Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Washington circus impacts public policy and Utah delegation

Your columnists have made every effort (and sometimes achieved the impossible) to avoid discussing the presidential circus. Well, it’s impossible after last week. We review the impact of all the fun in Washington on Utah politics.

Can the Donald Trump administration pull itself together, exercise discipline and focus on the nation’s problems, or are Utahns in for one long series of White House crises (mostly self-inflicted)?

Pignanelli: “The great question in Washington, the country, and the world is, what's inside Trump? It is a mystery that just doesn't go away.” — Bob Woodward

In dealing with stressful situations, psychiatrists recommend working through several steps to achieve the final stage of acceptance. Trump supporters and detractors frustrated with him must get to this level fast. They need to accept he will never change. Never.

Acceptance requires understanding the country elected, and wanted, a leader without any political experience or sensitivities. Of course, Trump’s attractions for many Americans (i.e., tenacity, unorthodox style, snubbing the establishment, rebuffing political correctness, creating a separate reality, etc.) are also preventing his progress.

Polls indicate a majority of Americans disapprove of Trump, but even more maintain an animosity toward Washington — which keeps Trump buoyed for a long time. Many citizens view Trump’s troubles as insider politics. Even after Trump asked FBI Director Jim Comey to drop the Russia investigation, and then fired him, this dynamic won't change.

But acceptance is also comprehending Trump will be in trouble with his political base only if the country suffers a recession in the next three years. Historically, we are overdue for an economic downturn.

Finally, acceptance suggests Utahns should add neck stretches to their exercise routine to avoid cramps, as they will be shaking their heads for years.

Webb: The real tragedy is that the Washington circus detracts from solving the nation’s problems. I had high hopes that with Republicans in charge, they would enact pro-growth tax reform, reduce regulations, improve health care and even get control of entitlement spending.

As long as the White House and Congress are completely preoccupied by the crisis of the day, not much will get done, especially because Democrats will have an excuse to resist everything — they'll become the party of no.

Even if many of the accusations against Trump are untrue, and much of the media coverage is unfair (and it is), Trump’s random tweets and undisciplined statements exacerbate the situation and add one controversy on top of another. Any smart politician has to anticipate how a statement or action will play out and act accordingly. Trump has no ability to think through the consequences, the optics, of firing the FBI director, revealing information to the Russians, etc.

Trump doesn’t care about political correctness, doesn’t care about how things look. That can be endearing. But when you’re the leader of the free world you have to worry about those things. Will Trump change? Probably not.

If and when will Utah’s members of Congress begin to distance themselves from the president? Does the Trump meltdown open opportunities for Democrats in congressional races even in Republican Utah?

Pignanelli: Many local officials began dissociating themselves from the president with subtle statements months ago. As the tone changes in congressional hearings and Special Counsel Robert Mueller ramps up his investigation into Russian interference, most of our delegation will paint the president as a separate entity who will not stop their individual efforts.

A recent national poll demonstrated despite Trump’s issues, Americans are unsure about national Democrats. So far, just being against Trump is not enough to change political dynamics — especially in Utah. Local Democrats must establish identity distinct from the national party to capitalize on any Trump-created opportunities.

Webb: The approval ratings of all of Utah’s congressional delegation have taken hits in the wake of the insanity going on in Washington. Some of it is, no doubt, related to Trump’s problems. Still, Utahns aren’t going to abandon Republican candidates because of Trump. Utah Republicans will be smart enough to distance themselves from Trump if he continues to implode.

With the imminent departure of Congressman Jason Chaffetz, will his replacement be selected via Utah’s current election process, or will party delegates choose nominees for the final ballot?

Pignanelli: This important question will only be answered when the Congressman actually leaves office (currently scheduled for June 30). The Congressional hearings concerning Comey, Russia and classified secrets will require extraordinary attention from Chairman Chaffetz and I predict he alters the departure date to fulfill this responsibility.

Webb: Gov. Gary Herbert is right on this issue. It’s more important to do the replacement process right than to do it fast. All voters should have the opportunity to select party nominees, not just a handful of delegates. We’ve crossed a threshold here in voter expectations. Utahns want their vote to count. They don’t want to be disenfranchised.

Frank Pignanelli quoted in American Banker

Foxley and Pignanelli team members are proud to represent a variety of industries and have the opportunity to increase their involvement by holding leadership positions. Co-founder and firm associate Frank Pignanelli is currently serving as the president of the Utah Industrial Banks and was quoted in American Banker for his thoughts on the future of ILC’s. Follow the link below to read the article.    

