Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Gubernatorial and legislative dynamics always interesting to watch

The Utah Legislature is a week old and Gov. Gary Herbert has outlined his priorities in his State of the State speech. The gubernatorial/legislative dynamics are always interesting to watch.

What are the issues the Republican Legislature and the Republican governor are likely to agree on? What are the tough issues likely to be disputed?

Pignanelli: “A speech is like a love affair. Any fool can start it, but to end it requires considerable skill.” — Lord Mansfield

As a member of a live audience for the State of the State for 10 years, I comprehend why governors love them so much. It is the only time each year that lawmakers must respectfully sit in silence without offering any contrary opinions, while the chief executive proclaims his/her objectives.

Gov. Herbert made it easy on the Legislature with few demands. By listing the accomplishments the state has achieved in a number of areas, he was sending the signal to lawmakers ”don't mess it up.” Legislators are in constant communication with party delegates, activists, committee leaders, and so he will keep relations with them strong.

Without using the words "Medicaid expansion," he did reference health care for Utahns. The Legislature is unlikely to adopt the governor’s program, but a streamlined version will be considered.

Media outlets are grateful that the governor covered many topics, with a delivery of less than 30 minutes. Brevity and efficiency in all things — but especially government and speechmaking — is admired and appreciated.

Webb: Utah sports a conservative Republican governor and a conservative Republican Legislature, and they are in sync on the big philosophical themes — low taxes, limited government, free enterprise and traditional social issue principles. So Utah should win the Miss Congeniality award, right?

Well, not quite. They will agree that education is the top priority, but they will fight over details of funding and reforms. They will fight over Medicaid expansion, but may find agreement on a modest approach. Herbert asked lawmakers to support economic development in rural areas, and he challenged legislators and the education community to boost high school graduation rates to 90 percent in the next four years. He called for elimination of outdated laws and changes in the regulatory structure to allow the 21st century sharing economy to thrive. He won’t get much argument from lawmakers on the value of those proposals, but the details may prove rancorous.

Another prominent Utahn, a Democrat, has announced his candidacy for governor. What impact will gubernatorial election politics have on Herbert's agenda?

Pignanelli: Regardless of party, Utahns should be proud of the caliber of citizens vying for the governorship. In addition to the popular Herbert, three entrepreneurs are offering their experience.

The recent entry is Michael Weinholtz, who enjoys a strong reputation in the business and charitable community.

Overstock Chairman Jonathon Johnson hired some of the best political advisers in the state to push an inter-party challenge to Herbert. Thus, his decision to pursue only the delegate route for the nomination suggests support and a vigorous convention strategy.

Herbert has the advantage of resources, popularity and national recognition of Utah accomplishments. But he understands the potential of his opponents and will subtly maneuver to decrease potential attacks from them.

It would be a clever political tactic for Herbert to claim that his opponents succeeded in business because of his administration's programs.

Webb: The election is going to be hotly contested, but Herbert is in pretty good shape as the incumbent. He’s riding high in the polls, especially among conservative and moderate Republicans and independents, which make up the bulk of the electorate.

Republican Johnson will attack from the right, and Democrat Weinholtz from the left. Both will attempt to portray Herbert as a manager lacking visionary leadership to take the state to the next level.

Herbert is in sync with citizens in calling for increased education funding and modest Medicaid expansion. He’s proposing no tax increases or borrowing. His agenda is safe, conservative, steady-as-she goes — without any moon shots or grandiose proposals. So he does remain vulnerable to charges that he’s not sufficiently visionary or futuristic.

But with a strong economy, low unemployment and the vast majority of voters thinking Utah is going in the right direction, Herbert will be tough to beat.

Is the perception correct that the governor and Republican legislative leaders are at odds more than usual?

Pignanelli: The Legislature has increased its influence on state government operations, at the expense of the executive branch. Also, 21st century legislative leaders are more willing to publicly disagree with the governor. These dynamics may create the impression of hostility, but is only a reflection of politics in an expanding state.

