News Highlights

Sen. Orrin Hatch to debate challenger Pete Ashdown today at Tuacahn High School in Ivins (St. George Spectrum).

Article: "After losing the Salt Lake City mayor's race to Rocky Anderson seven years ago, Stuart Reid ducked out of politics -- and the capital. Now he's back in the fray again, campaigning to represent Weber County and northern Davis County in the state Senate, billing himself as 'the most conservative Democrat in Utah.' Indeed, his race against Jon Greiner for the District 18 seat has people wondering who is the Democrat and who the Republican" (Salt Lake Tribune).

Quote of the Day

"We have seen retailers taking advantage of an opportunity to make more money. But we do not believe there is any violation of any laws."

-- Francine Giani, director of Utah Department of Commerce, who was appointed by Gov. Huntsman to investigate Utah’s high gasoline prices (Tribune).

National Politics

Create a New Political Party?

David Gergen, who has served in top positions for both Republican and Democratic presidential administrations, writes a very interesting U.S. News & World Report editorial relating the history of how Republicans took control of Washington and noting that they may now lose part of that control in the upcoming election. Whatever the election results, he says, both parties must be prepared to govern wisely and responsibly, with less partisanship and rancor. He concludes:  “If neither party is prepared to do anything more than fight for position over the next two years, to hell with both of them. Let’s bring on a new drama: the creation of a third, middle party that can finally unite our country again.” … If you want to read everything there is to know about the Foley scandal, check out the lengthy NationalJournal.com cover story.

Blog Watch

Charley Foster, who seems to be enjoying his new life as a half-naked haole in Kauai, says he's started a new blog: "It's kind of a personal take for now. It will evolve into more of a social/political/cultural commentary with time. But for now I'm just figuring out where the hell I am (somewhere in the middle of the Pacific, apparently). If you're inclined, check it out here. If not, I've thoroughly enjoyed writing about Utah and I'll miss you"... At SouthernUtahBlog Ed Kociela says: "Every election year, the most popular topic of conversation stems from discussion of how 'the good ol' boys' control everything. Who are these guys and what kind of power do they hold? Are they the 'ins?' Are they forces behind the scenes pulling the strings? ... Or, is it simply sour grapes among the 'outs?' I can never really figure it out. I know that during my 10 years in Cedar City, all I heard about was how the 'good ol' boys' ran everything, how so-and-so really runs: a.) the university; b.) the city; c.) the economic structure; or d.) all of the above. ... But, I was also told once that because I am a 'move-in,' nobody would ever let me in on what really takes place behind the scenes. It made me feel like I was trying to unlock the secrets of Area 51, which, we all know doesn't exist (nudge, nudge, wink, wink). So, if you want to talk about the 'good ol' boys,' please indulge those of us who aren't insiders with a little more than rumor"... At Out of Context, Thomas Burr and Robert Gehrke note: "Stunning news [yesterday] from KSL-TV's alternate universe: The latest 'Associated Press poll' showed Democrats would take out two incumbent Utah Republicans in congressional races and the state's lone Democratic House member, Jim Matheson, would go down to GOP contender LaVar Christensen. Oh, and Bill Clinton is Utahns' favorite ex-president. OK, we made that last one up, but KSL did report on a 'pre-election Associated Press poll,' showing Democrat Christian Burridge beating Rep. Chris Cannon 45-40 percent, Demo Steve Olsen ousting Rep. Rob Bishop 45-40 percent and Matheson losing to Christensen 45-40 percent. Sen. Orrin Hatch beat Dem Pete Ashdown, as well. Margin of error: plus or minus the truth. KSL bizarro-news was actually election test results from The AP, garbage numbers the news service sends out to make sure stations will get their results come election night (always with a big warning: 'The following are TEST returns.') Note to AP: KSL is getting the results just fine. Might want to make 'The following are TEST returns' a little bigger, though. The story aired at 6:08 [Tuesday] morning and they later corrected themselves on air and pulled down any link from the Web site: 'Those results turned out to be incorrect,' the anchors said"... ByteLine says: "[Yesterday's] LATimes has an article on Mitt Romney's probable bid for the US presidency. It focuses quite a bit on his Mormonism, quoting Pastor Ted Haggard, president of the National Assn. of Evangelicals on how appalled Evangelicals are at Mormon beliefs. Also quoted is Dr. Richard Land who reportedly said, 'Up until about 30 years ago, Mormons were very emphatic that they weren't Christians.' That statement is utterly and completely false. While it's possible that Dr. Land was misquoted, similar statements appear so often that he is probably using someone else's misinformation"... Educating Utah says: "The Utah economy is bursting forward. Jobs seem to be plentiful. Wages and home values are increasing. Gas prices are falling (finally). This may very well be The Best of Times for our great state. Life Elevated indeed. Sometimes, however, the indicators look so promising that we tend to forget about the business cycle. Nobody has ever found a way to stop the business pendulum from swinging back the other direction. Sooner or later it will. ... As we head into the 2007 Legislative Session, we imagine upwards of $400 million dollars in budget surplus. The vast majority of it will be in 'Education Funds' derived from our Income Tax. How should we invest it WISELY? ... Wise investments NOW in our children and our future will be greatly appreciated for years to come."