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Mother’s advice: Play nice with others

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful matriarchs out there who influence so many lives. Hope you score better than the new ironing board LaVarr tried to give to his wife.

"Play nice with others" is motherly counsel oft forgotten by us political types. We explore some topics where it would be wise to follow that advice.

Gov. Gary Herbert and some legislators disagree over whether a special legislative session is needed to establish procedures for a special election to fill a potential vacancy in the U.S. House of Representatives. If Herbert declines to call a special session, some legislators suggest amending the Utah Constitution to allow lawmakers to call themselves into session. Is this a good idea, and can lawmakers and the governor play nice?

Pignanelli: "You can’t ignore politics, no matter how much you’d like to" — Molly Ivins. Our 1895 State Constitution is a remarkable document that reflects the lofty ideals of democracy (early voting rights for women), human decency (reasonable workweeks) and pragmatic requirements (prohibition of polygamy). For weirdos like me, it's actually a fun read.

Visionary constitutional drafters also included "The Legislative power of the State shall be vested in a Senate and House of Representatives … and the people of the State of Utah.” So, as a former lawmaker, I espouse the subjective opinion the Legislature should have the ability to call itself into session. The omission of such causes annual negotiations between the governor and legislators over the necessity of a special session.

Dynamics of the 21st century are exponentially compounding a late 19th-century error — lawmakers need flexibility to adjust laws. A supermajority requirement will ensure some consensus. Of course, the governor can veto anything if lawmakers behave too strangely.

The Utah Constitution also required "the metric system be taught in the public schools.” Our ancestors eventually amended it out (thank goodness), so common sense demands we rectify another anomaly.

Webb: A good case can be made that as a coequal branch of government, the Legislature should be able to call itself into special session. However, the background here is that the reason legislators want a special session is to pass a law allowing political party delegates to choose nominees if a House vacancy occurs. If that’s the agenda of those who want to amend the Constitution, then I predict the proposed amendment will fail.

Voters want to choose nominees to fill a congressional vacancy, not have their vote usurped by a small group of delegates who are not representative of them. It would be easy to defeat such a constitutional amendment if the hidden agenda is to disenfranchise voters.

Pignanelli: Immediately after passage of their Obamacare reform, House leaders publicly pleaded for Senate assistance. Hatch, as Senate Finance Committee chairman, possesses the unique position to impact and influence all major deliberations. Lee publicly articulated many concerns with both House bills. Their involvement purchases peace across the GOP spectrum.

Players in health care legislation understand the Senate is where they can maneuver without pressure from the House Freedom Caucus. But legislation must be crafted by July. This should force lawmakers to play nice and develop something. Otherwise they will get spanked in 2018.

Webb: Hatch came under fire for stating the truth that once citizens receive a benefit provided by taxpayers, it’s very difficult to take it away. It will be impossible to craft a health care plan that makes everyone happy — that doesn’t force people to buy insurance, that covers low-income people at a price they can afford, that doesn’t discriminate against pre-existing conditions, and that doesn’t bust the budget, boost taxes or run up enormous deficits.

Health care was in crisis before Obamacare and during Obamacare, and little relief is in sight. As I’ve written previously, we may be headed toward a Medicare-like, single-payer system. At that point, expensive treatment will be rationed and expert panels will determine who is eligible for what medical care. But everyone will have basic coverage.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos were both in Utah last week. Can they get Utahns to play nice on such topics as national monument designation and school choice?

Pignanelli: State leaders appropriately showcased Utah's efforts to provide a practical and quality public education. Remember, Utahns resoundingly rejected vouchers. Zinke clearly anticipates some modifications to the monument designation, fostering plans for summer protests.

Webb: I’m glad Zinke spent a lot of time with Utah elected officials at all levels — the people who were chosen by citizens to represent them. Zinke will certainly protect Bears Ears and Grand Staircase national monuments. But I expect he will reduce their size and perhaps change designation status. That would be appropriate.

Betsy DeVos brings a breath of fresh air into education, espousing local control and more parental choice — and higher pay for good teachers. I support significantly more money for public schools, where the vast majority of Utah students will always be educated. But public schools could benefit from reform, choice, innovation and competition.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: A few political rumors to chew on

Pignanelli and Webb: Our mothers taught us not to spread gossip. We adore our mothers and we will honor their heartfelt instruction . . . on Mother's Day. Until then, we will engage in our usual rumormongering. Here is some of the hot speculation.

