Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Watch out for skulking politicians on Halloween

Pignanelli & Webb: This is the season of sinister events and terrifying noises. We see visitations by menacing beings and the conjuring up of old apparitions. People don disguises to masquerade as something they’re not. Normal people are walking around like zombies, haunted looks on their faces. Chilling choices must be made.

Yes, we know Halloween is tomorrow and creepy clowns are lurking in every neighborhood.

But we are describing the 2016 elections. It’s the season of tricks or treats, and most Americans assume they’re being tricked.

Tomorrow night, many Utah politicians will be in your communities seeking goodies and votes. To help you spot them, here’s a quick rundown on what they will be wearing to conceal their true identities.

If you see a Great Pumpkin costume, it might be presidential aspirant Evan McMullin. People think he exists and hear good things, but not even Linus has actually seen him.

Donald Trump will be dressed as Superman. He likes to leap his tall buildings, casinos and border walls in a single bound. He’s smarter than anyone else because of his X-ray vision. But beauty pageant contestants are his Kryptonite.

Hillary Clinton wanted to be the Good Witch of the North, but her staff conducted focus groups and decided it was much too risky — she would probably be confused with those other witches. So she's playing it safe and dressing as Morticia Addams of the Addams family. Smart, cagey and definitely in control.

The Cheshire Cat seeking treats with the big grin on his face will be President Barack Obama — so happy that in a couple of months someone else will have to deal with the Obamacare mess.

One of those Dracula trick-or-treaters out there will be Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson — hoping to suck the blood out of Trump and Clinton.

Gov. Gary Herbert and Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox will, of course, be parading around as Batman and Robin, compelling better behavior by villains on these dark nights by the sheer force of their speeches repeating (over and over again) how well things are going in Utah.

If you see the cartoon character Underdog going door to door in your neighborhood it will probably be Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mike Weinholtz as he doggedly refuses to concede, despite overwhelming odds.

Most politicos had questions about Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Misty Snow's abilities, but her solid debate performance and grasp of the issues has won respect even from Republicans. No better costume than Cinderella.

U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch will be costumed as X-Men leader Professor X — the wise old warrior who has seen it all, lecturing and providing guidance to all those other mutants with special powers (otherwise known as U.S. senators).

An especially frenetic trick-or-treater dressed as the Tasmanian Devil will be state Sen. Jim Dabakis — much energy is expended but not much gets accomplished.

Fighting the evil forces of liberalism and the Dodd-Frank law will be Wonder Woman Mia Love.

With roots in Old West Panguitch, 4th Congressional District Democratic contender Doug Owens will be dressed as a cowboy gunslinger, rising from a close defeat two years ago to challenge Love in a high-noon duel.

If you notice someone zooming from house to house as a Top Gun fighter pilot, it will be Congressman Rob Bishop, highlighting his support for the F-35 fighter jet program at Hill Air Force Base. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to shoot down those sly environmentalists scheming for a Bears Ears national monument.

Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams will be flitting through the county as Casper the Friendly Ghost. Very likable fellow as he views bigger ambitions (like the governorship) in 2020.

This column once described him as “The Force," so it's only natural that state auditor John Dougall, costumed as Dark Vader, continues to strike terror in small government agencies.

Most of the time he is very charming, but be sure to give House Speaker Greg Hughes plenty of treats or he will explode into the Incredible Hulk.

The Energizer Bunny beating drums around the neighborhood — even after everyone else has gone home to bed — will be Sen. Curt Bramble. He sometimes can’t find the off button.

The thoughtful Yoda, calmly seeking nourishing treats while riding his mountain bike, will be Senate President Wayne Niederhauser — unassuming but definitely in control of his environment is he.

The rapping version of Mr. Magoo in your neighborhood will certainly be Attorney General Sean Reyes, with good luck always following him as he never veers from his path.

If you notice Captain America carrying a copy of the Constitution, it will be Sen. Mike Lee, the constitutional originalist and Never Trumper who inexplicably appeared on Trump’s short list for the U.S. Supreme Court.

Someone stalking around the neighborhood, a perpetual look of outrage on his face, wearing the red robes of the Spanish Inquisition, will obviously be Congressman Jason Chaffetz, practicing for the next four years of inquiries into various Clinton scandals.

