News Highlights

Article: "A longtime friend and major campaign contributor of Mitt Romney took the blame Sunday for a politically damaging controversy about the Massachusetts governor reportedly seeking LDS Church help setting up a nationwide network of Mormons to advance his expected 2008 presidential bid. 'I'm to blame for this whole mess,' Romney confidant Kem Gardner told The Salt Lake Tribune, saying characterizations of what were 'innocent' discussions between the governor, who is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and church officials were 'unfortunate'" (Salt Lake Tribune).

Instead of focusing on specific issues or candidate qualifications, partisan institutional arguments over which party can best serve citizens are prevalent in SL County east side legislative contests (Tribune). 

Quote of the Day

“To make the USTAR initiative work, it only makes sense that lawmakers make a sizable and long-overdue investment in the state's colleges and universities as well as students who will fuel what Utahns hope will be USTAR's many engines.

-- Deseret Morning News editorial supporting more funding for higher education in the 2007 legislative session.

The Week Ahead

Voters get to have their say beginning Tuesday as early voting opens. For your voting location, check the state list of voting locations or your county clerk’s Web site. A few legislative meetings are scheduled this week (see calendar), including an important Medicaid Interim Committee this morning at 8:30 a.m. in room W135. Medicaid is one of the toughest long-term issues facing the state. For other political events, see the Utah Policy Daily calendar.

Reader Response

Libertarian Podcaster

Rob Latham, Utah Libertarian Party chair, wrote to say that Libertarian candidate Fran Tully, who was running in Utah House District 48, posted his first campaign podcast on April 20. An item in Friday’s UPD said Dr. Joe Jarvis, a Republican candidate for the Utah Senate in District 2, was likely Utah’s first legislative candidate podcaster. Latham said Tully withdrew from the race later in the year.

Blog Watch

At the Senate Site blog, Sen. Lyle Hillyard offers a proposal to ensure "that money invested for class size reduction is really used for that purpose," and solicits reader feedback... At Out of Context, Robert Gehrke says: "We should all be very afraid if Rep. Jim Matheson wins re-election, or so the argument from LaVar Christensen's campaign goes. A Matheson win means another vote for Democrats, who will put Nancy Pelosi in charge and oppose all of President Bush's policies. Well, maybe the Republicans need to be more worried about what happens if Republican Rep. Chris Shays wins, or Rep. Wayne Gilcrhest in Maryland, or Rep. Sherrod Boehlert in New York. They're just a few of the Republicans who were more likely to oppose the Bush administration during 2006, according to a voting record analysis by the folks at Congressional Quarterly. Matheson actually voted with the president 63 percent of the time in 2006, more than all but seven Democrats, and as often or more often than eight Republicans. The grumbling about Matheson in the blogosphere has actually been that Matheson has proven too willing to throw in with Bush, on issues like torture and same-sex marriage. However, his willingness to make nice with the GOP appears to be an even-year phenomenon. In 2005, according to CQ, he voted with the White House just 43 percent of the time, still ranking him 24th among Dems who support the president. Odd what happens in an election year"... Utah Taxpayer notes the "intense pressure to increase taxes in 2002, 2003, and 2004," and says: "A lot of people deserve credit for resisting the call for massive tax increases during the last recession, but Speaker of the House Marty Stephens deserves special recognition"... Hiram Bertoch says: "As I watch the nightly news, and read print publications it becomes clearer and clearer each day that I must be completely oblivious to reality. According to these sources our entire country is in dire circumstances. I learn for example that the economy is in the tank, education is worse now than it has every been, crime is at an all time high, and I apparently barely make enough money to feed my family. I don't know how I could have missed all of this"... UNCoRRELATED, in response to the recent series of articles by the Boston Globe alleging collaboration/coordination between LDS Church officials and Mitt Romney's '08 presidential campaign team, says: "I expect it's pretty clear that liberal Northeastern interests would like very much to block Mitt Romney from leveraging his ties to the church (Romney's is from an old-line Mormon family) and the state of Utah. While the LDS membership is relative small in the U.S. -- about six million, it has an influence and reach far beyond its numbers. LDS members tend to be well-educated, political active and imbued with a reflexive sense of community. A lifetime within the church provides an almost genetic capacity for social organizing. Since faithful church members often serve full-time proselyting missions when they are young, they also have an extraordinary collective capacity for persuasion -- if I were Hillary Clinton, I would be shuddering at the thought of hundreds of thousands of former Mormon missionaries involved in a GOTV action. I don't have a reference, but rumor has it that Mormons represented fully half of the volunteer effort for the GOP in 2004" (see also here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here).