Realtors Contribute $85,000

A Salt Lake Tribune story on Sept. 25 by reporter Rebecca Walsh noted the political clout that the Utah Association of Realtors has attained over the last few years.  The story has since been the subject of a radio show and has been picked up by AP and other newspapers.

The Tribune story’s basic premise, that the Realtors have increased their political influence in the Legislature, is undisputed. However, the story wasn’t careful with the facts regarding how much the association has contributed to legislative candidates. Said the story:  “…the Realtors have so far shoveled $325,000 into an election in which half the state Senate and the entire House are before voters.” It said that amount was more than any other Utah PAC. In reality, the Realtors contributed only $85,000 to legislative candidates during the reporting period, less, for example, than the school choice PAC.

In total, the Realtors expended $325,000 during the period, but $240,000 of that amount went to the National Board of Realtors PAC for federal races and to 14 local Boards of Realtors for contributions to city and county political races. Under the Realtors’ bylaws, the state Association collects contributions from all Utah Realtors for local, state and federal elections. But it keeps only half of the total amount collected for state races. Twenty-five percent is sent to local boards of Realtors for their use in local races (they cannot contribute to state races). And the final 25% is sent to the National Association of Realtors’ federal PAC, which is subject to federal PAC guidelines. Expending $85,000 is a whole lot less than $325,000 in legislative races. 

Washington Watch

'Singing Senators' Recruit Bennett

Article: "Sens. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and Larry Craig (R-Idaho) aren't quite Jake and Elwood Blues, but they're putting the band back together, and given their conservative credentials, they might think they're on a mission from God. Well, not exactly a band, it's actually a barbershop quartet, which is just as cool as a blues band -- at least that's what someone needs to tell Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.). That's right, Lott and Craig are putting their quartet, the 'Singing Senators,' back together after a six-year hiatus. ... Lott and Craig are auditioning for new singing partners and they've found two solid prospects in Sen. Bob Bennett (R-Utah) and Thune. 'Senator Thune has a lovely tenor voice,' said Craig, who also sings tenor. 'And Senator Bennett has a good baritone.' But it appears the comeback tour may be threatened by a generation gap. While the 73-year-old Bennett is enthusiastic, the 45-year-old Thune isn't so sure. 'Bob wants to do it,' said Craig, 61. 'It's Thune who doesn't know. He thinks it's a little hokey. He asked if senators do this sort of thing.' 'I said yes,' said Craig, who has advised his colleague to relax and live a little. 'You've got to let your hair down and enjoy it'" (The Hill).

Now You Know

The city of Washington Terrace is a suburb southeast of Ogden, built on one of the ancient Lake Bonneville terraces.  Washington Terrace is an outgrowth of a World War II temporary housing project created in 1942.  There was no thought at the time of becoming a permanent community and after the war the project was expected to be torn down.  The citizens, however, willed otherwise.  Through federal funds and private investments, the housing project was converted to single family dwellings and began to expand into the community we have today. (Source: Local Government Directory, Utah League of Cities & Towns)