Pignanelli & Webb will be haunting neighborhoods as happy clowns — thrilled that the election concludes in just nine days.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Near-final thoughts on a repulsive presidential campaign

The most fractious and disgusting presidential campaign in recent history is staggering to an end (thankfully). We know you’re tired of it all, but we’re compelled to comment.

With a little more than two weeks to go, is the Trump candidacy doomed, or is there still a chance he can win? What is the impact now that most Utahns have received their ballots?

Pignanelli: “The American people have not elected an angry president, someone defined by anger, since Andrew Jackson, which was 100 years before the invention of television. The American people do not want anger in their living room.” — George Will

My sainted Irish Catholic grandmother and mother always taught me to find the good in anyone. After months of struggle, I uncovered a redeeming feature about Donald Trump. Because his behavior so offends Utahns, we are the beneficiaries of positive national attention as the state has moved from a safe red state into a toss-up battleground category. The independent mindset of our citizens is lauded in traditional and social media. Thank you Donald for saving me from a guilt trip.

Trump's performance in the last debate was his best, but there were too many goof-ups and the usual insults to women and minorities. He did not alter momentum. Trump is aware of his deplorable situation and is ramping up the attacks of a “rigged system” to build an audience for his post-election endeavor: TRUMP TV (hoping millions will pay to watch him rant).

Barring an improbable disastrous wiki-leak disclosure, Clinton will prevail. The question is now whether she bests her husband and receives 50 percent of the American popular vote. All Utahns are anxious how Evan McMullin fares. Will he make us the state with a color other than red or blue when the 2016 elections are analyzed in the future?

Notwithstanding Trump’s death spiral, he will continue to influence local races. Utah Republican candidates will be forced to articulate opinions distancing themselves from Trump’s accusations of rampant voter fraud.

Mom, there is some good in that also.

Webb: To my immense disappointment, Hillary Clinton will become president of the United States, thanks to the worst-run Republican presidential campaign in many decades. We have one person to thank for the impending Clinton victory — Donald Trump.

This was an eminently winnable race against a very weak Democratic candidate who doesn’t represent the mood of the electorate or the values of America. I am inclined to move to my farm and become a hermit at the thought of a Clinton presidency.

Trump has managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory by running a bumbling, undisciplined, unfocused campaign that broke every rule of politics. Even with all of his flaws, Trump could have won had he focused on the need for change, avoided insulting everyone, apologized for mistakes and moved on, demonstrated presidential stature and shown a little humanity. None of his initial missteps had to be fatal, had he not compounded them. It was one unforced error after another.

Instead, Trump kept negative stories alive for weeks by lashing back in undisciplined fashion. The media ignored the many and varied Clinton scandals because Trump kept diverting attention back to himself with idiotic claims and statements.

Personally, I wanted to support Trump. I would have voted for him in a heartbeat had he given me any reason to do so. Had he been halfway stable, focused on policy, projected real leadership, ended the self-destructive behavior, sincerely apologized, I would have gladly overlooked many of his faults. Sadly, it was not to be.

National Republicans are tearing into each other, while some local Republicans are grumbling about the Utah party. Is the Republican Party on the verge of self-destructing?

Pignanelli: The GOP is evolving to respond to 21st century dynamics, but the evolution of any species is rarely pretty. Human-rights conscious, libertarian minded Republican millennials are driving the McMullin phenomenon in Utah and unpredictable outcomes in other states. Time is on their side as the older elephants retire and they create a new GOP.

Webb: It’s going to be very difficult to recover from the Trump tornado. Trump has never really cared about the party, other GOP candidates, or even Republican control of Congress. The big question is whether the Trump true believers will stick with the party or will drop out and go elsewhere.

The one good thing the Republicans have going for themselves is Clinton. She has the capability to unite Republicans like nothing else.

What does it mean that Utahns aren’t excited about either Trump or Clinton?

Pignanelli: Maintaining suspicions towards Clinton while deploring Trump is now an American pasttime. For different reasons these two cannot connect. But Utah voters are different in that they are considering other candidates.

Webb: Utahns have principles and are smart enough not to fall for a huckster messiah or an old-fashioned, status-quo liberal who is a late-term abortion fanatic and who believes bigger government is the solution to all problems.