Washington Watch

Hatch Pushes Eco-Terror Bill

Sen. Orrin Hatch urges "the House leadership to pass legislation protecting citizens from violent threats and intimidation by eco-terrorists. Hatch is a leading cosponsor of the bipartisan Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (S. 3880), which passed the Senate by unanimous consent on Sept. 30. Recent harassment of Huntsman Corp. employees in Utah prompted Hatch to send a letter to his House colleagues, pushing for them to make passing the bill a priority" (see press release).

Bennett: Utah Economy Strong

Sen. Bob Bennett hails "the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report that shows Utah's unemployment rate at an all-time low of 2.8 percent, well below the U.S. rate of 4.6 percent, and also places the state in the top four for increases in employment last month." Says Bennett: "[Friday's] announcement is certainly great news for Utah. This is further evidence of the character of our citizens, the quality of our workforce, and the excellence in our educational institutions. The all-time low unemployment rate of 2.8 percent reflects the strength of Utah's economy and positive business climate" (see press release).

Lawmakers Boost Christensen

Utah Republican legislators are coming to the aid of one of their own, endorsing Rep. LaVar Christensen in his 2nd Congressional District race against incumbent Congressman Jim Matheson.

Some 20 GOP legislators, including Senate President John Valentine and House Speaker Greg Curtis, have circulated an e-mail message suggesting that “the future of our nation -- and the future of the free world for that matter -- may be determined by what happens in Utah's Second Congressional District on Nov. 7.”

Said the message: “Political experts from both sides of the aisle admit that control of the U.S. House of Representatives could be decided by just one vote.  They tell us that if Utah -- the reddest of the red states -- sends a Democrat back to Washington it could give the liberals and their poster-child Nancy Pelosi control of the House who would initiate frivolous impeachment proceedings against the President while cutting and running in the war on terrorism.”

They call Christensen “an outstanding man with the skills necessary to make him an outstanding
congressman.  He is a fiscal conservative in the mold of President Ronald Reagan. LaVar has received the endorsement of taxpayer groups, business groups, fellow legislators, state officials and thousands of the hard-working people in the district.”

National Politics

News on most fronts couldn’t be worse for the Bush administration, but Tony Snow, the administration’s chief spokesperson, is emerging as a star, according to Williams Powers’ Off Message media column in NationalJournal.com.

Utah’s Top Issues

It’s important for Utah policymakers and opinion leaders to be aware of and up-to-speed on the top issues facing the state. Here is our weekly list, generated by observing what’s hot in the news media, what’s on the agenda of various policymaking groups, and what’s being discussed among opinion leaders and policymakers. We welcome suggestions and input from UPD readers. E-mail daily@utahpolicy.com.

Hottest of the Hot

• High gas prices
• Utah’s big budget surplus: Cut taxes or spend it
• Cyber-safety issues (cyber predators, child pornography, identity theft, Internet scams, etc.)

Emerging

• Education achievement gap of disadvantaged students
• Western states primary
• SLCIA nonstop service to Europe
• 4th congressional seat for Utah
• Tolling on highways
• Snake Valley water pumping for Las Vegas
• SITLA land sale on Green River
• Minimum wage increase

Mature

• 2006 election campaigns
• Downtown SLC revitalization
• Immigration
• Washington County land sales
• Open space funding
• Guns at college
• Affordable heath insurance

Getting Old (but not totally resolved)

• Real soccer stadium

Oldies But Goodies

• Banks/Credit Unions
• Highway funding
• Vouchers/School Choice
• Tax cuts vs. education funding
• No Child Left Behind
• Healthcare reform/Medicaid

Elected Officials Birthday List

Utah Policy Daily is a service
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Publisher: LaVarr Webb
Editor: Paul Hollingshead
News: Golden Webb
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Utah in the National News

Columnist: "The strength of [Montana Senate hopeful Jon Tester's] candidacy is one more sign that the Democratic Party is growing in the West. The Interior West -- which includes Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming -- is slowly embracing Democratic politicians and Democratic policies. And the roster of Western Democratic pols is impressive. In Arizona, there is Gov. Janet Napolitano, who is cruising to reelection. In Colorado, there is Democratic senator Ken Salazar and his brother John, who represents the state's Third Congressional District. In Montana, in addition to Tester, there is Gov. Brian Schweitzer. In New Mexico, there is Gov. Bill Richardson, a potential 2008 Democratic presidential candidate and the current chairman of the Democratic Governors Association. And in Wyoming, there is Gov. Dave Freudenthal, who is also likely to be reelected" (Weekly Standard). Utah 2nd District Congressman Jim Matheson could be added to the list.