Webb: They get along as well as can be expected, but gubernatorial/legislative politics are never simple. The governor is one person, while the Legislature is 104 unique, independent politicians with differing priorities and mandates — many thinking they ought to be governor themselves. This natural tension is good for democracy as long as it doesn’t result in the sort of gridlock and dysfunction that is choking the federal government.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Utah Legislature blasting off with election-year session

The Utah Legislature blasts off tomorrow morning, commencing its 45-day, election-year session. We take a look at the state of Utah’s lawmaking body.

Various recent polls measuring the Legislature’s job performance range from a lousy 39 percent approval rating (Salt Lake Tribune/Survey USA) to a healthy 57 percent approval (UtahPolicy.com/Dan Jones). How do Utahns really perceive the Legislature?

Pignanelli: "Public opinion is stronger than the legislature, and nearly as strong as the ten commandments." — Charles Dudley Warner

Republicans, Democrats and independents frequently inquire how I spend time at the Capitol "with those people" and remain sane. I always respond the best therapy for a legislative session is a strong dose of humor.

Utahns have amusing perceptions towards their Legislature. Some think it a bizarre political World Wrestling Federation contest with cartoonish characters wrestling each other, while grunting and groaning. Others are suspicious of a secret society where mysterious figures convocate in dark chambers, chanting strange oaths and incantations. Too many surmise the Capitol is a lobbyist jungle gym, with spirited hijinks and backslapping. (Lawmakers, lobbyists and staff describe their experience as chained to oars, pulling to a never-ending voyage on a giant slave ship.)

Because the media, movies and blog sites molds citizens’ perceptions, their opinions of the Legislature can be blemished. With 30 years of experience as a lawmaker and lobbyist, I assure readers every legislator — regardless of party — is a decent hard-working soul who believes his/her agenda is in the best interest of the state. But because the House and Senate must be filled with human beings, they are bodies brimming with emotion, ego, compassion, ambition, intelligence, silliness, self-righteousness and sincere dedication. So my prescription of engaging the process with humor has served me and others well.

But I remain grateful our wise drafters of the Constitution set mandatory time limits on all this fun.

Webb: Here’s a great thing about the Legislature: When it’s over, spring is here!

The truth is, Utahns like their Legislature, and particularly their own lawmaker, just fine. And with good reason. Utah’s 104 lawmakers quickly and efficiently handle the state’s business. Gridlock and dysfunction are seldom seen. They balance the budget, take care of the state’s greatest needs, and do it year after year.

Utah’s lawmakers are like everyone else, working regular jobs, living in our neighborhoods, interacting with constituents. They are approachable. They are in tune with state needs and, for the most part, they look out for the state’s best interests.

Certainly, the Legislature has its right-wing and left-wing, its stars and duds. Silly legislation is introduced and eyebrow-raising speeches are given. But the laws that survive the gauntlet of committee hearings, floor action and gubernatorial signing or vetoing are usually (although not always) good for the state.

Will election-year politics influence legislative actions?

Pignanelli: Many politicians boast their votes and actions are boldly made despite an upcoming re-election. Numerous special-interest organizations scream officials should enact policies without deference to campaign strategies. This is all malarkey. We want all office-holders worried about re-election (most of them are, despite the bravado). The 2016 legislative session will prompt grandstanding, emotional speeches, press conferences and message bills to solidify support for incumbents. For some this is annoying. For others, it's great entertainment (see above). But, it is a vestige of democracy.

Webb: Every politician has one eye on the next election. When this keeps legislators responsive to citizens and voters, such accountability is good. But it’s bad if election concerns paralyze legislators and prevent them from making difficult votes. In the past, legislators have sometimes been overly concerned about a narrow group of constituents — the party delegates that could decide their fates. Now, with the option of gathering signatures to get on the primary ballot, they need not be so concerned about a relatively few delegates and can be more representative of all their constituents.

Can Democrats have any influence on the legislative process or outcome?

Pignanelli: Shrewd messaging to the media and clever backroom tactics are the best tools for a minority party to achieve some objectives. Current Democrats have impacted clean-air and other state policies. If they are willing to increase cunning in political maneuvering, they could mold other key objectives in education, environment and economic development.

Webb: It’s true that Republicans can (and do) roll over Democrats any time they wish. Elections have consequences. Republicans dominate because voters elected them. Republicans and Democrats have different ideologies and different world views. Republicans enjoy an overwhelming majority, so their priorities should prevail.