I can’t vote for either of these candidates, and neither can a lot of other Utahns.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Twists and turns of the final few weeks

The amazing, disgusting, surprising, thrill-a-minute presidential campaign takes astonishing turns nearly every day. Recent survey research by Y2 Analytics shows Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton and independent Evan McMullin in a statistical tie. The latest election twists deserve further scrutiny.

Utah politicians in droves distanced themselves from Trump when “The Tape” surfaced. This newspaper offered an opinion on a presidential candidate for the first time in 80 years — saying Trump is not fit to be president. How will this impact the election in Utah? Could Clinton or McMullin defeat Trump?

Pignanelli: "Elections are won by men and women chiefly because most people vote against somebody rather than for somebody." — Franklin Adams

Well-adjusted rational people (unlike me) are frightened about last week's events. But remember, we are witnessing history. Not since the Whig Party blew up in the 1850s and the Southern segregationist Dixiecrats refused to back the Democrat nominees in 1948 and in 1968, has there been such turmoil in a major political party.

The McMullin phenomenon is real. It is a sign of how desperate Utahns are for an alternative that a relative unknown BYU alumn and former CIA operative could win the state. His momentum is partially due to this newspaper’s editorial urging Trump to remove himself from the election process — a game changer and proud moment in our state’s history.

Because of Utah’s unique dynamics, I predict a Republican does not win Utah (a first since 1964). Clinton, McMullin (if he survives the inevitable attacks) and Libertarian Gary Johnson will be within a handful of votes of each other to secure Utah’s Electoral College delegates.

Hey, pundits need only be correct 10 percent of the time to be considered brilliant.

Webb: I am proud that Utahns are demonstrating an independent streak and more good sense than any other Republican state. It is remarkable that less than a month before the election the Republican and Democratic presidential candidates are tied in reliably red Utah, with an independent candidate close behind. Even more surprising is the fact that no candidate gets barely more than a quarter of the votes.

We’re showing that in Utah, at least, character and competency count. Simply labeling someone a Republican isn’t enough.

Democrats might be excited about Clinton being tied with Trump. But the fact that their candidate gets barely 25 percent of the vote in Utah isn’t anything to celebrate.

If the Trump meltdown continues, McMullin could win. But if Trump bounces back a little in the polls, many Utah Republicans will still view him as the only chance to defeat Clinton. By voting for McMullin, Utahns could send a strong message about common sense and our expectation that political leaders demonstrate at least a minimal level of integrity and fitness for office.

Trump has declared war on Republicans who don’t vocally support him. He’s already said Utah is a “different place” and acknowledged he has a “Mormon problem.” Gov. Gary Herbert and Congressman Jason Chaffetz were among the first politicians in the country to reverse their prior commitment to vote for Trump. Was this the correct move? Will there be a trickle-down effect on state and local races?

Pignanelli: Herbert and Chaffetz were shrewd to jump off the Trump bus before it careened off the cliff. But how Utahns vote in other races is still in doubt. Mainstream voters may consider that Trump is not a real Republican, and support local GOP candidates who established distance from the bizarre billionaire. As the attacks against Clinton intensify, Democrats will be energized to vote. These dynamics will make a difference in a number of key swing legislative and county races.

Webb: Trump is running the worst presidential race in modern history, attacking and alienating those he should be courting. There’s no law of life that says Republicans like Herbert and Chaffetz must support someone they feel is incapable of effective leadership. Good for them.

The tragedy of all this is that Trump could have easily won this election had he demonstrated basic competence, common sense, decency and some mastery of the issues. Voters were looking for someone to blow up Washington. They wanted a fighter, an outsider, an insurgent warrior. But this political rebel also needed to care about all citizens and demonstrate a bit of character and wisdom.

Clinton is so disliked, so flawed, so careless, so status-quo, so establishment, and so boring that anyone but Trump could have readily defeated her.

Trump’s outrageous comments … Clinton’s careless use of email … last week's debate with threats of prosecution and jail time … the return of Bill Clinton's peccadilloes, etc. Can this election go any lower and will the republic survive?

Pignanelli: Our politics have been in worse shape. At other times and in other places, the two top contenders would have likely achieved high office with little effort. But they are being excoriated for prior blunders. Democracy is working.

