Frank R. Pignanelli and LaVarr Webb: Will nasty ads in 3rd District drag down John Curtis?

Because we are sensitive to the tender feelings of our readers, we try to avoid the carnage in Washington, D.C. So this week we focus on two topics that did not originate in the Oval Office or the Rose Garden. But, of course, we can’t escape the Washington merry-go-round entirely.

With a little more than a week before the Aug. 15 3rd Congressional District primary election, how is the race shaping up? Are the many negative ads targeting Provo Mayor John Curtis hurting his candidacy? Did the visit by Sen. Ted Cruz help Chris Herrod? Is Tanner Ainge performing as expected?

Pignanelli: "I don't think anybody deserves to be defined totally by his enemies." — Steve Kroft

In this increasingly nasty and weird three-way primary, politicos do not need polls to determine who is leading. The aggressive actions of the campaigns and outside special-interest groups signal Curtis is the front-runner. Several ultra-conservative SuperPACs have focused their guns on the Provo mayor, who is without a PAC to fire back. When cobbled together, the strange negative attack ads condemn Curtis as a profligate lizard dressed in hipster clothing.

Insiders believe the ugly dumping is working (negative ads usually do) thereby tightening the distance between Curtis and Herrod. Further, the Cruz rally was well timed when voters received their ballots in the mail-a shrewd move by Herrod. Ainge is still an unknown.

The other dynamic is the D.C. swamp. Voters are legitimately frustrated with congressional Republicans who failed to repeal Obamacare and enact tax reform. This will likely impact the results.

National pundits will analyze the race as an indicator of GOP grumpiness and potential indicator for 2018 Republican primaries. So characterizing your opponent as a reptile may be the new campaign tactic.

Webb: One really good reason to vote for Curtis is that his opponents and their supporters are pounding him with negative advertising. Dragging someone else down isn’t the best way to win the respect of Utah voters.

This race will be determined by turnout in a midsummer vacation period when few people are thinking about politics. Herrod’s hardcore conservative supporters will certainly vote. So Curtis must turn out his mainstream voters in large numbers. Cruz’ appearance for Herrod is a nice reminder that we don’t need more arch-conservative ideologues in Congress who believe purity is a higher priority than solving problems.

Ainge is, no doubt, a bright and capable young man who could have a future in politics if he doesn’t burn too many bridges with his attacks.

Curtis has built goodwill in Provo City over eight years as mayor, and has also won the admiration and support of business leaders and mainstream Republicans across the state. His campaign organization is capable of turning out his supporters.

A recent UtahPolicy.com poll shows that almost two-thirds of Utahns have a favorable perception of Gov. Gary Herbert. In this era of negativity and cynicism toward government and politicians, how does Herbert maintain strong popularity? 

Pignanelli: The governor is riding a strong Utah economy with a workforce that is dedicated, educated and committed. But Utahns also correctly perceive the governor as a decent person. Republican and Democrat opponents spent millions trying to paint him otherwise, to no avail.

As a county commissioner and then lieutenant governor, Herbert garnered a reputation that no meeting of citizens was beneath him. Further, as governor he continues a practice learned in lower offices — be prepared and engaged when meeting with constituents, business bigwigs, community and political leaders.

Even in the Trump era, nice guys can finish first.

Webb: Utahns like a solid, stable, pragmatic, father figure as their governor. But that’s only part of Herbert’s success. While he has enjoyed the good fortune of a strong economy, when he became governor the economy was struggling. Strong economies don’t occur by luck or chance. Herbert and his team, along with the Legislature, have worked incredibly hard to create an environment where businesses can succeed and create jobs.

Herbert may not be flashy, but he has been a lot more than a caretaker governor. The state is in good hands.

With General John Kelly as chief of staff, will the White House function more smoothly, or will the drama continue?

