Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Prohibiting travel, superdelegates and the race for governor

The national political circus continues to entertain. The New York primary battles are demanding answers to important questions: correct use of the subway, do Big Apple residents have proper values, should Donald Trump have sent a birthday card to Bill Clinton, and how pizza is properly eaten (Frank has a strong opinion on this). But Utahns are chewing on more sensible political issues.

Last week, Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupskiprohibited official city business travel to Mississippi and North Carolina because of anti-LGBT legislation passed in those states. Utah's capital joins a host of other cities with similar bans. Is this just grandstanding, or a legitimate expression of protest?

Pignanelli: "The truth is that all political and social change is friction." — Nick Hanauer

North Carolina now prohibits anti-discrimination ordinances based on sexual orientation. Mississippi allows businesses, for “sincerely held religious beliefs or moral convictions,” to refuse service to gay, lesbian and unmarried couples. Most Americans are opposed to these actions.

The retail marketplace illustrates the American mindset. Television commercials for everyday products now highlight same-sex couples, because businesses want to appear in touch with the sentiment of consumers in this country. Employees and customers are fostering the many corporate protests against these two states.

Americans have the natural entitlement to believe in, and say, whatever they desire. But these privileges cannot be used to deprive others of fundamental rights. A business open to the public is just that. To deny service — even for religious reasons — to a potential customer because of race, creed, ethnic origin or sexual orientation is corrosive to the core of this nation. Those who promote such behavior risk protests and boycotts.

Victims of state-sanctioned discrimination founded Utah. So their 21st-century descendents should articulate strong objections to intolerance. Hooray for the mayor and the City Council. Hooray for the Legislature and the governor for not wading into this national controversy.

Webb: Salt Lake City is one of the most liberal cities in the country, so joining other liberal cities in a travel ban doesn’t surprise me. I don’t know the nuances of the Mississippi and North Carolina laws, so I’m not ready to condemn or endorse them.

I do believe that, as a general rule, the LGBT community must have protection against discrimination. At the same time, religious freedom must be protected. This creates a dilemma. Reasonable people on both sides must compromise and exhibit tolerance, as we have done in Utah.

For example, a large business that broadly deals with the general public ought to serve same-sex couples. That’s obvious. However, if a small, mom-and-pop shop is owned by people who devoutly believe that supporting same-sex marriage would be sinful, in a location where plenty of other businesses are providing the same services, why not let them follow their principles? Why force them to do something that violates their sincere religious beliefs?

I reject the assertion that such discrimination is the moral equivalent of refusing service to someone on the basis of race, religion or gender. I don’t know of any mainstream religion that supports such discrimination. But some mainstream religions do not condone same-sex marriage. The legality has certainly been settled by the courts, but legitimate religious concerns still exist.

Personally, despite my unease about same-sex marriage and the long-term impact on children and families, I would not have a problem serving a same-sex couple if I was a cake baker, a jeweler or a florist. But if someone else holds fervent beliefs otherwise, they should be allowed to follow their convictions.

As my church leaders have stated, what’s needed is common sense, compromise and tolerance on both sides. It is a fine line, no doubt, but I think people of good will can find that line. Intolerant people on both sides will just want to fight.

Local supporters of Bernie Sanders are demanding that Utah Democratic superdelegates abandon their commitment to Hillary Clinton and reflect the overwhelming support the Vermont senator captured in Utah’s presidential preference poll. Will or should this happen?

Pignanelli: The historical precedent in this country is that parties can choose a president through whatever means they choose. Superdelegates are either elected officials, or party bigwigs chosen by delegates. Therefore they have connections to a constituent base. The superdelegate system was developed to allow these individuals to nominate whomever they think best. So leave them alone.

Webb: Rules are rules. Superdelegates can support anyone they desire. If Democrats don’t like it, they should do as Republicans did and eliminate superdelegates. Personally, I think superdelegates are fine. Those who have worked hard for the party deserve the perk. But in Utah, some far-right grass-roots activists have the attitude that you’re a pretty smart person until you get elected to something. Then you automatically become an idiot and an enemy, undeserving of a delegate slot.

A recent poll in Utah Policy showed Gov. Gary Herbert far ahead of his Republican and Democratic challengers. Is Herbert cruising to victory?

Pignanelli: Notwithstanding the polls, Herbert is still facing a feisty challenge from Jonathan Johnson. State political conventions are strange affairs (especially the Republicans) so the unexpected can happen. Popular Gov. Michael Leavitt was forced into a primary in 2000. Delegates ousted well-liked incumbents Gov. Olene Walker (2004) and Sen. Bob Bennett (2010). Herbert is working hard to prevent such occurrences. Insiders believe Herbert gets out of convention, but so could Johnson.

