Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Annual guide to what politicos are really saying

Pignanelli & Webb: For any sane person, politics can be confusing even in normal election years. But this year, standard political discourse doesn’t exist. So, as a public service, we offer our annual guide to what politicos are saying — and what they really mean.

Donald Trump: “Crooked Hillary, Little Marco, Lyin’ Ted, Hillary Rotten Clinton, Mitt the Choker." (I don’t have a clue about domestic issues or foreign policy, but the news media can’t resist my insults, so substance is unnecessary.)

Hillary Clinton: "I apologize for the email controversy. But what I did was legal at the time." (We all know us Clintons are above any silly rules or laws that apply to other people. Absurdly legalistic excuses worked for my husband, and they work for me.)

Trump II: "I'm a religious person. Crooked Hillary is the one who has no morals." (Religious fervor welled up in my heart when I won the support of evangelical Christian leaders, even more than when I drink my little wine and have my little cracker. By the way, what is Two Corinthians?)

Clinton II: "Trump is disgraceful to women, minorities and our allies. (Thank goodness for Donald Trump — the only Republican I can defeat.)

Mike Pence: "I am fully confident that Donald Trump respects the sacrifice made by the Khan family, and he will strengthen our military to reduce loss of life in the future.” (Yeah, this is a pathetic defense to Trump's outrageous comments. But I have nothing else. What have I gotten myself into?)

Utah Republicans: "We are proud of our great Utah political leaders, our conservative values and the great success of our state. We are confident voters will support our candidates.” (If we totally ignore Trump, maybe the voters will, too, and we won't suffer at the polls.)

Utah Democrats: "The Trump factor makes Utah a swing state, so this is a great opportunity for Democrats down the ballot, especially Doug Owens against Mia Love." (Even with Trump, we’ll probably keep losing, but hope springs eternal.)

Clinton III: "I oppose free trade treaties; I support increased regulations on banks and Wall Street; I will expand entitlement programs and raise taxes." (This directly contradicts everything my husband accomplished, but I have to satisfy those ultra-left Sanders supporters.)

Political reporters and TV networks: "Once again Trump is blaming the media and making irresponsible comments on every topic imaginable. How could Republicans be so incredibly stupid as to nominate him as the leader of the party of Lincoln and Reagan?” (We created this monster, but we couldn't help ourselves. His tweets and press conferences are like crack cocaine. Sorry, America, but ratings are up!)

House Speaker Paul Ryan: "I truly believe that House and Senate Republicans can work with Trump and implement a robust, pro-growth policy agenda that will keep America safe and eliminate intergenerational poverty.” (I have lived a Boy Scout life, but in politics you have to tell a few white lies. What did I do to deserve this mess? I didn’t even want to become speaker and now I have to deal with the most disastrous Republican presidential candidate in history.)

New York Sen. Chuck Schumer: "This year offers a real potential for the Democrats to take control of the U.S. Senate." (Please join me in a toast to Donald Trump. Any other Republican candidate would defeat Hillary, and we would have no chance to win the Senate. Thanks, Donald. I like the sound of Chuck Schumer, Senate majority leader!)

Mitt Romney: "For the sake of the Republican Party and conservative values, I will continue to speak out about the excesses and irresponsibility of Donald Trump.” (This is getting fun. The media jump on anything I say, and more Republicans are joining me. And, by the way, I’m available if Trump drops out.)

Bernie Sanders: “Hillary Clinton is the best choice in this election.” (America won’t get a real Socialist president, but I pushed her so far left that I get most of what I want.)

Devout Sanders supporters: "We cannot stomach Hillary. There is no way we will betray our values and vote for that shill of corporate America." (Of course we will vote for her. It just makes us feel good to complain about it, and Trump would be even worse.)

Jeb Bush: “No comment.” (Republicans rejected me, so they get what they deserve.)

Chris Christie: “Donald Trump is a great American and we need his forceful leadership.” (I’ll say anything to become attorney general and leave behind this mess in New Jersey.”

Newt Gingrich: “The world is a dangerous place, and Donald Trump is the commander-in-chief we need.” (Anyone who’s been married as many times as Donald and I have can deal with domestic strife and easily handle the Russians.)

President Obama: “Donald Trump isn’t fit for office. I call on my fellow Americans to vote for Hillary.” (Why didn’t my buddy Joe Biden jump into this race? Then I really could have had a third term.)

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Are the two political parties merging or getting further apart?

The 2016 Republican and Democratic national conventions are history. The focus now shifts to the November election. But first, a few loose ends to tie up.