Webb: Mothers, don’t let your children witness the presidential finale. I’ve actually raised pigs and watched them fight over a bucket of slop — squealing, biting and wallowing in the mud. This will be uglier. I won’t be surprised by anything that happens in the last few weeks.

Republicans need to accept the fact that Hillary Clinton will be president. It’s not the end of the world; it won’t be worse than eight years of Obama. The biggest tragedy, obviously is U.S. Supreme Court appointments, especially if Republicans also lose the Senate.

The good news is that the House will be a major check on Clinton, and Republicans will likely take back Senate control in 2018.

It’s also possible Clinton will actually try to accomplish something and will cooperate with Congress better than Obama did. Dream on. …

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Dubious deep thinking about our political plight

Even your cynical political-hack columnists are getting weary of the non-stop analysis, commentary and minutiae of the presidential election. Even for us, Donald Trump’s taxes, his insults toward women, and Hillary Clinton’s email scandal are becoming tedious. So instead of piling on, we offer some philosophical musings on the whole process, even though deep thinking is very difficult for us.

The American system of nominating and electing a president has seldom been more criticized than this year. Does our process usually or rarely achieve the goal of selecting the best person to lead the country and manage the government?

Pignanelli: “Democracy is a form of government in which it is permitted to wonder aloud what the country could do under first-class management.” — Doug Larson

The result of this presidential election will be a direct correlation to the response of Trump attaching a label of “Miss Piggy” to a Miss Universe (I am only half joking). So in this bizarre environment of self-aggrandizement, I will arrogantly compare the national process to my first foray as a political aspirant.

When I announced my candidacy for the Utah House of Representatives, I was a 25-year-old snotty, obnoxious newly minted lawyer lacking the necessary experience for public office. I had no clue about budgeting, tax policies, education and transportation priorities, etc. But I worked hard through knocking on doors, developing messages and cobbling together a coalition of allies while promising to respond to the needs of my community.

Thus, I was similar to thousands of candidates who compete for president, Congress, governor, state legislature and even dogcatcher. American democracy is not about who is the most competent or brightest, but those who intentionally or accidentally resonate with the voters on that Tuesday in November. We expect the winners to select the right advisers, counselors and staff to ensure competency in government.

There is intense frustration with Congress and the presidential nominees. But our republic has survived far worse. Heck, Utah somehow flourished despite the intolerable rantings of a young lawmaker from Salt Lake City. So there is hope.

Webb: We do have a lousy system — but it’s better than all the rest, as Winston Churchill once said. The nation’s crazy-quilt nomination process, which empowers political activists and bestows enormous influence on a few early states, is partly to blame for our two deeply flawed, unpopular candidates.

But, to large degree, our politicians reflect the mood of the people, and in many quarters of America the mood is dark and angry. Voters are looking for a political savior. Government is not performing up to expectations, and politicians are promising far more than they can deliver. A national debt so massive as to be incomprehensible looms over the country.

I remain convinced that an underlying cause of government gridlock and dysfunction, and accompanying frustration and gloom among citizens, is that the federal government has grown so large, has centralized so much control, power and domination, and has raised expectations so high, that it cannot possibly keep all the promises it has made.

We can expect a cycle of diminishing performance and increasing citizen aggravation unless we return many government functions and responsibilities back to state and local levels where the Founders intended them to be.

Politicos are noting that most of the major Utah races are humdrum affairs with expected results. The candidate debates are generating little enthusiasm and not much press coverage. Is our local election process securing the most talented citizens for government offices?

Pignanelli: Despite the lopsided nature of partisan politics in Utah, both parties usually offer competent candidates down the ballot. Although there is little interest in local debates between candidates, the participants are earnest and eager to offer their solutions. Utahns are blessed with good choices.

Webb: We have our challenges, but state and local governments perform well in Utah. Leaders are close to the people and are accessible. For the most part, big issues and problems are confronted and dealt with. Problems get solved — a dramatic contrast with the federal government. Politics doesn’t always appeal to the very best and brightest, but we have good leadership in Utah.

Can Americans and Utahns expect any major changes to correct shortfalls with the current system?

Pignanelli: The SB54/Count My Vote signature petition process for nomination will further enhance the quality of Utah candidates. I am optimistic about the lessons to be learned from 2016 presidential elections. Traditional strategies and tactics of modern campaigning have changed and will drive reforms for selecting candidates.