Webb: Both the primary and general gubernatorial elections will be feisty affairs. It’s a safe bet that Herbert will win, but his opponents have enough money, organization and talent to be highly visible and very irritating.

Despite Herbert’s enviable popularity and success, I expect Herbert and Johnson will face off in a primary election. It’s not very difficult for a well-funded challenger to win at least 40 percent of the delegate vote and emerge from the state convention.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: A contested GOP convention and Utah candidates

Politics has been full of surprises and strange activities in this election cycle. Although Utahns have tried to remain dignified through it all, we’ve been directly engaged (bombarded with advertisements featuring Melania Trump’s risque modeling endeavors, Donald Trump’s bombast, Bernie Sanders’incredible rallies, etc.) in this bizarre election. These broader themes do have an impact locally.

The Wisconsin primary likely assured a contested GOP Republican convention with an unknown outcome. A Utah Policy Poll showed Hillary Clinton could be competitive with Donald Trump — in Utah! How are Utah candidates dealing with these surprises?

Pignanelli: "The only way Trump gets beat is if his supporters morally collapse because of bad defeats in California and New York. They will be like Oklahoma at the end of the Villanova game … nothing there.” — David Brooks

Utah be proud. Very proud. Your common-sense approach garnered respect from fellow Americans. News commentators relished how Utah voters deliberately and strategically chose a candidate who could stall Trump’s momentum — Ted Cruz. Even international media broadcasted the eye-opening Utah Clinton vs. Trump poll results.

The Utah storms so unnerved Trump & Company they responded to the Ms. Trump supermodel ad with an outrageous tweet attacking Heidi Cruz. By failing to apologize for this, and his campaign manager’s non-assault assault against a female reporter, Trump was pummeled in Wisconsin.

Not since the 1976 Republican convention has our state enjoyed such an impact on the nomination process.

But shrewd GOP candidates understand the potential negative implications. Even Democrats must prepare for the fallout from incessant pummeling of Clinton by Sanders.

Smart Utah Republicans will develop an independent image distancing themselves from these embarrassments. They can consult with local Democrats, who have vast experience creating such electoral strategies with national candidates unappealing to many Utahns.

Webb: Since Utah Republicans decisively dumped Trump, GOP candidates here likely won’t be hurt if he leads the ballot. But it does put them in an uncomfortable spot, having to state whether they support their presidential nominee.

Certainly, Clinton will get a lot more votes if Trump is the GOP nominee. But my guess is that by Election Day, Republicans will come home and vote for Trump with a lot of nose-holding.

Utah candidates should simply note that whether Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton is in the White House, it reinforces the need to reduce the size and cost of the federal government and devolve more programs and authority to the states. Washington is going to be a gridlocked mess, a veritable disaster, especially if Trump causes the Republicans to lose the Senate.

Utah candidates should turn the presidential race into a discussion on the need for balanced federalism.

What is happening in the race for the Governor's Mansion?

Pignanelli: The Gary Herbert and Jonathan Johnson campaigns are deep in combat, fighting for delegates in county conventions. The governor is popular and reminding audiences Utah is leading the country in job creation and economic prosperity. Johnson is educating Utah delegates that many Utah politicians were birthed by challenging incumbents (Orrin Hatch, Jim Hansen, Jason Chaffetz, Mike Lee and … Gary Herbert). Because Herbert has secured enough signatures to advance to the primary, Johnson's task is to bruise him in the convention and create doubts about his strength. So far, the Democratic contenders have been rather polite.

Webb: This is a relatively quiet time in Utah’s election cycle as candidates chase delegates with phone calls, mailings, and large and small gatherings. It’s a good battle on the Republican side, and no incumbent can take re-election for granted in this anti-establishment atmosphere. Still, Herbert enjoys high approval ratings and solid conservative credentials. He has to be considered the odds-on favorite.

That doesn’t mean Herbert will eliminate Johnson at convention. I would be surprised if that happened. Republican convention delegates have a habit of humbling strong Republican incumbents (like Mike Leavitt and Orrin Hatch) by forcing them into primary elections (where they handily defeat their upstart opponents).

On the Democratic side, I assume Michael Weinholtzwill eliminate Vaughn Cook at the Democratic convention. It’s early enough in the campaign that Weinholtz can stay relatively quiet, build his campaign organization and name ID and hold his fire on the Republicans. The barrage will come soon enough.