Hillary Clinton emerged from the historic Democratic convention as the first-ever woman nominee of a major political party, fighting off insurgent Democratic socialist Bernie Sanders. After a controversial convention, will the nation’s Democrats unify around Clinton? 

Pignanelli: "Political campaigns don’t happen in a vacuum. As strong a motivator as Trump is with his core constituency … he’s at least as strong at motivating Democratic opposition.” — Joshua Green, Bloomberg Politics

This presidential election is the strangest in our nation's history. But it got weirder in both conventions with the Ted Cruz "vote your conscience" speech and Russians hacking Democratic emails. So if extraterrestrials are discovered using mind probes to help a campaign, no one will be shocked.

Although there was talk of love and "togetherness" in Philadelphia, Democrats introduced Trump into the major leagues of hardball politics. They responded to four days of GOP Hillary-bashing with plenty of hard-hitting attacks on his personality and business practices. Further, the Clinton campaign was aggressive in rehabilitating her image with contrasting features — tough, effective senator and secretary of state who possesses a compassionate heart.

Trump and Clinton faced conventions with the same tasks — cure the divisiveness within party ranks and reach out to independents. Both adopted the strategy of scaring delegates and viewers with the prospect of the other in the White House.

The Democratic Convention endured the unending complaints of many obnoxious Sanders supporters. But while they may continue to "feel the Bern," the prospect of President Trump will promote party unity.

Webb: The Democrats had a very conventional convention with far more star power than the Republicans, better speeches, better organization, more inspiration, more discipline, more unity and a very effective prosecution of Donald Trump. I’ll be surprised if Clinton doesn’t get a nice bump in the polls.

Still, the Democrats were preaching to the choir. Meanwhile, some 80 percent of citizens think the country is going in the wrong direction after nearly eight years of Barack Obama. The mutual Clinton/Obama embrace means four more years of big government liberalism. Forget the change agent the country needs.

Trump may be outrageous, but Clinton remains the secretary of status quo. Plenty of angry voters want to see the government disrupted. Trump, the champion of chaos, is their guy.

The Democratic and Republican platforms are fascinating. They may be the most liberal and conservative, respectively, in history. Yet, both platforms share surprising populist elements, such as antagonism toward trade agreements. Are the two parties merging or getting further apart?

Pignanelli: The new policies articulated at the conventions confirmed we are amid a major realignment of political demographics. Clintonian Democrats of the 1990s and early 2000s emphasized entitlement reform, free trade and sensible financial regulation. Apparently the delegates and convention speakers believe such successful policies belong to the Dark Ages.

Further, the insurgent candidates are wishing to expand government (Trump: deporting 11 million immigrants, building walls, etc.; Sanders: free college tuition, single-payer health care, etc.) and their populist beliefs infiltrated the conventions, which explains the many similarities.

Webb: The platforms, thankfully, don’t mean much. They’ll barely be mentioned the rest of the campaign. But both platforms leave traditional mainstream conservative Republicans like me a little cold. The anti-trade planks of both platforms are shortsighted and damaging to the economy.

While I agree with much in the GOP platform, the far right-wing elements alienate moderate and independent voters. The old-fashioned, ultra-liberal positions in the Democratic platform perpetuate the myth that more government, more regulation and higher taxes will solve the country’s problems.

Best use for both platforms: Tinder to start a fire at the next Boy Scout campout.

Post-convention, which party and candidates are best positioned to pick up momentum through the summer and fall and win in November?

Pignanelli: If anyone tells you they can predict this unusual election, either laugh or throw something at them. Clinton has a huge Electoral College advantage that could dissolve from external forces (i.e., terrorist attacks, a recession, Russians, etc.). Conversely, Trump’s post-convention bump will dissipate every time he speaks.

Maybe those aliens can tip the balance.

Webb: This obviously isn’t the matchup I wanted. I do want to see a Washington shake-up. I’m all for controlled disruption. I wish loose-cannon Donald would show me he can be a responsible change agent who won’t throw the country into war or depression in his first six months.

On paper, Clinton should win. Her party is more unified, her campaign is better run and more disciplined. She has a better ground game and a lot more money. But she’s also deeply flawed, unexciting and untrustworthy and represents more of the same.

So the election shapes up as establishment, status quo, big-government Hillary vs. loud-mouth, egomaniac, anarchist Donald — lacking guiding principles and common sense.

What a great choice.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Shurtleff, GOP convention and a DNC convention preview

Happy Pioneer Day! There are many benefits to living in Utah — including an extra day off in July. Today and tomorrow we honor the courage and determination of our state’s founders. Many of their descendants ended up in politics and continue to provide delicious discussion topics at barbecues and fireworks parties.

