News Highlights

WFRC panel proposes $6 billion transportation tax package (Salt Lake Tribune). Huntsman proposes moving prison; Matheson says put money in schools (Deseret Morning News, Standard-Examiner and Tribune). Workman attorneys file motions to move case quickly (Tribune and Morning News).

Quote of the Day

"In fact, I suspect that the proponents of the name change have a political rather than practical motivation — the motivation being the eventual draining of Lake Powell."

- Sen. Orrin Hatch, commenting on the “senseless proposal” by an environmental group to change the name of Lake Powell (Deseret Morning News)

The Spin on How Workman Can Win

Here's the scenario for a Nancy Workman win being plotted deep inside the Workman campaign bunker: In a three-way race with Peter Corroon and Merrill Cook, she needs only 35-36% of the vote to win. Current polling shows her at 24% with Cook at 20 and Corroon at 40. But people have no idea who Corroon is or what he stands for. He's merely the un-Nancy. “Rocky Anderson's unfavorables are above 50%. When we tell voters who Peter is – watch out.”

Workman's campaigners concede that she has to be acquitted in court to have a chance at victory, “but that is not nearly so farfetched as it may appear. Watch the court action this week.” They are predicting that special prosecutor Mike Martinez will botch things up and she will be acquitted.

Workman has been criticized for her current campaign spots saying her troubles are “all political.” But if she is acquitted, “there you go, we can say, see, it WAS political. That is, in fact, the real strategy behind ‘it's political.' You plant that in the public's mind, and when she gets acquitted, it makes perfect sense. And don't forget, she has $150k on ice just for the last two weeks. It ain't over till it's over. It boils down to this - acquittal, Nancy. No acquittal, no Nancy.”

If it appears in the next several days that a quick trial is impossible, it's conceivable that Workman would step aside for a Republican write-in campaign.

Iraqi Leader Thanks America

Iraqi interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi gave a powerful address to a joint session of Congress on Sept. 23. Every American ought to read it. Here's a link to the full text.

Nearly Time for Tracking Polls

It's important that candidates know how they're doing as the election nears, so the major campaigns will conduct “tracking polls” with pollsters doing 200 interviews a night so strategists have a daily rolling sample of 600 voters, dropping the oldest 200 and adding the newest 200 right up to election day.

Having the numbers allows campaigns to adjust their TV spots as needed, measure and react to new attacks by opponents, and shore up support among demographic groups that might be slipping. It takes a healthy budget to have this kind of flexibility at the end of a campaign, but it's essential for major races.

A Sept. 24 Wall Street Journal column by Sharon Begley points out that polling is still as much art as science, and differing polling methods produce different results. She noted that Gallup recently had President George Bush up by 13 points at the same time the Pew Research Center had him and John Kerry dead even. The main differences in polling methodology have to do with “weighting” of samples to match known demographics, and predicting who are “likely voters.” Some pollsters, for example, adjust for party affiliation, while others don't. If a sample shows more Republicans than would be expected from known demographics, then some pollsters adjust those numbers down, while other pollsters figure maybe there really are more Republicans and don't adjust the sample. Pollsters also differ in how they choose likely voters. Gallup, for example, uses seven different questions to find voters who will really vote.

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

Utah Policy Daily is a service
of Utah Policy.com

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

Christian Science Monitor
- Cheaper vs. cleaner: big differences

Associated Press
- Gay Republican group to consider Huntsman endorsement Tuesday

Salt Lake Tribune
- Bennett lobbied on nuke test vote
- Anderson declares health care important community freedom
- Forums focus on education's economic role
- Preaching to the Choir?: Republican Web site says Kerry wrong for Mormons
- Huntsman proposes relocating the prison
- Senate panel earmarks $13 M for Utah projects
- Hatch says push to change Lake Powell's name is 'senseless'
- Two conservation groups sue over wildflower habitat
- Workman motion: Quit stalling
- Transportation tax suggestion: $6 B
- Matheson would beef up state's terrorism defenses
- District 4 race features newcomers
- Mayoral appointees could lose jobs after election
- Abortion foes angry 'their' law changed

St. George Spectrum
- LaVerkin city leaders seek input on economic development
- Editorial: Help build our area's 'social capital'

Daily Herald
- Swallow tries again to take on Matheson

Standard-Examiner
- Huntsman: Move state prison
- Matheson: Improve security

Deseret Morning News
- Politics skew park budgets
- Huntsman wants state prison moved
- Change our Powell name? Pshaw
- Mayor fights gag order
- Centerville to hear 2 appeals from Wal-Mart
- Fluoride foes meeting today
- Higher education not meeting job needs, forum told
- Editorial: The rush to electronic voting

Please submit calendar items to Daily@UtahPolicy.com

- 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 28: Booksigning with Nirvana's Krist Novoselic, 6 - 7:30 pm, Virgin Megastore, 12 S 400 W, SLC, "Of Grunge and Government: Let's Fix This Broken Democracy!"
- 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 8: Jenny Wilson for County Council Fundraiser, silent art auction and performance by Kurt Bestor, 5 pm, Alta Club, 100 E So. Termple, SLC, RSVP 801-521-3766, $50.
- 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