Intra-party challenges from the far right and far left are plaguing some state legislators. What does this imply?

Pignanelli: Trump, Sanders (and Johnson) were out there long enough to sow discontent that trickles down. Thus many solid conservatives and steady liberals are facing attacks from their fringe. Incumbents that secured enough signatures are not as panicked as those who must face grumpy delegates. But this does signify 2016 as a quicksand year for all politicians.

Webb: The presidential race demonstrates the degree of grass-roots uprising on both sides against the establishment (people like me). Utah displays more common sense than a lot of states, but the anti-establishment sentiment certainly exists here. Still, Utah is doing well economically, our leaders govern responsibly, citizens are optimistic, and most strong incumbents will be just fine.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Discussing the race for president, Utah's governor and legislative candidates

The race is on! Utah’s candidate filing deadline has passed, and hundreds of hopefuls have filed for offices up and down the ballot. That, combined with the bizarre national political scene, gives us plenty to pontificate about.

Republican leaders terrified about having Donald Trump at the top of the November ballot are developing a "Plan T" to protect local candidates from his destructive coattails. Is this really a problem and can anything be done?

Pignanelli: "Donald Trump, and everything surrounding him, is preventing the GOP from talking about Hillary Clinton's record. That is what's so terrible about Trump."--Mary Kissel, Wall Street Journal. Combatant nations in World War I believed chemical gases could expeditiously eliminate enemies. But these weapons were unreliable, unpredictable and caused problems for the aggressors — especially when the wind changed. Trump — the mustard gas of the 2016 elections — is equally erratic and the impact of his volatile supporters in other races is a mystery.

Conventional thinking suggests a Trump nomination dampens traditional Republican enthusiasm to vote, but invigorates left-wing Utahns to the polls. Additionally, blue-collar conservative Democrats are behind Trump’s successes. Their proclivities in local elections, or turnout if Trump is denied the nomination, are unknown.

The dynamic of the Bernie Sanders movement cannot be ignored. What happens to the Vermont socialist at the Democratic Convention could be another factor in November.

Trump is a weapon that will be used on behalf, and against, every candidate seeking election in 2016. Savvy campaign operatives will develop several strategies to benefit from, while simultaneously defending against, the Trump (and Sanders) variables. Unfortunately, no one knows which tactic will be effective until actually utilized. Keep the gas masks handy.

Webb: All predictions and conventional wisdom have been upended in this race, so no one really knows how a Trump nomination might affect down-ballot races. But I expect Trump hurts other Republicans. GOP leaders will do their best to “localize” the races so voters focus on specific issues, especially state and local issues, instead of the presidential race. But even in Utah, where Trump is very unpopular, there will be no good answer when candidates are asked, “Do you support your party’s presidential candidate? Do you support his positions on issues?” Candidates won’t want to offend Trump supporters, but they also won’t want to alienate voters who just can’t stand Trump.

The best they can say is, “Well, he’s our party’s nominee. I don’t agree with him on some issues. But we’re going to educate him and use his strength to get important things done.”

The gubernatorial race is shaping up to be an interesting event. Gov. Gary Herbert faces both Republican and Democratic challengers. Will this contest stay heated through November, or does the governor run the table and stay far ahead of opponents?

Pignanelli: Prominent businessman Jonathan Johnson is offering a spirited challenge to Gov. Herbert. The Democratic candidates, Michael Weinholtz and Vaughn R Cook are also successful businessmen without political records. So expect plenty of “anti-establishment” and “career politician” jibes. Normally, Herbert's high approval ratings and popularity would be a solid defense against these attacks. But this Trumpian year offers unique opportunities to “non-establishment” contenders. However, Herbert is well known for taking nothing for granted and will respond with an aggressive campaign until election day.

Webb: By all conventional measures (high approval ratings, strong economy), Herbert is about as safe as a politician can be as he seeks his second full term. But in this unpredictable political year, overconfidence would be a big mistake.

Joint appearances and debates already show Herbert will come under heavy fire from the left and the right. The convention fight could be tough. Restive voters won’t want to hear just that Utah is doing well. They’ll want candidates to articulate their visions for the future, how they will boost the state to the next level and bring all Utahns along for the ride.

Some observers are complaining that too many legislative incumbents have gone unchallenged by the opposing party. Is this a legitimate complaint?

Pignanelli: As a veteran of many tough campaigns, the rare blessing of the free ride was warmly appreciated. It is nonsense to expect any political party — regardless of size or stature — to fill every race. Shrewd activists target resources where a reasonable opportunity to defend or capture a seat exists. Sacrificial lamb candidates, promised assistance that never materializes, usually become embittered and resentful.

