Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Wrestling with old and familiar topics in politics

An old adage says there’s never anything new in politics. That’s true, but it doesn’t stop us from wrestling with old and familiar topics.

As anyone but a hermit knows, presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump continually says outrageous things that would doom other candidates. His questioning of a judge’s fairness because of his Mexican heritage has caused great alarm among national Republicans. How should Utah politicos deal with this potential disaster?

Pignanelli: “In this election the vote should not be for the lesser of two evils, rather a vote against the more evil of the two lessers.” — Bruce Baird, prominent Utah attorney and veteran political activist

National Republican leaders are demonstrating a unique talent when queried by the media about Trump. While excruciatingly squeezing muscles in their foreheads, eye sockets, jaws, hands and other undisclosed places, they carefully and deliberately articulate disgust with Trump’s recent infamous slander while mumbling commitment to his candidacy. This often-repeated event last week would be amusing if it wasn’t so painful to observe.

This is the Trump blunder that will not disappear — it is too outrageous. Utah Trumpeters must consider how to inform friends, neighbors and colleagues of Mexican heritage about their presidential preference without causing personal offense. Not easy.

Local Republican officials can avoid the physical torture their national colleagues are enduring, because few Utahns want them to express any sentiment for the billionaire. Further, half the membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Hispanic and many will hope their prominent Utah brothers and sisters construct significant distance from Trump.

So I generously offer the following solution to my GOP friends when quizzed about the “Orange One.” First perform a major eye roll followed by a loud exhale. (This is when Italian body animation really pays dividends.) Second, state with conviction you abhor almost everything about the man. Conclude with the emphatic statement that you will hold true to your conservative principles at the ballot box. If that doesn’t work, tell your audience you carry the Zika virus. They will forget everything else while running away.

Webb: Maybe it’s just a collective bad dream. Perhaps we could get in a time machine, go back 15 or 16 months, put Trump and Hillary Clinton under house arrest at one of Trump’s resorts where they would star in a special edition Bachelor/Bachelorette/Celebrity Apprentice reality TV show, and start this whole nomination thing over again (without them).

Daydreaming aside, the two terribly flawed candidates at the top of the ticket are simply going to cancel each other out as far as any impact on Utah races. In fact, their brawl is going to be so personal and dirty that we’re all going to sit back in shocked awe, eyes averted, as they crawl through the gutter slime. Utah politicians should just stay as far away as possible.

Gov. Gary Herbert is leading in the polls. However, he faces a spirited challenge from Jonathan Johnson for the Republican nomination. Does Johnson have some momentum with the primary election a little more than two weeks away?

Pignanelli: There is whispering among politicos Johnson is riding a small wave of momentum among ultraconservatives. Utah political history provides an interesting guide. Congressional Republican incumbents, who did not capture a majority in their convention, were defeated in the primary. However, the last time Utahns deprived a governor of re-election was 1956.

Webb: On paper, Herbert should easily win. The only question is how good a ground game the Johnson campaign has put together to get archconservatives to the polls in what might be a relatively low-turnout primary.

Some Republicans have told me they’ve received calls from a supposed polling firm. The caller makes negative statements about Herbert, then asks if the respondent will support Johnson. The respondent then gets follow-up communications encouraging him or her to vote for Johnson.

With Herbert’s big lead and continued popularity, he will be very difficult to beat, even if Johnson puts a lot of money into such tactics. But I expect the race will tighten, with Herbert ultimately prevailing.

The Republican Party is continuing its battle against SB 54 — the Count My Vote compromise legislation allowing candidates to gather signatures to get on the primary ballot. Could a bus be filled with those Utahns who think this is a good idea?

Pignanelli: If, and only if, every candidate who exclusively relied on signatures for placement on the primary ballot loses, will the GOP litigants enjoy any real support. Practical Utah Republicans suffer bigger concerns (aka Trump).

Webb: Some Republican Party leaders at both state and county levels are alienating good Republicans, shrinking the tent, damaging fundraising, and generally looking small-minded, elitist, exclusionary and foolish. Other than that, these Republican leaders are brilliant.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Pignanelli and Webb: Rigged election system, governor's race and Libertarians

After a week of sunshine, clear skies and warming temperatures, it can be hard for Utahns to focus on politics. Because we are one-dimensional, we insist on dragging readers back to depressing reality.

