Candidate Lists Finalized Today
There will be a little tension and excitement in the air today as candidates for various offices await the 5 p.m. filing deadline to see who they will be running against. The final list of candidates for legislative and higher offices will be available at the State Elections Office web site. The list of county candidates can be viewed at the web sites of the large counties and otherwise at county clerk’s offices.
There are some very interesting legislative races shaping up with a lot of candidates filing in the open seats. A number of legislators are retiring or trying to move to the Senate, and a few former lawmakers are attempting comebacks. The newspapers should have complete coverage of the filings in Saturday’s editions, and Utah Policy Daily will do some analysis in coming days.
Washington Watch
Hatch Endorses Kempthorne
Sen. Orrin Hatch endorses Pres. Bush's nomination of Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne to replace Gale Norton as Secretary of the Interior (press release); Hatch endorses legislation that would "allow business and trade associations to band together and offer group health insurance to small business owners and working families" (see press release).
Bennett Aims at Social Sec. Reform
Sen. Bob Bennett introduces legislation aimed at fixing "the looming Social Security solvency crisis" (see press release); Bennett also endorses the Kempthorne nomination (press release).
Matheson: Postpone March Recess
Rep. Jim Matheson asks House Speaker Dennis Hastert to forgo adjourning for March recess until Congress "averts an imminent financial crisis and addresses the nation's debt limit" (see press release); Matheson reacts to Private Fuel Storage's overtures to the feds to take on the nation's N-waste (press release).
Podcast Watch
Magna, Tolling and SheDaisy
Jennifer Napier-Pearce’s InsideUtah.com podcast this week features an eclectic line-up with a focus on Magna and the Salt Lake Valley's West-Side: Magna Times editor Lelia Pollett with a township portrait (:52); Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon on plans for the West Bench (3:32); environmental engineer Ivan Weber (8:18) and Kennecott Land V-P Vicki Varela (13:36) on the safety issues of building on mining land; Lori Weintz on a West Bench toll road (18:24); and Salt Lake City Weekly music critic Bill Frost (23:25) on Magna’s own country-rock trio SheDaisy.
Blog Watch
Green Jello questions whether Mormonism is compatible with liberalism... Utah Democrats discusses how to turn the reddest state in the country blue... YDems says the Utah County Democratic Party is going "to hell in a handbasket"... SLCSpin says Sen. Orrin Hatch "believes [re-election] campaigns are little more than annoying formalities"... Phil Windley notes the upcoming neighborhood party caucuses.
Casual Friday
An Early Spring Adventure
There may still be some white stuff on the ground, but March is on the march and lamb-like weather will soon summon us to some early spring hiking.
The old standby spring hiking locations are, of course, the Moab area, Zion National Park, and the Escalante Canyons region. Hundreds of wonderful hikes beckon in those areas.
But one unique hike that few Utahns have attempted is 9,725-foot Notch Peak in the West Desert in Millard County, about 200 miles southwest of Salt Lake City. The attraction is a breath-taking 2,000-foot vertical cliff followed by another 1,000-foot drop, and great views in all directions once you’re on top. The hike also features ancient bristlecone pines.
The Standard-Examiner did an interesting story last year about rock climbers who actually go up the face of the cliff (certainly not recommended except for anyone except top experts). The newspaper feature includes terrific photos, a map, and description of the hike.
There is another good Notch Peak feature at Gorp.com, and another at DesertIslands.org with a lot of good photos.
Cool weather is the best time to go, but obviously don’t attempt this hike if there is still ice and snow anywhere on the trail. |