Webb: Partisans accuse Republicans of gerrymandering legislative district boundaries to create safe districts where the opposing party can’t even field a candidate. The truth is, no one needs to gerrymander to produce those results. Utah is a lop-sided Republican state and it’s hard to produce more than a handful of competitive districts without creating really weird boundaries.

Certainly, a few more competitive districts could be created. But doing so might dilute Democratic strength in existing districts. Democrats dominate Salt Lake City because that’s the way citizens vote. Republicans dominate the rest of the state for the same reason. That’s how politics works.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Utah precinct caucuses cause for national attention

Utah's 2016 political party precinct caucuses, which incorporated presidential nomination contests, were remarkable events. The caucuses generated unprecedented attention from Utah voters, the national media and presidential candidates — multiple visits, advertising, literature and field operations. The Utah results might even help determine the eventual party nominees.

Sen. Ted Cruz easily captured all of Utah’s 40 GOP delegates. Did Utahns validate the Mitt Romney anti-Trump strategy by voting for whoever can prevent Trump from winning a majority of delegates? Could this change the trajectory of the GOP nomination?

Pignanelli: "Participating in a Republican caucus is like attending a stake conference. Visiting a Democratic caucus is similar to experiencing a Burning Man festival." — Observations from a very prominent Utahn, who dropped by both caucuses, and wisely wishes to remain anonymous.

The Easter bunny came early for local politicos. The campaign commercials and media analysis were great fun. Plus, the drubbing of Donald Trump was a beautiful thing. The concentrated effort in Utah can be replicated in other states to stall Trump’s momentum.

Trump on the ballot jeopardizes GOP control of the U.S. House and Senate and statehouses across the country. A serious response to this threat requires a ruthless manipulation of convention rules and protocols.

Throughout history, political parties and factions have savaged the convention process to ensure the "correct" candidate is nominated. (Supporters of Abraham Lincoln used reprehensible tactics. Thank goodness!) The national Democratic Party, to prevent insurgent candidacies that plagued it in the 1970s (George McGovern, 1972; Jimmy Carter, 1976) installed the "superdelegate" mechanism that exists today. Allowing 720 party bigwigs to vote unbound to their constituents’ preference is a big safety feature.

But as I remind my Republican friends, the pure act of democracy occurs on the Tuesday after the first Monday of each November. Everything else in politics is subject to cutthroat tactics delivered by otherwise decent persons. The survival of the republic depends upon this dichotomy.

Webb: Congratulations to Utah Republicans for dumping Trump. No doubt, a lot of Cruz votes (mine included) were strategic, designed more to deny delegates to Trump than to show affection for Cruz.

So much is at stake in this election: the presidency, control of the U.S. Senate and crucial appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court. Truly, the future of the country hangs in the balance. Facing a very weak presumptive Democratic nominee in Hillary Clinton, Republicans initially had a clear path to victory and just needed to nominate a solid candidate and run a good campaign.

Instead, Republicans are mired in a disastrous nomination process with no obvious happy outcome. The top two candidates, Trump and Cruz, will lose to Clinton. But ousting them in a contested convention will result in chaos and massive defections. Somehow, the national Republican party is in a lose-lose situation.

Bernie Sanders swamped Hillary Clinton. Did Utahns breathe life back into his efforts?

Pignanelli: Sanders’ incredible lopsided success in Utah and Idaho gives him the momentum needed for a push in the remaining states — especially California and New York. National experts note that Sanders' achievement in these two states will help in fundraising and volunteer efforts. However, the affection by Utah Democrats for the Vermont socialist is interesting. Is it pushback against “establishment candidate” Hillary Clinton or the embrace of Sanders’ persona and platform?

Webb: It’s great that so many young people turned out and got involved in politics, giving Sanders his big margin. But I’m still trying to figure why it took a democratic socialist to excite young people — a candidate whose answer to every problem is to increase the size of government, raise taxes and balloon the deficit. I hope we’re not raising a generation that thinks the government should rip apart big businesses, penalize successful people and redistribute wealth. Hopefully, it’s just the usual pattern of political maturation: “If you’re not a liberal at 25, you have no heart. If you’re not a conservative at 35, you have no brain.”

Utah Republicans were also spotlighted for conducting the presidential preference by online balloting. Is this a fad or the beginning of a trend?