But in Utah (unlike Congress and many other states), Republican leadership is actually magnanimous toward Democratic lawmakers. Democrats regularly sponsor and pass important bills. Most legislation is not partisan in nature and votes often don’t follow party lines. Democratic influence is also magnified through the news media. If you are silly enough to be a Democrat, Utah isn’t a bad place to be.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: State of the Union sets the stage for presidential campaign ahead

The nation is in for interesting times over the next 10 months as we select the next leader of the free world. President Barack Obama attempted to set the stage for the campaign ahead in his State of the Union speech. We look at the hits and misses.

As we look forward to the campaign, did Obama successfully frame the issues? 

Pignanelli: “The president has a great perk. He can deliver a State of the Union address, to encouraging applauses, rather than endure an annual performance review like the rest of us.” — Phil Rosenthal, Chicago Tribune

The State of the Union speech is similar to the Academy Awards. There is tremendous media attention, filled with predictions and analysis, surrounding both events. But afterwards no one recalls — or cares about — what was said.

Mostly, the president did what he needed to do. He reminded critics the poor hand dealt him in 2009 and that the economy has recovered under his watch. Obama excelled in underscoring the unique characteristics of Americans — acceptance of other cultures, entrepreneurial skills, dedication to quality and hard work. He nailed a tough stance against the Islamic terrorists (too bad he didn't exude the same emotion in his post-San Bernardino speech).

Obama provided the right demeanor … until he lectured, and blamed, all Americans for fostering the nastiness in Washington. Every politico was aghast at this indictment. The Obama administration and Democratic Senate and House leadership — during their tenure of absolute government control — built a massive glass house of hostile partisanship, which prevents the president from throwing stones.

While some Utahns might disagree with the president’s initiatives, we all share his deep abiding belief in this country and people. But please don't ask us to recall anything he, or another president, has said during this annual exhibition.

Webb: I liked Obama’s calls for unity, the eloquent picture he painted of the goodness of America and its resourceful people, and his assertion that America remains the world’s greatest country and its best days are ahead. I believe all of that. I liked his stirring call for innovation and a new “moon shot” to cure cancer.

I believe Obama is sincere and really wants what’s best for America. I don’t think he’s an ogre or charlatan. He’s just wrong. Exceedingly wrong. His worldview and underlying political ideology are dramatically different from mine. He believes that a new or bigger government program is the solution to every problem facing America. He believes the federal government should take care of everyone from cradle to grave.

It is notable that nowhere in his articulate speech did he address the supreme menace hanging over this country — a $17 trillion debt that is actually several times worse when various unfunded liabilities are counted. He didn’t address entitlement programs that are headed for bankruptcy. He didn’t suggest pro-growth policies to bolster a lethargic economy, just more spending on government programs.

Obama is a sincere leader, but his eight years will end with America in a precarious state.

While acknowledging problems, Obama painted a rosy state of the union. Are average Utahns as hopeful as he is?

Pignanelli: Obama pleaded for Americans to reject nativist, outrageous assertions made by some in the campaign arena (implying Donald Trump and Ted Cruz). He declared the national debate is how much government intervention is needed to provide fairness in the economy and respect in foreign affairs. Statements made by candidates in both parties confirm Obama’s assertion that this is the essential argument in the 2016 elections. Yet, Americans are hungry for a more sophisticated discussion, and vision, to make government smarter when needed, and absent when not.

Webb: Cloistered in the White House and recently back from a Hawaiian vacation, Obama can’t quite grasp the malaise and exasperation that exists in the country — and that is giving rise to Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders. Certainly, by some measures the economy is better. But so many American families aren’t feeling it. The country is working fine for the favored few. But not for a vast swath of average citizens. Obama’s answer is more government and more entitlements. The real answer is less government, including less corporate welfare and crony capitalism.

Obama called for unity and compromise. Any chance Congress and the country will come together in the year ahead?

Pignanelli: Republicans must have substantial legislative accomplishments to secure election victories in the House and Senate. The president wants a legacy for his final year. So both sides possess deep incentives for compromise. Fortunately for Obama, two masters of bipartisan consensus lead Congress — House Speaker Paul Ryan and U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch. Thus, I optimistically predict some major accomplishments.