Webb: After the Trump disaster, a great deal of introspection will occur within the Republican Party. Talk of third parties will get serious as the rebellious Trump and Bernie Sanders followers try to figure out where they fit in. The nomination process will be scrutinized. But I don’t expect much improvement to arise out of the turmoil. Dysfunction will continue and perhaps worsen at the federal level unless Clinton is willing to work with Republicans.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Your guide to the heavyweight presidential debate

Gather family and friends tomorrow evening. Grab some popcorn and your 64-ounce Diet Dr Pepper (or something stronger, in Frank’s case). Settle down in front of your favorite device (smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop, TV) and watch the political equivalent of the “Thrilla in Manila” (for you young’uns, that was the Ali/Frazier World Heavyweight Boxing Championship). In one corner we have Hillary “Power Through” Clinton. In the other we have Donald “Pull no Punches” Trump.

How important is Monday’s debate in the presidential race?

Pignanelli: "In every debate … there is one and only one way to identify the winner: Who commands the room? Who drives the narrative? Who is in charge?” — Jeff Greenfield

Political weirdos, especially LaVarr and me, can maintain long-winded arguments about the impact of presidential debates upon actual elections. There are two schools of thought. Some view the verbal matches as pointless entertainment while others believe the determination of the leader of the free world and many of the other races are determined by the event. With persuasive documentation — real and fabricated — I proffer the latter is the abode of intelligent people.

In some elections (i.e. in 1976, 1980 and arguably 2000), the outcome was determined by the real and perceived performance of the candidates. Media and water cooler discussions influenced voters’ deliberations. For example, in most polls Carter was ahead prior to the debate but suffered a major defeat the week after. In other years (i.e. 1988, 1992, 2008) the verbal sparring enhanced the existing trajectory.

Furthermore, debate performance can impact the morale and enthusiasm of campaign supporters. This momentum or drag carries over into other races down the ballot. Other candidates can be beneficiaries or victims from the two hour wrestling match.

Because of the nature of this election season, the candidates involved, their willingness to say almost anything, and the belief by many that the debate will drive the outcome, Monday’s performances are not to be missed. For political junkies, the presidential debate is the Super Bowl, game seven of the World Series and the Academy Awards all wrapped together.

For me, the special evening requires the best: meatballs and wine.

Webb: Most people have already made up their minds, but the battle is for the small number who haven’t. Even a few percentage points may be important. Trump probably has the most to gain. If he can appear presidential and reasonable, he may be able to win back some traditional Republican voters, especially women, who don’t want to vote for Clinton, but who don’t like him. I think Clinton has mostly peaked, but Trump has opportunities to pick up support.

Both campaigns will claim victory. But how can Utahns best determine a successful performance?

Pignanelli: Do not expect a dignified Lincoln-Douglas exposition tomorrow. Trump and Clinton are more likely to engage in a political demolition derby. The least banged up will be considered the winner.

Utahns have trepidations for Trump, and unease for Clinton. So local voters should be attracted to the candidate who best can push some thoughtful deliberation through all the noise and hyperbole. (Yeah, but we can hope.)

Webb: Americans are ready for someone to blow up Washington and disrupt the status quo. That’s Trump’s advantage, and he needs to exploit it in the debate. But he has to demonstrate that he can shake up the establishment without wrecking the lives of you and me. He must not say something outrageous in the debate and create a whole new controversy. The revolution has to be rational and prudent. Be the bad boy rebel, but show some empathy for average people. If Trump can reassure voters, especially Republican women, that he’s on their side and that he actually has a sensible plan, then he’ll be the winner.

Clinton has to convince voters that she’s not the most establishment, status quo candidate in history, that she has new ideas to solve America’s problems. That’s tough to do when you’re the consummate Washington insider. It would be refreshing for Clinton to acknowledge the limitations of government, that higher taxes, higher deficits and more regulations aren’t the answer to all of America’s problems.

Will there be any impact on Utah races?

Pignanelli: Mail ballots will arrive shortly. There are several swing legislative and county elections that will be determined by voter motivation. A perceived glorious triumph or outstanding failure could deliver victory or defeat to these key races.

