News Highlights

Special session action on transit funding isn’t dead yet. SL Chamber spokeswoman Natalie Gochnour says the 2015 Transportation Alliance will push its proposal for a sales tax ballot question to fund transportation needs right up to the deadline of the special session, likely to be held Sept. 19 or 20 (Salt Lake Tribune). Meanwhile, a Tribune editorial argues that legislators should support the transportation funding proposal in the special session, and dump the tax cut.

A non-stop Delta flight from SLC to Europe is a good possibility, say officials, but a partnership with the community will be necessary (Deseret Morning News).

Sen. Bob Bennett says of Defense Sec. Donald Rumsfeld's prosecution of the war in Iraq: "I can criticize some of the decisions that have been made, but the question arises, 'Who would replace him?' As long as the president has confidence in [Rumsfeld] and he's doing what the president wants, I don't see a point in replacing him" (Tribune).

Quote of the Day

"We haven't seen a slowing down of the tobacco industry's efforts. They just keep spending and spending and spending and finding new ways to promote their products, so we have to keep doing what we're doing.”

-- Lena Dibble, spokesperson for the State Health Department's Tobacco Prevention and Control Program. Tobacco use continues to decline in Utah, but rates remain high among some low income, low education and minority groups (Morning News). See also Tribune story).

Crank Up the Campaign

With precisely two months to go before election day, it’s time for candidates to start rolling out the more public parts of their campaigns. Every day of the next two months should be scripted, with a timeline indicating when the candidate will be walking, when advertisements will be produced and published, when direct mail pieces will be produced and mailed, when phone calls will be made, what debates and events will be held, etc. By this point, everything should be planned and executed with precision.

My guess is that turnout in this election is going to low, so every extra voter campaigns can get out at the end will have a big impact. For some tips on final fundraising activities, see Campaign Tip below.

National Economy on Track

Utah economist Jeff Thredgold’s Tea Leaf economic update this week provides evidence that the economy is headed for the “soft landing” that economists desire. “The national media’s focus on all things negative has constantly told us that we have suffered through a jobless recovery in recent years,” Thredgold writes. “I beg to differ.” Job creation is significantly higher than is reported by some measures, he said.    

National Politics

NationalJournal.com’s Chuck Todd writes an insightful column, The 60-Day Sprint, on indicators to watch for over the next few weeks that will determine whether the Democrats take control of Congress. He says the Democrats are only now beginning their anti-Bush advertising barrage. If they are able to drive down the president’s approval rating from around 40 where it is today, to the mid-30s, then Democrats stand a good chance of winning control of Congress.

Blog Watch

Rep. Steve Urquhart says Utahns want tax cuts, and state lawmakers know it -- even if they pretend otherwise (see also here and here)... At New West, Tracy Medley says cases like this underline the need for tougher Utah animal cruelty laws... In response to this Centerville Citizen post on Mormon political affiliation, Reach Upward says: "[M]any Utah Mormons respect people like Democratic Congressman Jim Matheson of Utah's 2nd Congressional District. He often votes counter to his own party, much to the chagrin of the party faithful ... But it increasingly seems that his maverick stance within his party is an anomaly, and that his work is doing little to move the party in a direction social conservatives think is good. ... Utah Democrats might have more success if they were to invite Mormons to come and help fix what they see wrong with the party. Mormons have a good track history in being willing to take on service projects. But nobody out there is extending such an invitation. Instead, they are saying, 'You are clearly wrong, so join us and become like us.' Sorry, but that approach has never worked well in any realm, and it's clearly not going to win many converts now" (see also here)... At Out of Context, Thomas Burr reports: "Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney loves Iowa, and he's hoping Iowa loves him back when it counts. A tally by the National Journal's Hotline shows that Romney, a Mormon who led the successful 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, has visited Iowa -- the first caucus in the race for the nomination -- nine times so far exploring his potential presidential hopes. That's more than Sen. John McCain (1 visit), NY Gov. George Pataki (7 visits), and Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (7 visits), and all other potential GOP 08ers, Hotline reports. Romney also has visited neighboring New Hampshire six times, more than other wannabe Republican contenders, and he tied two other possible candidates for South Carolina visits -- four each. As for Utah, Romney has visited the state four times, publicly that we know of, in the run up to the battle for the nomination. But conventional wisdom says Utah's probably in his column even if he never visits again" (see also here and here).

Campaign Tip
Final Fundraising Push

With two months to go before election day, campaigns are in full swing and money is being spent at a brisk pace. Following are some tips to replenish depleted campaign coffers, adapted from a presentation by Martine Smith at the 2006 Republican Women’s Political Action Committee Leadership School Candidate Training Workshop.

1.      Update your campaign finance plan.

Look at recent races, both in your area and around the state.  Study where candidates have acquired money in the past and where they spent it.  Increase amount for inflation.  To find out where other candidates are getting their money, visit the Utah Reporting System on the Lt. Governor’s website, type in a name or office to search a candidate.

