News Highlights

Negotiations at crucial stage on Legacy Parkway agreement (Deseret Morning News). Gov. Huntsman won’t tie 900 South freight line issue to Legacy agreement (Salt Lake Tribune).

Layton Mayor Jerry Stevenson to become chairman of Envision Utah (Morning News, Standard-Examiner, and Tribune).

State Board of Regents to seek extra $57.2 M from lawmakers (Tribune and Morning News).

Quote of the Day

"No, I don't think I'll be doing any more radio ads. . .”

-- Senate President John Valentine quoted in a column by Political Editor Bob Bernick (Morning News).

McConnell on Short List

Now that Pres. Bush has withdrawn his controversial nomination of Harriet Miers to the SCOTUS, former University of Utah law professor Michael McConnell moves to the front of a very short list of possible alternate nominees. If you're curious, here's a Wikipedia article on McConnell that explains why he's a legitimate contender.  It includes some good links to more info.

Washington Watch

Statements on Meirs’ Withdrawal

Sen. Orrin Hatch:

 “I’m sorry it came to this. The Senate has the constitutional duty to evaluate whomever President Bush will nominate to replace Justice O’Connor. When we do, politics must not undermine the principles and standards we apply to every judicial nomination. I believe President Bush will keep his promise to appoint a justice who will interpret the law but not legislate from the bench.”

Sen. Bob Bennett:  “I was prepared to vote for Harriet Miers,  I think she had the qualifications necessary to bring the diversity of intellect and experience to the Supreme Court that would have been useful.”

Rep. Chris Cannon said: “I have a great deal of respect and admiration for her.”

$50M for Utah Agriculture
Congress has approved over $50 million for Utah agriculture projects requested by Sen. Bob Bennett.  Some $17.3 million will support Utah State University’s “renowned agriculture research programs,” says a Bennett press release.

Committee to Protect Private Property

On Thursday, the House Judiciary Committee approved H.R. 4128, the Private Property Rights Protection Act of 2005, sending the legislation to the House floor.  The bill includes an amendment by Rep. Chris Cannon, calling for the protection of private property rights to the maximum extent permitted by the Constitution. “This legislation will prevent the federal government from using eminent domain for economic purposes and will prevent states from using federal money in economic development projects where eminent domain has been used,” said Cannon in a press release (not yet available online).

Hatch, Lieberman Team Up
Sens. Joe Lieberman (D-CT) and Orrin Hatch have introduced legislation they say addresses inconsistent health care quality and disparities.  Called “FairCare,” the legislation “…would help alleviate both problems by standardizing more data collection and offering new incentives for healthcare providers to raise quality standards for all patients,” says a Hatch press release. 

Spending Can Be Controlled

National Journal columnist David Baumann says in his Capitol Corridor column that congressional Republicans have been able to slow spending in the past and lessons can be learned from those efforts.

Podcast Watch

State lawmakers want to put the clamps on local government, and Jennifer Napier-Pearce’s InsideUtah.com podcast features Ken Bullock of the Utah League of Cities and Towns (:49) telling what he thinks about efforts to limit local lobbyists, plus analysis from watchdog Claire Geddes and political analyst LaVarr Webb (5:36). Also, the case of Lawrence Marsh and efforts to reinstate Utah’s first minority lawyer to the bar (10:51) and some Halloween treats from bookseller Catherine Weller (18:03) and ghost storyteller Kristen Clay (22:57).

Blog Watch

Over at his State of the Beehive blog, Charlie Foster relates that he had the TV on yesterday morning, "half listening to news about Harriet Miers and the withdrawal of her Supreme Court nomination. Chris Matthews is talking to Sen. Sam Brownback and they are both speculating that perhaps the most impressive potential replacement nominee is U law prof and 10th Circuit judge Michael McConnell. I've got my fingers crossed." . . . National Journal’s Beltway Blogroll links to what national bloggers are saying on a variety of topics. . . . Utah Libertarian Chair Rob Latham’s Liberty for Utahns blog features a list of questions he thinks voters should ask municipal candidates before the Nov. 8 elections.

