News Highlights

Gov. Huntsman appoints biotechnology and venture capital entrepreneur Dinesh Patel as the Utah Science Technology and Research board's first chairman (Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret Morning News).

Big question:  How do election officials do a vote recount? (Tribune).

Quote of the Day

“It is one of those subtle cultural quirks that make Utah such a great place to live, work, and, yes, volunteer.”

-- KSL Radio/TV editorial noting a national study showing Utah leading the nation in volunteer service.

Buhler Edges Closer to Race

It’s still early, but Salt Lake City Council member Dave Buhler seems to be close to crossing the line from active exploration of a mayoral bid to being all but certain about running in 2007. He recently sent a letter and survey to a few hundred friends, constituents and supporters saying he is “leaning toward running” and will make a final decision soon.

The survey included with the letter asked for feedback about issues facing the city, strengths and weaknesses of Buhler and current Mayor Rocky Anderson, and support for a Buhler candidacy. Buhler said that while the survey was not scientific, the responses, overall, “have been very positive.” Buhler earlier commissioned a professional poll that he said shows he can win in Salt Lake City. Buhler is a Republican in a heavily Democratic city, but he’s been on the City Council for more than six years and he knows the city and the issues well.

The Debate Over Minimum Wage

In his weekly Tea Leaves economic update newsletter,  Utah economist Jeff Thredgold discusses the proposal to increase the minimum wage. His own opinion? It should be adjusted modestly upward to stay even with inflation.

Local Government Watch

SLC West Side Featured

A new edition of Strictly Business, the quarterly newsletter of the Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development, has been published, this edition focusing on west side development opportunities. To read it, click here.

WFRC Newsletter

The Wasatch Front Regional Council has belatedly posted its June newsletter. It highlights plans for the coming year, including a goal of developing a unified statewide funding plan for transportation and winning approval in the next legislative session. To read it, click here.

MAG Newsletter

The Mountainland Association of Governments has posted its July newsletter. To read it, click here.

Washington Watch

Editorial Backs Hatch Supplement Bill

Editorial endorses legislation sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch that would establish a mandatory uniform reporting system for adverse health effects related to dietary supplements and all over-the-counter drugs (The Pantagraph).

Cannon Win Still Making Waves

Columnist Ruben Navarette notes: "Rep. Chris Cannon beat back a primary challenge fueled by opposition to his support for comprehensive [immigration] reform, including giving illegal immigrants a shot at citizenship. During the campaign, Cannon repeatedly said to voters, 'racism and xenophobia are not Republican virtues.' Good for him. Let's hope that Cannon is correct..." (San Diego Union-Tribune); Cannon's primary victory "will be cited throughout the summer as political evidence that core Republican voters want more than simply border security" (Sacramento Bee); the Weekly Standard's Fred Barnes says of John Jacob's loss to Cannon: "If an anti-immigration candidate can't win [in Utah], I don't know where they are going to win" (Fox News).

Blog Watch

The American Scene, in a post on likely '08 presidential candidate Mitt Romney's Mormonism, says: "[T]he Republican primaries would be tough on Romney, and he would be a ripe target for an enterprising Rove wannabe with a taste for dirty campaigns. A few flyers about polygamy in South Carolinian mailboxes, or some push-poll telephone calls about the weirdness of the Book of Mormon in the Catholic Midwest ... well, you get the idea. And things wouldn't get any easier in the general election, when the media would suddenly discover all sorts of juicy details about Joseph Smith's faith that are just crying out for a Time cover story, or a 60 Minutes special. If you think that journalists have had a field day with George W. Bush's fairly banal brand of evangelical Christianity, well, you ain't seen nuthin' yet. And with the press busy stirring up the Democrats' anti-fundamentalist base, there would be a grand opportunity for a Dem presidential candidate who was willing to tack right a bit on social issues (Mark Warner, perhaps?) and thereby pick up support from evangelical and Catholic voters who find the notion of a President who wears sacred underwear a little unnerving" (see also here, here, here, and here)... The World, According to Me says: "Something that I don't think has been brought up yet in the flag-burning debate: Sen. Bob Bennett's bill would have been a statute to do basically the same thing as Orrin Hatch's amendment. Only, it would have had a more immediate impact. So, if you truly wanted to stop flag burning, you would vote for the Bennett bill, right? Orrin Hatch voted against it. Let me say it again: Orrin Hatch voted AGAINST a bill to ban flag burning. You see, with Senator Hatch, it's not about actual flag burning, it's about making the statement"... At Out of Context, Heather May reports: "Salt Lake City Councilman Dave Buhler remains coy about his plans to run for mayor. Officially, he still is 'seriously considering' it. But he also says things like, 'It's too early to announce.' He'll do it 'when people are paying attention.' Asked if he's waiting for Mayor Rocky Anderson to announce whether he will seek a third term, Buhler says no. 'I don't care what he does.' That pretty much sums up the relationship between the council and mayor."