Webb: It’s going to be a really divisive political year, highlighted by a very ugly presidential election. National politics will be a toxic sewer pit. Thankfully, we will do much better in Utah.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Frank Pignanelli and LaVarr Webb: Signature-gathering period in primary election process marks new era

The signature-gathering period for candidates to get on a primary election ballot began last week, marking a new era in the political party nomination process. We explore the cheers and jeers provoked by this new process.

What is the impact now that candidates can secure a primary ballot spot without going through the caucus/convention system? Will this spur more participation? Will many candidates even use the new process?

Pignanelli: "The difference today is that, in both parties, the very extreme elements control the nomination process.” — Hamilton Jordan

I frequently watch my teenage children agonize whether to ask a date to the prom. (i.e. "Should I ask him/her?" "How much will it cost?" "What will my friends think if I do or don't ask him/her?")

Similar emotions are plaguing many Utah politicians whether to participate in the new petition signature process (i.e. "Should I do this?" "How much will it cost?" "What will voters think of me if I do or don't gather signatures?”)

Teenagers — and these candidates — deserve our sympathy.

Responses to the new process are generating unexpected results. Politicians predicted to use the signature process have opted to gamble solely with delegates. U.S. Sen. Mike Lee defied many assumptions by stating he will utilize both roads to the nomination (a brilliant decision as it creates difficulties for challengers).

It's too early to determine any ideological shifts. But expensive signature collection has altered campaign finance. Candidates are fundraising earlier and more aggressively. Politicians who once eschewed corporate and special-interest contributions are now welcoming all donors as their costs have dramatically increased.

So the admonition to well-intentioned election reformers is the same that I give to my teenagers: “Be careful what you ask for."

Webb: As a proud volunteer for Count My Vote and a supporter of SB54 (the compromise bill passed overwhelmingly by the Legislature and signed by the governor) — which provides the dual track to get on the ballot — I couldn’t be more pleased with the way it is rolling out.

In just the first few days of the three-month-long signature gathering period, some 65 candidates filed their declaration of intent to gather signatures. Some easily gathered their signatures in just a few days. That’s a smashing success, especially in the face of hostility, lawsuits, obfuscation, confusion and veiled threats by Republican Party bosses trying to discourage candidates from gathering signatures. Kudos to Sens. Todd Weiler, Curt Bramble and others for standing up to party bosses.

Many races will now be more competitive and won’t be decided at conventions by a tiny minority of party activists. All party members will have the opportunity to decide who wins the nomination, not just a few.

As this new process goes forward in future election cycles, it will make Utah politics much more open and welcoming to a wide variety of candidates, not just those who can make it through the delegate process.

Is this alternative to the traditional convention process a power play by Utah's political elite and not reflective of Utah citizens’ preferences?

Pignanelli: Polls indicate that most voters are unaware or have little interest in the signature petition process. However, the Count My Vote initiative to change the nomination process was prompted by surveys indicating that Utahns were frustrated that a small number of delegates controlled the political process.

The sheer dynamics of the delegate/convention process in both parties pushed candidates to extremes of the political spectrum. Regardless of who funded the activity, the CMV Initiative was a good-faith effort to smooth extremism. The petition signature process was the legislative compromise and reflects the Utah preference for Utahns to try different measures to solve problems.

Webb: Survey research shows large majorities of Utahns of all parties support this alternative to the caucus/convention system. The vast majority of Utah leaders, including past political party chairs, retired politicians at all levels of politics, and the business and civic communities support the new process as a way to encourage political participation.

The old system is still defended by a few dinosaurs, but it is in its death throes. Party bosses are seeing power slipping away, and are desperately trying to salvage the archaic ways of the past. But everyone else has moved on.

Will this new system survive or will legislators ultimately junk it and return to the caucus/convention process?

Pignanelli: If only a handful of officials utilize petition signature process this election cycle, legislators will enact major changes in 2017. However, if Utahns are pleased with having politicians beg for signatures in the snows of January, the system stays.

