending aims at tuition tax credits
- Tax Commission eyes pawnshops
- Vote for funding, teachers say
- Environmentalists are in turf war
- Editorial: Perking up our national parks
- Pignanelli & Webb: Utah political scene is mostly quiet

Saturday, September 25

Deseret Morning News
- GOP is putting heat on Workman
- Is new scandal brewing?
- Transfers 'horrible,' auditor says
- Family law experts debate amendment
- Skordas questions waiver ruling

Standard-Examiner
- Editorial: Playing keep-away from Utah's voters

Daily Herald
- Legislators make the grade

St. George Spectrum
- Nevada AG rules in favor of Mesquite

Salt Lake Tribune
- Workman apologizes at forum for 'hullabaloo'
- Water managers tackle issue of distressed lakes in West
- Arizona governor visits LDS leaders
- As fluoride vote nears, Davis admits it miscalculated costs
- Educational Trust funds 'stolen,' audit report says

Please submit calendar items to AgendaUtah@UtahPolicy.com

- 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: Mark Shurtleff at the NAACP Meet the Candidate Night, 6-7 pm, Law and Justice Center, 645 S. 200 E. SLC.
- 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: Salt Lake Chamber Board of Governors, 7:30 a.m., Chamber Board Room, featuring candidates Scott Matheson, John Swallow, Greg Skordas
- 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: Mark Shurtleff at the Davis County Senior Citizens Meet the Candidate Event, 11:30-12:30 pm, 140 E. Center St, Clearfield.
- 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: First presidential debate, 7 pm. Moderator: Jim Lehrer
- 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: Vice presidential debate, 7 pm. Moderator: Gwen Ifill
- 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, 6-8 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 8: Second presidential debate, 7 pm. Moderator: Charles Gibson
- 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: Meet the Cache County and School Board Candidates Night, 7-9 pm, Whittier Community Center, 290 N. 400 E, Logan. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the PTA.
- 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 13: Third presidential debate, 7 pm. Moderator: Bob Schieffer
- 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 18: Gubernatorial Debate, KUTV Take Two with Rod Decker, 6:30 pm, airs live outside KUTV studios on Main Street.
- 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: Salt Lake Chamber’s Business Friendly Legislators Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., Little America
- 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 21: Mark Shurleff at PTA Legislative Forum, 1-2 pm, Hollywood Conn.
- Oct 21: Gubernatorial Debate, On the Record with ABC 4 News Reporter Chris Vanocur, 7 pm.
- 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: Gubernatorial Debate, KSL-TV, KSL Radio and the Deseret Morning News, Rose Wagner Theatre, 7 pm.
- Oct 25: Meet the State and National Candidates Night, 7-9 pm, Whittier Community Center, 290 N. 400 E, Logan. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the PTA.
- Oct 26: Salt Lake Chamber Board of Governors, 7:30 a.m., Chamber Board Room, featuring candidates Jon Huntsman, Nancy Workman, Mark Shurtleff
- 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 29: Gubernatorial Debate, KUED Studios, 7 pm, U of U, airs Nov. 1.
- 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