Some 59 percent of Utahns agree with Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders that the U.S. election system is “rigged,” according to a recent UtahPolicy.com poll. Is the system really rigged, or is this just a perception?

Pignanelli: “The system is rigged. It is designed to be rigged.” — Matt Dowd, ABC News

Yes, the nomination system is stacked against outsiders — but that is an important feature in American politics. Our beloved country cannot allow insurgent misfits — i.e. socialists and television reality stars — to capture the presidential nomination of major political parties.

Well, that was the hope.

Politics is just like anything else important in life — business, sports, romance, etc. Success in all these endeavors is dependent upon tenacity, timing, talent, toughness and temerity (Yes, I am proud of this alliteration.). For those who do not understand these essential requirements, the system seems fixed. But the reality is American presidential elections, including the nomination process, is a meat grinder accessible to those who possess all the necessary ingredients.

Democracy is what occurs on Election Day. Everything else is in politics is fair game for manipulation, strong-arming and patronizing. The parties have the right to construct any nonviolent, non-discriminatory, method to determine nominees. Yet, Democrats and Republicans have made the process very inclusive with primaries, especially when compared to the infamous back door dealings of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The current system is lightly and appropriately rigged to advance insiders (i.e. Clinton, barely) but to allow clever outsiders (i.e. Obama, Trump).

Webb: Of course, in this cynical era of anger and distrust, most people agree with Trump and Sanders that the system is rigged. Yet Trump has emerged victorious, and Sanders has far exceeded expectations in the very system they criticize.

The “rigged” argument centers on how much influence “insiders” (like elected officials and party leaders) should have, versus how much the process should be democratized among all voters. The Democrats have tilted toward insider influence by giving Democratic leaders “superdelegate” status, thinking those insiders will prevent the masses from nominating a populist (like Sanders) who can’t win in the general election.

Republicans got rid of superdelegates some time ago. That gives the party base and political activists extra influence, especially in caucus states. If Republicans still had a large number of superdelegates, Trump may not be the nominee.

The crazy-quilt array of nomination processes and procedures among the various states can also be confusing, along with tortuous battles over party rules and procedures. Yes, the political process is inconsistent and rough-and-tumble. But the unprepared get weeded out.

If we were to create a sensible, simple, national primary system where the rules are the same everywhere, it would be a big blow to federalism and state control. Candidates would stop paying attention to individual states. The process isn’t perfect and could use some reforms, but it’s better than the alternatives.

The governor’s race took an interesting turn with the entry of SuperPAC FreedomWorks into the fray in behalf of Jonathan Johnson. Will this have an impact?

Pignanelli: Campaign veterans are wondering why this national organization waited until late May to launch its attacks against Gov. Gary Herbert. The GOP state convention would have been a natural launching pad for these efforts. Further, FreedomWorks has a mixed scorecard in Utah. It helped elevate Mike Lee to the U.S. Senate, but could not defeat Orrin Hatch. Politicos believe Herbert will be equally impervious to these attacks.

Webb: FreedomWorks will hurt, not help, Johnson. It will appeal only to right-wing voters already likely to vote for Johnson. Why a national conservative organization would attack one of the top two or three most conservative governors in the nation is way beyond me (unless their real goal is to raise money). Maybe they ought to find a liberal to attack. We don’t need a D.C.-based special interest group telling us how to vote in Utah.

For the first time in political history, the Libertarian Party is receiving attention as a real alternative to the mainstream candidates. Will Utahns consider a Libertarian in 2016?

Pignanelli: America’s strongest third-party has a real opportunity this election. But it needs to abandon the weird stuff to gain traction. At the national convention, delegates discussed whether America should have entered both world wars, and one speaker stripped on stage. Fortunately, the adults prevailed and selected two prominent governors for their ticket — Gary Johnson(New Mexico) and William Weld (Massachusetts). Maintaining a mature non-bizarre presence will attract a larger percentage of Americans … and Utahns.

Webb: A vote for a Libertarian candidate is a wasted vote. If I refuse to vote for Trump or Hillary Clinton, I’d at least want to write in someone I’d like to see as president, like Mitt Romney or Paul Ryan. Johnson and Weld are fringe candidates who would weaken the military and move America toward isolationism.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Suggested statements for political warriors to bring buzz

Memorial Day weekend is the traditional kickoff for candidates in primary elections to focus with intensity on targeted voters, and for other campaigns to finalize their general election strategies (actually, we just made that up, but it sounds good). Many candidates will use the same old, boring, unappealing messaging. As a public service to our political warriors engaged in election battles, we offer suggestions for statements that will surely capture attention.