Webb: It will take a few election cycles for the full benefits of this new system to sink in, but the signature process will become very popular. I vividly remember a state legislator telling me he hated the feeling when his delegates asked him to do something and he had to give their opinions and requests more weight than other constituents. His political future was literally in the hands of delegates. That is no longer the case. All constituents have equal clout. Free at last! Free at last!

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Our contribution to the year-end reviews and predictions

The media pundits and anyone else with megaphones are shouting about year-end awards and predictions. We’d hate to miss the fun, so here are our contributions.

Most 2015 political accomplishments have been well-covered in traditional and social media. Do any politicos deserve recognition for something in 2015 that failed to garner appropriate attention?

Pignanelli: "Politics is more difficult than physics.” — Albert Einstein

In recognition of the resuscitating Star Wars influence, Obi-Wan Kenobi is paraphrased to describe State Auditor John Dougall as the "The Force that surrounds us and penetrates us." Just the fears of Dougall’s performance audits have impacted many Utah government officials in their functions.

Utah is a center of financial services in the country, providing us enormous economic and community benefits. But this advantage is threatened as America's state-chartered banks are struggling with burdensome federal regulations. With little media attention, Congresswoman Mia Love sponsored legislation to help rectify this national and local difficulty.

Most Republicans like Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams regardless of his party affiliation. But some left-wing activists despise his successful bipartisan consensus-building and refusal to engage in ideological prattle.

National Democratic Party spokesmen love to harangue Congressman Jason Chaffetz (and he enjoys giving it back). But through his bipartisan activities, the chairman of the House Government Oversight Committee has the affection of colleagues from both sides.

Mayor-elect Jackie Biskupski demonstrated how shrewd retail campaigning can overcome tough odds. Her campaign manager, Lindsay Barenz, deserves praise for developing — and sticking to — a smart strategy.

The Governor's Office of Economic Development and its ally, the Economic Development Corporation of Utah, capture attention when a big company locates here. But what is overlooked is the amount of hard work the staff of these organizations expend to keep Utah on top of the heap.

House Speaker Greg Hughes’ proposal of a provider tax to fund Medicaid expansion dramatically altered the course of this debate in Utah, and possibly in other states. It also opened the door for other funding options.

Webb: I appreciated the members of Utah’s congressional delegation who contributed to a reasonably good congressional year by supporting important bipartisan legislation dealing with international trade, an omnibus spending package, transportation funding and education reform.

I was disappointed by the many Republican candidates and incumbents, some from Utah, who pandered to the far right, damaging the Republican brand with mainstream voters and hurting the party’s chances to win the presidency in 2016 and maintain control of the U.S. Senate. Enacting conservative policies will require winning the presidency this year, not dying on the sword of far-right ideologies.

2016 promises to be a lot of fun for anyone who enjoys politics. Any predictions? 

Pignanelli: With the appropriate conditions and caveats that allow me to escape responsibility when wrong and to use the taunt “I told you so” when I am right, I hereby predict:

Donald Trump wins at least two early primaries, and keeps him a contender for Super Tuesday.

The outcome of the presidential election is determined by if two external factors occur by November 2016 — a recession and terrorist attack.

The presidential ticket of both parties will directly impact many local races in Utah, especially for the Legislature, county positions and possibly a congressional seat.

Medicaid expansion is funded through a mechanism that satisfies the concerns of House Republicans.

Webb: It’s going to be quite a remarkable year … almost like a fairy tale. Congressional Republicans will come to their senses, govern with moderation, and pass key bipartisan legislation that unifies the country. Voters decide they like a Congress that actually solves problems. Republicans maintain House control by wide margins and win 60 seats in the Senate.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump concludes that insulting people is a lot more fun than having to actually govern a large country. So he challenges the manhood of white American males — the only interest group he hadn’t yet alienated — calling them “pathetic low-energy losers” if they aren’t rich, famous and haven’t had at least three gorgeous wives. Trump finally fades in the polls, starts a reality TV show, “The Biggest Insulter,” and continues to dominate each news cycle.

Ted Cruz is arrested and deported on a spaceship after a new movie, “Men in Black IV,” reveals he is actually an alien from another galaxy attempting to take over the world. “It was his crazy eyes,” says Agent J after capturing the intergalactic imposter.