Several weeks ago, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously overturned the bribery conviction of Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell. This decision was cited as one reason that Davis County Attorney Troy Rawlings dropped charges against former Attorney General Mark Shurtleff. Will these results affect local politicians?

Pignanelli: “I never bought a man who wasn't for sale.” — William Andrews Clark, responding to condemnation of his bribing Montana legislators. Roughly99.9999 percent of Utah politicians are good individuals who were never tempted by, or even joked about, bribery … except me. Years ago, a reporter from this newspaper published my flippant comment that while I would never trade a vote for money, a nice pasta dinner accompanied by wine could prompt sympathetic legislative deliberations. (Good government advocacy groups, and my mother, were not amused.) Thus, few officials are exclaiming "whew" to recent developments.

But there will be a subtle impact. For some time, attorneys from across the country have been spooking lawmakers with opinions that accepting a contribution while discussing the most minor of details about the donor’s interests, without any specific request, would still attract an FBI SWAT Team. (I strenuously disagreed with such interpretation and the Supreme Court vindicated me, thank you very much). This strained analysis fostered ridiculous complications in legitimate ethical fundraising by politicians.

Now Utah candidates receiving a contribution may allow donors to discuss matters, beyond vague niceties and not accompanied by a specific ask. At the very least, it could prompt nice discussions between the two parties at a pasta dinner.

Webb: It would be a terrible mistake to interpret the McDonnell and Shurtleff cases as meaning it’s OK for politicians to accept favors and play footsie with shady characters. McDonnell and Shurtleff have both paid dearly. McDonnell was once a potential presidential candidate. Shurtleff was a prospective U.S. Senate or gubernatorial candidate.

But the cases do show that while it’s fairly easy to accuse a politician of conflicts of interest and illegally accepting favors, it’s a lot tougher to send someone to prison.

I’ve never thought Shurtleff was overtly corrupt or an evil person. But politicians must be wary of wealthy, well-connected people seeking favors. Such people are drawn to politics and the power it represents, and they love to endear themselves by making large campaign contributions and other gifts. Every top politician has to deal with devious hangers-on and sometimes has to tell them to get lost. Shurtleff got too cozy with some unscrupulous people. He won’t go to trial, but he won’t get off easy in the court of public opinion.

On many levels, the just-concluded GOP national convention was unprecedented. (Due to our deadline, this was written before the final night.) Upstart delegates, led by Utah Sen. Mike Lee, attempted a last-minute effort to free Donald Trump delegates. But a real effort was made to unify the party. Will the events of last week move Utahns to support Trump?

Pignanelli:

Many Republicans are upset with Lee, Sutherland Institute Director Boyd Matheson and other insurgents for their activities at the Convention. But they deserve accolades because although Trump is the nominee, he must reap what he has sown. Lee and Company also understand a political party cannot be built around one person and are keeping an actual philosophy alive. The Trump family speakers and the outreach to the LGBT community were positive elements at the Convention. But most Utahns reject the dark, foreboding anti-immigrant message the billionaire delivered Thursday evening.

Webb: Hillary Clinton will unify the Republican Party. The Trump convention — like his entire campaign — was tumultuous, spontaneous and unorchestrated. That made it rather fun. Mike Penceis a great VP selection, and the Trump children helped humanize their father. Donald Jr. had perhaps the best performance of the convention, both in style and substance. Ted Cruz was the big loser. When you get invited to a nice party, you don’t spit in the punch bowl.

The Democratic National Convention starts tomorrow. Will the activities in Philadelphia help or hurt Hillary Clinton's chances in Utah?

Pignanelli: As did the Trump campaign, the Clinton machine faces convention challenges. It will need to motivate supporters of Bernie Sanders, without too much left-wing rhetoric that will irritate independents and frustrated Republicans. This will be difficult, but if accomplished it promises to attract voters in Utah and other states.

Webb: Utahns will get bored watching a parade of leftist speakers extol big government, more regulation, more programs, more gun control, more consolidation of power at the federal level, higher taxes and more liberal Supreme Court justices. Trump will look great by comparison.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: GOP Convention, Chaffetz's future and the PLI

The political scene this week will be hotter than the weather. Here’s what we’re watching.

The Republican National Convention will soak up all political oxygen. Will the convention help Utah Republicans accept Donald Trump as their presidential nominee?