Pignanelli: After enduring long lines, chaos in caucus organization and frustration with technical details, many Utahns will be pressuring political leaders for online voting. If thousands of Utahns are using the Internet to purchase personal items, conduct private research and otherwise help in important decisions, then voting should be one of those activities.

Webb: Online voting had plenty of problems, but the party deserves credit for trying it. The Count My Vote movement encouraged the political parties to open up the caucus process, and it was nice to see the GOP allow online voting and absentee voting. Still, the long lines, confusion and disorganization upset a lot of people, some saying they will not attend a caucus again. The bugs in the online process showed it’s not quite ready for a general election, but that day is coming. A presidential primary election allowing early voting, online voting and in-person voting would have produced significantly more participation.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Utah and the 2016 presidential election

It’s a tumultuous time in the presidential election, and Utah is in the middle of the action this week. Here are questions we’re hearing.

With Marco Rubio out, where do his Utah supporters go, and who do you predict will win the Republican and Democratic caucus contests in Utah on Tuesday?

(Pignanelli) "My taxi driver loves Donald Trumpbecause Trump is saying everything he has been saying at the bar for the past 20 years" — Chuck Warren, Utah political strategist

Republican presidential politics in Utah is a dinner party that rapidly disintegrated into a personal nightmare. The obnoxious drunk (who will not leave) is chasing away erudite guests but his offensive antics are popular with half the table. So the average Utah GOP voter has a terrible choice: sit next to the boorish center of attention, a preachy zealot or a wonkish nerd. The situation compels pity.

My best guess (or hope) is that Gov. John Kasich and Sen. Ted Cruz capture the top two slots and Trump is a distant third. Because the Democratic vote is open to all, left-leaning independents and others will swarm the caucuses to give Sen. Bernie Sanders the Beehive State.

Trump on the ballot is a problem for both parties. Local GOP candidates in safe seats should worry that turnout could be lower, or even hostile. They will need a plan to distance themselves from the top of the ballot while maintaining enthusiasm for their candidacy.

Trump’s victories are driven by big chunks of blue-collar Democrats crossing over. So the minority party must have a Trump strategy to protect candidates and incumbents outside the capital city.

(Webb) Personally, I’m voting on Tuesday for Kasich, by far the best candidate overall and the one best positioned to defeat Hillary Clinton. But Cruz seems to have the most momentum in Utah. He will probably pick up a lot of support from Rubio backers. Weekend candidate visits to Utah and last-minute endorsements (like former Gov. Mike Leavitt’s endorsement of Kasich) could make a difference.

It’s going to be very close between Clinton and Sanders, but it doesn’t really matter. Clinton will be the Democratic nominee.

Will Donald Trump’s and John Kasich’s decision to pass on debating in Utah hurt them in Tuesday’s caucus election?

(Pignanelli) Utahns are proud of our state’s amazing accomplishments. We deserved to host a presidential primary debate. Mr. Trump's refusal to attend in order to give a speech to a PAC is an offense and insult. So a message needs to be sent to the blowhard billionaire. Trump demonstrated what he thinks of us and Utahns should return the compliment on Tuesday evening.

(Webb) I’m disappointed the Utah debate isn’t happening. It would have been great to see the candidates up close and personal in a debate format. But it probably won’t make a difference in the voting. I’d love to see Trump bomb in Utah, come in third behind Kasich and Cruz. Let’s show the world Utah doesn’t buy his bigotry and bombast. I would love for Utah to be Trump’s worst state.

What are the presidential campaign implications of the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate declining to even hold hearings on President Obama’s nomination of Judge Merrick Garland to the U.S. Supreme Court?

(Pignanelli) Americans are the hardest working and most productive people on the planet. Every day, over 100 million show up at work regardless of disagreements with the boss or a customer. Thus, voters will not sympathize with senators’ refusal to conduct a hearing because of anger with the president.

With Trump as the nominee, GOP control of the Senate will be precarious. So why confirm allegations that Washington, D.C., is dysfunctional and further irritate voters? The best interests of Republicans — and the country — are served by a vigorous review of the nominee.

(Webb) I admit to wondering why the Republicans don’t just hold the hearings and vote the nominee down. But Sens. Orrin Hatch and Mike Lee are right that if they do so it gives President Obama, Democratic presidential candidates and Sen. Harry Reid a nice forum to try to score political points in a months-long, divisive process infused with election-year politics. And then he’ll be voted down anyway. So why bother? The result will be the same.