2.      What’s in your wallet?

At this point in the campaign you should have a good feel for how the race is going and your chances of winning. If you really need the money for the final push and you are confident of winning, you might want to invest (loan) more of your own funds in the race. Once in office, raising funds to pay back your loan is relatively easy. But if you are likely to lose, be sure you can afford to lose the money before putting more into the race. Discuss with spouse and family, if applicable.

3.      Go back to the well.

Send another fundraising letter to all those you have hit up previously, including family, friends, Christmas list, clubs, associations, etc., and tell them now is a crucial time in the campaign and you need their help. Tell them how much you need and what the money will be spent on. Many people who contributed previously will contribute again. They have invested in you and they want their investment to pay off. Be specific about your needs:  “I need $1,000 for so many yard signs.”

4.      Fish where the fish are.

Lobbyists.  Asking friends, neighbors, business associates and relatives is important, but time is money and you can raise more money from lobbyists in a shorter amount of time.  You may view and print a complete list of lobbyists and lobbying organizations by going the Lt. Governor’s election website.  You may search for individual lobbyists or their clients.  Some lobbyists only represent one client.  Others represent clients from many different types of businesses.  Contributions may come from individual clients or the lobbyists themselves.

Political Action Committees.  There are PACs for all sorts of causes and issues. Study this list of businesses and organizations and look for those with which you have something in common.  Find out what they’re looking for.

Your Party.  The Party organization in your county and the State Republican or Democratic Party contribute to candidates.  Both the House and Senate also have PACs. 

Your very own, personal Sugar Daddy –they’re out there! Draft a letter introducing yourself to a wealthy individual who might help, citing your common interests and briefly stating why you make a good officeholder and will be successful.  Show them a strategic outline. 

Follow up.  Call everyone you have written to, ask if they’ve received the letter and if they have any questions you can answer.  Ask to meet with them and ask for a contribution. If they say they’ll make a donation, ask how much and offer to pick up the check. Much of lobbyists’ and party money doesn’t come until October. 

5.      Hold a Fundraiser.

Ask friends and supporters to host a simple get-together at their house. Help them get an invitation list together.

Elected Officials Birthday List

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Utah in the National News

Conservative radio personality Hugh Hewitt interviews Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney about his refusal to allow state resources to be used to protect former Iranian president Mohammed Khatami during his visit to Harvard University this weekend (hughhewitt.townhall.com) (see also related Boston Herald, Boston Globe, and Harvard Crimson stories, and this New York Sun editorial).

Local Headlines

Deseret Morning News

- Utah grades in higher ed are mixed

- 8th grade target of ed plan

- Utah tobacco use falls further

- Nonstop: Salt Lake to Paris?

- Censure Rocky, Evans urges

- City Hall will be ADA-compliant

- UVSC breaks library ground

- 3 groups do land swap

- Neighbors like Rocky's park plan

- Washington County backs deal

- New York Times blasts Bennett, Matheson land-use bill

- Is White House influencing Utah BLM?

- Work to begin on HAFB business park

Standard-Examiner

- UTA hopes to repeat Box Elder success elsewhere

- Utah pay covers inflation

City Weekly

- The Ocho

- Hits & Misses

- Gotta Love GRAMA: Why shouldn't the public's right to know beat all?

- Fighting Words: As Middle Eastern tensions bubble up on Utah's streets, is debate possible without coming to blows?

- Editorial: Ashdown on Up: How could $8,370 to charity possibly outgun $400,000 to Sen. Hatch? If you have to ask, you're already lost

Logan Herald Journal

- School district to revamp goals

St. George Spectrum

- Santa Clara project opens with a flourish

- Enoch discusses water, land annexation

- Hurricane to discuss school road

- Cedar City Council meets on airport, annexation

- Parowan meets on power upgrade

KUER

- Special session ahead on tax reform

Daily Herald

- E. M. council, mayor disagree on budget spending

- UVSC breaks ground for library

- Op-ed: Tax 'reform' hurting investment in schools

- Editorial: Who should pay for cancer tests?

Park Record

- RAP Tax wish lists due soon

KCPW

- Huntsman's lobbying blitz pays off

- SLC Council meets in District Five, solicits public input

- Conservation group claims better alternative to Bear River Pipeline

Salt Lake Tribune

- Alliance still pushes transit sales tax hike

- Bennett: Rumsfeld erred, but who can replace him?