Gov. Gary Herbert and Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox: "You know what? We really must be doing a great job! 8,000 billboards can't be wrong.”

GOP gubernatorial challengers Jonathan Johnson and Robyn Bagley: "Vote Johnson/Bagley. Supported by the biggest, baddest, right-wing SuperPAC in the country. Blame Freedom Works for any negative ads and increased pandering to the far-right.”

Democratic governor/lieutenant governor candidates Mike Weinholtz and Kim Bowman:“Hey, we are hip, progressive, and tech savvy — the cool candidates loved by the wine-and-cheese crowd. We’re fine being sacrificial lambs as long as it’s grass-fed.”

Third District Congressman Jason Chaffetz: “Jason Chaffetz. Fighting for Utah. Harassing Hillary. Haranguing federal bureaucrats. Shortening your wait time in TSA lines. You are welcome.”

U.S. Sen. Mike Lee: "How times change. Join the Utah political establishment in sending Mike Lee back to Washington."

Utah State Auditor John Dougall: “Re-elect Frugal Dougall in 2016. The slogan worked in 2012 and I'm too cheap to find a new one. So remember it or I’ll audit your grandmother!"

Third District GOP candidate Chia-Chi Teng: “You don’t know me, but I’m the guy running those radio ads against Chaffetz. Sure, there’s not much space to the right of Chaffetz, but I’m going to own it!”

Democratic U.S. Senate candidates Misty K. Snow and Jonathan Swinton: “Please. Please. Sure, the odds are slim against Sen. Lee. But we know at least three voters in the lower Avenues who will support a Democrat. Thank you.”

Fourth District Congresswoman Mia Love: "Mia played nice in the last election. This year, if Owens gets close, you’re going to see Mama Bear Mia!"

Fourth District Democratic congressional candidate Doug Owens: "Don't pay attention to Owens’ party affiliation. He certainly does not."

Second District Congressman Chris Stewart:"Support Chris Stewart — the congressman you don’t know. Given the unpopularity of Congress, there’s no better qualification."

Second District Democratic congressional candidate Charlene Alberran: "Charlene is a leader. Charlene is a high-tech trendsetter. Charlene was the first candidate with an electronic billboard.”

Utah Democrats: “Trump. Trump. Trump. Trump. Trump. Trump. You may not like Hillary, but she is not Trump. By the way, Trump, Trump, Trump and Trump.”

Utah Republicans: “Trump? Who’s Trump? In Utah, all politics are local."

First District Congressman Rob Bishop: "What?! There is another election? So soon? It’s time to roll out the non-campaign, raise no money, make no campaign appearances, and still win going away.”

Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams: "Mayor Gentle Ben. The safe, non-crazy, rational Democrat endorsed by Republican bigwigs. Vote for Ben because you really want to see that gubernatorial matchup in four years between McAdams and Cox!"

Salt Lake County mayor challenger David Robinson: "Dave Robinson — the efficient candidate who reused his signs, literature and buttons from his race for Salt Lake City mayor last year."

State Sen. Curt Bramble: "Vote Bramble. Without him state government will collapse and the Capitol will crumble. Do not risk it."

Former state Rep. Christopher Herrod and challenger to Bramble: "Vote against Bramble because he welcomed more Utahns into the political process by sponsoring SB54! He diminished the power of party machine insiders like me! Wait a minute, that was a great message to delegates, but maybe it needs updating.”

House Minority Leader Brian King: "Many Republicans support Democrat Brian. They have to — he is unopposed."

State Sen. Jim Dabakis: “Dabakis in 2016. Your proud progressive sticking it to Republicans, conservatives, the Deseret News, the Utah Establishment, BYU, the LDS Church and anyone else on his enemies list. He will not be silenced! And please send money.” (Note: Dabakis does not have a race this cycle, but he campaigns anyway.)

Frank Pignanelli and LaVarr Webb: "Please read Pig/Webb each week and send us suggestions for future columns. We have to up our game now that the Tribune might actually survive.”

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: The 'bathroom issue' and others affecting Utah elections

Spring seems to have finally arrived, bringing flowers, bright clothing … and new issues for politicos. We tiptoe through the political tulips.