Garland might be a moderate fellow and a good judge. But he’s no Antonin Scalia, and far too much is at stake for Republicans to allow the court (and the country) to tilt further left. Sure, Senate Republicans are going to get beat up for a week or two. But then it will be over and the Senate can get on to other work.

Truth is, Obama put up a sacrificial lamb with no expectation that he would actually be confirmed.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Using Trumpisms to illustrate Utah's legislative work

Pignanelli & Webb: It's a tradition for your columnists to help readers understand the escapades of each just-adjourned legislative session using the language of the Academy Awards, March Madness, spring training, etc. We keep hearing that anything related to Donald Trump increases newspaper readership. So, in a heroic attempt to bolster Deseret News circulation, this year we graciously use Trumpisms to illustrate legislative work.

"Its YUUUGE!" The Legislature provides $432 million in new money for public education. Gov. Gary Herbert actually compliments lawmakers for outdoing his budget. Democrats and advocates say it is still not enough, and their attempts to boost funding are shot down. But momentum could be building for a bigger investment next year (always next year).

"It’s beautiful." Central casting could not have selected two more different personalities than Senate President Wayne Niederhauser (reserved, cerebral, deliberative) and House Speaker Greg Hughes(passionate, energetic, outspoken). In other states this could be a recipe for stalemate. But the polar opposites are dedicated conservatives committed to the legislative process, so once again the "Utah Way" prevailed.

“I’m really, really rich.” Sales tax earmarks for transportation have resulted in unprecedented money flowing into highway projects. So the governor and lawmakers, even strong transportation advocates, agreed to take some away and give it to education and water projects.

“I like people who weren’t captured.” Lawmakers and the business community hotly debated whether the taking of corporate “prisoners” via non-compete agreements should be outlawed. The committee hearings and public presentations were among the best seen in years. A compromise bill finally passed.

"Squirmish." In her endorsement of Trump, Sarah Palin invented a new word apparently combining skirmish and squeamish. It may be in dictionaries soon. Lawmakers were a little squirmish in debating elimination of the death penalty, aggressively skirmishing in a squeamish sort of way.

“Look at my hands. Those hands can hit a golf ball 285 yards. Are they small hands?” Republicans flexed some political muscle by adding two GOP slots to the Legislative Audit Committee, and giving GOP leaders the ability to break tie votes on the Legislative Management Committee. Dems were unhappy but it could have been worse.

"Art of the deal." Legislation promoted by Rocky Mountain Power to allow funding of its Sustainable Transportation and Energy Plan and restructure energy rates was expected to be the major battle of the session. Under the careful tutelage of Sen. Stuart Adams, the deal-making among the many interests was artful and resulted in an armistice for most of the session. A hostile flare-up occurred at the end, but never the protracted open warfare.

"Closing the deal." Medicaid expansion has failed for a number of years. House Majority Leader Jim Dunnigan crafted a delicate compromise providing health care access to 16,000 very low-income Utahns. Trump-like deal-making funded the program ($30 million from the state, $70 million federal and $13.5 million from Utah hospitals). Critics on the left and right were grumpy, but pragmatic problem-solvers knew only this kind of deal could pass to help vulnerable Utahns.

"Tremendous." Sen. Curt Bramble is the president of the National Conference of State Legislatures. For any other human, this would be a major distraction during the session. But nothing stopped the Provo dynamo from being the go-to guy on several tough issues.

"I am very flexible." Lawmakers said no to open use of medical marijuana, and almost approved state control and distribution of "weed." The issue will return next session, providing more opportunities for Gov. Herbert to say "doobie."

"I’m very highly educated. I know words. I have the best words." Higher education received a heavy infusion of cash. However, legislators rewarded the University of Utah's refusal to play BYU in basketball with an audit and tight purse.

"Low energy." For months, some lawmakers grumbled about SB54 (the Count My Vote compromise bill) and the signature-gathering route it allows to get on the ballot. They took no action over the past year. A federal court advisory indicating parts of the law are likely unconstitutional sparked a flurry of talk, but it all fizzled, punting any resolution back to the court.

“Make Draper great again.” Lawmakers approved $800,000 to study how to turn the current prison site at Point of the Mountain into a high-tech campus corridor linking south Salt Lake County to northern Utah County.

"I’ll build a great deep water port — and mineral royalties will pay for it." Legislators debated a HUGE idea — constructing a $53 million deep-water port in California to export Utah coal and other products to foreign markets.

“They’re bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime … and some, I assume, are good people.” Lawmakers discussed the criminal element infiltrating the homeless population in downtown Salt Lake City and passed significant legislation and funding to provide additional shelters and services for the non-criminal homeless.