- Interior Department launches investigation of BLM

- Electronic voting increases demand for poll volunteers

- South Salt Lake votes in newest councilman

- Utahns again lead the U.S. in saying no to smoking

- State says fees from nuke site lawyers too high

- Ogden mayor's nominee rejected

- Pick for secretary of transportation could help Utah

- Bluffdale mayor still in charge -- for now

- UVSC breaks ground on high-tech library

- Utah students shine in math but writing is dim

- Utah gets FHA cash for byways upgrade

- Editorial: Faith over function: Don't cut tax; just fund TRAX

- Editorial: Soccer academy: Promise depends on the details

Please submit calendar items to Daily@UtahPolicy.com

- Sept 7: Utah Foundation forum on education funding and reform, 8 to 10 a.m., Hilton Salt Lake City Center. Cost is $25 for Utah Foundation members and $35 for non-members. Tables for eight cost $200. To register, call Brooke Wilson at 801-355-1400. Click here for more information.
- Sept 7 : Lt. Gov. Herbert to address attendees of the Utah Trails Conference, 8:30 a.m., Ogden Eccles Conference Center, Ogden.
- Sept 7: Hinckley Institute of Politics Forum: U.S.-Oman Relations, 9 a.m., University of Utah, Orson Spencer Hall, Room 255. Guest is Her Excellency Hunaina Al-Mughairy, Ambassador to the U.S.for the Sultanate of Oman.
- Sept 7: Hinckley Institute of Politics Forum: Iraq & the Mythology of Martyrdom, 10 a.m., University of Utah, Orson Spencer Hall, Room 255. Guest is Professor Mohammed Hafez, University of Missouri Co-sponsor - 2006 Middle East & Central Asia Politics, Economics, and Society Conference.
- Sept 7: Midday Metro at 10 a.m. on KCPW 88.3 FM is hosted by Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson. A lively discussion of politics and dissent will take place with special guests Paul Mero of The Sutherland Institute, Todd Weiler, chair of the Davis County Republican Party, and pro talker Tom Barberi. Your calls and emails will be welcome. To join the conversation with Mayor Anderson, 801-call 355-TALK or email midday@kcpw.org.
- Sept 7: Gov. Huntsman to attend Higher Education Meeting, 11:30 a.m., State Office Building Auditorium.
- Sept 7: PRW (Professional Republican Women) meeting, 12 p.m., Capitol Complex, West Building, Rm 4112. Dave Hart will be featured speaker. The program will consist of an update on the recent $212 million restoration effort on Utah's State Capitol. To RSVP, contact Melanie Rogers at melm-rogers@yahoo.com. Luncheon reservations required.
- Sept 7: USTAR Board Meeting, 3 p.m., Governor's Boardroom. Agenda includes presentations from University of Utah and Utah State University, and a presentation by Rich Kendell regarding Outreach Centers.
- 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 7: Davis County Democrats Planning Committee Meeting, 7 p.m., Davis County Courthouse, Commission Chambers, 28 East State Street, Farmington. The agenda includes discussion of funding for our candidates and ideas for organizing your precincts.  Legislative District Chairpersons and all candidates are urged to attend this session.
- Sept 8: Rep. Rob Bishop fundraising golf tournament, scramble format, 18 holes, 7:30 a.m., Lakeside Golf Course, 1201 North 1100 West, West Bountiful. Contributions range from $5,000 PAC funds tournament sponsor, $2,000 hole sponsor, $1,500 foursome, or $400 per person. At 12:30 a lunch banquet will be held at Lane Beattie’s home in West Bountiful. For more info contact Tara Tanner, 801-575-6355, tara@tannerconsult.com.
- Sept 8: Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Interim Committee, 7:30 a.m., AGPAC Legislative Site Visit.
- Sept 9: Davis County Democrats monthly breakfast, 8:30 a.m., Granny Annie's Restaurant, 286 N 400 W, Kaysville.  Please bring an item of food (non perishable) for the Davis County Food Bank. A member of the legislature will be the special guest speaker.  All interested Democrats and the general public are invited.
- Sept 9: Carrie Dickson for Salt Lake County Clerk Campaign Kickoff, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Taylorsville Park, 4700 S. Redwood Rd. Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, Senator Carline Walker, and Taylorsville Mayor Russ Wall will attend. Join the celebration with food for the family and information on the race, as well as campaign signs and flyers. 
- Sept 9: Constitution Coalition of Utah sponsored Constitution Celebration, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Washington Square, 400 S 200 E Salt Lake City. This will be a family picnic, bring patriotic signs and flags, etc. Show your support for the Constitution. There will be speakers, music, and free booths/tables. Other freedom-loving organizations are invited to participate, call Jerry Owens 801-680-7512 for details.
- Sept 9: Cache County Democrats Annual Picnic, 5 p.m., Wilson Park, Logan.
- Sept 11: Marriott Library presents The September Project 2006: Democracy and Informed Citizenry, 11:45 a.m., Hinckley Institute of Politics Caucus Room, 255 OSH. Joseph Vogel, author of Free Speech 101: the Utah Valley Uproar over Michael Moore, will speak about the experience of bringing filmmaker Michael Moore to the UVSC campus. Vogel will be signing books at the U of U Bookstore following the lecture.
- Sept 11: Freedom Walks Across America March to honor victims of 9/11, 5:30 p.m., Salt Lake City Mayor's Office, 400 S State Street. Those interested are encouraged to wear red, white and blue patriotic clothing, as well as attend a  commemoration ceremony at Liberty Park. Event will include speakers affected by 9/11 from different backgrounds and state dignitaries, the Utah National Guard, a flag ceremony conducted by an Honor Guard, a 21 gun salute, and a military aircraft fly-over. Register at www.OperationGive.com.

- See the entire calendar