Last week, the U.S. Justice Department ordered all public school districts to ensure a “safe and discrimination-free environment” by allowing self-identified transgender students to use whatever bathrooms and locker rooms they wish. This friendly “guidance” came with some sharp teeth: Comply or lose federal funding. A firestorm erupted across the country, with heated responses from conservative and liberal politicians. Will the “bathroom issue” impact Utah elections?

Pignanelli: “Does politics have to be injected into everything?” — Sargent Shriver

I strive to be a sunny, cheery optimist (except when deprived of wine and meatballs) and view this debate as another indication that 21st-century American society is dynamic and thriving. Strong emotions are driving vigorous discussions of constitutional rights and community values on a topic most never considered until a few months ago.

North Carolina was wrong and its insensitivity is appropriately rewarded with boycotts and protests. Other government entities witnessed the controversy, and properly approached the issue with caution.

Unfortunately, the opportunity for a "teaching moment" for the entire country was lost by the expediency of the Department of Justice action. The Obama administration should have initiated a national discussion, prompting understanding of all concerns while providing the necessary guidance to help these younger citizens. Instead, the federal government was easily painted as a cold-hearted bully imposing its will without deference to locals.

Some candidates will try to use the DOJ demand as a tool in their campaign arsenal. This too is unfortunate as transgender Utahns deserve better. The good news is that the rational response from the LDS Church and many state leaders will diminish much of the harmful rhetoric.

Webb: This directive is outrageous in many way, from obliterating any semblance of balanced federalism in this nation, to taking leave of common sense when local, case-by-case solutions can readily be found without ham-handed pressure from the feds. This is the perfect caricature of a heavy-handed, overbearing, overreaching, one-size-fits-all, top-down, bureaucratic federal government imposing a solution for a rare problem that can be solved by caring local leaders.

The issue provides Republican candidates new ammunition to fire at the federal government. To eliminate federal bribery and coercion using tax dollars, some future Republican president and Republican Congress must leave education tax dollars in the states, rather than sending the money to Washington, only to have a much diminished amount returned to the states with strings attached.

Some Republican primary candidates are facing stiff opposition because they used the Count My Vote signature-gathering process to secure a ballot spot. Will they or the caucus/convention purists prevail?

Pignanelli: For politicos, this is fascinating. The Republican primary is devoid of the motivation a presidential preference election provides, threatening a lower turnout. So the normally minimal issue of how a candidate got on the primary ballot could be significant this year, especially in Utah County, which boasts many activists (a kind description) concerned about preserving the delegate/convention system. The potential of higher voter turnout through mail in ballots in other larger counties may counter these purists.

On primary election night, the future of Count My Vote will be substantially determined by the results.

Webb: In a few cases, including the gubernatorial race, the June 28 Republican primary election is, in part, a referendum on Count My Vote. Those who hate opening the election process to all voters are frantically trying to defeat candidates who gathered signatures.

These races pit mainstream conservative candidates who want to broaden political participation against party insider candidates determined to retain political power within the party machine and the caucus/convention system. In Utah County, the Republican Party itself is trying to shrink the Republican tent by campaigning against Republican legislative candidates who didn’t come through the caucus/convention system. It is a sad commentary on today’s Republican Party that candidates who want to be accountable to all Republican voters, not just the party delegate insiders, are under attack by their own party.

In the gubernatorial primary, Jonathan Johnson has run hard against Gov. Gary Herbert because Herbert gathered signatures. Johnson is probably the single biggest long-term threat to Count My Vote. If he becomes governor, he will, no doubt, attempt to reverse all the progress Count My Vote has made to expand voter participation. He will return political control to the delegates.

Mainstream Republican voters should ask: Which candidates want to encourage broad political participation? Which candidates want to keep political power in the hands of a relatively few party insiders? Please vote for the candidates who want every vote to count.

The Legislature held a very quick special session to fund education items vetoed by the governor. Will this have any impact on the gubernatorial contest?

Pignanelli: Political insiders are weighing any strategic advantage the governor gained by demonstrating executive leadership, but possibly irritating legislators, with the vetoes. Most of the public is confused or unaware as to the controversy on the education items. Therefore, minimal impact.

Webb: The session cleaned up some disagreements between the Legislature and the executive branch, sent a lengthy resolution to the Obama administration opposing a Bears Ears national monument, and resulted in good public policy.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Bears Ears, Donald Trump and a rocky start

So much to write about. So little space. Someone (Frank?) should lobby the Legislature to pass a law giving Pig/Webb more column inches. Here are three topics getting plenty of buzz.

