News Highlights

John Jacob plans to run for Utah office again and says that next time he'll bring more money and seek establishment endorsements from bigwigs like Pres. Bush (Deseret Morning News). It’s now Democratic candidate’s turn to take on Cannon (Morning News).

Lots of national coverage of the 3rd District primary. See Washington Watch and Blog Watch below for all the links.

Quote of the Day

"In the end, you have to do what you think is the right thing to do. I'm sent here to go through the issues and to make a decision. If the public doesn't like that decision, they can always change me."

-- Sen. Bob Bennett commenting on his vote against the flag amendment (Morning News).

Who is LaVar Christensen?

With the primary election over, we can now focus on the main event. The most interesting general election race will likely be the 2nd Congressional District contest between Rep. Jim Matheson and Republican challenger LaVar Christensen, even though most people expect Matheson to handily win.

Unlike previous years when Republicans had spirited primaries in the 2nd District, Christensen won the nomination in the GOP convention and has been publicly quiet ever since, although he has been hard at work behind the scenes. So Christensen is completely unknown to the vast majority of 2nd District voters. He has an enormous – and expensive -- task ahead to build his name ID and become familiar to voters in the district where Matheson is arguably more popular even than Gov. Jon Huntsman.

But Christensen also has the opportunity, if his campaign is skillful enough, to define himself before voters. Unlike past GOP nominee John Swallow, who emerged from two primaries battered, bruised, broke and already sporting high negatives and a splintered GOP base, Christensen is a clean slate and has the opportunity to create his own image and shape public perceptions.

It will be expensive to shape that image and become known to voters, but that task is crucial if Christensen is to have a chance against Matheson. I doubt Matheson will immediately go on the offensive and try to define Christensen before he has a chance to define himself, but Matheson won’t sit back and be passive.

After all, the 2nd District is still a Republican district, despite Matheson’s success, and Matheson can never just assume he’s going to win. He will approach this race in full-scale battle mode and won’t take Christensen for granted.

Blog Watch

At the Senate Site blog, Sen. Lyle Hillyard says: "After reading the material sent by the 2015 Transportation Alliance, I was left with so many questions that I could not vote for the ballot initiative as proposed (if I lived in one of the affected counties). There has to be time to discuss, analyze, and shape the proposal so that instead of losing a year (there are local elections in 2007), we do not lose 10 years with the sting of a negative vote in one (or all) of the affected counties"... At NRO's The Corner, John Derbyshire says of Rep. Chris Cannon's 3rd Congressional District victory over John Jacob: "It would have been nice for the pro-enforcement side of the immigration issue if Cannon had gone down. Still, 56-44 is pretty darn good against a 5-term incumbent, by an erratic & inexperienced candidate, in a Mormon district. (For reasons to do with Mormon theology, Mormons are keen on the immigration of Native Americans.)" (see also here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here)... Paul Rolly says: "It seems the big winner in Tuesday's primary election was Zions Bank, and the banking industry in general"... Phil Windley says: "[Tuesday] I used the new touch-screen voting systems for the first time. My initial reaction was that they were easy to use and very clear about what was happening at each stage. The ability to check your ballot and compare it with the paper ballot that the machine prints is a great improvement over punch cards"... Steven Petersen finds that life in the political middle suits him just fine... Paul Allen says: "Imagine if every elected official could get 1,000 responses from constituents on any question that came up. A personal, instant poll. And imagine if they could write their own survey questions, point to it from their blog, and get the survey results in hours as well as comments on their blog to provide them with texture. The web provides this power. The question is, will any candidate embrace it and use it in a way that empowers the rest of us and could create the most energized campaign in history?"... The Wasatch Front says of Sen. Orrin Hatch's defeated flag protection amendment: "I think flag-burning is uncultured, juvenile, and stupid; the rare occasions the media deigns to show a picture of protestors burning a flag, my opinions are reinforced. But amending the Constitution to deal with this is wrong" (see also here)... The RCP Blog says: "Mitt Romney is quickly emerging as the only plausible '08 alternative for social conservatives to more socially moderate frontrunners Rudy Giuliani and John McCain (and, yes, I'm putting them in that order for a reason). The elephant in the room, however ... is Romney's Mormonism. Evangelical conservatives are uncomfortable with it -- not necessarily hostile, but totally in the dark as to what Mormonism even is. (It's bad luck for Romney that Big Love had to start this year -- even if GOP primary voters aren't exactly HBO's target demographic.)" (see also here).

-- Compiled by Golden Webb

Ashdown Goes on Offensive

Senate candidate Pete Ashdown says Sen. Orrin Hatch's defeated flag protection amendment proposal was "a distracting political power-play [meant to] stir up jingoism this election year" (see press release); Ashdown assails the "pure greed" and "arrogance" of Utah's Republican congressional delegation, praises Rep. Jim Matheson for "exhibiting true courage" by opposing the automatic congressional cost-of-living pay raise, and proposes that any raise in congressional wages be tied to an increase in the federal minimum wage (press release).