Pignanelli: “I stayed up last night and watched the Republican Convention all night long. I'm not interested in politics. If you watch them and listen to them you can find out why.” — Casey Stengel

This could be a convention like no other. The world’s loudest salesman will ensure HIS show is entertaining and interesting. Unless he goes off script and shouts something stupid (don’t bet against it), Trump will get the historic bump in the polls after a nominating convention.

But Trump is Trump. He cannot help himself. He will say or do something to erase any gains from the convention. So Utahns will remain suspicious of Trump into the fall.

Webb: Clearly, part of Republican Trump angst is worry that he can’t beat Hillary Clinton. But recent polls show him very close (due, in part, to Clinton’s email/classified documents scandal). If Trump has a good convention, gets a convention bump and shows he can defeat Clinton, more Republicans will become believers. If he becomes responsible and reasonable and stops saying and doing idiotic things, Republicans might even get comfortable with him.

Congressman Jason Chaffetz has been on a roll lately, winning big in the primary election, unveiling major bipartisan conservation legislation for the Wasatch mountains, chairing a hearing grilling FBI Director James Comey, and starring in TV interviews. What’s in the congressman’s future?

Pignanelli: Even for a congressman with a long string of successes, this month was uniquely spectacular for Chaffetz. He provided the road map of how Republicans can avoid the Trump dilemma and take advantage of Clinton's email controversy. Further, his Mountain Accord legislation reflects that many Democratic members of Congress like Chaffetz and will work with him.

Another victory for Chaffetz last week was a lightly publicized, but incredible, effort to benefit millions of Americans.

Community banks are the foundation of the national economy as small businesses and families rely on them for their credit needs. Further, Utah is the fourth-largest center of financial services in America, mostly because of the industrial banks (whom I am honored to represent). Our state receives immense benefits through jobs and huge charitable contributions. But all this is in jeopardy because federal regulators are strangling state-chartered banks. Washington bigwigs have ignored or mocked pleas for help — until last week.

Chaffetz hauled the bureaucrats before his committee to be grilled by Republicans (and some Democrats) for their recalcitrance. Promises of reform were grudgingly made.

With such laurels, Chaffetz could pursue House leadership, the U.S. Senate in 2018 or the governor’s mansion in 2020.

Webb: Chaffetz can keep his House seat as long as he desires and can likely move up in congressional leadership. But he’s also ambitious. Being one of 535 members of Congress in gridlocked, dysfunctional Washington can get really old. Good leaders want to actually solve problems and make progress, not just spin their wheels. So the governorship in 2020 looks enticing.

However, Chaffetz would have tough competition in that race, as a lot of other attractive Republicans will be going for it. And Utahns vote somewhat differently for governors than for members of Congress. For Congress they want a firebrand who will go to Washington and battle the evil liberals. It’s OK to be ideological and partisan. For a governor they want a fatherly figure who can bring people together and is more of a practical problem-solver than an ideological purist. The business community wants someone it is very comfortable with.

Can Chaffetz make that transition? Does “Governor Chaffetz” have a nice, comfortable, soothing sound to it?

Last week was a big week for public lands in Utah, as Congressman Rob Bishop was scheduled to unveil his massive Public Lands Initiative (PLI) legislation. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell also visited Utah, sparking speculation about a Bears Ears national monument. Does Bishop’s legislation have a chance to pass, or will President Barack Obama create another national monument in Utah? 

Pignanelli: Washington insiders are telling me that Bishop's bill may stall monument designation. But the ever-changing dynamics of the presidential election will also influence this issue.

Webb: If Democrats and environmentalists are honest, they will admit that they will get a lot more of Utah’s beautiful land protected via Bishop’s PLI legislation than from a mere Bears Ears designation. Bishop’s bill spans multiple counties across the eastern portion of the state, not just the small Bears Ears area. He has made numerous concessions to conservation groups and has tried to accommodate all stakeholders. It is true compromise, collaborative legislation.

A national-monument designation will signal the utter failure of the Obama administration to work with mainstream Utah leaders. It will dramatically exacerbate federal/state tensions and distrust and will encourage civil disobedience. It will further propel the Legislature to try to take over most federal land. It will mean more bickering, more anger, more cynicism, more suspicion.

Bishop’s PLI is vastly superior to a monument designation and it should pass.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Unbinding delegates and Clinton's chances in Utah

While the country is being dragged through Hillary Clinton’s email scandal and whatever the latest idiotic thing is that spews from Donald Trump’s mouth, the national conventions are approaching. The GOP convention, especially, could be exciting.

Pressure is increasing — locally and across America — to unbind Republican convention delegates so they can dump Trump. Former Utah member of Congress Enid Mickelson is Rules Committee chairwoman, putting her on the hot seat. U.S. Sen. Mike Lee and Sharon Lee are also members. Should they and their colleagues make every effort to ensure someone other than Tromp is nominated?

