News Highlights

Sen. Howard Stephenson denounces the media for driving the Legislature to what he sees as disclosure extremes (Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret Morning News).

Proposed compromise on tax cuts falls apart when Senate Republicans refused to budge from their opposition to taking the sales tax off food (Morning News and Tribune).

Tribune editorial says there would be no surplus if lawmakers would spend what’s needed on education and the poor.

Political editor Bob Bernick criticizes Sen. Howard Stephenson, encourages people to run against him (Morning News).

Quote of the Day

“Open government is a hallmark of American-style freedom. Not only did the Founding Fathers fight for the right to call the king a fink, they fought for a government that would both represent and be accountable to the people.”

-- Morning News editorial opposing changes in GRAMA law.

Christensen Has Some Advantages

Besides having a pretty good first name (although he doesn’t spell it quite right), Rep. LaVar Christensen has a couple of things going for him in the 2nd Congressional District race.

First, he may win the nomination outright at the state convention, avoiding a nasty, divisive GOP primary. That would be a big improvement over the last two elections when the Republicans killed each other in intra-party battles. It’s an enormous advantage to be able to focus all of one’s attention and resources on the Democratic opponent and the November election instead of having to fight through a convention and primary.  

Second, Christensen has the ability to put enough of his own money into the race to be viable. That at least partly negates Congressman Jim Matheson’s immense fundraising advantage.

Third, I believe Christensen will be able to keep national Republican groups from coming in and botching things up for local Republicans by airing highly negative campaign ads. Or at least he will successfully distance himself from those activities if they do occur.

In one sense, Christensen has a very simple task to defeat Matheson: Just bring Republicans home. What’s so hard about that?

Well, there are a number of reasons it’s a lot tougher than it seems. A lot of Republicans don’t seem to want to return home. Matheson is an excellent politician who works hard and delivers for his constituents. East bench Salt Lake County Republicans aren’t terribly partisan and feel fine about voting for a Democrat.

In the first good head-to-head poll matching Christensen and Matheson, I won’t be surprised if Matheson is ahead 30 to 40 points. So the odds are clearly against Christensen. But he will start his campaign in a stronger position than the GOP nominee in the last two races.

Get to Know Your Legislators

Name:  House Minority Leader Ralph Becker, District 24, Salt Lake City.

Occupation:  Consultant, Planner, Attorney; Adjunct Professor, College of Architecture and Planning, University of Utah.

Education: B.A., American Civilization, University of Pennsylvania, 1973; J.D., University of Utah College of Law, 1977; Certificate in Planning, University of Utah,1977; M.S., Geography (Planning Emphasis), University of Utah, 1982.

Childhood Ambition: Sports star.

Family:  Two sons, Derek and Will; One grandchild, Tiana.

Why Politics:  Politics gives me great satisfaction in serving the community and participating in public policy decisions.  I also enjoy the challenge and excitement of meeting diverse individuals and bringing people together for the best outcomes possible.

Perfect Day:  Spending time with my family and friends, being outdoors and participating in community service.

Hobbies:  Any outdoor non-motorized recreational activity and reading.

First Job:  Selling lemonade.

Motivations and Ambitions:  Serving the community and finding time to spend outdoors.

Hottest Issue you’re watching:  To see if the legislature is willing to make a long-term financial commitment to public education.

Biggest Challenge:  Focusing on something for more than 10 minutes at a time.

Alarm clock: None.

Proudest Moment:  My kids.

Inspiration:  My father and Scott Matheson Sr.

Retreat:  Bottom of the Grand Canyon.

Favorite Book:  Beyond the 100th Meridian, by Wallace Stegner.

Favorite Movie:  Schindler’s List.

Indulgence:  Ice Cream.

Mentor: My father and Scott Matheson Sr.

A small insight into my psyche:  It’s very small.

My top priority for 2006 session:  Public Education.

Hot issue in 2006 session:  Taxes.

The 2006 session will be remembered for:  Too early to tell.

My district is cool because:  District 24 is the best in Utah. My district is diverse, active, and full of beautiful neighborhoods, located in the heart of the state.

I like serving in the Legislature because:  All the gifts I get from lobbyists!

Philosophy of Government:  Efficient public service.

Running for public office is: A great way to get to know my neighbors, the community, and issues.