The four remaining legitimate candidates, Marco Rubio, Chris Christie, John Kasich and JebBush, sneak off to a secret campaign retreat and then announce they will run as a four-person ticket with Rubio as president, Kasich as VP, Bush as secretary of state, and Christie as secretary of defense.

Hillary Clinton announces Bill as her VP running mate.

The Rubio/Kasich/Bush/Christie ticket easily wins Ohio (where Kasich is governor) and Florida (where Rubio and Bush are from) and handily defeats Clinton/Clinton.

With total control of Washington, Republicans balance the budget, save Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, pass comprehensive immigration reform, simplify the tax code, defeat ISIS, and we all live happily ever after.

Happy New Year!

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Santa discloses the wish-lists of some prominent politicos

Poor Santa. Every year he is inundated by billions of requests for Christmas largesse. He tries to accommodate everyone, but is getting irritated with politicians and their demands. Since the big day is over, Santa broke the code of holiday silence and shared with us wish lists from certain characters we all know.

President Obama: “I’m wishing for a little relevance in my last year. With few people paying attention, I’m already feeling lame, and sometimes my speechwriters type ‘quack, quack, quack’ into the teleprompter.”

Sen. Orrin Hatch: "Nothing much. Just continued Republican Senate control so I can still be president pro tem and third in line for the presidency (you never know what might happen) and chairman of Finance, and well-positioned just in case I decide … you know … kinda thinkin’ … maybe 2018."

Donald Trump: “I’m very, very rich. I reject campaign contributions and Christmas gifts. Santa Claus is a loser. Real low energy except one night a year.”

Hillary Clinton: “More insults from Donald Trump. He’s the only person on earth who can actually generate voter sympathy for me. Suddenly, I’m likable.”

Gov. Gary Herbert: "Another year of great economic success for Utah so I can slide into re-election. Of course, it would be real frosting on the eggnog if my Republican opponent's company takes a beating in its stock prices."

GOP gubernatorial candidate Jonathan Johnson: “How about a little recognition for true visionary leadership instead of status quo management? A couple of early debates would be nice as well. It’s boring to debate Dabakis.”

Sen. Mike Lee: "Santa, please deliver us a president who has great courage, a conservative vision and the deep intelligence to do the right thing … especially nominate me for the U.S. Supreme Court."

Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams: "I just want the gift of political disguise so voters aren’t sure what party I belong to. Besides, voting straight ticket is so boring. Live 2016 on the wild side — cross party lines!"

Democratic Party Chairman Peter Corroon: "Since we are called the Santa Claus party anyway for giving away government goodies — it's about time we got something from the real Santa. Just one Republican incumbent goes down in 2016. Just one."

Republican Party Chairman James Evans: "I seek only three gifts. No, not gold, frankincense and myrrh. Simple things — complete disarray in the signature petition process to justify my lawsuit, a great Republican candidate to challenge Ben McAdams, and a deadlocked national convention so Mitt Romney can be drafted on the second ballot."

Mitt Romney: “No more dog-strapped-to-the-roof-of-the-car jokes. Anyway, he was in a dog carrier. Got that? A dog carrier. He wasn’t hanging from the roof by his collar. And, yes, a deadlocked national convention would be nice as well.”

Congressman Chris Stewart: "All I want is a hundred more people to know who I am."

Congressman Rob Bishop: "I just want my staff to finish the dang public lands bill."

All Republican candidates: "For the sake of the country, please provide an electoral miracle and see that Bernie Sanders is the Democratic nominee. Republicans will win up and down the ballot."

All Democratic candidates: "For the sake of the country, please see that Donald Trump is the Republican nominee. With him at the top of the ticket, I can knock off any Republican."

Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox: "Last year, Santa left me a big lump of coal otherwise known as SB54 and the contentious signature-gathering process. So he owes me. How about knocking off Ben McAdams in 2016 so I don’t have to face him in 2020 for the governorship?”

Congresswoman Mia Love: "All I want is high approval ratings and lots of campaign cash for the next 11 months."

Democratic congressional candidate Doug Owens: "A big inflow of national Democratic money to my campaign and a few more Love mini-scandals. Oh, and prevent Mia from using her prodigious campaign wealth to run negative ads against me.”