Pignanelli: “The 1928 Republican Convention opened with a prayer. If the Lord can see His way clear to bless the Republican Party the way it's been carrying on, then the rest of us ought to get it without even asking.” — Will Rogers

Republicans … please don’t do this. A political institution founded on the nobility of eliminating slavery and blessed with the incredible legacy of Abraham Lincoln, William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, Robert Taft, Howard Baker, Jack Kemp, Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan demands better than the Trump chaos.

Republicans, please don’t do this. Your party rightfully claims a deep intellectual tradition of conservative thought. My 15-year-old boys have a better grasp of political philosophies than the presumptive nominee.

Above any partisan wrangling, we are all Americans. We do not deserve the nonsense and hateful messages the Trump campaign generates. If another candidate espoused the junk Trump effuses, he/she would be rejected by millions of Republicans.

Republicans, please don’t do this. Yes, Trump won the primary elections. But he is breaking the implied rules by not developing a general election campaign, offending voters with racist comments, preventing expansion of the party and refusing to honor the policies and traditions of the GOP.

Chairman Mickelson and the Lees enjoy a reputation of thoughtfulness. Many hope they will use their skills this week to protect their party and our country.

Here ends my guilt trip (My mother would be proud). I have faith my fellow Utahns will do what is right.

Webb: I say play by the rules. Trump won sufficient votes, state by state, to be the “presumptive” nominee. But he has to win the vote of delegates to be the “official” nominee. If rules allow delegates to change their minds, so be it. I’d love to see a Paul Ryan, John Kasich or Mitt Romney nominated instead of Trump. But I don’t expect that to happen. And a successful revolt against Trump would tear the party apart and probably ensure the election of Clinton.

It’s just incredibly unfortunate that in a presidential election year when Democrats nominate the worst possible candidate — Hillary Clinton — Republicans are going to nominate the only candidate she can defeat — Donald Trump.

Utah is in the political spotlight because it is a deeply red state wavering in support of Trump. Does this offer opportunities for Clinton and Libertarians, or do Republicans come home and vote for Trump?

Pignanelli: Trump is Trump. Even as the nominee, he will continue to offend decent, tolerant, ethical people. Therefore, a majority of Utahns will be uncomfortable with him as president and continue to consider alternatives. (At last, a fun presidential election in Utah!)

Webb: Most Utah Republicans will collectively hold their noses and vote for Trump over the deeply flawed Clinton. It’s true that Clinton isn’t as crazy as Trump and is more qualified. But it’s also true that with Clinton you know exactly what you get, and Utahns don’t like it. Clinton is a predictable, old-fashioned, leftist liberal who will tax more, regulate more and increase the size of the federal government. In an era of incredible innovation and creativity giving us ultra-high-tech electric, autonomous Teslas, Clinton is a pink ’59 Cadillac DeVille with enormous fins, belching clouds of exhaust. She doesn’t have an original idea in her head.

Meanwhile, many Utah Republicans understand that Trump is completely unpredictable and maybe even a little dangerous. But at least he will shake up Washington, and an outside chance exists he might even do something good.

The FBI investigation cleared Clinton of criminal wrongdoing, but stated she was “extremely careless" in the handling of classified information. Does avoiding prosecution mean the path is clear for her to win the general election?

Pignanelli: The Clinton campaign is relieved they do not have deal with formal charges of misconduct. But the decision has created a perception of a double standard that will haunt the secretary until November.

Webb: The FBI conclusions further damage the credibility of an already terribly defective candidate, although Trump has no clue how to exploit it. (Praising Saddam Hussein instead of keeping the focus on Clinton!?!?) The lack of consequences for Clinton furthers the widely held belief that the Clintons are above the law, making up the rules as they go — with seeming impunity.

All I can say is (deep sigh), how the heck did we get in this fix?

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Primary results and the future of Count My Vote

Well, it's a good thing this is the July 4 holiday weekend. What better way to celebrate Independence Day than to review, analyze, ponder and speculate about last week’s primary election. Your columnists are never bashful about sharing their thoughts.

Gov. Gary Herbert's victory was expected, but not his landslide triumph. Why did his win exceed even the polling numbers? Is the governor really that popular? What are experts mining from the results?

Pignanelli: “The Lord created pollsters to make astrologers look accurate.” — Gov. John Kasich

Despite all the Tuesday night chest thumping from numerous politicos (i.e. “I always knew Herbert would do really well”), no one predicted the governor would capture over 72 percent. No one.