“I don’t wear a toupee. It’s my hair. I swear.” For the record, Pignanelli & Webb have real hair as well. We know you were wondering.

Congrats to lawmakers and everyone associated for another productive session.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Utah is an island of rationality in a sea of political lunacy

The year of political lunacy continues, although Utah is a relative island of rationality. We take a look at what’s happening.

The legislative session ends Thursday at midnight. What’s the outlook for the session’s big issues?

(Pignanelli) "I learned while in the state legislature, important legislation is always a work in progress." — Marco Rubio

Our lawmakers appropriately resolved the most important issue of the legislative session — they rejected the well-intentioned but incorrect proposal to replace Columbus Day with "Indigenous People's Day." A holiday celebrating the tremendous civilizations existing before the arrival of European explorers should be established — but not at the expense (in my unbiased opinion) of honoring that noble, colorful and courageous collection of humanity who immigrated from the Italian peninsula — on the second Monday of every October. The importance of Italians to America is best illustrated by the maxim: "We found it. We named it. We built it."

In the months leading to the legislative session, there was an expectation of additional one-time and ongoing revenues. Unfortunately, recent revenue projections are less than announced, so legislators have the tough task of trimming relied-upon expenditures before they were even passed. However, lawmakers will likely provide a substantial percentage increase to public and higher education.

Sen. Stephen Urquhart successfully secured Senate support for elimination of the death penalty, and there are even odds it could pass the House. He shrewdly articulates the pain of the legal process surrounding execution is an enormous burden to victims and to the state. This is causing many current supporters of capital punishment to reconsider.

Funding and prioritization for transportation and water projects will again dominate final discussions, as will proposals for Medicaid expansion and other human service programs.

(Webb) It has been a relatively quiet session, overshadowed by the wild and crazy presidential race. That’s fine with legislators, as this is an election year and most prefer to run without big controversies hanging over them.

By Thursday midnight, Utah’s 104 citizen lawmakers will have paid for critical state needs, including more money for education, and balanced the state budget. They will have dealt forthrightly with the major issues facing the state. Modest Medicaid expansion is likely, extending health care access to Utah’s most vulnerable low-income population. As of this writing, legislation repealing the death penalty, medical marijuana, funding for homeless services and non-compete agreements were still being debated.

This was a “steady-as-she goes” session without giant initiatives, but hints are being made that the next session might be the time to make a big push for much higher education investment.

Contrasted with the national Congress, Utah’s Legislature is a model of efficiency, collaboration, common-sense and competency.

Will Mitt Romney’s speech last Thursday at the University of Utah slow Donald Trump’s surge toward the GOP nomination?

(Pignanelli) Romney's performance was interesting and fun, but cultivated many questions for politicos (i.e. Why not earlier in the primary season? Is this a one-time gig or will you lead a larger effort? Groundwork for convention, candidacy? etc.)

Romney's unprecedented actions confirm 2016 is a historic election year. Trump continues to demonstrate the established rules of campaigning that governed American politics for 70 years are no longer relevant. Furthermore, the Romney attack is the first salvo in the civil war now absorbing the Republican Party. A massive realignment of demographics and ideology is changing the political landscape. Although these dynamics are frustrating and often frightening, it is great entertainment.

(Webb) I thought Romney’s speech was substantive, compelling and absolutely spot-on. He exposed Trump as the charlatan he is. I hope it helps people come to their senses who are nervous about Trump but are attracted by his boldness and some of the things he says. Don’t be fooled. Trump is not going to suddenly become sensible.

Perhaps the speech will bolster the broad establishment crusade to deny Trump the nomination. But I fear it’s too little, too late. While the race remains unpredictable, the only chance to stop Trump is a deadlocked GOP convention resulting in chaos, furthering the meltdown of the national Republican Party. This ruckus is going to get crazier. Rather than slitting your wrists, sit back and enjoy it.

Will Trump be a no-show at the Utah GOP presidential debate March 21?

(Pignanelli) Utahns must hope that by mid-March Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio (and maybe John Kasich) have each collected several important victories. This ensures a brokered convention and thereby the March 21 debate will capture the rapt attention of voters and observers across the planet. Mr. Trump cannot ignore such an audience.

(Webb) Utah is probably Trump’s worst state, but that’s not why he would skip it. In a week or two, the state of the race will be much clearer (either obvious that Trump will win, or obvious that it’s going to be a fight to the convention). If Trump has the nomination all but locked up, he will want to focus on Hillary Clinton and the general election, not debate Republicans still nipping at his heels.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Legislature offers contradictions in standard issues and new trends

Some people ask us if we ever run out of column topics. The answer is no. New and recycled issues, events and controversies pop up like whack-a-mole. If anything, there’s too much to write about. Here are a few current topics that caught our fancy.