Washington Watch

The Hatch Report

Sen. Orrin Hatch and other GOP bigwigs, including Karl Rove, using blogs as part of new media strategy (RedState)... Hatch pursues legislation strengthening the U.S. Trade Representative's office by creating a chief enforcement officer to investigate suspected trade violations by other countries and recommend appropriate U.S. action (see press release, Associated Press and Reuters); watchdog groups say Hatch and others on Capitol Hill are beholden to the pharmaceutical lobby (Copley News Service).

Bennett Questions Bernanke on Wal-Mart Bank

Sen. Bob Bennett questions new Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke about Wal-Mart's efforts to open an industrial bank in Utah, saying he doesn't understand why Wal-Mart's application should be denied (Reuters).

Cannon Bill Doomed?

Rep. Chris Cannon's Asbestos Compensation Fairness Act viewed by some "as unlikely to garner much support in the Senate, where tort-reform efforts tend to face an uphill climb" (TMC.net).

Utah to Participate in Medicare Program

HHS Sec. Mike Leavitt announces the participation of 44 states, including Utah, "in a program that will limit their costs and ease the transition to Medicare drug coverage for certain people who are also in Medicaid" (see press release).

Blog Watch

Rep. Steve Urquhart has two new posts, one on the value of legislative task forces, the other on his education reform bill... Charley Foster discusses the Utah Supreme Court's HB213 ruling (see also here)... Rep. Jeff Alexander clears up some confusion about Utah's budget surplus... The Libertarian Party of Utah's Rob Latham gives an update on the Fair Representation Challenge he issued to state legislators and student leaders at Utah colleges last summer... The Senate Site blog says "all parties are working to find agreement" on the tax reform issue, but Part of the Plan says Utah Republicans think compromises are for wusses... The Utah Amicus has a post on HB100... Planet Legislature uncovers the truth about Windex poisoning... Utah Conservative endorses HB184... Democracy for Utah has a post on Utah's religious divide... SLCSpin questions Rocky Anderson's priorities... Dee's 'Dotes has another post on SB170... All the way from Denmark, Amerikansk politik endorses Senate candidate Pete Ashdown (see also here and here).

Podcast Watch

InsideUtah.com, a podcast by Jennifer Napier-Pearce, this week features Gov. Jon Huntsman (:46) on his budget priorities, the legislative session and nuclear waste storage in Utah’s west desert; another view on the proposed Skull Valley site from Private Fuel Storage spokeswoman Sue Martin (10:53); and Latino leader Tony Yapias (19:02) on keeping resident tuition rates for the children of the undocumented.

NRA: Defend Guns in Cars

The National Rifle Association has issued an action alert in support of Sen. Mark Madsen's SB24, which would "allow law abiding citizens to have a loaded and/or concealed self-defense firearm in their car without the need to obtain a concealed weapon permit."

Legacy Parkway Underway in March

UDOT executive director John Njord said he expects construction on the Legacy Parkway to begin with some earth-moving activities at the north and south interchanges next month. Heavier construction along the entire corridor west of I-15 between North Salt Lake and Farmington will resume later in the summer. The finished project is scheduled to be open to traffic in October 2008 (see press release).

National Politics
The Centrist Demo Strategy

Moderate Democrats Mark Warner and Evan Bayh attempt carve out a centrist approach to 2008 campaign, according to interesting National Journal column by John Mercurio.

Local Watch

Rocky to Moderate "Torture Question" Panel

Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson will moderate a panel discussion on the treatment of detainees by US military and intelligence personnel on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 1:30 pm at the Main Library (see press release).

New S.L. Co. Community Relations Chief

Ann Ober will join Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon's staff as the new Director of Community Relations and Diversity Affairs (see press release).

UAC's April Mgmt. Conference

Registration is now open for the Utah Association of Counties' April Management Conference. To sign up, click here.

Casual Friday

Have a great weekend!

Elected Officials Birthday List

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National Headlines

Ohio and Florida may join Mississippi, Utah and Oklahoma in banning same-sex couples from adopting (Gay People's Chronicle and Orlando Sentinel).

Nonprofit's study finds that just eleven states, including Utah, have set specific, measurable goals to track their progress in enrolling, retaining and graduating students from college (see press release).

Environmental groups file a lawsuit against the federal government, saying it has failed to protect endangered fish in the Colorado River (Associated Press).