Pignanelli: As a defender of obnoxious, hand-waving, politically minded Italians, I am saddened by the demise of Anthony Scaramucci (the loss of potential entertainment is appalling). If Trump sticks to the deal he obviously made with Kelly, his administration may achieve notable accomplishments. If a frustrated Kelly leaves in the next several months, the swamp will prevent Trump finishing his term.

Webb: Kelly can hopefully bring some order to the White House. But Trump is congenitally unable to resist pointless controversy, provocative comments and off-message tweets. So get some popcorn and pull up a chair. The fun will persist.

Frank R. Pignanelli and LaVarr Webb: GOP vs. GOP, county consolidation and government health care

Utah's unofficial, but much-appreciated, summer interim holiday between July 4 and July 24 has ended. Time to get back to politics as we dodge monsoon thunderstorms.

The congressional health care debate is highly partisan. But now Republicans are attacking Republicans, and the Utah congressional delegation is not immune. Sen. Orrin Hatch publicly questioned Sen. Mike Lee's decision not to support a recent version of “repeal and replace.” Does this turmoil reflect serious GOP discord nationally and locally?

Pignanelli: “This is a debacle and every corner of the Republican Party has blame. We need to come together, or, ironically, Nancy Pelosi, who was ousted in 2010 as speaker over health care is going to be back as speaker because of health care.”—Sara Fagen, GOP strategist

A horrible experience for most law school graduates is the multiple-choice section of the bar examination. More than one correct answer is offered in each question of legal nuances. The trick is to decide which is the "more correct" answer. This mental torture always inflicts anguish and other cruelties. Indeed, childhood prayers long forgotten since Catholic school days suddenly re-emerged while I awaited my test results.

Americans are witnessing the same phenomenon as Republicans wrangle with health care, especially the tussle between Hatch and Lee. In purely political considerations, both are correct. Hatch is right: The Senate must fulfill a commitment made in prior election cycles. But Lee's principled stand that the legislation must adhere to conservative principles is appropriate.

The internal struggle inside Republican ranks is another demonstration that our nation is undergoing a dramatic shift of political realignment. Further, many Democrats have chosen the government-funded single-payer option (or just keeping quiet). So the determination of the “most correct” GOP option is an imperative policy deliberation.

My bar exam was three days (it's now two) — an envied efficiency in the delivery of torment.

Webb: There has never been a lot of love lost between Hatch and Lee. They are very different senators. Hatch has seniority, stature and an extraordinary legislative record. He gets things done. Lee is more of a conservative ideologue, outside the Senate mainstream. But Lee enjoys a higher approval rating among Utah voters than Hatch.

Some disharmony in the ruling party is natural, and Senate Republicans can lose only two votes on health care reform or any other controversial legislation. Given the diversity of senators and the states they represent, it’s very difficult to get a majority vote on a highly contentious issue.

Still, it is embarrassing that Republicans can’t hang together on a major promise virtually all of them made before last year’s election. Republican voters back home are increasingly irritated at Congress’ inability to accomplish the big things. The erratic, undisciplined and fickle White House doesn’t help.

Salt Lake County Recorder Gary Ott will apparently resign. County Mayor Ben McAdamshas suggested combining the recorder's office with the surveyor's office. Does this make sense?

Pignanelli: The tragic Ott controversy is prompting important questions about county government. What is its 21st-century role in a valley with wall-to-wall cities? Do we need all those elected county officials? Can taxpayers be saved this additional level of regulation without sacrificing services?

We are appropriately proud of the "Utah way." McAdams and state officials need to use our unique approach and dramatically restructure and reduce this extra level of government.

Webb: In the spirit of never letting a crisis go to waste, this is an ideal opportunity to consolidate a bit of county government and make it more efficient and accountable. It makes no sense to have so many elected administrative positions in county government.

To the extent possible, state and local governments should follow the model of the U.S. Constitution, which makes one person responsible and accountable for the executive branch. Chopping up executive responsibility among a bunch of elected officials dilutes accountability and creates fiefdoms and silos. If everyone is in charge, no one is in charge. Checks and balances are provided through the three government branches. For the executive branch, let the buck stop with the mayor.