UTC 'Hall of Fame' Dinner

The Utah Technology Council announces "its eighth annual 'Hall of Fame' awards dinner. The celebration will honor and induct technology leaders Dr. Jim Kajiya and Dr. Dinesh Patel. The black-tie event will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, at the Little America Hotel, 500 S. Main, Salt Lake City" (see press release); the dinner will feature Microsoft president and CEO, Steve Ballmer, as its distinguished keynote speaker (press release).

Local Government Watch

Rocky's Soccer Stadium Proposal

The Salt Lake City Mayor's Office has posted a summary and list of benefits of Rocky Anderson's proposal to house a major league soccer stadium at the Utah State Fairpark.

Washington Watch

Cannon Victory Sends Message?

Rep. Chris Cannon says his victory over John Jacob in Utah's 3rd Congressional District primary sends the message to Washington that "you don't have to worry about xenophobes. You can focus on America and what is good for America and where we are going, because America is a wonderful place" (CNN); political analysts say the message of Cannon's victory "is clear: Republican incumbents standing behind President Bush's immigration reforms can survive political challenges from party conservatives calling for a crackdown and expulsion" (Associated Press); U.S. House Majority Leader John Boehner, asked if a message could be taken from Cannon's victory, says: "I don't believe so. These are local races" (Washington Times); Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, says Cannon's victory will be "very helpful" in drumming up support for Bush's proposed immigration reforms (Bloomberg); Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo refuses "to eat crow" after Cannon's victory, which came in spite of attacks from a Tancredo-founded PAC. Says Tancredo: "We're winning this battle. I guarantee that Chris Cannon is going to be a lot more disposed to voting for tougher immigration policies than he was before, and I'm happy about that" (Rocky Mountain News); conservative columnist bemoans Cannon's victory and says of Jacob's "Satan" comments: "I personally sympathize with Mr. Jacob's comment about fighting the devil because in a prior campaign when the Bush administration forces reached in behind the scenes to almost steal a race I was working intensely on, it felt very dark and powerful in a spiritual sense. The old adage 'Somethings are better left unsaid' certainly applies here (The Conservative Voice).

The Hatch Report

Sen. Orrin Hatch and other members of the Senate Judiciary Committee hear testimony from critics of the $1.2 trillion hedge fund industry (Bloomberg); Utah businessman and Overstock Chief Executive Patrick Byrne rejects suggestions that Hatch sought Wednesday's hearing as a favor to Overstock, saying: "I think Orrin Hatch is far more concerned with the good of the country than one constituent in Utah" (Dow Jones); Hatch says hedge funds "are the Wild West of our financial markets. It's critical that the power and influence that hedge funds have obtained be exercised responsibly" (Forbes, Reuters, and Hatch press release); Hatch says untraceable hedge fund naked short-selling "could really kill the marketplace, if that's widespread" (The Hill); Senate committee approves Hatch's Dietary Supplement and Nonprescription Drug Consumer Protection Act (press release); Hatch intruduces legislation that would create a more comprehensive system of heath savings accounts, "providing Americans with greater choice and helping limit out-of-control medical costs" (press release); Senate subcomittee considers Hatch-sponsored legislation that would "allow Juab County to use Central Utah Project funds to complete water resource development projects" (press release).

Bennett: Hatch is Sincere

Sen. Bob Bennett says of Sen. Hatch's defeated flag protection amendment: "This is not something [Hatch] is doing for any cheap political purpose. He is sincerely committed to the idea that protecting the flag is an essential thing for us to do...I respect that, and I am with him. But I cannot quite bring myself to amend the Constitution in the manner that he suggests for those purposes" (Christian Science Monitor); articles look at Bennett's Data Security Act of 2006, which seeks to create a national data protection and breach notification standard (Digital Transactions and Computer World).

Matheson Joins in Amendment

Rep. Jim Matheson joins "a bipartisan group of lawmakers in introducing an amendment to increase funding for a federal crime-fighting grant program by $50 million" (see press release).

Utah in the National News

Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich, gearing up for his re-election campaign, will name a legally blind former Utahn and Mormon mother of two, Kristen Cox, as his running mate (Washington Post, Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Sun, and Sun columnist).