Is hosting a Republican presidential debate on March 21 a big deal for Utah? 

(Pignanelli) “The media has wrested complete control of the presidential primary debates from the parties and candidates … and they've become a circus.” — Mark McKinnon

These are strange times. “Interesting” and “fun” are rarely used adjectives to describe GOP events. But many Americans (especially this one) are having a great time watching Republicans wrestle each other in the debates. Thus, these internal cage matches are generating record ratings.

The national attention and tourist dollars Utah receives from hosting the debate will be (to utilize the favorite adjectives of Donald Trump) tremendous, fantastic and beautiful. But the relevance of the verbal contest will be in direct correlation to the results of the Super Tuesday and other March primaries.

Over half of the delegates will be pledged to candidates when the event airs. So all true politicos are praying for the following scenario in March: Trump wins a handful of primaries while the remaining contenders win upsets in their home states (i.e. Ted Cruz claims Texas, Marco Rubio takes Florida, John Kasich wins Ohio) and a smattering of other contests. Then the possibility of a brokered convention is more than just a fantasy. With such an environment on March 21, our beloved state will be recipient of global attention not felt since the Olympics. This dynamic could foster street protests, international media coverage of local delicacies like fry sauce, a wave of spring skiers and traffic jams.

Let's all hope the Ides of March bestow the laurels of triumph on at least three political presidential gladiators and that joyous confusion dominates. Then the real victors will be 3 million Utahns.

(Webb) It’s a cool thing for the state, but we ought not to get euphoric. Some 27 states and territories (including some big ones) will vote between now and March 21. Many pundits are saying the race will be all but over by mid-March. If Utah is going to be Marco Rubio’s “firewall” against the Trump onslaught, then he’s in big trouble.

Still, just having Donald Trump’s big mouth in Utah will be HUUGE. We have plenty of establishment targets for him to ridicule. We prefer polite language and we believe immigrants deserve respect. We like to hear real solutions to problems, not just boastful bluster.

The real impact of the debate and the presidential caucus voting the next day will be to capture all the attention and all but eliminate media focus on local races. Usually, we’d be talking about which Utah candidates are getting their supporters to the caucuses and what’s happening in local races. Instead, it will be wall-to-wall Trump. That may actually be good for Gov. Gary Herbert and not so good for challenger Jonathan Johnson, who will have a hard time winning any news cycles with The Donald sucking up all the political oxygen.

Usually, governors provide long-term vision for the state while the Legislature tends to be reactive. Key lawmakers are hoping to push more expansive long-range planning. Can this be done?

Pignanelli: Legislators are leading the way on judicial reform, moving the prison, accountability in higher education, economic development initiatives, technology promotion in public education, etc. The governor has highlighted several key objectives for educational degrees and job creation. The executive and legislative branches may be bumping into each other in pursuing a vision, but that's a good problem.

Webb: I have been impressed that the Legislature, particularly Senate President Wayne Niederhauser, wants to plan for a doubling of the state’s population over the next few decades. Certainly, lawmaking bodies are by nature reactive, dealing with the issues of the day and worrying about the next election. It’s hard for lawmakers to make needed investments that may not pay dividends while they’re in office. At the national level, Congress seems totally incapable of doing the hard things, like dealing with entitlements and ballooning deficits.

But Utah’s Legislature has taken tough action that will pay off long into the future. It voted to move the state prison. It voted to raise gas taxes and give local governments authority to boost local transportation taxes. It is trying to figure out how to provide water for twice as many people and how to boost Utah into a top 10 state in education. We need to support legislators who are willing to make investments that will benefit our children and grandchildren.

Is the petition signature process for automatic primary ballot placement having any impact on deliberations?

Pignanelli: Obtaining the necessary signatures for the primary elections are the new bragging rights for lawmakers. Some admit avoiding extremist delegates has loosened their decision-making process. So the net results of expanding outreach to voters and moderating legislative debates is a real positive.

Webb: Some 130 candidates have declared their intent to gather signatures. That’s a terrific start to this new process in its first year, especially considering the Republican Party has created a great deal of confusion in its unfortunate battle to eliminate this option. I believe the impact, this year and even more in the future, will be very positive both in elections and in the creation of public policy. State legislators, for example, will be more accountable to all voters, not just to party delegates.