Third Congressional District Democratic candidate Dr. Karen Allen stated her support of a government-funded, single-payer health care system for all Americans. How does this impact the race?

Pignanelli: Dr. Allen demonstrated why she is a beloved medical practitioner and delivered a clear diagnosis on a difficult topic. If the Republican-controlled Congress is unable to deliver viable alternatives to Obamacare, and the insurance markets struggle as projected, her perspectives will garner greater attention.

Webb: This shows she’s out of touch with Utah voters. Why does the Utah Democratic Party keep nominating ultraliberals who have no chance to win? Dysfunctional Republicans are lucky that Democrats are in even greater disarray. A party out of power ought to figure out what voters want, not double down on what hasn’t worked previously. The Democratic slogan ought to be: “When you’re in a hole, keep digging!”

LaVarr Webb and Frank R. Pignanelli: Politicians’ banners on Pioneer Day floats — seriously!

Pignanelli and Webb — Tomorrow is the 170th anniversary of the Mormon pioneers’ entry into the Salt Lake Valley. The Days of ’47 parade committee frowns on special-interest groups and politicians entering floats in the parade. We respectfully suggest this is a mistake. Instead, they should allow political floats, but the float themes and banners must be honest. We believe this would be the result:

Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman: “From Russia with Love.”

Congressman Chris Stewart: “Working on a new book: The Seven Miracles that Saved the Trump Presidency.”

American Beverage Institute: "Studies indicate that politicians waving in a parade pose a greater threat on the roads than drunk drivers."

Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox: "Working hard to make sure nonexistent voter fraud never occurs."

Congresswoman Mia Love: “Yes, I joined the Climate Change Caucus. Can I still do s’mores on a campfire?”

Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski: “Yeah, Salt Lake County doesn’t like me. But who cares? No one I know likes them."

Salt Lake City Council: "Upholding time-honored traditions — battling with the mayor."

Full-time Salt Lake County elected officials: "Pretending relevancy since 1853."

Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams: "The Democrat you can vote for and not suffer Mormon guilt."

Congressman Rob Bishop: “The House is moving legislation. The Senate needs some political testosterone.”

Jason Chaffetz: “D.C. dysfunction is destroying the country! (Easy for me to say — now.)”

Utah Pride Festival: "Pride Day features Utah's second largest parade — and closing fast on this one!"

Gov. Gary Herbert: "To h---eck with the Outdoor Retailers! Our economy rocks!”

Sen. Orrin Hatch (sitting in an easy chair): "Just keeping this seat warm for … ?”

Salt Lake City panhandlers. "Utah’s meth manufacturers, drug dealers and opioid peddlers say THANK YOU for giving us your spare change.”

Jenny Wilson, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate: "It could really happen. It did in 1958."

Rep. Mike Noel: "Protecting Utah from sinister tree huggers and forked-tongue rock lickers."

Utah Republicans: "We must be living right. Our party is a mess in Utah and in Washington — and we still win elections."

Utah Democrats: "Like the Mormon pioneers, we have suffered hardships, but we display unquenchable faith. We expect seagulls to poop on Republican voters."

Third Congressional District Republican primary candidates: "This primary election is important. Please return from your vacation and vote."

House Speaker Greg Hughes: "You're welcome, Salt Lake City. Are there any other liberal Democrat messes I can fix?"

Sen. Mike Lee: "My arm is sore from being twisted over the healthcare bill, but I love all the opportunities in the media to espouse constitutional principles."

Equality Utah: "Salt Lake City is the place … And we own it."

Draper City activists: "Caring for Utah's homeless … by screaming derogatory remarks at them."

Environmentalists supporting Bears Ears: "The pioneers exploited Native Americans, so we can, too."

Bears Ears Monument detractors: “True, a monument wouldn’t really make much difference, but it’s a good excuse to blast the federal government."