As a disciple of their industry, I am not critical of pollsters. But Herbert’s performance demonstrates the need for surveys to further adapt to 21st-century dynamics in technology and social media in order to garner trends.

Political elites who occasionally grumble about the governor also learned another valuable lesson: Utahns like Gary Herbert. He is impervious to the bombardment of negative attack ads. Also, politicos are noting Republicans overwhelmingly overturned their delegates’ preference at the April convention.

Finally, I wish to provide a professional and high-minded response to the campaign consultants who tried to blemish Herbert by trashing lobbyists: Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah (thumbs in my ears, fingers waving, tongue out).

Webb: In retrospect, Herbert, one of Utah’s most conservative governors (while still being sensible and practical), was probably never vulnerable. He enjoys a deep reservoir of goodwill. But the 55-45 delegate vote win in convention for Jonathan Johnson was a wakeup call. Post-convention, the governor ran a strong, hardworking, positive campaign, showcasing a diversity of endorsements.

Johnson never really introduced himself to Utah voters. They mostly saw negative ads on Common Core and fundraising — not big issues to most Republican voters. Johnson couldn’t even turn hardcore conservatives against Herbert.

Besides showing that delegates are dramatically out-of-touch with most Republican voters, the election also demonstrated the clear-thinking, common sense of Republican voters.

Some primary election candidates gathered signatures to get on the ballot as allowed by Count My Vote (CMV)/SB54. How did they fare and what is CMV’s future?

Webb: Despite Republican Party lawsuits, confusion and opposition, numerous candidates gathered signatures this election cycle. The primary election showed voters don’t care how a candidate gets on the ballot. Herbert gathered signatures and it was not a factor in his primary race, despite Johnson making it a big issue in the convention and vowing to repeal SB54.

The one race where right-wing anti-CMV activists made signature-gathering a key issue was Sen. Curt Bramble’s primary race — and Bramble won. The party insiders who could see their monopoly slipping away threw everything they had at Bramble, but he pulled out a victory.

So the fear of delegates is gone. The political process is now open to a whole range of moderate Republicans who can run for office without having to pander to delegates. Legislators can support or oppose legislation without fear of upsetting delegates. Candidates can gather signatures to get on the ballot without worrying about right-wing backlash. We will now have more primaries, more choices and better public policy.

Pignanelli: I differ from LaVarr and hold the primary election was a mixed bag for CMV. Reformers were pleased SB54 author Sen. Curt Bramble defeated Chris Herrod in a tough battle — where CMV was a major issue. But many incumbents were able to fend off challengers who were on the ballot only through signatures. These results will promote a reassessment of CMV by legislators. However, some incumbents will enjoy the potential of a failsafe mechanism should their voting habits irritate delegates. The bottom line is that Tuesday's results did not offer a final resolution on the CMV tug-of-war.

What do the primary results reveal for the general election? 

Pignanelli: Most politicos correctly predicted Misty Snow would win the Democratic Party Senate primary. The country’s first transgendered nominee of a major party, she will face Sen. Mike Lee. Expect additional media attention on this race.

Many experts are predicting Donald Trump may dampen turnout by Republicans in the general election thereby offering unprecedented opportunities for Utah Democrats. Yet, despite the frustration with the presumptive nominee, Republicans participated well in their primary. But further outrageous outbursts from the billionaire could prevent replication in November. A muzzle for the top of the ticket may be the best weapon for the Utah GOP.

Webb: Misty Snow and Bernie Sanders, the new faces of the Utah Democratic Party, show how far left Utah Democrats have drifted. I’m surprised Mormon-Democrat Doug Owens could even get nominated among the wacky leftists/socialists that comprise the Utah Democratic Party.

Herbert, with such strong support, has a great opportunity in the general election. I hope he will lay out an aggressive, ambitious public policy vision and agenda that will take Utah to the next level, especially make Utah a top 10 education state. He can campaign hard on that agenda, and a big November win gives him a strong mandate to fulfill the agenda in his final term in office.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Primary election results and what politicos will be watching

Tuesday’s primary election will be historic. It is the first time candidates could choose their path to the primary ballot, either by gathering signatures or by using the caucus/convention process — or both. Further, most Utahns will be voting by mail, another first. This increases interest in primary results.

Is the primary election a major test for the new nomination process? What else will politicos be watching for in election results?