All things Jason Chaffetz. We keep hearing that his next gig is so good that he may not run for governor 2020 (but 2028 is still an option). So what are his plans? He and his close circle are being cute and coy, but we discern that it is likely something in the communications realm. Speculation is he will have a slot on Fox News. Remember, his announcement came almost simultaneously with the departure of Bill O'Reilly.

Chaffetz replacement. Recent polling by Dan Jones & Associates and Y2Analytics produced interesting results. Utah Valley University president Matthew Holland holds a commanding favorability lead. We think he may be interested in politics at some point, but we doubt he’ll run for the U.S. House.

The contenders who remain in polite conversation include House Speaker Greg Hughes, who is sitting on a formidable pile of cash and conservative support. State Sen. Deidre Henderson is very popular in Utah County. Rep. Mike McKell is well-liked in the southern part of the county.

Provo Mayor John Curtis performed well in the polls. He’s a star among moderate voters and a lot of business people, but GOP purists argue that his previous legislative candidacy as a Democrat could hurt him.

A wild card is the hard-charging Sen. Curt Bramble — whether he gets in, or who he supports.

Waiting on Orrin Hatch. Utahns admire the venerable and powerful senator, but most would advise him to retire. However, no GOP challenger has constructed anything resembling a campaign, and time’s a wastin’. Now, 2018 campaigns are underway all over the country.

Hatch has effectively frozen the field, but World Trade Center Utah president Derek Miller is consistently mentioned as a potential candidate. He has been very visible and is well-liked among business leaders.

Hatch has told friends that if he doesn’t run, he likes Mitt Romney, Holland and Congressman Chris Stewart.

Hatch has plenty of money, enormous clout in Washington and could likely bring President Trump to campaign for him in Utah. Some of his close friends are telling him he needs to announce a decision by the end of June, at the latest. Our best guess? LaVarr thinks he retires. Frank says he’s in.

On the Democratic side, Salt Lake County Council member Jenny Wilson has established an exploratory committee.

More Chaffetz fallout. The tug-of-war between Gov. Gary Herbert and some state lawmakers regarding a potential special election to replace Chaffetz is increasing in intensity. The governor believes the current election process should be followed. Lawmakers want a special session to pass a law turning the selection of nominees over to the political parties.

Herbert and Count My Vote leaders say all voters should choose party nominees, not just party delegates who would favor party insiders. Hughes and others say they don’t want a drawn-out process that might be an advantage to wealthy outsiders.

Only the governor can call a special session and set the agenda. Do lawmakers have enough political leverage to win him over? Probably not.

Attorney General Sean Reyes. Insiders are noting that the Trump administration wants to appoint the Utah AG as the Federal Trade Commission chair. But some national organization are raising questions about contributions he received from entities under review by the FTC. Most observers believe if he gets past this bump, he will be appointed and confirmed.

The University of Utah fiasco. Question of the week: Who is Deseret News reporter Daphne Chen, and how did she get scoop after scoop on the Huntsman/University controversy? Politicos and interested consumers of these stories were surprised at Chen’s insights and access to inside information, although some are grumbling that her reports are wrong. The Deseret News is producing interesting journalism.

Next president? The hunt for the next U. president will soon begin. We expect some political and business leaders will encourage serious consideration of former Southern Utah University President Michael Benson (currently president of Eastern Kentucky University). Frank is on his cheering squad. Another possibility could be UVU’s Holland.

Legislative review. As expected, legislators are making noise about potential audits and reviews of public funding of the University Hospital and related matters. With the Huntsman Cancer Institute now reporting directly to the president, observers will be watching for any impact on other university health operations.

Two terrific politicians. Senate Majority Leader Ralph Okerlund is one of the most decent human beings in all of politics. He underwent medical treatment several weeks ago but is recuperating. We wish him well.

Three-term Holladay City Council member Patricia Murphy Pignanelliannounced last week that she will not seek a fourth term. Pignanelli is well-known for envisioning and implementing the renaissance of wonderful restaurants and trendy stores in Holladay. Her family is especially proud of the leadership she demonstrated in securing a new larger liquor store.

Best of State Winner -- Again

Foxley & Pignanelli is once again honored to receive the prestigious "Best of State" Award in Government Relations. This is the third year Foxley & Pignanelli has been bestowed this great honor, which is the recognized standard of quality in Utah.

The "Best of State Awards" organization recognizes outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses in Utah for excellence. The criteria used to evaluate award recipients heavily weighs service and industry-changing innovation.