Webb: The presidential race simply isn’t going to have much influence on Utah contests, despite a recent UtahPolicy.com poll showing Utah voters are less likely to vote for someone who supports a presidential candidate the voter doesn’t like. I believe presidential considerations are less important than many other local issues and factors. Utahns will vote for the person, without worrying about national implications.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Utah races to watch in the Trump/Clinton-free zone

Exerting strict self-discipline, for the second week in a row we are not going to comment on Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, her health, her emails, her “basket of deplorables,” his bromance with Putin, his taxes, his health, or even his hair. Instead, we write how political hacks are viewing Utah races of interest, and what to expect. You are now entering the Trump/Clinton-free zone.

The 4th Congressional District includes only a quarter of the state’s population, but all Utah eyes are watching the rematch between incumbent Republican Mia Love and Democratic challenger Doug Owens. Polls suggest a widening gap, but the campaigns are acting like it’s a horse race. What’s happening?

Pignanelli: "Politics is the art of controlling your environment" — Hunter S. Thompson

Those of us who watch television belong to a soon to be extinct demographic (our children refer to the massive glass and plastic box in the family room as the “cute antique”). Yet, TV ads do provide a peek into the campaign dynamics of the 4th District.

Owens standing in the field talking about his Mormon heritage works on several levels. He reminds baby boomer viewers of beloved father Congressman Wayne Owens, while references to his handcart pioneer ancestors appeal to an important category of voters.

Love’s ad offers an energetic pulse (reminding viewers of her personality) while providing endorsements from influential and average Utahns. Clearly, this is to reaffirm an image of responsiveness to constituents, and fend off "establishment" accusations leveled at every incumbent.

Ballots will be arriving in mailboxes soon, and so these campaigns have entered the next phase of “defining their opponent.” This explains the new entrant into the electronic warfare: the attack ad from Love against Owens. He will likely counterpunch very soon.

Since Utah is ignored in presidential campaigns, we doomed generations of television audiences are grateful for the feisty battle in the 4th Congressional District to offer some political entertainment on the tube.

Webb: This will be Utah’s closest major race, and both candidates are running hard. Owens came close two years ago, despite being outspent and having limited national resources. This time, he’s better funded, more experienced, and national Democrats are backing his campaign.

But Love is a better candidate this time as well. Her biggest weakness in 2014 was that despite her compelling personal story, she was viewed as a political lightweight without enough experience or policy chops to succeed in Congress. In her first term, she has kept her head down and worked hard, earning kudos for focusing on complex financial services issues.

And she’s taking nothing for granted. Thus, she has launched a pre-emptive attack ad, criticizing Owens for his involvement in the Legacy Parkway lawsuit that delayed the project and increased costs. Owens, of course, was just doing what lawyers do.

Owens has been running ads re-introducing himself to voters, establishing himself as a moderate Democrat with deep roots in Utah who embraces Utah values.

Expect this race to soon get uglier, with Owens responding to Love’s attack ads with some of his own. Love is ahead, but this race could be close.

Although often under the radar, legislative races are frequently the most energetic of contests. What political dynamics are playing out in targeted legislative races?

Pignanelli: Democrats have the lowest percentage of legislators in modern history, but that means the GOP has a heavy burden in defending all those seats. Democrat leaders are focusing resources on selected swing districts in Salt Lake and Weber Counties.

Democrats have a tradition of strong field operations in close races (they usually win voter turnout on Election Day) but tactics must be modified to reflect early mail-in balloting (where the GOP prevails).

Webb: Most legislators serve in safe districts, so Republicans will continue to dominate the Utah House and Senate after November. But a half-dozen or so swing districts exist that are being hotly contested. These races will come down to the quality of the candidates, how organized they are, and how hard they work. Democrats lost a few of these races two years ago by only a handful of votes.

Thus, Democrats are geared up for intense grass-roots work in targeted districts. They can’t really dent GOP domination, but they can have an impact in a few races.

What are some of the other races worth watching?

Pignanelli: The heated race for Salt Lake County Council At-Large between incumbent Richard Snelgrove and challenger Catherine Kanter is drawing interest. Snelgrove is a respected moderate Republican businessman, recently honored by the Utah Taxpayers Association. Democrat Kanter is offering spirited opposition, highlighting her career success as a lawyer and mother.