Drama is brewing on public lands in Utah: Will President Obama declare a Bears Ears National Monument? Or will Rep. Rob Bishop get his Public Lands Initiative (PLI) through Congress?

Pignanelli: "The most basic decision a modern politician must make is whether to be aggressive or conciliatory." — Dick Morris

Newsflash: Presidential campaign politics impact the declaration of national monuments in Utah. In 1996, with only 24 hours notice to Utah’s governor and congressional delegation, President Bill Clintondeclared 1,880,461 acres as protected wilderness in the Grand Staircase-Escalante region. Most politicos concurred the president's hurried tactic secured environmental support in the upcoming election.

The Bears Ears designation is subject to similar forces. If Hillary Clinton remains competitive with Donald Trump in Utah, there will be less incentive to jeopardize this potential windfall. However, should Clinton’s unpopularity re-emerge, then Obama will view any action as risk-free. On the other hand (there are at least three hands in political complications), Obama cares about his legacy. Placing the controversial area in wilderness solidifies him as an environmental leader. Conversely, Obama may not want to be forever remembered for derailing an exhaustive effort to compromise on an explosive issue. The politics are conflicting.

Webb: The PLI would better protect the environment and a whole lot more land than a Bears Ears designation by the president. Bishop, Rep. Jason Chaffetz and other members of Congress need to keep working with reasonable conservation groups to get a bill that can pass Congress and be signed by the president.

This is too important to fail. If PLI falls apart and the president designates Bears Ears, it will create a firestorm of anger and blow up any semblance of federal-state cooperation on public lands. The backlash against the federal government and environmental groups will be immense and the rise of radical groups will be fueled.

Both sides should tone down the rhetoric. Some conservationists have told me they have a hard time thinking Bishop, other members of Congress, and some state leaders are negotiating in good faith when on one hand they seek compromise on PLI, but on the other they demand state takeover of most federal land and criticize every federal environmental regulation. Great distrust exists on both sides.

We need to keep working on PLI. Fight through the differences. Bishop and his colleagues have done a terrific amount of excellent work. The proposal has many elements that will benefit Utah forever. It would be a shame to see it fail.

Should Utah Republicans follow the example of former Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. and endorse Donald Trump, or play the Paul Ryan waiting game and see how Trump conducts himself?

Pignanelli: Speaker Ryan possesses integrity, deep intelligence and the character to apologize when he missteps. A person of this stature could not immediately endorse Trump. Clueless to the intellectual tradition of conservatism, Trump is equally ignorant of the many new-wave proposals promulgated by Ryan for government reform. Also, Ryan is providing protection for his House colleagues to respond to this impactful development.

Huntsman, without the shackles of office, endorsed Trump's ability to bring new voters in the party without expressing support for his bizarre platform. Huntsman could be outlining a shrewd direction for Republicans — Trump’s populism with Ryan's vision. Waiting for the development of a pragmatic course is the safest route for Utah politicians. Otherwise an immediate endorsement of Trump begs the awful question "So you support what he espouses?”

Webb: Trump is going to win the Republican nomination fair and square. He got the votes and won the delegates. But, personally, I feel no need to jump on the Trump bandwagon just because he’s the nominee. I will wait and evaluate his policy positions as he provides more details before the general election. (Assuming he is capable of articulating thoughtful policy positions.)

However, top elected officials and candidates, especially those in Congress and especially those running for re-election, are in the hot seat because their political security may be tied to his. Voters want to know if they support Trump. Candidates want to avoid offending either side. Ryan and other congressional leaders will follow Sen. Orrin Hatch in supporting Trump. They really have no choice but to endorse the party nominee.

Huntsman obviously wants to stay relevant and involved, and the Trump horse seems the best to ride (all the way to secretary of state?). Let’s see if he raises money for Trump. Huntsman has also had a positive relationship with Hillary Clinton, so he could win no matter who’s in the White House.

Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski has had a bit of a rocky (no pun intended) start. What’s going on between her and the City Council

Pignanelli: The wrestle between the council and mayor is not surprising. She was elected with a specific mandate — redirect her office to focus on the objectives that engaged every successful metropolis for 5,000 years — providing safety, basic services and economic development. But if city leaders need a vision, I hereby present a simple goal that achieves much: remove the bicycle lanes on 300 South.