"We are honored and excited to receive this recognition once again. It is truly humbling to be acknowledged by Best of State for our professional success and community involvement. We have great clients and dear friends who play an important role in our firm regularly winning this award," stated Doug Foxley, founder and managing partner of Foxley & Pignanelli.

The Government Relations category was first introduced in 2014. Foxley & Pignanelli were the inaugural winners of this award.  

"This award is distinct privilege to be bestowed. We are proud of the impacts our firm makes in the state - on and off Capitol Hill. Foxley & Pignanelli prides itself on cultivating  new and innovative strategies to benefit our clients and the community," stated Frank Pignanelli.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: The political asteroid named Donald Trump

The 2016 presidential election has been described as an earthquake. Actually, it was a political asteroid slamming into the planet, massively altering the environment and triggering the near-extinction of some political species (national pollsters, pundits, experts, etc.). Many writers have dissected the new political order over the last few days, but we have recovered enough from being gobsmacked to offer our opinions (which may not be worth much, having been wrong at every step of the presidential election).

President-elect Donald Trump (very weird to type this) outperformed expectations in Utah and nationally. What does his victory mean for politicos and the country?

Pignanelli: "We have to let history do what it enjoys doing, which is surprising us.” — Peggy Noonan

Millions of decent, compassionate Americans were willing to abide the bizarre instincts of Trump to secure a change. Almost every recognized expert, pollster and consultant could not see, or believe, this dynamic.

Trump disregarded traditional polling measures and once-reliable tactics. He eschewed a campaign ground strategy (relying on the national Republican Party) and focused on rallies and social media — fostering mockery by the political experts.

A furious debate is underway among politicos as to how the unexpected happened, and how to correct their future analysis and predictions.

Every Republican candidate in this country — from presidential to state lawmaker — who faced a difficult challenge should send a thank-you note to Jason Chaffetz, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Because of him, Hillary Clinton’s email controversy never ended. Furthermore, FBI Director James Comey’s fear of Chaffetz spurred the announcement of a short-lived "reopening" of the investigation — which clearly energized anti-Clinton momentum up and down the ballots across the nation.

Bottom line: A strong message, despite an imperfect messenger, is the strongest vehicle for any success in the 21st century ruled by social media. Admitting the “Donald” got it all right will be a painful exercise for years.

Webb: Republicans now control the presidency, U.S. House, U.S. Senate, two-thirds of governorships and the vast majority of legislative chambers. Expectations are sky-high for Trump and the Republicans to solve the nation’s problems. Now they must deliver, or the same people who voted them in will turn on them.

Trump has a mandate to blow up dysfunctional, gridlocked Washington. I’m all in favor of that. But, by far, the best way to blow up Washington is to reverse the centralization of power and money in the District of Columbia and return it to the states, where government still works and problems get solved. The best way to make the federal government work effectively and efficiently is to restore balanced federalism and elevate states to the role envisioned by the Founding Fathers.

At its essence, this election was about grass-roots citizens rebelling against Washington, against dysfunction and gridlock, against big money, elitism, cronyism and lobbyist influence (sorry, Frank). Decentralizing and defunding the federal government is the best way to break up the byzantine morass of Washington.

If Trump continues centralizing power at the federal level, he will fail.

Beyond the candidates, who are the other winners and losers in Utah?

Pignanelli: Utah House Speaker Greg Hughes never wavered that his native Pennsylvania would herald the path to Trump’s victory. Famous hunting activist Don Peay was there with Hughes. Utah senior Sen. Orrin Hatch defended Trump and therefore will become a close confidant in the new administration.

Tuesday was a mixed bag for Democrats. If the results are upheld in the final counts, they will net several additional legislative seats and a majority on the Salt Lake County Council. However, they lost their only legislator outside Salt Lake County.

Lefty organization Alliance for a Better Utah threw everything it had against Republican legislator Jim Dunnigan, but he prevailed with support from all political sectors.

Webb: I wouldn’t be surprised to see Peay and/or Hughes join the Trump administration in some position.

Gov. Gary Herbert won a substantial mandate, and I’m hopeful he will take on some big, tough issues in his final term — such as education funding. He has plenty of political capital, and he should spend it for the long-term good of Utah.

Will the political class ever be the same?

Pignanelli: Political hacks are like flies — annoying nuisances that are important to the ecosystem. How we obtain and analyze information will dramatically change, but our role in human society will not.

Webb: I won’t be the same in that I won’t bet against Trump ever again. When he announced he was running, I said his candidacy was a joke. When his campaign looked serious, I said he’d never win the nomination. When he won the nomination, I said he’d never be president. After various crude outbursts and revelations, I said his candidacy was doomed.