Webb: State School Board races are suddenly getting hot. The Utah Education Association is heavily engaged, and some legislative leaders and their business supporters say the union is trying to take control of the board.

A lot of issues are at play here, including public education governance, school choice, charter schools, education funding, teacher salaries, and laying the groundwork for partisan school board elections in 2018.

We shouldn’t be having these public education election battles. School board members should be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. The State Board of Regents is an excellent model.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Sports, culture clashes, and a little politics

Just when the fall election campaign is getting intense, we’re getting tired of politics. So we’re breaking the monotony with a sports/entertainment/culture edition of the Pig/Webb column.

Pro football quarterback Colin Kaepernick has created a firestorm by refusing to stand during the national anthem. Is he taking a principled stand, or is he a rich, spoiled sports star who deserves a spanking?

Pignanelli: "I stand obediently for the national anthem, though of course I would defend your right to remain seated should you so decide” — Ira Glasser

After a long summer of nasty politics, this guy reminds us of why America is already great (Take that Trump!). In other countries Kaepernick would be imprisoned or hospitalized. But in the USA his fortune is bolstered by skyrocketing purchases of his jersey — mostly by aggravated fans to burn the clothing in protest of him.

There is nothing more American than professional football and the money made by players, owners and sponsors. Kaepernick has a right to protest the country, but has little credibility attacking the system until he departs from its benefits.

Kaepernick will soon fade away- after enriching himself. Only in America!

Webb: All Americans, including sports stars, are free to make any protest statement they wish. I obviously don’t know Kaepernick, but I assume his feelings about black oppression and police brutality are sincere. However, he unfairly smears the entire law enforcement community by wearing socks portraying police officers as pigs. I hope young people who might consider him a role model are not influenced by this disgusting behavior.

If he is really concerned about black lives, he would have a dramatically bigger impact by using his influence and wealth to reduce black-on-black violence in places like Chicago, where the number of murders in a couple of months far outpaces cases of actual police brutality across the entire nation over many years.

Every fall the Salt Lake Acting Company performs Saturday’s Voyeur, which pokes fun at (some would say demeans) Mormons. This year, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mike Weinholtz scheduled a fundraising event in conjunction with the performance last Friday. Some say this is a strange way to woo Mormon voters, especially when Congressional candidate Doug Owens is airing commercials advertising his Mormon roots. What is it with these Democrats?

Pignanelli: Serving ham to Jewish guests and wearing a baseball cap at High Mass are examples of actions not illegal, but clueless and insensitive. Weinholtz is a decent, ecumenical person whose campaign made a decision that opened him for attacks of insensitivity.

Most Utahns, some begrudgingly, agree that our culture is so unique and different that it demands good-natured mockery. For almost 40 years Saturday's Voyeur has provided a clever ribbing of the state’s leaders and lifestyle. (I was in the audience from the beginning.) But over time the talented authors and actors increasingly crossed the line from funny tweaking to disparaging religious beliefs. Never accused of being a prude, even I became uncomfortable and stopped attending. Many experienced this discomfort and the performance developed a reputation, especially in the LDS community and among those who never attended, for harshness.

Most Democrats are working hard to assure LDS faithful they share common values. To avoid stereotyping and accusations of insensitivity by GOP activists, they must exercise political shrewdness and commonsense when planning public events. For the common good, we all hope this controversy ends soon and lessons are learned.

Webb: I feel truly privileged to be a member of the last group on earth that can be mocked without worry of being politically incorrect. You must be very judicious in what you say about blacks, Hispanics, women, gays, those with disabilities, Italian lobbyists (that would be Frank), etc., but go ahead and ridicule old, white, male, conservative, Republican Mormons (that would be me).

But that’s OK. If I start to feel really insecure, I’m sure I can go up to the U. and find a safe place where no one will oppress me.

I’m glad my church is mature enough to understand that when you get big and successful you become an inevitable target by those who are jealous and small, who get their jollies by belittling others.

Saturday, the U of U/BYU rivalry broke out on the football field. Our deadline precluded us from knowing the outcome as of this writing, but it allows us to ask: Is the Mormon/non-Mormon culture clash getting better or worse in Utah?

Pignanelli: Unfair bigoted remarks against Mormons continue, as do occasional acts of unintentional insensitivity lodged against Gentiles (even to my children). But the hostility level seems to be lessening.