Political commentators, lobbyists, pundits and media: "We want peace on earth and goodwill towards all — except in anything political. Our livelihoods depend on titanic battles and chaos in the political process."

House Speaker Greg Hughes: "I just never want to hear the words ‘Medicaid expansion’ again."

Senate President Wayne Niederhauser: "I seek a truly historic event. A massive snow dump in the middle of the legislative session, so I can declare the first-ever legislative snow day, send everyone home, and head to the backcountry."

Congressman Jason Chaffetz: "I really don't need anything. Democrats keep goofing up without any help from Santa, keeping my Oversight Committee plenty busy."

Pignanelli and Webb: "Just a couple of things: perceptive readers who actually get our obtuse humor, patient editors who suffer through our missed deadlines, and another year of political hijinks so we’ll have plenty of juicy material to write about."

Have a happy new year! 

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: A reluctant but necessary discussion on Trump and terrorism

The presidential race has a new focus on national security — and, of course, Donald Trump. We hate to even mention the guy’s name, because his key strategy is to dominate news coverage. But we can’t ignore his bigotry.

Has Donald Trump crossed the line from entertaining to downright frightening and dangerous?

Pignanelli: “So what if the media question Trump’s bending the truth. There never has been more truth bending from Washington, D.C., than right now!” —Iowa Trump supporter on NBC "Meet the Press."

The recent denunciations of Trump by Republican, Democrat, religious, community and business leaders is heartwarming and a testimony to the great soul of this nation. I will pile on with an additional perspective.

With a dark demeanor and weird hair, Trump is providing a public service. His comments are generating a hostile reaction that is unifying disparate factions and reminding the country of the principles that bind us. Further, he is illustrating that our democracy is not impervious to — and can breed — charismatic jingoistic power seekers whose ultimate ambition is tyranny. We must be ever vigilant against this threat, whether from Trump or another demagogue with cheap promises of security (and a worse haircut).

Normally Trump would be easily dismissed. But the dysfunction in Washington, D.C., and its inability to articulate a response to terrorism is creating the vacuum that the blowhard billionaire can fill with horrible rhetoric against Muslims. The partisan bickering has now fostered another terrible menace.

If 300 million Americans must endure the buffoonery for another six months, then we put the nonsense to good use for a massive "teaching moment."

Webb: Donald Trump will never be elected president. Thank goodness. But he is fully capable of electing Hillary Clinton and a Democratic U.S. Senate. He could care less about what’s best for America. He cares only about Donald Trump.

As a young man, I served my church in Indonesia, which has the world’s largest Muslim population — many millions of sweet, caring, wonderful Muslim people. To think that Trump would prevent citizens of this entire nation from entering my country is reprehensible.

Remember, our most important allies in the fight against Islamic terrorism are Muslims and Muslim countries. Islamic terrorists mostly maim and kill other Muslims.

Just as scary as Trump himself is the fact that some 30 percent of Republicans actually support him. I don’t like to offend people, but I worry about the intellectual capacity of these folks who seek simplistic answers to complex questions, who are so easily influenced by a charismatic charlatan, who seek a nonexistent political savior. Too many people get caught up in celebrity worship, the political equivalent of the Kardashians.

Thankfully, most Utahns are not so naïve. Polling by Dan Jones & Associates for UtahPolicy.com shows some 65 percent of Utahns reject Trump’s views on banning Muslims. Trump’s presidential bid has only 13 percent support in Utah. He’s running even or behind Ted Cruz, Ben Carson and Marco Rubio.

Remember, it’s not a big leap from Muslims to Mormons to Jews or whatever other religion Trump decides to persecute.

In his speech to the nation, President Obamaoutlined his approach to dealing with terrorism at home and abroad. Was the speech adequate for the occasion and inspiring enough to spur action?

Pignanelli: The Democrats I listened to in the media or encountered during the days following the speech gave a ho-hum critique of the president’s presentation. (Of course, I endured the usual stream of complaints from Republicans.) Many hoped Obama would have given an emotional delivery to rally the nation and restore confidence. He didn't.

Perhaps Obama is channeling the fear and confusion plaguing the nation’s capital on this matter. There is much shouting and finger wagging. But our leaders have no real plan. We have never faced an enemy with such tactics.