Mitt Romney Watch

Article: "Despite repeated denials by the Mormon Church and Governor Mitt Romney's advisers, e-mails from a key Romney consultant state that the leader of the worldwide church was consulted on an effort to build Mormon support for the governor's potential presidential bid and that a key church leader has been involved in mapping out the plan. One e-mail also describes Romney's personal involvement in the planning" (Boston Globe) (see also related Globe story and East Valley Tribune editorial).

Local Headlines

Deseret Morning News

- Faith and fertility: Data show large families, religiosity connected

- Voters can cast ballots — starting Tuesday

- 4 in Davis agree on issues

- Teacher suit wins ruling

- Morgan ordinance stops construction

- National forest acquires more than 4,000 acres

- Acting chief named for county landfill

- John Florez: Basics should be taught in high school

- Editorial: Stoke higher ed's engine

- Editorial: A flood of new wells in Utah

Standard-Examiner

- Editorial: Dialing in the city's business

KCPW

- Bill proposes more options for HMO health plans

- Advocates say 'vote yes on Prop 3' to foil Legislature's plans

- Making political converts

St. George Spectrum

- Energy key in November election

- Candidates talk transportation

- Op-ed: The religion of growth is just another pyramid scheme

- Editorial: Resort communities coming

Daily Herald

- Magazines to cover up in Spanish Fork

- Finding the future of Vineyard

Salt Lake Tribune

- Romney pal takes blame for dust-up

- Mission: A map to Social Security maze

- Partisan platform prevails

- Schools struggle for time

- Greens miffed at guv's plan

- New kid on the block takes on wily veteran

- Officials asking for $230M bond for new buildings

- Rolly: 'Wrong' way to seek support

- Editorial: Winder for sheriff

Sunday, October 22

Salt Lake Tribune

- Experts tell firms: Be skeptical, don't get 'China-drunk'

- Urban Jungle: When development meets nature

- Utah's farmlands are fading away

- School councils: Minority parents missing from talk

- Senate District 18: Feds impose dilemma for Ogden cop/candidate

- Mullen: Auger takes on stereotype -- with zest

- Top cop bidders take shape

- Eagle Mountain takes step toward getting a new mayor

- Development and wildlife, too?

- GOP has firm hold, even without incumbent

- State should do more to help, farmers say

- Plans, funds to attract tourists forget farmers

- Op-ed: Your tax dollars at work

- Op-ed: Open spaces are a pillar of our economic prosperity

- Op-ed: Stampin' Up! is on the up and up

- Editorial: Clippings

- Editorial: Vote for Prop. 3 Sales-tax increase vital to transit and roads

Standard-Examiner

- Who will go where?

- Greiner Hatch Act Letter

Logan Herald Journal

- USU Inc.

St. George Spectrum

- Water conservancy pursues water rights

- Answering ballot questions before election day

- Todd Seifert: Two important civic groups should work together closely

- Editorial: Last call to register to vote

Daily Herald

- Interim mayor for Eagle Mountain

- No contest in two school board races

Deseret morning News

- Refiner's fire: Uinta Basin on a quest for its own refinery

- Oil processors reap windfalls

- China foray pleases Huntsman

- Eagle Mtn. chooses interim mayor

- Tax funds sought for new hotel

- Huntsman plans higher-education trip to China

- 3 college presidents back Proposition 3

- Pignanelli & Webb: Number of contests too close to call

- Op-ed: Chinese are vulnerable to Utah-based pyramid schemes

Saturday, October 21

Deseret Morning News

- Governor denounces North Korea test

- Legislator plans health-care push

- BYU professor in dispute over 9/11 will retire

- Y. professor's letter to the editor

- Hold Yucca hearings in Salt Lake City?

- Refineries snub the state

- Eagle Mountain mayor resigns

- Guardian ad Litem office says it's overwhelmed, underfunded

- Y. criticizes deans over Mitt e-mail

- Highland backs rec center by Lone Peak

- Editorial: Support child support bills

- Editorial: Hands-on help in education

Daily Herald

- Eagle Mountain mayor quits

- Debate ends in shouting match

- 3rd District debate: By the issues

- Romney defends plan to form network of Mormon support

- Professor with 9/11 theories retires

- Utah's economy short of workers

- Teleperformance USA to buy AOL call center

- Editorial: Punishing gas profiteers

Park Record

- Busted? No way, county attorney says

- A county manager would have widespread power

- Libertarian clashes with moderator

- Warren Miller boosts Utah tourism

- NoMa talks hit stoplight

- Uintas deal closes

- Accusations fly in sheriff's race

- Full-day Kindergarten thrives

KCPW

- Legislature stalls process for local transportation spending

Logan Herald Journal

- SLC's Rocky Anderson speaks in Logan

Salt Lake Tribune

- A bridge across the Pacific

- Utah home costs haven't cooled down yet

- Mitt's bid: Church is walking a thin line

- Eagle Mountain's mayor steps down

- Controversial prof to leave BYU

- Commercial lease pitched to save park

- Railroad revival?