Pignanelli: "American youth attributes much more importance to arriving at driver's license age than at voting age.” — Marshall McLuhan

The fabulous news is for several hours on Wednesday, Utahns will have something to digest other than the disgusting offal of the presidential election. Political nerds — like us — eagerly await dissecting the election results. Intelligent, well-balanced humans (aka our readers) should consider the following when reviewing Tuesday’s outcomes:

The gubernatorial primary is a referendum whether Republicans want to continue the governor's leadership style or choose a different direction. Secondly, this is a choice between a candidate who obtained signatures from the new nomination process and one that stuck to the traditional delegate/convention system. Third, will mail balloting in most counties prompt an increase in turnout?

Fourth, an increase in primary participation over prior years could signal that despite frustration with Donald Trump, Republicans are willing to truck to the polls, or at least to the kitchen table, to complete the ballot. This could be a big deal.

Finally, success by Republican candidates who chose the signature process will not bring the Apocalypse. So GOP leaders must face the reality that further consternation about Count My Vote (CMV) is fruitless.

Webb: The new nomination process has already been highly successful. Even in the face of aggressive Republican Party opposition, lawsuits, and a great deal of intimidation and confusion, many dozens of candidates gathered signatures, and many of them — like Sen. Mike Lee — are already party nominees.

On Tuesday, thanks to the option to gather signatures to get on the ballot, a lot more voters will have real primary election choices, including in the 3rd Congressional District, where Chia-Chi Teng ran a feisty race against Rep. Jason Chaffetz (and spent half a million dollars of his own money to do it). Teng won’t win, but he’s given voters a choice that wouldn’t exist without the option to gather signatures.

What primary races should we be watching to see the impact of SB54/Count My Vote?

Pignanelli: The media and politicos are watching two Senate races that are a test on the CMV issue. Provo State Sen. Curt Bramble crafted the compromise legislation implementing the signature nomination process. He is facing a strong challenge from former Rep. Christopher Herrod who is leveraging Utah County Republican officials’ hatred of CMV.

The race between Rep. Richard Cunningham and Sen. Lincoln Fillmore is also on the radar. Fillmore was chosen twice by delegates to replace a vacancy in a state Senate seat and then for the primary ballot. Cunningham easily secured the petition signatures for a primary spot. So this is a classic struggle for opposing sides of the CMV issue.

Webb: The gubernatorial contest matters a great deal. Jonathan Johnson is the biggest threat to Count My Vote because he has pledged to repeal SB54 and destroy the Count My Vote movement (for which I have been a volunteer). Gov. Gary Herbert signed SB54 into law. That establishes a very clear contrast.

Utah County GOP leaders have shunned and attacked their own Republican candidates who gathered signatures, so races worth watching include: Mike Brenny (signature gatherer) vs. Cory Malloy; Dan Hemmert (signature gatherer) vs. Morgan Philpot; Xani Haynie (signature gatherer) vs. Brian Greene(incumbent); and Rick Moore (signature gatherer) vs. Marc Roberts (incumbent). Also telling will be Caitlin Gochnour (signature gatherer) vs. Jim Harvey in the Weber County Commission race.

Will the primary results offer insight into general election races in November and perhaps in future years?

Pignanelli: Democrats and Republicans will analyze turnout as a potential level of interest for the general election. Tactics used to push return of mail ballots will be examined and refined. Further, the results will provide guidance to future candidates deciding between the signature or delegate process for nomination. The methods applied — and lessons learned — in this unprecedented primary will be replicated for years.

Webb: Count My Vote has sent a clear message that mainstream Utah leaders are finally willing to put up a fight and support mainstream candidates. Win or lose, that matters in future elections. Former Gov. Mike Leavitt even campaigned door-to-door with signature-gathering candidates. Mass mailings were sent to targeted district voters.

Additionally, this election signifies a new era in Utah politics. The delegate cartel has been smashed. The party machine controlling the nomination process is overturned. No longer does a small group of delegates determine the fate of our elected leaders. Politicians can be responsible and accountable to all party voters and citizens without having to worry about a small group of powerful insiders.

This is real, fundamental political reform that will be good for future elections and especially for the making of public policy in Utah.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Updating an old column to preserve print journalism

Pignanelli & Webb: We’re worried about the decline of printed newspapers. And we’ve been told that names sell newspapers. So it’s time to update an old column in an effort to preserve print journalism, the First Amendment, the American Way, Utah’s oldest newspaper, lining for birdcages (with our photo as bull’s-eye) — and our jobs as columnists.

So, to win the name-dropping sweepstakes:

Gary Herbert: Polls show he’s cruising to the Republican nomination and re-election to a second full term. Only question is whether his primary election opponent, Jonathan Johnson, can generate the world’s greatest ground game and turn out enough people who don’t like Herbert. There aren’t very many of them.