Local Headlines

Salt Lake Tribune

- Legislative debate turns into condemnation of 'killer bee' media

- Rolly: Smoking-ban bill gets tough, with an exception

- Hatch co-sponsors measure aimed to break down trade barriers abroad

- Greens sue over 'continual decline of the humpback chub'

- New mayors share quips about life on the job

- Wind farm could face delay

- Court OKs lawmakers' perks plan, rips tactics

- Huntsman set for slew of restriction bills

- Senate sends along bill for lockup

- Lodging dispute is rural vs. urban

- Campaign funds and family members

- Bear River water project close

- Grocery tax relief a stumbling block

- Legislation briefs

- Editorial: Methamphetamine: A small, unobtrusive step toward a big problem

- Editorial: Education Funding: Surveys show taxpayers want their money used on schools

Standard-Examiner

- Editorial: Government under wraps

St. George Spectrum

- Mesa Airlines tries to build bridges

- Enoch pleased with candidates for city manager

- Op-ed: USTAR will help Southern Utah

- Editorial: Honor property rights

Daily Herald

- Houses butting heads on budget

- Committee OKs bill on FBI checks

- Regents bill back from the dead

- Utah High Court upholds sick-leave takeback

- Bills aimed at public access to records advance

- Eagle Mtn. refinances bond debt

- Editorial: Should Utah host: future Olympics?