-- Compiled by Golden Webb

Reader Response

Flattery Through Imitation

An alert reader wrote to say he found the following note at the bottom of an on-line Tribune article:

“Attention political junkies: Get your daily fix from The Tribune's "Out of Context" political blog at http://blogs.sltrib.com/utahpolitics.” “Isn't this plagiarism?” the reader asked. “Isn't this your slogan?”

We have been using the phrase, “Where political junkies get their daily fix” under the newsletter masthead and on the UtahPolicy.com web site for a couple of years, since the beginning. But it’s a pretty generic phrase and we haven’t attempted to legally protect it. So I wouldn’t call it plagiarism, just sincere imitation.

Wise Words

"You can't hardly find a law school in the country that don't, through some inherent weakness, turn out a senator or congressman from time to time...if their rating is real low, even a president." —Will Rogers (Source: The Federalist Patriot)

Best of Late Night Humor

(Source:  The Federalist Patriot)

David Letterman: "Top Signs You're At A Bad Fireworks Display": What you call a fireworks display, the police call arson; Best part was when the bug zapper fell in the pool; Only celebrity they could get is the Geico lizard; Al Gore shuts it down because of atmosphere-warming sulfur emissions; It starts at noon; It's just a couple of guys yelling, "Ka-Boom!"; Finale of show: A stick of dynamite blows up your car; Fireworks form a colorful image of CNN personality Larry King; You're handed a program and a business card of several personal injury attorneys.

Jay Leno: The other day a 140-year-old tree fell on the White House lawn because of the storm. Well actually, it was a combination of factors that brought the tree down: the weather, the age of the tree, and of course, Patrick Kennedy's car.... Terrible rains in Washington, DC [last] week. In fact, Karl Rove's office was leaking again. ... It rained so hard in Washington, President Bush had to take shelter in a theater showing Al Gore's movie. ... Major flooding struck all parts of the federal government. In fact, the FEMA office had over three feet of water in it. Here's the sad part: They still don't know! ... A prominent Polish politician in Poland escaped a drunk driving arrest after he told the police he was only using vodka as a mouthwash. And today, Patrick Kennedy said, "That's what happened to me." ... Anybody see "The Lakehouse," that new movie? Keanu Reeves plays a man stuck in the year 2004, as we call him—John Kerry. It's about a man and a woman having a relationship, but they never actually meet or see each other. They just communicate by leaving notes—or as the Clintons call that, a "marriage." ... And it looks like there's problem in the Democratic ranks. It seems tension between Hillary Clinton and Senate Democrat leader Harry Reid are reportedly so high, it's almost like Hillary's married to him.

Utah in the National News

Columnist says of Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney's Mormonism: "In the end, I believe Romney's religion will settle somewhere between non-factor and slight advantage [should he choose to run for president in '08]. Far harder to handle will be the spotlight turned on Romney's record of accomplishment, should he make it past a few early primaries, especially in the South" (Boston Herald).

Local Headlines

Salt Lake Tribune

- Confusion clouds Utah vote recount

- Whole Foods may pick SLC

- Hotel tax: Two for the money

- Nominee blames a memory lapse; it costs him a key government job

- Invasive weeds threaten native species, cause havoc

- Invasive plants on rampage

- Teachers appeal benefits ruling

- UVSC hires state lawmaker to bolster its business image

- In-state tuition for immigrants may be in peril

- HEAL director leaves environmental activism for business, law schooling

- Pleasant Grove to get hotel

- Governor appoints entrepreneur as first USTAR chairman

Standard-Examiner

- Some landslide victims looking for restitution through lawsuits

- Editorial: Intolerance, confirmed

City Weekly

- Hits & Misses

- Single Issue State

- Rocky On? As Mayor Anderson mulls a third term, Republicans think they have a shot at Salt Lake City's top job

- Editorial: Flag of Convenience: Hatch's flag desecration amendment failed narrowly -- thanks to Bennett

BYU NewsNet

- Can a Latter-day Saint become president?