Utah firefighters: "No actual firefighters on this float. We're too busy extinguishing blazes some of you idiots lit with fireworks, guns and campfires.”

Senate President Wayne Niederhauser: "I'm bored already. Can I get off this float and on my bike now?"

House Minority Leader Brian King: "Amazing and rare! A real live active Mormon Democrat. Wonder if I’ll end up in a church museum."

Utahns for Trump: “He’s crazy, crass, crude, rude and unrepentant — everything we love about the guy!”

Sen. Jim Dabakis: "Welcome to my downtown Senate district. Wave at me and you will be automatically enrolled in my left-wing movement, entered on my email list and I’ll incessantly grovel for money to lobby the City Council to appoint me to the UTA board.”

Eagle Forum President Gayle Ruzicka: “Celebrating 1847 values in 2017.”

Mitt Romney (looking through binoculars): “Just checkin’ out Orrin’s float up ahead to see if he’s still keeping that seat warm.”

New GOP Chairman Rob Anderson (on a really fast float): “Gotta keep one step ahead of those debt collectors.”

Pignanelli & Webb (at the end of the parade, with shovels): "Just doing what we do best — cleaning up the horse manure those politicians left behind."

Renae Cowley talks barrel racing accomplishments and goals with the Deseret News

July is 'Cowboy Christmas' and local rodeo athletes plan to take advantage of many Pioneer Day celebrations

For most people, July is all about Independence and Pioneer Day celebrations.

For rodeo athletes, it’s what they affectionately refer to as “Cowboy Christmas.”

That’s because there are so many rodeos this time of year that cowboys and cowgirls can win thousands of dollars, and earning prize money does more than enable them to make a living in the sport. The amount an athlete wins during a season determines who gets to compete for a World Championship in December at the National Finals Rodeo.

The rodeo season starts on Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30.

“We’re down to the last two and a half months,” said Utah bull rider Joe Frost. “But we’re only about half way, as far as how much money is available.”

That means from July to the end of September about half of the prize money available to rodeo athletes is still up for grabs. And that makes this time of year frenetic, exciting and full of possibility.

“I love this time of year,” said Frost, who is currently sitting at No. 3 in the rodeo standings. “There is a lot of money to be had right now, and we’re just lucky to get to be a part of it.”

For local athletes, some of the most lucrative and most iconic rodeos are happening with a few hours of home — a luxury they don’t take for granted. Frost and his brother, Josh Frost, who is currently just outside the cutoff necessary to earn a trip to the NFR (Top 15) at No. 19, will compete at the Days of ’47 Rodeo in Salt Lake City in Wednesday’s opening night performance. They’ll head to Spanish Fork's Fiesta Days Rodeo on Thursday and then to Ogden's Pioneer Days on Friday night.

For most athletes, there is a method to the madness.

“There is a whole algorithm and strategy to entering these events,” said barrel racer Renae Cowley. “You look at where they are located geographically; you look at the prize money; and, for me as a barrel racer, you look at the setup because my horse will do better in certain situations. And then you try to map out those arenas. … It just comes down to timing. You try to hit as many as possible.”

Frost said his strategy looks at similar aspects, although he is persuaded by the stock a rodeo offers as a bull rider.

“The main thing is obviously money,” he said. “But we’ll go to one closer to home for a little less money, as opposed to one halfway across the country for more money. …We try to go where you can get on good bulls.”

He said that some rodeos attract all the same bull riders at this time of year, so he may switch it up and go to something different or smaller just because he’s much more likely to win.

Last weekend, Cowley, who is a successful lobbyist when she’s not competing in rodeo, hit three rodeos in 72 hours in Nephi, Elko and Laramie.

“About 24 of those hours were driving,” she said, laughing. Unlike Joe Frost, who's made three trips to the National Finals so far in his career, Cowley is in her first season of barrel racing and has to win a certain amount of money to earn her Women's Professional Rodeo Association card.

“One day I’d like to win a gold buckle as a world champion barrel racer,” she said, noting she placed third in Elko and is “well on my way to filling that permit.”