Webb: Biskupski is a bit standoffish. She has her own style. But give her some time. Let her get her people in place. She’s been in office only five months. The city needs great leadership and vision to maintain its momentum and take it to the next level. Biskupski has that potential.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Unpopular politicians and Clinton's chances in Utah

Utah first responders recently staged an earthquake preparedness exercise. It was very timely, as the political ground shifted across the country when Donald Trump claimed the title of "presumptive" GOP nominee, having dispatched 17 competitors. We review the aftershocks.

Trump and Hillary Clinton, likely nominees for the 2016 general election, are arguably the two most unpopular major politicians in the country. How did we get here? Is Utah different?

Pignanelli: "Trump supporters are the only group of voters in this nation's history who have been viciously and consistently maligned … by both political parties.” — Oleg Atbashian

Political experts, pundits and hacks are entrepreneurial — and shameless. We are aggressively developing a new industry explaining the Trump phenomenon while ignoring our earlier predictions on his fate. (If we only dedicated such energies to curing cancer.)

There are many schools of thought. Some believe the media gave too much attention to the billionaire and his Twitter expertise. Others claim Republican Party leaders were too timid and late in stopping him. The predominant theory is many Americans are angry and have lost confidence with government and society. The working class is disgruntled with “no drama Obama” and a GOP Washington, D.C., elite who seem clueless. Trump has tapped into their emotional needs, desires and frustrations.

But the Donald performed poorly in Utah, proving again Utah is different (and better).

Airtime on television rarely impacts Utahns (if it did, more would drink beer) Despite the internal tensions over SB54, the Utah Republican Party is not dysfunctional. While Utahns have always maintained an uneasy tension with the Feds, a majority possess a healthy respect for religious institutions and local government. Most importantly, our economy is buzzing along. Utah is not fertile ground for Trumpism.

Webb: Populist uprisings such as we are witnessing are not uncommon in history (some South American countries have them regularly). But the charismatic strongmen chosen to lead the populace to the political promised land seldom deliver as hoped. I think the Trump groupies seeking a political savior will likewise be disappointed, either because Clinton thumps him in November or because he turns out to be a really terrible president.

However, I must admit I’ve been wrong about nearly everything this political year. I’m not expecting it, but it’s possible Trump will surprise me.

Most Utahns do not like Trump, so does Clinton have a chance of capturing the state in November?

Pignanelli: This could be fun. Because of the silly Electoral College, Utah is ignored in presidential elections. So let's hope this tossup lasts and we are viewed as a swing state. We will get all sorts of attention from the campaigns and national media. Otherwise, the only hope for Trump in Utah is his nominal affiliation with the GOP (that dislikes him in return).

Webb: Personally, whether I vote for Trump will depend on how he conducts himself over the next six months. If he can act presidential, if he can show he has a grasp of key policy issues and wants to execute realistic conservative solutions, if he can develop an intelligent approach to foreign policy, if he can show he won’t plunge us into depression or war in his first six months in office, then I would be inclined to support him over Clinton.

But I’m not there yet. He has been so offensive and so naïve or totally wrong on issues I care about, that it’s going to take some convincing. I’m not going to vote for a loose cannon buffoon who gets his news from the National Enquirer and repeats JFK assassination conspiracies.

Clinton is at least a known quantity. Some people who have worked with her in Washington believe she would govern like her husband did and work reasonably well with Congress (better than President Obama) to solve problems.

That said, I think Trump will win Utah.

What impact will the general election matchup have on the down-ballot races in Utah?

Pignanelli: At this point in time, no one (repeat: no one) knows how the Trump candidacy will affect other races. His support is such an unusual phenomenon it will take months of polling and micro-targeting to determine what they may do in other races. Shrewd candidates in both parties will conduct research and craft messages that cater to this angry crowd, who carry both legitimate and unreasonable reasons for their emotions.

Webb: Democrats are loving Trump as the GOP nominee, but I don’t think it will have a big impact in Utah. With the exception of Rep. Mia Love, Utah’s major candidates are all pretty safe. It’s a little trickier for Love because she may not love Trump, but she won’t want to alienate his supporters.

And the further down on the ballot, it’s pretty easy for candidates to just avoid the presidential election.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Convention battles, SB54 and medical marijuana

The cold, rainy weather has been warmed up a bit by all the hot air emanating from the ruminations, conjectures, blame, accusations, defensive statements and intense electioneering as politicians target the June 28 primary election. We explore all the fun.