Local Headlines

Deseret Morning News

- Demo gunning for Cannon

- Jacob planning another run

- Bennett defends Senate flag vote

- Islanders' firms thriving

- Riverton manager quits amid charges

- Dugway tests detection system

- Technical glitches delay election results

- One brother falters, 2 others advance

- S.L., Dixie meetings assess bird flu risk

- Riverton to get liquor store

- Sierra Club official hails late activist

- Office space hard to find

- State consumer committee receives 2 new appointees

- Editorial: Primary election postmortem

City Weekly

- Hits & Misses

- To Hell With It: There's a reason Utah politics gives the devil his due

- Primary Dispute: A Democratic leader has some party memberts steamed

- Bucking Tradition: The LDS Church has frequently redefined the notion of marriage

Logan Herald Journal

- County attorney race has Daines leading slightly over Chambers

KCPW

- Utah 2006 primary election results

- Rolly picks Cannon for sixth term

- Kennard ramps up for general election

- Bush endorsement key to Cannon win

Daily Herald

- E-voting goes off smoothly

- Voting comments

- Wal-Mart in Saratoga Springs

- Ferrin of two minds on recount

- Mapleton looks for a mayor

- Editorial: Keep the buzz low, please

Park Record

- Voting machines debut to praise

- 'Radical change' needed in green policies

- Attorney General stands up for kids

- Weyher wants jury to decide DUI case

- Editorial: Separate party primaries violate voters' privacy rights

KSL Editorial Board

- Another viewpoint

Davis County Clipper

- Gas tax hike needed, COG told

- Davis Chamber, Beattie to debate sales tax hike

- Davis County rated fiscally healthy

- W. Bountiful chafes over share of RDA pie

- Success against pandemic starts with individual

- Bountiful officially adopts Chesterfield, Idaho, as its sister city

- Farmington endorses '06-07 budget

- Employers more bullish on hiring

- Gasoline prices stabilize, but remain high

- Corroon launches Smart Sprinkling public education campaign

Salt Lake Tribune

- Vote adds fuel to immigration battle

- Riverton accepts resignation of City Manager Cram

- County Council urges special session

- Condos sign of South S.L. renaissance

- Election results web site experiences computer glitch

- Mullen: Primary dodges issues again

- Alcohol sales: Restaurant, no; Riverton store, yes

- How did primary affect the schools?

- St. George job availability skyrockets

- Office space disappearing

- Pacific Islander-owned firms outpace others, census says

- Editorial: Campaign finance: Supreme Court wrong to equate free speech with money