She acknowledges that this time of year is chaotic, but like Frost, it only adds to the excitement and passion she feels for the sport.

“It’s definitely crazy,” she laughed. “But this is part of what I love about it.”

On Friday, the Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo will celebrate being inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. The rodeo is one of 12 inductees this year and will be honored alongside Buck Rutherford, all-around cowboy; Enoch Walker, saddle bronc; Cody Custer, bull riding; Mike Beers, team roping; Tommy Puryear, steer wrestling; and Charmayne James and Wanda Bush, barrel racing.

Rodeo committee member Jeff Haney said that the annual celebration began during the Great Depression, and said it’s unusual for a rodeo committee to earn the honor.

“It was created to lift the spirits of the people in the city,” he said, and it is now a reminder of tradition and history.

“Even today, it’s a way to take a break from … the urban chaos of our lives, and sit outdoors, under the stars and let the rodeo take us back to the days when the Pioneers first came to Utah. …T his is just a tremendous honor.”

All three rodeos start Wednesday night and run through July 24, although none has a Sunday performance. For more information on the Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo visit www.ogdenpioneerdays.com. For more information on the Fiesta Days Rodeo visit www.spanishfork.org/newsevents/events/fiestadays/rodeo/.

In addition to the Days of '47 rodeo, there is a Frontier Fun Zone at the Fairpark from 1 p.m. until 11 p.m. and it's free with a rodeo ticket or $5 without. It includes various rodeo related activities for children, including mutton busting, petting zoo, mini bull riding, live music and other experiential offerings. For more information on the Days of '47 at the Salt Lake Fair Park visit www.daysof47.com.

LaVarr Webb and Frank R. Pignanelli: Orrin Hatch, the homeless and that Russia problem

We are grateful for Utah politicians. They keep us engaged in local issues while the rest of the country obsesses about Russians and tweets. We explore political topics on the minds of Utahns (but we can’t completely avoid that Russia problem).

Last week, Utah made national news once again — not for the usual good reasons, but for the criminal activity surrounding the homeless shelters, including an attack on a visiting baseball player, and reports of drug cartels operating in this area. House Speaker Greg Hughes, who led the effort to fund new resources for this population, has had enough. He suggested it might be time to call in the National Guard and appoint a homeless czar. Is this a rational response — especially in light of the battles between Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County? Or is this just a publicity stunt?

Pignanelli: “In Temple Square in Salt Lake City, you'll see a homeless person standing in the middle of their nice, beautiful square, holding out a cup for change. The Mormons never ever ask him to leave.” — Trey Parker

When visiting New York City, I engage in the ritual of walking at least 40 blocks. During this stroll, I may (usually not) encounter a panhandler.

In Salt Lake City, a very different situation blemishes our otherwise sterling reputation of a well-managed, efficient community.

Panhandling is different than homelessness and lawlessness. But the dynamics are related and serve a daily reminder of a much larger tragedy. Many good people have devoted time and effort, but no solution seems in sight.

So bless Greg Hughes for being … Greg Hughes. He is saying radically outrageous things to capture attention while demanding action from governmental and nonprofit entities. Hughes is credible because he and other Republican lawmakers “walked the walk” by dedicating tremendous resources towards new shelters. Only an aggressive approach by state leaders can make a serious dent.

The politics is interesting. A conservative from Draper is constructing homeless solutions in a liberal bastion.

Webb: The homeless problem is so intractable that the political class will let it slide unless someone keeps the heat on. Hughes focused some intense heat that got the attention of leaders and citizens once again. A state czar may be necessary if Salt Lake City and county can’t work cooperatively. The Salt Lake City mayor’s office especially needs to be leading this effort.

The long-term plan to open new resource facilities and to divert people needing help into effective programs makes a lot of sense. But that doesn’t solve the immediate problem.