Elected Officials Birthday List

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Utah in the National News

Article: "In seeking a presidential candidate for 2008, why would Republicans look further than the governor of Massachusetts? Tall and urbane, Mitt Romney has a prime political pedigree, an unblemished personal life and the cool confidence of a CEO. ... But Romney faces a potential obstacle that has not confronted a presidential hopeful for almost 50 years. As a devout Mormon ... Romney adheres to a faith that makes many Americans uncomfortable. ... 'We evangelicals view Mormons as a Christian cult group,' [said Pastor Ted Haggard, president of the National Assn. of Evangelicals in Colorado Springs, Colorado]. A cult group is a group that claims exclusive revelation. And typically, it's hard to get out of these cult groups. And so Mormonism qualifies as that.' ... When Romney says that he accepts Jesus Christ as his savior, 'we appreciate that,' Haggard said. 'But very often when people like Mormons use terms that we also use, there are different meanings in the theology behind those terms.' Dr. Richard Land, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, said, 'Up until about 30 years ago, Mormons were very emphatic that they weren't Christians.' But evangelicals might overlook the theological divisions if Romney were the only social conservative on the ballot, Land said" (Los Angeles Times).

Local Headlines

Deseret Morning News

- A plea to save Deseret Building

- Officers drill high school on shootings

- Salt Lake smoke ban may spread

- Utah gas prices fall -- but are still high

- UVSC enrollment still rising

- Restaurants, please: Highland residents make wishes for their city known in survey

- Council wants a say in landfill decisions

- Hearings set on waste proposals

- New Capitol free-speech rule advances

- New rule for free-speech activities

- LDS agency, Merit Medical feted

- Pamphlet won't include projects list

- Bluffdale residents want referendum on manager

- Corner isn't eligible for a light, UDOT says

- Salt Lake County eying payday-loan regulations

- Draper open house on mass transit ideas

- Labor shortages slow Utah economy

- West Liberty breaks ground

- Tremonton facilities for West Liberty

- Record-high drill permits

- Editorial: Tax perk could aid students

- Editorial: The novel man behind Novell

Park Record

- Request for records denied by county

- Candidates tout alternative fuels

- Mountain Regional Water investigated by the state

- Campaign violations?

- Candidates for sheriff begin to spar

- School board seat up for grabs

- Editorial: Shake off the slumber and get inspired to vote on Nov. 7

Standard-Examiner

- Schools safety in sharp focus

- First Lady takes a power trip

- Expo Thursday at BDO

- Editorial: Looking forward to the F-35

St. George Spectrum

- Candidates to meet at Tuacahn High

- Citizens vent open-space concerns

- Decision on interconnect project tabled until later meeting

- Council to ratify city recorder's replacement

KSL

- Poll: Foley scandal not hurting Utah Republicans

Davis County Clipper

- Dallin leaving Davis Chamber after nearly decade

- Education: Three things to remember

- Immigrant arrests at base could lead to more

- Boundary concerns heard, committee member says

- Democrats to discuss election issues

- Holbrook seeks seat in Utah House

- Transportation committee: up and running

- Gregory J. Sanders: Leaders must shoulder blame in Foley scandal

- Todd Weiler : Leaders must shoulder blame in Foley scandal

- Editorial: Chris Dallin has left a lasting mark on Davis

Tooele Transcript Bulletin

- Company again asks to expand waste capacity

- Tooele to critique future house designs

- Residents invited to Wednesday night debate

- DCD workers fix mustard containers

- Welfare bill to improve accountability

Daily Herald

- Orem presents options for arts tax funds

- A.F. to sell, lease portions of broadband

- Spanish Fork wind farm closer to reality

- Provo School District to audit utility bills

- Liahona Academy students and parents protest

KCPW

- Navajo Nation gets back Head Start millions

- Radioactive waste could stack up in Utah

- Hatch rejects claims in Woodward's book

- More money for Utah students?