Webb: What was all that sweetness and love breaking out between the staunch rivals in advance of the game? Seeing the two coaches hug each other makes me worry that the UEA will soon embrace the voucher people. That Fox News and MSNBC will merge, that Donald Trump will kiss up to Vladimir Putin (oops, already happened), that my dog will start playing with the neighborhood cats, that Paul Ryan will start praising Nancy Pelosi.

Is the world going nuts?

All I know is that if the Utes won, they surely must have cheated. :)

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Interpreting the campaign incongruities

For decades, Labor Day weekend has heralded the final push of the election campaign season. Vacations are over, children are back at school and the evenings are cooling. So it’s time to consider who should become the leader of the free world (and also run our state and local governments).

This has been one of the strangest elections in decades. Therefore, as a public service to voters, we provide a primer to help you interpret campaign incongruities.

Helpful election hints:

— Candidates who talk about their pioneer heritage and church positions are most likely Democrats not-so-subtly telegraphing to voters that they are Mormons. But they can also be extreme right-wing Republicans trying to convince voters that they’re reasonable folks.

— If you encounter a slew of lawn signs on empty fields, utility poles and abandoned properties, you can assume these candidates are either too lazy or too unpopular to secure support from home and business owners to display the signs.

— Can't find a party logo on a sign, brochure or billboard? Or mention of party affiliation in a radio or TV ad? Chances are that candidate is a Republican in Salt Lake City or a Democrat anywhere else. Even some GOP contenders in swing districts have abandoned the beloved elephant. This tells you something about the lack of affection for political parties among many voters.

Try not to be confused:

— If Rip Van Winkle were to awaken today, he would think a guy name “Nominee" was the Republican presidential candidate. That's because all you ever hear from many GOP candidates is, "I support the nominee." They go to great effort to avoid mentioning the "T" word. If you want real fun, when GOP candidates come to your door or neighborhood events, ask why they are supporting Donald Trump. The anguish is real and entertaining to watch.

— Democrats don't have it any easier. When you come across one of the minority party’s candidates, challenge him/her to explain their support for Hillary Clintonafter all the misrepresentations regarding the email/Clinton Foundation scandals and flip-flops to woo Bernie Sanders’ supporters. Throw in for good measure the fact that just not being Donald Trump is not good enough. Again, the anguish is real and entertaining to watch.

— You know the election is upside down when a handful of important Utah Republican elected officials try to come to the rescue of their presidential candidate — instead of the other way around. Usually, local candidates seek the endorsement of their presidential standard-bearer to demonstrate they are legitimate candidates. In Utah, top Republicans issued a letter to create legitimacy for their presidential candidate.

What does that mean?

— Many candidates boldly brag that they refuse to take money from PACs, special-interest groups and lobbyists. What that really means is that PACs, special interest groups and lobbyists aren’t interested in donating to them. So the candidates have nothing to lose by bad mouthing them.

— Likewise, many candidates slam the “1 percent” or the “crony capitalists,” but are more than happy to take money from the wealthy industrialists, the dot-com billionaires, the movie stars and entertainers, the millionaire athletes, and others among the super rich.

— Typical slogan: "Fighting the [insert one of the following: special-interest groups, bureaucrats, elitist insiders, etc.] in [choose one of the following: Washington, D.C., Salt Lake City, Town Hall] to protect our [insert one of the following or combination thereof: family values, rural values, traditional values, states rights, local government rights, children, those who can't speak for themselves, the impoverished, etc.]. Don’t worry, it has all been message-tested to ensure that you will not be offended.

Huh?

— It’s expected that candidates of both parties will complain about the partisan gridlock in Washington, D.C., and blame the other. This is similar to Coke and Pepsi complaining about tooth decay and obesity.

— Some politicians try to change the behavior of the masses — like expecting them them to reduce use of fossil fuels, take public transit and lower their carbon footprint. Meanwhile, the politicians themselves keep flying their private jets and traveling in convoys of large, fuel-guzzling SUVs.

— If you're on Amazon or another online shopping site, and ads for the Libertarian or Green party candidates keep popping up, you are spending too much time looking for hemp products or solar panels. Yep, all the politicians are tracking you and your preferences and serving up ads customized for you.