Daily Herald

- Developer to build two hotels, convention center; Sundance Commons gets new co-developer

- Mapleton grapples with mayor choice

- Vote's in: New machines are a hit

KCPW

- Nuclear waste storage debate rages on

- $65-million research initiative underway

- Major hotel and convention center set for Pl. Grove

KSL Editorial Board

- The volunteer state

Park Record

- Voters oust senator with ties to Summit County

Deseret Morning News

- Ute leader 'in dark' on finances

- Aid considered for slide victims

- Appointee withdrew nomination amid query

- Economic growth initiative under way

- Embassy Suites unveils plans for Pleasant Grove hotel

- Editorial: Driving laws save teen lives

Please submit calendar items to Daily@UtahPolicy.com

- July 6: Administrative Rules Review Committee, 9 a.m., room W135.
- July 6: Pete Ashdown to speak at Anti-Hunger Action Committee Barbecue/Candidate Forum, 6 to 8 p.m., Liberty Park, Salt Lake City.
- July 6: Davis County Democrats Planning Committee, 7 p.m., Davis County Courthouse, Commission Chambers, 28 East State Street, Farmington. Anita Mortimer, candidate for Utah Senate, District # 21 will speak on Utah issues.  All Davis Democrats are urged to attend.  The general public is also invited.
- July 7: Lt. Gov. Herbert to meet with Russian Delegation, 10:30 a.m., State Capitol Complex, Salt Lake City.
- 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 7: Desert Greens Party of Utah Summer Recycling and Utah Food Bank Campaign, 5:30 to 9 p.m., 2144 South Highland Drive, Sugarhouse. For more information see www.gput.org/events.shtml.
- July 8: Cache Democrats monthly breakfast meeting, 8 a.m., Cabin Fever Cafe, 180 W 1200 S, Logan.
- July 8: Meet Bob Brister, Green Party Candidate for Utah's Second Congressional District at the Downtown Farmers' Market, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Look for the striped canopy in the non-profit area with banners Green Party of Utah, Brister for Congress, U.S. Out of Iraq.
- July 12: Child Welfare Legislative Oversight Panel, 2 p.m., room W020.
- July 13: Pete Ashdown to speak at Utah Valley Exchange Club, 7:30 a.m., Mimi's Cafe, 304 East University Parkway, Orem.
- July 13: Water Issues Task Force, 9 a.m., Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District.
- July 14: Desert Greens Party of Utah Summer Recycling and Utah Food Bank Campaign, 5:30 to 9 p.m., 2144 South Highland Drive, Sugarhouse. For more information see www.gput.org/events.shtml.
- 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 17-19: Lt Gov. Herbert to attend the National Lieutenant Governor's Association Conference, Seattle, Washington.
- 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 21: Desert Greens Party of Utah Summer Recycling and Utah Food Bank Campaign, 5:30 to 9 p.m., 2144 South Highland Drive, Sugarhouse. For more information see www.gput.org/events.shtml.
- July 22: Pete Ashdown speaking at 7 Year Anniversary Show at Kilby Court, 7 p.m., 741 S. Kilby Court (330 West). $5 cover charge. Visit www.kilbycourt.com for more information.
- July 26: Utah International Trade Commission, 2 p.m., room W110.
- July 28: Desert Greens Party of Utah Summer Recycling and Utah Food Bank Campaign, 5:30 to 9 p.m., 2144 South Highland Drive, Sugarhouse. For more information see www.gput.org/events.shtml.
- 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 4: Desert Greens Party of Utah Summer Recycling and Utah Food Bank Campaign, 5:30 to 9 p.m., 2144 South Highland Drive, Sugarhouse. For more information see www.gput.org/events.shtml.
- 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 7-8: Legislative Site Visits, Uintah Basin.
- Aug 11: Desert Greens Party of Utah Summer Recycling and Utah Food Bank Campaign, 5:30 to 9 p.m., 2144 South Highland Drive, Sugarhouse. For more information see www.gput.org/events.shtml.
- Aug 12: Davis Republicans vs. Davis Democrats Softball Game, 10:30 a.m., Kaysville.
- Aug 18: Desert Greens Party of Utah Summer Recycling and Utah Food Bank Campaign, 5:30 to 9 p.m., 2144 South Highland Drive, Sugarhouse. For more information see www.gput.org/events.shtml.
- Aug 23: Sandy Chamber of Commerce Candidate Luncheon with Congressman Jim Matheson, 12 p.m., Spaghetti Mama, Jordan Commons, 9400 South State Street, Sandy. Major sponsor is Steve Creamer, President and CEO of Energy Solutions. Cost is $20 per person.
- Aug 25: Desert Greens Party of Utah Summer Recycling and Utah Food Bank Campaign, 5:30 to 9 p.m., 2144 South Highland Drive, Sugarhouse. For more information see www.gput.org/events.shtml.
- Aug 31: Water Issues Task Force, 9 a.m., room W125.

- See the entire calendar

Elected Officials Birthday List

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