Popular incumbent Gov. Gary Herbert squares off against businessman Jonathan Johnson after “losing” the state convention delegate vote 45 percent to 55 percent. How does the convention battle impact the primary election?

Pignanelli: "Political reporters keep searching for political meanings in the tepid events of a convention, but it is essentially a human drama and only that.” — William Greider

Last week provided three great opportunities for Utah politicos to taste mayhem and intrigue: the two conventions and the season opener of "Game of Thrones.”

The Republican convention results are fostering questions and opportunities for the two gubernatorial campaigns. Electioneering veterans are confused by the massive billboard purchase by Herbert when the target audience was only 4,000 delegates. His mistake conceded the advantage of the delegate/convention system wherein candidates can focus on a small universe of readily identifiable voters.

The Johnson campaign shrewdly implemented a brilliant strategy. The convention triumph provides him a needed tool to prevail against the popular Herbert. But his convention tactics may not resonate with most mainstream Republicans. Also, as some Democratic challengers learned, it is impossible to attack Herbert personally because Utahns view him as a decent person.

Nerds like me love the coincidence that this season of "Game of Thrones" runs contemporaneously from the GOP convention through the primary election. This globally admired series offers strategies campaigns need to adopt. (i.e. ruthlessly pivot in response to a changing environment; success depends on the use, not the amount, of resources, etc.) Unfortunately, election laws ban the use of dragons.

Webb: Herbert need not lament the convention loss. After all, the 4,000 delegates are the most conservative element of the Republican Party, and Herbert won 45 percent of their vote. The primary election will be much friendlier territory.

Johnson is a solid candidate, and Herbert will need to run a smart, aggressive campaign. Utahns already know the state is doing great. Now they want to know Herbert’s bold vision for the future, how he’s going to take Utah to the next level.

Johnson must broaden his appeal. Throwing arch-conservative red meat to delegates won’t cut it in the primary. His selection of school-choice champion Robyn Bagley as his lieutenant governor will energize the education community against him. Johnson can’t win as the right-wing/Libertarian, voucher candidate with Cliven Bundy-like attitudes about public lands.

SB54, allowing the gathering of signatures to get on the primary ballot, was definitely under fire at the Republican convention. What happens long-term?

Pignanelli: Congressman Jason Chaffetz is a nationally recognized Republican with real influence. But this articulate conservative, who was birthed by — and supports — the convention system, captured 64 percent of the delegates against unknown opponent Chia-Chi Teng. Any other collection of rational Republicans would have delivered at least 85-90 percent. Politicos believe such outcomes will incentivize future candidates to pursue the saner signature process.

Webb: The party bosses and their Central Committee hate, hate, hate Count My Vote and SB54 because they diminish the monopoly power of the party machine and empower all voters to determine party nominees.

Under Count My Vote, the “little guy” can get on the primary ballot, even against a powerful, well-funded incumbent (case in point: Chia-Chi Teng is in the primary against party powerhouse Jason Chaffetz). Under the old system, some underdogs would have been swept away by delegates and the party machine. Now they’re on the ballot and all Republicans get to determine their fate. Mainstream Republicans can now seek elective office without having to run naked through the delegate gauntlet. The party machine can’t purge those not deemed ideologically pure.

As a longtime supporter of Count My Vote, I was disappointed to see Johnson side with the party machine and attack Herbert because he gathered signatures.

Johnson’s message to delegates essentially was: You have the power. You are the party insiders. You control the system. By gathering signatures, Herbert has signaled he wants to bring more Republicans into the political process. We can’t allow that. You must punish him! You must protect your power because you’re smarter than the rest of the voters.

Johnson’s message worked with 55 percent of the delegates. Now we’ll see if that exclusionary delegate flattery connects with the broader GOP population.

Can Utah Democrats win with their gubernatorial nominee Mike Weinholtz? Will the investigation of his wife’s use of medical marijuana have any impact?

Pignanelli: In prior elections, this revelation of drug use (or a civil disobedience arrest in a human rights protest) would be fatal. But that was the past and the anti-establishment fever gripping both parties makes such controversies meaningless. More importantly, Weinholtz is a decent person and successful businessman. All Utahns, regardless of party preference, should be proud someone of his character and expertise is seeking office.