Jonathan Johnson: Tough to run to the right of a popular conservative incumbent in a good economy.

Orrin Hatch: Speculation mounts about a 2018 run for the old political warhorse. May depend on 2016 election outcomes. Many think no way.

Mike Leavitt: Active campaigning for Count My Vote shows he has plenty of political fight left in him.

Mike Lee: His refusal to endorse Trump — brilliant or shortsighted? (But we are proud of him.)

Younger Republican prospects monitoring major race opportunities: Derek Miller, Spencer Cox, John Curtis, Sophia DiCaro, Spencer P. Eccles, Jeff Edwards, Natalie Gochnour, Justin Harding, Deidre Henderson, Matt Holland, Kirk Jowers, Dan Liljenquist, Boyd Matheson, Jason Perry, Randy Shumway, Thomas Wright, Jeremy Peterson, Mike Schultz, Dean Sanpei, John Knotwell, Keith Grover, Jon Stanard, Keven Stratton, Robert Spendlove, Steve Eliason, Kim Coleman, Mike McKell, Marc Roberts.

Jim Matheson/Pat Jones: Dream ticket for 2020 governor/lieutenant governor?

Rob Bishop: Staying his low-key self, but emerging as a significant House leader running Natural Resources. Excellent effort on the Public Lands Initiative.

Mitt Romney: By vigorously attacking Trump, he provides a lot of cover for mainstream Republicans to speak up when they disagree with the demagogue. He has a bully pulpit, so expect him to continue to be vocal.

Greg Hughes: A guy on a mission who isn’t afraid to take on big projects. But why is he supporting Trump?!?

House Majority Leader Jim Dunnigan and Whip Francis Gibson, working hard to keep their caucus harmless from a Trump implosion.

Peter Corroon: Enjoying the gift of Trump in hopes his Democratic Party can win a congressional seat and a few extra legislative seats this year.

Jon Huntsman, Jr.: Biding his time ... biding his time ... waiting to see how the political winds shift post-Trump. And maybe a cabinet position in the nearer future.

Paul Huntsman: The Huntsman no one knew. We all know him now as publisher of the Salt Lake Tribune.

James Evans: Can he make peace with the party mainstream and repair deep GOP schisms? Not likely. He continues to push party factions further apart as chief sorcerer defending the false political religion of caucus/convention.

Jason Chaffetz: Relishing his role as top congressional watchdog barking at the Obama administration — and a strong contender for the Senate in 2018 or the governorship in 2020.

Wayne Niederhauser: Cool, calm, state Senate leadership. Committed to good public policy that prepares Utah for tremendous growth.

Senate Majority Leader Ralph Okerlund, Whips Stuart Adams and Pete Knudson: Will new senators vote to change their ranks?

Chris Stewart: Still not well known, but making a name for himself in military and foreign intelligence circles. His bones are quite mainstream.

Gail Miller: Demonstrated she’s willing to mix it up in politics as a key supporter of Count My Vote, as well as engaging in tough downtown homeless issues.

Mia Love: To her credit, hasn’t showboated or taken undue advantage of myriad media opportunities. Tackles tough issues as a first-termer. But faces competitive re-election bid.

Michael Weinholtz, Jonathan Swinton, Misty Snow, Peter Clemens, Charlene Albarran, Stephen Tyron: All good Democratic knights of La Mancha tilting at gubernatorial and statewide political windmills with slight chance of success.

County officials Kerry Gibson, Mike Jensen, Aimee Newton, Richard Snelgrove and Chris Robinson are worth watching for higher political office.

Curt Bramble: Departs presidency of National Conference of State Legislatures. The next target for his energies?

Evan Vickers: The next voice of rural Utah?

Minority Leader Brian King offers a strident but articulate loyal opposition.

Doug Owens: Will the second run be the charm? Survey research shows he has a decent chance in the 4th District.

Brad Wilson: Substantive lawmaker taking on some big legislative initiatives, especially the Point of the Mountain Project. His Co-chairman Chris Conabeeadds important private-sector dimension.

Ben McAdams: Should cruise to re-election in Salt Lake County, after which speculation will mount for a 2020 gubernatorial campaign.

Scott Anderson: Tries to stay out of limelight, but tough when involved in every big thing happening.

Don Peay: Can the behind-the-scenes power broker pull it off for Trump in Utah?

There. We may have established a new “mentioning” record. Sorry if we missed anyone. If we sell a few extra papers maybe Keith McMullin, Paul Edwards, Lynn Chapman and Scott Taylor will keep this column going for a while.