Casual Friday

Best of Late Night Humor

David Letterman... "Top Ways To Cheer Up George W. Bush": Fully loaded Tex-Mex fixins bar at every cabinet meeting; Use wacky sound effects for weekly radio addresses; Replace Oval Office bust of Theodore Roosevelt with bust of Kenny Rogers; Remind him it's only 6 weeks until "The Dukes of Hazzard" comes out on DVD; Speechwriters sprinkle in the occasional "You might be a redneck if..." joke; Two words: Free Gum; Get Air Force One pimped.

Jay Leno... They say Saddam is delusional. He still thinks he's president and gives speeches standing next to his bed at night. No, wait, that's Al Gore. ... [Saddam's] trial has begun. And Saddam's lawyers say they will accept any judge except Harriet Miers. They don't feel she is qualified. ... U.S. forces have captured Osama bin Laden's barber. I believe his name is Vidal Kaboom and his brother Infidel Sassoon. I believe they worked at a shop called Fanatical Sam's. ... As you know, President Bush's approval rating at its lowest number ever. It's gotten so bad that even Harriet Miers is refusing to take his phone calls. ... Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff announced he planned to expel every illegal immigrant in the United States. Boy, more bad news for the New York Yankees. [And it] would reduce the population of Los Angeles to 142 people.

National Headlines

The Sutherland Institute's Paul Mero pens a somewhat strange op-ed on Utah tax reform and LDS Church-influenced politics for the Wall Street Journal editorial page.

Local Headlines

Daily Universe

- Senate candidate Pete Ashdown visits BYU campus

Deseret Morning News

- No Vegas glitz on Capitol Hill

- Negotiations, fine-tuning near crucial stage on Legacy

- NRC fight may affect Envirocare

- Huntsman seeks winter gas-bill aid for struggling households

- Provo race is spicy, but Orem's is on mild side

- Higher ed justifying $45 million

- 6 contend for 3 Orem Council seats

- Next Sandy mayor will wrestle with more than old gravel pit

- St. George mayoral hopefuls differ on districting, housing

- St. George to vote on initiative

- Billings, Bailey embrace commercial airport, technology

- Cedar Hills mayoral race is down to one man

- Mayor Lewis Billings' father dies

- Layton mayor to become chairman of Envision Utah

- Rocky planning party to benefit monument

- Bob Bernick Jr.: Valentine's A-Plus radio ad raises eyebrows

Standard-Examiner

- Envision Utah gets Layton's Stevenson

- Utahns most techno-savvy

- Group says Bountiful broke promise in raising taxes for rec center

- Utah Sens. Hatch, Bennett weigh in on Miers issue

- Editorial: Our View: Miers bows out

St. George Spectrum

- St. George mayoral candidates discuss issues at luncheon

Salt Lake Tribune

- In Utah, Miers' exit surprising to some, expected by others

- Guv: Eliminating freight trains from 900 South now 'a city issue'