I am optimistic that the White House will recover its footing, develop a strategy, and reach out to the nation for support. The alternative to this dream is a real nightmare.

Webb: Obama’s trumpet continues to give an uncertain sound. The speech was a dud. Obama didn’t say anything new and he certainly didn’t inspire Americans or make them feel safer or more patriotic.

The terrorist attack in San Bernardino has reignited national security issues related to NSA’s desire to collect bulk phone records. Was it a mistake to restrict NSA’s data-collecting program?

Pignanelli: No expert has argued that NSA retention of these records would have prevented this and other tragedies. Such information, if needed, can be accessed by the subpoena of communications service providers. A strong response to the terrorists must be coupled with an equal determination to prevent government overreach.

Webb: Banning bulk collection of phone records is completely ridiculous. Anyone who isn’t a terrorist has absolutely nothing to worry about. Who has been hurt by this practice? Only bad guys. Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Facebook and your local department store know far more about you than the NSA ever will. Ted Cruzand others of his ilk are fearmongers who place political expediency over national security.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: A few political issues to contemplate on cold and smoggy days

It has been cold and smoggy outside, dampening holiday cheer. So you might as well stay inside and contemplate a few political issues. Here are some we’re thinking about.

Recent survey research shows that Utah voters, especially conservative Republicans, give freshman U.S. Sen. Mike Lee good job approval ratings. His numbers are higher than his Senate colleague Orrin Hatch, who also enjoys respectable approval numbers. How has Lee eclipsed the long-serving Hatch, who is one of the Senate’s most powerful members?

Pignanelli: “The secret of success is constancy to purpose.” — Benjamin Disraeli

Lee is defying the old mantra by "having his cake and eating it too." Three years ago he was a "dead man walking" whom many mainstream Republicans targeted for defeat. The animosity toward him substantially fostered the Count My Vote effort to reform the delegate/convention system.

Despite the grumbles, Lee never wavered from the persona that he was an outsider to Washington who despised the failures of both parties. He continually advocated edgy new-wave conservative ideas to tackle entitlement and budget issues. Eventually Lee captured the support of GOP bigwigs who once opposed him.

Lee is the rare incumbent who enjoys the same anti-establishment wave pushing Donald Trump and Ben Carson. A challenger without deep resources faces a near-impossible task to avoid delegates (who enthusiastically support Lee) by obtaining 30,000 petition signatures. So Lee will readily capture the nomination in a process created to defeat him. This leaves the question whether the senator prefers chocolate or vanilla frosting.

Hatch is a true statesman with a rich legacy of building bipartisan coalitions to accomplish legislative objectives. However, such pragmatism roils ultra-right-wingers. They suffer from a “What have you done for me lately” syndrome and too easily forget Hatch was an early warrior for their issues (i.e., balanced budget, states' rights, etc.)

Webb: Lee’s right-wing support boosts him above Hatch. Lee is loved by the far right and hated by the left. Hatch is disliked by both the far left and the far right. Lee is a quick learner. Just one year ago, billionaire industrialist Jon Huntsman Sr. called Lee “a tremendous embarrassment to our family, to our state, to our country.” Prominent business leaders were actively seeking to defeat him.

Today, he enjoys the best of both worlds. He has enthusiastic support from the base, along with cautious support of mainstream Republican leaders. He no longer seeks to shut down the government. He works across the aisle on many issues. He seeks conservative solutions to problems instead of just being against everything.

Hatch, however, remains Utah’s true power in the U.S. Senate. He is wisely and effectively using that power to benefit Utah and the nation.

Salt Lake City Mayor-elect Jackie Biskupskirequested resignation letters from city officials whom the mayor appoints. Is this business as usual for a new administration or was it arrogant and hurtful?

Pignanelli: This may be the top overblown nonissue news item of the year. I conjecture most appointees in the Becker administration are not surprised by this development. City voters communicated a clear mandate for change in City Hall to Biskupski. She is delivering on her promise.

Webb: This is much ado about nothing. Any newly elected executive gets to pick her team, and requesting a resignation letter from everyone is the best way to start the process. Anyone working in an appointed position knows his or her job is tied to the boss. When the boss is gone, the job is at risk.