Part of the immediate problem is that some people want to live as they’re living and will not take advantage of helpful programs. That’s fine, but they should not be allowed to camp out anywhere they please. Salt Lake County Sheriff Jim Winder suggested finding an open area that could be designated as a campground. Let them camp there (and only there). It can be patrolled and kept as safe as possible.

We’ll never entirely solve the homeless challenge. But we must not tolerate criminal activity.

Sen. Orrin Hatch continues to play coy about re-election next year. Other than potential Democratic challenger Jenny Wilson forming an exploratory committee, no one has raised his/her head in a meaningful way to take on Hatch. Is Hatch running, or freezing the field until his chosen replacement announces?

Pignanelli: Veteran politicos express gratitude for the senator’s achievements, but also articulate a concern over his age and length of service. Yet, no one is challenging Hatch. He still commands a deep respect for a formidable campaign prowess.

Even if the senator desires to retire, he notices the void of eagerness to confront him. So why not run again?

Webb: Across the country, most 2018 campaigns for major offices are off and running hard. Unless you are wealthy or famous, you’re already late getting started if you’re running for the U.S. Senate in 2018. It takes a very long time to raise money and get organized across the state.

Hatch is skillfully playing the game, freezing everyone out until it becomes too late to mount an effective campaign. A lot of people close to Hatch don’t think he will run in 2018. But it’s very difficult for a potential challenger to raise money and get organized with Hatch still playing footsie.

Hatch may be keeping the seat warm for Mitt Romney or someone else he favors. It’s time for him to definitively announce his intentions.

The Trump/Russia saga drags on, pulling in Donald Jr., and his meeting with a Russian attorney. Is it still just smoke, and will it ever end?

Pignanelli: Notwithstanding any ethical or legal concerns, the controversy is embarrassing for the country. The supposedly smart people behind the Trump campaign demonstrated incredible naïveté and were brilliantly manipulated by the Russians. Also, any politico understands the first rule of conducting opposition research: leave no fingerprints.

Webb: Citizens are exhausted over the Russia/Trump connections and most are tuning out. The Donald Jr. meeting was just more smoke — no proof of collusion. More and more, the “Russia scandal” as Democrats call it, is just white noise. The more strident and noisy the left is in denouncing Trump, the more people dismiss it as just politics.

As I’ve written before, Trump is by no means blameless for the furor. Many of his wounds are self-inflicted. The really unfortunate thing is that hubris on both sides is preventing important work from getting done.

Ride Like the Wind, Cowgirl!

Foxley & Pignanelli team member Renae Cowley is well-known for her western, rodeo roots and background. Before entering the political arena, she was crowned Miss Rodeo Utah and top 5 at Miss Rodeo America. Now she is embarking on a new rodeo hobby - barrel racing. 

For the last year Renae has been competing in and winning local barrel racing competitons as well as ameture rodeos. On June 9, she entered her very first pro rodeo as a barrel racer where she competed against top contenders in Cedar City, UT. 

Renae's summer has a full schedule ahead of her filled with rodeos in just about every nook of Utah. We are particularly looking forward to cheering her on in her hometown rodeo, the Ogden Pioneers Days rodeo on July 20th. 

Please join us in wishing her and her horse Stryker good luck on this exciting journey. 

Frank R. Pignanelli and LaVarr Webb: What’s happening in 3rd District special election?

Since politics is both dysfunctional and unfathomable at the national level, we’ll start off the dog days of summer looking at local politics — particularly a Utah anomaly: a congressional special election, including its cause.

Did former Congressman Jason Chaffetz betray voters and disappoint conservatives by leaving office early for a career as a cable TV personality? What are his prospects with Fox News?

Pignanelli: "The cable news networks have an online audience. That's a big thing, because it affects the local newspaper's website … and the local paper, too.” — Barry Parr

I am the weird type who obsessively tunes in to various cable outlets when exercising or "breaks" between work responsibilities and downloads the podcasts of ALL the Sunday morning political programs. Speaking as an experienced consumer of so much blab from wonks and hacks, Chaffetz will at least be entertaining and can offer practical perspectives of Congress. Even detractors, who adamantly disagree with his politics, admit (when pressured) Chaffetz is talented in front of the camera.