- Preserving Sugar House

Salt Lake Tribune

- Enrollment dips at state colleges

- Drivers, pedestrians on notice

- Plan to ban smoking in parks draws praise, but raises doubts

- Increased free speech rules approved pending a public hearing

- Soriano named to head Office of Hispanic Affairs

- Voters may be left in dark

- School prepares for the worst

- Spending growth slowest since 1996

- Vets get heartbreak instead of museums

- Preservationists to public: Help stop wrecking ball

- Campaigns blur party lines

- Draper residents to discuss transit alternatives

- Salt Lake County Council votes for limit on check-cashing outfits

- YWCA speaker says world free of domestic violence, abuse is possible

- Rolly: Admission denied -- don't ask WSU mum on denied admission

- Sandy mayor, RSL owner tout stadium plan to Rotary

- Gasoline sellers get the blame

- Utahns' '05 slice adds up to $2.1B

- Editorial: Romero in Senate 7: Energetic lawmaker is a better choice

Please submit calendar items to Daily@UtahPolicy.com

- Oct 11: Water Issues Task Force, 8:30 a.m., room W125.
- Oct 11: Lt. Gov. Herbert to hold a Press Conference with Governor Jon Huntsman to announce a Cervical Cancer Awareness Initiative instituted by the National Lieutenant Governor's Association, 9:30 a.m., Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City.
- Oct 11: Lt. Gov. Herbert and First Lady Mary Kaye Huntsman to kick-off a Cervical Cancer Awareness campaign, 10 a.m., Huntsman Cancer Institute 6th Floor, Eccles Auditorium, 2000 Circle of Hope, Salt Lake City.
- Oct 11: Midday Metro at 10 a.m. on KCPW 88.3 FM features conversations with David A. Jones, a University of Utah associate professor of oncological sciences and leader of a study that might produce new treatment for colon cancer; and the City Library’s Lisa Myron and Stephanie Goodliffe on the new Lemony Snicket and a literacy fair.
- Oct 11: Hinckley Forum " Weak and Failing States: What are they? How do we recognize them? What do they signify? How should we respond?" 10:45 a.m. Guest is Pauline H. Baker, President, The Fund for Peace.
- Oct 11: Attorney General Mark Shurtleff's annual "Wasatch Challenge" fundraiser, 5 p.m.
Trap, skeet and target shooting, Western entertainment and down-home cooking. Call 801-994-9601 for more information.
- Oct 11: Hinckley Forum "News and Propaganda: When Does Spin Go Too Far?" at 7 p.m., and "News and Propaganda:  Is Objective Journalism Extinct?" at 7:45 p.m. Guests include various news and media professionals.
- Oct 12-13: 2006 UEA Convention, Salt Palace Convention Center. The focus of the convention will be "Closing the Achievement Gaps in Education." For more information visit www.utea.org.
- Oct 12: Lt. Gov. Herbert to address attendees of the 2006 Annual Association of Contingency Planners Utah Chapter Symposium, 8:15 a.m., South Town Expo Center, Sandy.
- Oct 12: Sutherland Transcend Series “The Nature of Public Policy – Understanding Policy Frameworks," 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Gateway Tower West building, 15 West South Temple, Salt Lake City. Congressman Rob Bishop will facilitate a discussion on principles, policies, and politics. For more information and to register, call 801-355-1272, or email srasmussen@sutherlandinstitute.org.
- Oct 12: Tenth Annual Rocco C. and Marion S. Siciliano Lecture, 12 p.m., University of Utah, Dumke Auditorium, Utah Museum of Fine Arts, 410 Campus Center Drive. The topic will be Considerations on the Status of American Society, with keynote speaker Laughlin McDonald, director of the Voting Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in Atlanta. For more info, call 801-587-3556 or visit www.csbs.utah.edu.
- Oct 12: Gov. Huntsman to give speech at the Jobs for Youth Initiative Luncheon, 12:30 p.m., University Park Hotel, 480 Wakara Lane, Salt Lake City.
- Oct 13: Lt. Gov. Herbert to meet with delegation from Peru, 11 a.m., East Capitol Building, Salt Lake City.
- Oct 13: Hinckley Forum "Making the Invisible Visible: Marching for Immigrant Rights in Utah 2006," 12 p.m. Guest is Tony Yapias, Organizer of the “Dignity March” for Immigrant Rights in Utah; former director of Utah’s Office of Hispanic Affairs; Director, Proyecto Latino of Utah and Chairman of the Utah Hispanic Democratic Caucus.
- Oct 13: Governor's Gala, 6 p.m., Salt Lake Convention Center.
- Oct 14: Davis County Democrats monthly breakfast, 8:30 a.m., Granny Annie's Restaurant, 286 N 400 W, Kaysville. Featured guest speaker will be Representative Neil Hansen from Weber County, District # 9. In addition many of the Davis County Democratic candidates will be present to give campaign updates. Please bring an item of food (non perishable) for the Davis County Food Bank.

- See the entire calendar