Now, despite defying every convention of elective politics (big money, ground game, discipline, organization, influential supporters, etc.) he’s President-elect Trump. I’m choking down the humble pie.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Final thoughts about an astonishing election

The most remarkable election in generations comes clanking to an end on Tuesday. Don't worry, your columnists will have plenty to write about postelection (as if you were concerned), but this is our last chance to opine before final voting occurs.

Who wins the White House, the big races and control of Congress? Any chance Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump wins the popular vote but loses the Electoral College, or the election is thrown to the House of Representatives?

Pignanelli: “The 2016 presidential election is causing anxiety in more than half the country’s population and puts it in line with other major life stressors, such as the economy, money or work.”— Dr. Lynn Bufka, American Psychological Association

This is the country's weirdest election and predictions are often futile. Writers of fiction would not dare suggest a storyline where the control of the U.S. government hinged on revelations from a computer seized during an investigation for pedophilic conduct.

In this peculiar environment, Clinton wins. Unlike the 2008 contest, the result breeds relief, not joy.

The eccentric involvement by the FBI (through formal announcements and leaks) will encourage Republicans frustrated with their choices to finally cast their ballots. This will impact federal races, perhaps an even split in the U.S. Senate. It may also tilt key congressional contests.

This abnormal election will generate other unusual results. Evan McMullin may win the presidential contest in Utah. Actual voting in the battleground states could defy polling (a real probability) and create a scenario in which no candidate can claim the 270 delegates or the winner of the popular vote fails in the Electoral College.

Some may smirk, but I boldly predict that before the Electoral College meets in December, there will be another unexpected twist in the election. Maybe aliens disclose their super PAC.

Webb: My predictions: Clinton wins the presidency. Trump wins Utah by a few points. Republicans barely maintain control of the U.S. Senate but easily dominate U.S. House races. Republicans maintain the Utah governorship, other statewide offices and all congressional seats. Democrats pick up a few legislative seats, but not enough to change legislative dynamics. Ben McAdams is re-elected as Salt Lake County mayor, the only real bright spot for Democrats.

What were the positive and negative features of the Utah races and candidates?

Pignanelli: Utahns of all political stripes can be proud. Despite overwhelming odds, Democrats produced great candidates who fought hard. Equally important, many Republican incumbents took nothing for granted. Especially noteworthy is the gubernatorial battle. Democrat Mike Weinholtz threw massive personal resources to ensure there was a choice. Gov. Gary Herbert never let down and ran like he was behind.

Minority Leader Brian King and legislative Democrats shrewdly targeted resources, scaring many of their Republican colleagues. Speaker Greg Hughes and his leadership team responded with tactical ferocity.

Our state often suffers from insulting claims that we are boring. Another scandal-free election demonstrates the advantages of enduring such accusations.

Webb: Democrats put up good candidates and fought hard. Some GOP congressional incumbents had to raise more money, do more advertising and run harder than they have in the past. Weinholtz’s desperate mailer linking Herbert/Trump/Vladimir Putin/Mormon missionaries was a bizarre Hail Mary that hurt more than helped.

What are your personal reflections on the election of 2016?

Pignanelli: Voting for president is a very personal decision for Americans. So this turbulent season is causing anxiety.

But America is undergoing a major shift in political dynamics, compounded by demographics and technology. Although it's painful to be participants, soon we will appreciate the opportunity to have witnessed history.

Webb: I’m obviously relieved it’s over. The national political party nomination processes that produced Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are clearly broken and need to be fixed.

In Utah, Republicans also face repair work on their party. Republican candidates won despite GOP dysfunction. The Utah party has lost the confidence (and financial support) of mainstream and moderate Republicans, including most opinion leaders. So a big task lies ahead.

In Utah, we will get back to normal after the election. Normal, in Utah, means moving ahead, solving problems, getting things done. Unfortunately, Washington will also get back to normal — and normal inside the Beltway is gridlock, dysfunction and contentiousness. The Trump/right wing of the GOP will fight mainstream Republicans, while epic battles between Republicans and the White House will continue or get worse.

With divided government, compromise and cooperation are required to address the nation’s difficult problems. But the hateful, spiteful Washington climate means nothing will get done.

After Tuesday, everyone should take a break, decompress and heal: Read a good book, go for a walk in the autumn leaves, play with children or grandchildren, focus on work, school, relationships. Don’t read social media or newspaper comments. Provide a helping hand to someone who needs it. Forget politics for a while.

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.