WSU Signpost

- Larger budget could help WSU on Capitol Hill

KSL Editorial Board

- Disabled waiting list

Tooele Transcript Bulletin

- Minimum wage on agenda at Utah hearing

Deseret Morning News

- Tax-cut compromise falls apart

- Sick-leave swap dies

- Big overhaul of I-15 looms in Utah County

- Valley may get interim rail

- News fighting Salt Lake County to get report on sex-harassment case

- Legislators say gifts make up for sacrifices

- Media oppose bills restricting info access

- Minorities panel is mum on tuition bill

- Visitor's bureau lands big deal

- How much money Utah will get from Homeland Security unclear

- Hatch bill creates a trade-law enforcer

- Legislation on dangers of skiing heads to House

- Financial-incentive plan for companies advances

- Sex offenders may have to pay a fee to register

- Senate OKs bill banning rental application fees

- Nonpartisan regents bill resurfaces, advances

- Bob Bernick Jr.: Shame on rude, petty Utah lawmakers

- Op-ed: Prevent federal intrusion into education

- Editorial: A threat to open government

Please submit calendar items to Daily@UtahPolicy.com

- Feb 17: Legislative Meetings scheduled throughout day.  See Legislative calendar for details.
- Feb 17: Last day for legislators to prioritize bills and other programs with fiscal impact.
- Feb 17: Utah Farm Bureau Day at the Legislature. More than 100 volunteer leaders from within the organization of 20,000 farmers and ranchers will visit with their legislators and discuss issues pertinent and relative to agriculture.
- Feb 17: Speaker Greg J. Curtis to speak to National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, 7:30 a.m.
- Feb 17: Utah League of Women Voter's daily legislative update on KCPW 88.3 FM, 7:45 a.m..
- Feb 17: Utah Issues and AARP Utah "Citizens' Day," 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Radisson Hotel Downtown, 215 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City. Have lunch with your legislator and discuss the issues that are important to you. Free continental breakfast and a lunch will be provided. For more information and to register for this free event, visit http://www.utahissues.org/.
- Feb 17: Midday Metro on KCPW at 10 am: legislative update with Julie Rose; Michael Posner, president of Human Rights First, on the U.S. and the question of torture post-9/11.
- Feb 17: Gov. Huntsman to meet with Salt Lake Chamber Leadership Utah 2006 Class, 11 a.m., Capitol Hill, East Office Bldg., Olmstead room.
- Feb 17: RadioWest on KUER FM 90: "Building the State Budget," 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Assembling Utah's 9.7 billion dollar state budget is a complex operation, beginning with last year's budget and the governor's proposals and ending with last-minute maneuvering to get funding for various programs and priorities. Dan Bammes hosts RadioWest and examines how the state budget is actually put together and what influences legislators as they make the final decisions.
- Feb 17: Speaker Greg J. Curtis to speak to Leadership Utah, 12 p.m.
- Feb 17: Salt Lake City Shundahai Network to host a showing “Silkwood,” the story of Karen Silkwood, an employee of a nuclear facility who was purposefully contaminated, and possibly murdered to prevent her from exposing blatant safety violations at the plant,  7 p.m., Free Speech Zone, 2144 South Highland Drive, Suite 130, Salt Lake City. For more information visit here or 801-533-0128.
- Feb 18: Lt. Gov. Herbert to Keynote the Washington County Lincoln Day Breakfast, 8 a.m., The Garden Center at Dixie College, St. George.
- Feb 18: Meet and Greet with John Jacob, candidate for Utah's 3rd Congressional District, 10:15 a.m., Parks Library, 4870 S 2800 W, Taylorsville. For questions or to RSVP, call Brad Jowers at 801-473-8606, or visit www.electjohnjacob.com.
- Feb 18: Northern Utah Women's Democratic Club Luncheon, 12 p.m., Union Grill, 2501 Wall Ave., Ogden. Please RSVP to Marcie at 801-328-1212 or mswest@utdemocrats.org.
- Feb 18: Pete Ashdown, Democratic candidate for US Senate, to speak at the Utah Valley State College Linux Users Group Meeting, 12:30 p.m., Computer Science building Room 404, Orem. For more information contact Brett Garner at brett@pashdown.org.
- Feb 20: Utah League of Women Voter's daily legislative update on KCPW 88.3 FM, 7:45 a.m.
- Feb 20: Midday Metro on KCPW at 10 a.m. includes a legislative update with Julie Rose; plus The Bottom Line at 10:30 focuses on Utah's Olympic past, present and future with Lane Beattie of the Salt Lake Chamber, Leigh von der Esch, Utah Office of Tourism, and Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson. Join the conversation by calling 801-355-TALK during the show, or sending an email to midday@kcpw.org.
- Feb 20: Democrats of Southern Utah Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Dixie Center, 1835 Convention Center Drive. Speaker Bill Mader, Administration of Red Cliff Desert Reserve. For reservations call Jan Patrick 435-652-2096.
- Feb 20: State Chamber Government Affairs, 12 to 2 pm, 4112 State Office Bldg.
- Feb 20: Washington County Democratic Executive Committee Dinner/meeting, 6 p.m., JB's Restaurant. During the meeting the County Democratic Precinct "Mass Meetings" of March 21st will be planned. All are welcome to attend.
- Feb 21: Chamber Legislative Affairs Committee, 12 noon, Beehive Room, East Capitol.
- Feb 21: Pete Ashdown, Democratic candidate for US Senate, to speak at the Ogden Exchange Club, Ogden Golf and Country Club, 12 p.m., 4197 Washington Blvd, Ogden. Contact jktrenholm@aol.com to attend.
- Feb 21: Pete Ashdown, candidate for U.S. Senate, to give presentation to Weber State University College Democrats, Shepherd Union Building, room 338, Ogden. For more information contact Brett Garner at brett@pashdown.org.
- Feb 21: Davis County Democrats Constitution Essay Awards Presentations, 5:30 p.m., Davis District School Board Meeting, auditorium at 45 State Street, Farmington. Subject of the essay was "What the Constitution Means to Me," and the contest was open to all eighth grade students in Davis County. The general public is invited.
- Feb 21: Salt Lake County Lincoln Day Dinner, 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. dinner, Little America Hotel. The event will be a celebration of Senator Orrin G. Hatch's 30 years in the Senate.  For more information contact Jeremy Roberts at 801-867-0991 or lincolndinner@aol.com.
- Feb 21: Cache Democrats to Sponsor Community Forum "Health Care Reform in Utah: Why and How," 7 to 9 p.m., Cache County Building multipurpose room, 179 N Main, Logan. Dr. Joseph Q. Jarvis, President of the Utah Health Alliance, will speak. The forum is open to all members of the community.

- Feb 22: Final meeting for the Executive Appropriations Committee on all budget matters.
- Feb 22: Envision Utah’s new resource, Compact Housing: Markets, Realities, Concerns and Solutions, to be unveiled, 9 a.m., Gallivan Center, 239 South Main Street. Contact Kevin Fayles at kfayles@cuf-envision.org or 303-1462 to reserve a seat.  The forum costs $20.
- Feb 22: Hinckley Institute of Politics Forum "Energy in the 21st Century?" 2 p.m. A talk by Matt Simmons, Chairman Simmons & Company International; 2006 Distinguished Alumni, U of U author, Twilight in the Desert: The Coming Saudi Oil Shock and the World Economy.
- Feb 22: Utah Transit Authority Board of Trustees Meeting, 2:30 p.m., Board Room, Administration Building at the Meadowbrook Facility, 3600 South 700 West, Salt Lake City.
- Feb 22: Lt. Gov. Herbert to Keynote the Summit County Lincoln Day Dinner, 5:30 p.m., The Canyons Resort in Park City.