Webb: The articulate and well-funded Weinholtz will mount a feisty campaign — all for naught. He might even win Salt Lake County, but will get clobbered so badly in Utah and Davis counties that it will be a Republican landslide. A little medical marijuana won’t be a blip.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: What happened to Utah's famous niceness?

Although entertaining, the weeks leading up to the New York presidential primary — for both parties — were among the most vitriolic in an already nasty campaign season. Even Utah’s usually tame politics is featuring some hard punches. Your columnists — pillars of civility (well, LaVarr, at least) — explore whether this is business as usual or atypical.

What happened to Utah’s famous niceness? Gov. Gary Herbert was booed at the Utah County Republican convention. The GOP gubernatorial contenders or surrogates are accusing each other of purveying pornography in their businesses. Many campaigns are claiming improprieties by opponents. Some GOP officials are refusing to provide resources to candidates who gathered signatures or refused to sign an obedience pledge. Activists are disparaging each other with awful insults on social media. Is this unusual for Utah?

Pignanelli: “Mudslinging in politics is as American as apple pie” — Richard K. Scher

The lack of diversity in Utah County is directly correlated to the level of wackiness in its politics. Thus, this geographic region is incorrectly perceived by the more enlightened areas of the state to be responsible for much of the ill-mannered comportment. However, their antics are the most humorous.

Gov. Herbert was not the first incumbent to be jeered by his own party (Gov. Michael Leavitt, Sen. Bob Bennett and Congressman Jim Matheson share the honor), and he will not be the last. Extremists on the left and right usually feel excluded and express their emotions without politeness. Utah politicos are among the most technologically savvy, which breeds greater involvement and higher levels of intensity. Hurling insults in the Twittersphere is easy and fun.

Major structural changes in society can also cause intemperate attitudes. Nationally, the realignment of partisan demographics is fueling rudeness. Locally, the huge revolution to the convention/delegate system along with other abrupt forces in our state is fostering impolite dialogue.

So political discourse in Utah will be at higher temperatures for the next several cycles. Thank goodness. Protesters against the BYU Honor Code should not have all the fun.

Webb: Politics always has been and always will be a contact sport. Nothing different in that regard. Case in point: Rep. Kraig Powell, a true gentleman, mainstream idealist and altogether good guy, decided to drop out of his legislative race rather than face a barrage of out-of-context attacks from right-wing fringe people. He just doesn’t want to take the time and expense to refute unfair attacks. He’s a clear casualty of nasty campaigning from far-right extremists.

New communications channels, particularly social media, increase the intensity and pervasiveness of negative campaigning. In the old days, you had to read the newspaper, listen to the radio or watch TV news to hear the latest insults. Today, they arrive on your cellphone and laptop, in your email and social media feeds 24/7, in addition to the traditional media channels. Charges and countercharges are made and delivered instantly to worldwide audiences. And the anonymity and unaccountability of online comments and some social media channels exacerbate the problem. Human nature hasn’t changed, but the opportunities to be offensive are magnified.

A large number of Utah legislative incumbents faced intra-party challenges. Ultra left-wingers were unable to dislodge sitting Democrat lawmakers. However, some Republican incumbents lost their delegate/conventional elections. Those who obtained the necessary signatures will be on the primary ballot, and the refusniks are now out of office. Any local trends here?

Pignanelli: Many Republican incumbents are distancing themselves from the petition signature process in public. But there is silent admission to the important safety valve it provides. The freedom of an alternative to a convention for placement on the primary ballot is very enticing. Relying on the reasonableness of delegates is a bigger gamble than a slot machine.

Webb: It’s interesting that legislative candidate Mike Winder, from Salt Lake County, gathered signatures to get on the ballot. He also encouraged those who signed his petition to go to their caucuses and get elected as delegates. The result was he eliminated his incumbent competition in convention, so he has no primary. Smart candidates ensure themselves a spot on the primary ballot by gathering signatures.

The Republican and Democrat presidential primaries are fostering incredible foulness. Does this end soon or become a permanent feature of the 2016 season and beyond?

Pignanelli: Donald Trump and his Trumpeters flourish on insults. Ted Cruz will not win Mr. Congeniality. Bernie Sanders supporters extol liberal values, but not politeness. The courtesy of the Clintonistas seems forced. So all the mayhem and turmoil on television will be a peaceful respite.

Webb: Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, the likely nominees, have essentially 100 percent name ID, and have had pretty much all the doors ripped off their skeleton closets. Both have terrible likability and approval ratings. The general election will be further descent into raw sewage.