Please submit calendar items to Daily@UtahPolicy.com

- June 29: Privately Owned Healthcare Organization Task Force, 9 a.m., room W135.
- June 29: Gov. Huntsman's KUED Monthly News Conference, 10 a.m., KUED Studios.
- June 29: Midday Metro at 10 a.m. on KCPW 88.3 FM is co-hosted today by the NAACP's Jeanetta Williams and Edward Lewis Jr. Special guests include Sally Valdez, Anna Cutler, James Green and Phil Uipi. They'll talk about what life is like for minorities in Utah. Your comments and questions are welcome: call 801-355-TALK or send emails to midday@kcpw.org.
- June 29: RadioWest on KUER FM 90: "Washington County Growth and Conservation Act," 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Utah's Washington County is the 5th fastest growing county in the US, and everyone involved agrees that a strategy is needed to manage that growth. Guest host Jennifer Napier-Pearce talks to Senator Bob Bennett, Congressman Jim Matheson and others about strategies and compromise for growth.
- June 29: Meet and Greet Pete Ashdown, 6 p.m., offices of Pace Pollard Architects, 256 East 100 South, Salt Lake. Hosted by John Pace and Ken Pollard. Contact nancy@peteashdown.org for more information.
- June 29: Washington County Republican Party County Central Committee Meeting, 7 p.m., The Dixie Center, St. George. Party business and possible bylaw changes will be discussed.
- June 30: Applications due for the Salt Lake Chamber's Leadership Utah class. To learn more, click here.
- July 1: Green Party Honk 'n' Wave for Peace "U.S. Out of Iraq, Now," featuring Bob Brister, Green Candidate for Utah's 2nd Congressional District, 9 to 10 a.m., NW corner, intersection of 700 E and 2100 S, Salt Lake City. For more information see www.bristerforcongress.org.
- July 1: Young Democrats of Utah free public barbeque, 4 to 8 p.m., Sugarhouse Park, Central Pavilion, 1300 East 2100 South, Salt Lake City. Democratic candidates, please sign up to bring your favorite side dish to share. For more info or to RSVP, please call Remington at 801-792-2802.
- July 4: Lt. Gov. Herbert to participate in Freedom Festival Parade, 9 a.m., Provo.
- July 5: Special Districts Subcommittee of the Political Subdivisions Interim Committee, 9 a.m., room W125.
- July 5: Lt. Gov. Herbert to host Mayor Olaf Raschke and staff of Meissen, Germany at the Utah State Capitol Complex, 4 p.m., Salt Lake City.
- July 6: Administrative Rules Review Committee, 9 a.m., room W135.
- July 7: Closing the Achievement Gap for Hispanic Youth presentation by Barbara Lovejoy, Director of the nonprofit Generación Floreciente, 12:00-1:30, Lamb's Café, 169 S. Main, Salt Lake.  For more information or to register contact Barbara at 801-466-1117 or bclovejoy@msn.com.
- July 8: Cache Democrats monthly breakfast meeting, 8 a.m., Cabin Fever Cafe, 180 W 1200 S, Logan.
- July 13: Water Issues Task Force, 9 a.m., Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District.
- July 15: Green Party Honk 'n' Wave for Peace "U.S. Out of Iraq, Now," featuring Bob Brister, Green Candidate for Utah's 2nd Congressional District, 9 to 10 a.m., NW corner, intersection of 700 E and 2100 S, Salt Lake City. For more information see www.bristerforcongress.org.
- July 17: Retirement and Independent Entities Interim Committee, 9 a.m., room W135.
- July 18: Utah House Republican Caucus Annual Bowler's Ball Fundraiser, meet and greet at 6 p.m., bowling at 7 p.m., Shepherd’s All Star Lanes, 1776 W. 7800 South, West Jordan. Prizes for best team score and best dressed bowling team. Four-team sponsorship is $1,250; individual tickets, $400. RSVP to Mary Blase by July 12 at 801-318-6307 or bowling@alexanders.com.
- July 19: Political Subdivisions Interim Committee, 2 p.m., room W025.
- July 29: Utah Democratic Family Reunion, 12 p.m., Washington Park (located just east of the Mountain Dell Golf Course). Democrats from all over Utah are invited to bring the whole family to this event where there will be games, food and an opportunity to get to know one another better.
- Aug 3: G.O.Pen Golf Tournament, 1 p.m. registration, Thanksgiving Point, Lehi. Followed by the annual GOP Summer BBQ at 6 p.m. with Gov. Jon Huntsman. For more info contact Abby Balfour at 801-533-9777 or abby@UTGOP.org.
- Aug 4: Water Issues Task Force, 9 a.m., room W135.
- Aug 5: Green Party Honk 'n' Wave for Peace "U.S. Out of Iraq, Now," featuring Bob Brister, Green Candidate for Utah's 2nd Congressional District, 9 to 10 a.m., NW corner, intersection of 700 E and 2100 S, Salt Lake City. For more information see www.bristerforcongress.org.
- Aug 19: Green Party Honk 'n' Wave for Peace "U.S. Out of Iraq, Now," featuring Bob Brister, Green Candidate for Utah's 2nd Congressional District, 9 to 10 a.m., NW corner, intersection of 700 E and 2100 S, Salt Lake City. For more information see www.bristerforcongress.org.
- Aug 31: Water Issues Task Force, 9 a.m., room W125.
- Sept 2: Green Party Honk 'n' Wave for Peace "U.S. Out of Iraq, Now," featuring Bob Brister, Green Candidate for Utah's 2nd Congressional District, 9 to 10 a.m., NW corner, intersection of 700 E and 2100 S, Salt Lake City. For more information see www.bristerforcongress.org.
- Sept 6: Special Districts Subcommittee of the Political Subdivisions Interim Committee, 9 a.m., room W125.
- Sept 7: Salute to Hometown Military Heroes of Davis & Weber Counties, 5:30 p.m. VIP reception and silent auction, 7 p.m. dinner and program, Davis Conference Center Ballroom, Layton. For more information see www.hometownmilitaryheroes.com.
- Sept 9: Cache County Democrats Annual Picnic, 5 p.m., Wilson Park, Logan.
- Sept 16: Green Party Honk 'n' Wave for Peace "U.S. Out of Iraq, Now," featuring Bob Brister, Green Candidate for Utah's 2nd Congressional District, 9 to 10 a.m., NW corner, intersection of 700 E and 2100 S, Salt Lake City. For more information see www.bristerforcongress.org.
- Oct 10: Coalition for Utah’s Future, sponsor of Envision Utah, 11th annual Common Good Awards Luncheon, 11:45 a.m., Little America Hotel, 500 South Main Street, Salt Lake City. The Coalition will recognize those entities from the public and private sectors that have previously received a Common Good Award. Contact Kevin Fayles at 801-303-1462 or kfayles@cuf-envision.org for reservations.
- Oct 19: Utah Intergovermental Roundtable's Summit
- Nov 15-17: Utah Association of Counties Annual Convention, Dixie Center, St. George.
- Nov 15: Salt Lake Chamber 30th Annual Women and Business Conference and Athena Award Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Grand America Hotel, 555 South Main Street, Salt Lake City. Cokie Roberts, senior news analyst for NPR as well as political commentator for ABC News, will be the keynote speaker. To learn more or register, visit www.saltlakechamber.org.
- Jan 31: County Officials Day at the Legislature, Utah State Capitol.

- See the entire calendar

Elected Officials Birthday List

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