- Feb 23: Lt. Gov. Herbert to speak at the annual meeting of the Special Service District Association, 9:30 a.m., Auditorium in the State Office Building at the Capitol.
- Feb 23: Lt. Gov. Herbert to Keynote the annual meeting of the Utah Water Conservation Forum, 12 p.m., Jordan School District Office, 9361 S 300 E, Sandy.
- Feb 23: Congressman Jim Matheson to speak at Dixie State College, 2 p.m., Main State Theatre. Topics will include growth in Washington County and the future for the County.  In additional, he will discuss the role of Dixie State College and make observations regarding possible curriculum developments and applicability over the next few years. There is no charge to attend.
- Feb 23: Lt. Gov. Herbert to Keynote the Manufacturer of the Year Awards Banquet, 5:30 p.m., State Room at the Capitol.
- Feb 23: An evening with Senator Mitch McConnell to celebrate the launch of Congressman Chris Cannon’s 2006 campaign, 6 p.m. VIP reception, 7 p.m. dinner, Little America Hotel, 500 S Main, Salt Lake City. Tickets $150, VIP Reception $1000, table of 8 with 2 vip tickets $2000.  To RSVP call Whitney 801-368-5777 or email rsvp@chriscannon.com.
- Feb 23: Davis County Democratic Party 2006 President's Month Dinner, 6:30 p.m., Davis Applied Technology College, 550 E 300 S, Kaysville. Dinner, Special guests, future candidates, and drawings for door prizes. Tickets are $25 per person or purchase a table for eight at $160. For tickets call 801-721-4002 or 801-543-3364.
- Feb 23: Salt Lake County Libertarian Party Meeting, 7 p.m., Rocky Mountain Pizza Company, 3977 Wasatch Blvd., Holladay.
- Feb 24: Bonding bill available to legislators by noon and final action taken on it by calendared closing time.
- Feb 24: Last day to pass bills with fiscal note of $10,000 or more.
- Feb 24: Pete Ashdown, Democratic candidate for US Senate, to speak at the Murray Chamber of Commerce Eggs and Issues Forum, 7:30 a.m., Mimi's Cafe 5300 S State, Murray. For more information contact Brett Garner at brett@pashdown.org.
- Feb 24: Hinckley Institute of Politics Forum "Terrorist Financing: Preventing Another 9/11," 10:45 a.m. Jeff Breinholt, Acting Chief, Counter terrorism Section, Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice.
- Feb 24: Lt. Gov. Herbert to Keynote the Opening Ceremony of the Black Chamber of Commerce, 11 a.m., 1747 S. 900 W., Salt Lake.
- Feb 24: Lt. Gov. Herbert to Keynote the Weber County Lincoln Day Dinner, 5:30 p.m., Eccles Conference Center in Ogden.
- Feb 24: Davis County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner, 7 p.m., Davis Conference Center, Layton. This event will feature Larry H. Miller as keynote speaker. Other invited guests include Sen. Orrin Hatch, Rep. Rob Bishop and Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert. Contact Duard Pedersen for details at dpederson@utdavisgop.org or call 801-554-1875.
- Feb 24: Candidate for U.S. Senate Pete Ashdown Meet and greet hosted by Dr. Raymond Ward, Lakeview Hospital Community Classroom, 630 Medical Dr, Bountiful. Discussion on Democracy 2.0 and health care solutions. For more information contact Brett Garner, 801-983-7383 or brett@peteashdown.org.
- Feb 25: Utah Rally for Peace meeting, 2:15 to 5 pm, Salt Lake City Main Library Auditorium.
- Feb 25: Lt. Gov. Herbert to Keynote the Box Elder Lincoln Day Dinner, 6 p.m., Maddox Ranch House in Perry.

- Feb 26: Last day for a motion to reconsider in 2006 General Legislative Session.
- Feb 26: Last day to consider bills from own house.
- Feb 27: General appropriations bill, supplemental appropriations bill, and school finance bill available to legislators by calendared floor time and final action taken on each bill by calendared closing time.
- Feb 27: Chamber Legislative Affairs Committee, 12 noon, Beehive Room, East Capitol.
- Feb 27: State Chamber Government Affairs, 12 to 2 pm, 4112 State Office Bldg.

- See the entire calendar