- Rolly: Lawmaker trips over the rules

- U. law school prof may have a shot at top court

- Mayor hopefuls envision trails, business park in Heber's future

- U.S. Senate measure could slash Utah Head Start slots

- Layton's Stevenson to serve as Envision Utah chairman

- Regents to seek extra $57.2 M from lawmakers

- Sundance, Park City retie knot

- Medicare bungling has Utahns simmering

- Dolan adds to Sandy fundraising lead

- Utes to drill for oil in Uinta Basin

Please submit calendar items to Daily@UtahPolicy.com

- Oct 28: KCPW's Midday Metro "One on One in District 1," 10:40 am. Guest Carlton Christensen, the incumbent in District 1. Send your emails to midday@kcpw.org.
- Oct 28: Coalition for Utah’s Future, sponsor of Envision Utah, 10th annual Common Good Awards Luncheon, 11:45 am, Little America Hotel, Salt Lake City.  The new chair of Envision Utah will be announced at the luncheon. Dr. Cecil O. Samuelson, President of Brigham Young University, will provide the keynote.  This year, the Coalition is proud to honor Stampin’ Up! and Volunteers of America, Utah for their significant community service.  Contact Kevin Fayles at (801) 303-1462 or kfayles@cuf-envision.org for more information
- Oct 28: "With a Little Help from My Friends," Utah Democratic Legislative Fundraiser and Tribute to the Arts featuring Broadway's Beatlemania accompanied by the Utah Symphony, with a pre-concert reception, 6:30 pm, Abravanel Hall.  Tickets: $200.  Limited seating.  Sponsorships available.  Contact Ben Lear at 801-209-1669 or learbjl@yahoo.com.
- Oct 29: Panel discussion about reporter's shield law, GRAMA and the Open Meetings Act, 9-9:30 am coffee, juice and dougnuts; 9:30-11:30 am panel and discussion.  University of Utah Dept. of Communication, LNCO room 1100, Little Theatre.
- Oct 29: HEAL Utah's "How to Become a Delegate" Training, 10 to 11:30 am, Salt Lake City Main Library, 4th Floor.
- Oct 29: Salt Lake County Democrats 1st Annual Halloween Party, 7 pm, Jewish Community Center, 2 N Medical Drive. DJ, socializing, dancing, munchies, a cash bar and a free drawing for a tub of Halloween items--scary and otherwise. Costumes (optional) with prizes for the best individual, couple, group and politician. $35 per person.
- Oct 31: Tourism Task Force, 10 am, room W110.
- Oct 31: Highway Jurisdictional Transfer Task Force, 2 pm, room W125.
- Nov 1: Utah State Bar and Property Rights Ombudsman Seminars on Land Use Regulation for attorneys, real estate professionals, planners and citizens, 9 am, Park City Library. Free or modest charge for materials or education credit. Questions call 801-731-5399 in Weber County.  Details at www.utahbar.org/cle/events.
- Nov 2: Task Reform Task Force, 8 am, room W135.
- Nov 2: Lt. Gov. Herbert to chair Utah's Private Sector Homeland Security Coordinating Council, 8:30 am, State Capitol, Seagull Conference room.
- Nov 2: Lt. Gov. Herbert to chair Utah's Commission on Volunteers, 10 am, State Capitol, Olmsted Conference room.
- Nov 2: Utah State Bar and Property Rights Ombudsman Seminars on Land Use Regulation for attorneys, real estate professionals, planners and citizens, 1 pm or 6:30 pm, Clearfield City Hall, 55 South Main St, Second Floor.  For more information call 801-731-5399 or visit www.utahbar.org/cle/events.

- Nov 2: Utah Poverty Partnership's "Meet the Salt Lake City Council Candidate Forum" for Salt Lake City District 3, 3:30 pm, Cathedral Pastoral Center # 27 "C" Street.  Any interested city resident is invited.
- Nov 2: Lt. Gov. Herbert to participate in Cowboy Poetry, 6 pm, Utah State Fairgrounds, GrandRoom.

- Nov 2: West Valley City Meet the Candidates Night, General Election, 7 pm.
- Nov 2: Salt Lake City Democracy for America Meetup, 7 pm.
- Nov 3: Lt. Gov. Herbert to chair the Rural Partnership Board in Price, 9 am.
- Nov 3: Women's Legislative Council of Utah County Meeting, 9:45 to 11:30 am, Provo City Library at Academy Square, 550 North University Avenue, room 201. Guest speaker will be Mr. Don Atkinson, CEO of Financial Freedom International, Inc.  His topic:  "The New Bankruptcy Law -- Americas Wake Up Call." For more information contact Emily Wiscombe at 801-224-1964.
- Nov 3: Utah State Bar and Property Rights Ombudsman Seminars on Land Use Regulation for attorneys, real estate professionals, planners and citizens, 1 pm or 6:30 pm, South Jordan City Hall, 10600 South Redwood Road. For more information call 801-731-5399 or visit www.utahbar.org/cle/events.
- Nov 3: KCPW to host a special two-hour debate with all the candidates standing for City Council (Districts 1, 3 and 7), Main City Library.
- Nov 4-5: The Utah Sate Association of Parliamentarians (USAP) Annual Training Institute. This event is specifically geared towards those interested in a higher level of performance at political meetings and city/county/state gatherings. For more information contact Dana Dickson at usapmail@yahoo.com or 801-556-8676 for costs and details.
- Nov 4: Administrative Rules Review Committee, 9 am, room W135.
- Nov 4: Native American Legislative Liaison Committee, 11 am, Cedar City.

- Nov 4: Tax Review Commission, 1 pm, room W125.
- Nov 5: Lt. Gov. Herbert to keynote at the closing dinner of the Utah Air Force Association State Convention, 5:30 pm, Ogden Marriott, 247 24th St.

Elected Officials Birthday List

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