- Mormons and Jews celebrate common bonds during SLC event

- Job or campaign: Feds say top cop has to choose

- Southwest could see increased heat, drought

- Task force tenders steps to recruit minority college students

- Loan-interest lawsuit could define illegal usury in Utah

- Editorial: Auger for council: Former mayor offers a sharper eye

- Editorial: Prop. 2: Yes: Measure vital to preserving parks and open space

Please submit calendar items to Daily@UtahPolicy.com

- Oct 23: Satellite registration available at county clerks offices or in-person at satellite registration sites. Contact your county clerk for times and locations.
- Oct 23: Medicaid Interim Committee meeting, 8:30 a.m., room W135.
- Oct 23: Midday Metro at 10 a.m. on KCPW 88.3 FM features Salt Lake County Sheriff Aaron Kennard on his reelection bid. At 10:30 on The Bottomline: law school for business people. To participate, call 801-355-TALK or email midday@kcpw.org during the show.
- Oct 24: Early voting begins, contact your county clerk for times and locations.
- Oct 24: Lt. Gov. Herbert to address attendees of the 2nd Annual Medical Reserve Corps for FEMA Region VIII Conference, 8 a.m., Red Lion Inn, Salt Lake City.
- Oct 25: Women’s State Legislative Council Meeting, 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., State Office Bldg Auditorium.  Candidates running for United States Congress representing both Parties will speak. Question/Answer. Delegate members are invited & visitors are welcome.  Visitors may call for a Guess Pass to Kitty Kaplan, Pres-Elect at 942-5133, kittykaplan@msn.com. For more info and calendar, visit www.wslcofutah.org.
- Oct 25: Water Issues Task Force, 1 p.m., room W135.
- Oct 25: Speaker Greg Curtis' World Series Tailgate Party, 6:00 p.m., Skybox restaurant.  For more information contact Kat Dayton at 801-580-4743 or katdayton@gmail.com.
- Oct 26: Lt. Gov. Herbert to offer opening remarks at the State of Our Health Forum, 8 a.m., Grand America Hotel, Salt Lake City.
- Oct 26: Gov. Huntsman's KUED Monthly Press Conference, 10 a.m., KUED Studios.
- Oct 26: ChamberWest General Membership Meeting, 11:45 a.m., The E Center Centennial Room, 3200 South Decker Lake Drive. Topic is Meet the Candidates (Any Federal, State, Local candidate that represents any area of West Valley City, Taylorsville and Kearns). Cost is $15 with RSVP. To RSVP, call 801-969-8755 or e-mail rsvp@chamberwest.org.
- Oct 26: Lt. Gov. Herbert to address attendees of the 12 Annual Utah 100 Awards Program Luncheon, 11:45 a.m., Grand America Hotel, Salt Lake City.
- Oct 26: Subcommittee on Oversight, 3 p.m., room W140.
- Oct 26: KSL's "Let Me Speak to the Governor," 6 p.m., KSL Studios.
- Oct 26: Salt Lake County Libertarian Party Meeting, 7 p.m., Grecian Garden, 4816 South State Street, Murray.
- Oct 27: Gov. Huntsman to meet with the Ambassador of Albania, 9 a.m., Governor's Office.
- Oct 27: Gov. Huntsman to attend the 8th Annual Utah Technology Council Hall of Fame, 6 p.m., The Little America Hotel, Salt Lake City.
- Oct 31: Financial disclosure reports are due for all Candidates, PAC's, PIC's and Political Parties.
- Oct 31: Hinckley Forum "Campaign 2006: The Race for Senate District 7," 2:00 p.m. Ross Romero (D) v. Bryce Jolley (R).

- Nov 1: Special Districts Subcommittee of the Political Subdivisions Interim Committee, 9 a.m., room W125.
- Nov 1: Native American Legislative Liaison Committee, 9:30 a.m., 130 House Building.
- Nov 1: Hinckley Forum "The Axis of Evil: A Foreign Policy Briefing on Iraq, Iran, and North Korea," 10:45 a.m. Guest is Senator Bennett.

- See the entire calendar