Government policy is now guided by postings in social media — which demands new perspectives in news analysis and a potential fertile arena for Chaffetz’s analysis. In the long-term, Chaffetz will need to stay relevant to land and keep his own show.

If Chaffetz becomes a big hit on the national network, any grumblings from constituents will diminish. Nothing tempers disappointment more than success. (I hope that is true for the sake of my mother.)

Webb: It’s obviously always best for a politician to finish out a term. But the ferocity with which Chaffetz has been assailed on social media is unwarranted. Chaffetz did what he thinks is best for himself and his family. He served well for a long period. It’s a free world. A process exists to replace him.

Now someone else has a chance. It’s interesting that a lot of the same people who are attacking Chaffetz think there should be term limits, and with equal zeal they attack Orrin Hatch and other politicians — for staying too long.

What are politicos saying about the 3rd Congressional District special election?

Pignanelli: Provo Mayor John Curtis has an army of volunteers and a deep well of goodwill inside the county, along with affection from local technology companies. Observers are wondering if national special interest groups (i.e. Club for Growth) throw needed resources to former Rep. Chris Herrod.

A search for Tanner Ainge on social media releases a downpour of commentary about his father enticing Gordon Hayward to play for the Celtics. Unless Ainge establishes a political persona quick, he is likely to suffer for the sins of his famous dad.

Webb: Third District voters have a clear choice, and I am confident they will make the right decision. The race features three very different candidates, all of them good people. Former legislator Herrod is sincere in his right-wing ideology. Ainge is a smart, young, capable attorney and businessman, a political newcomer with a famous father. Curtis is a popular two-term mayor of one of Utah’s largest cities.

Of the three, I believe Curtis is best prepared to be Utah’s next member of Congress. He is smart, capable, humble, creative, funny and honest. He would instantly be an effective member of Congress.

If you believe social media posts reflect voter sentiment, Ainge has been hurt by his father taking Hayward to Boston. But I think voters will keep sports and politics separate.

In a low-turnout primary election, Herrod could be a factor because his ultra-conservative followers will definitely turn out to vote. With polls showing high numbers of undecided voters, all three candidates need to become better known.

Even Utah County has now moved into mail-in balloting. What does this mean for this special election and future elections across the state?

Pignanelli: Studies indicate that mail-in balloting increases turnout for municipal and special elections. Veterans are surmising Mayor Curtis could be the beneficiary of this development. His name identification and established support from the heart of the district — Utah County — is an advantage with a shortened lead-in for a special election.

With the inclusion of Utah County, statewide mail-in balloting advances the timing by more than a month for primaries and general elections. The dynamics of campaigns, especially advertising and performing GOTV, are altered. Further, candidates must increase focus on targeted mailings and social media while decreasing reliance on television. Twenty-first century politics continues to evolve.

Webb: Ballots go out July 25, a little more than two weeks away. The Aug. 15 primary election is only a little more than a month away. In the old days, I’d be saying that little-known candidates like Ainge and Herrod need to be hitting the airwaves (radio and TV) hard right now to have a chance.

But in an age of social media, radio and TV advertising aren’t as important. It’s possible that in a low-turnout primary election, social media plus direct mail, and grass-roots, person-to-person campaigning could win the race — if a campaign focuses all efforts on people who actually vote.

A wild card is the possibility of the campaign turning negative with outside groups attacking Curtis.

Frank R. Pignanelli and LaVarr Webb: Political fireworks lighting up Utah and the nation

We wish our readers a happy Independence Day holiday. Stay safe. In deference to the dangerously dry conditions, we’ll avoid shooting off real fireworks this year, and instead focus on the political fireworks lighting up Utah and the nation.

It’s possible that at least four significant proposals could be placed on the 2018 election ballot, including measures that would raise taxes for schools, legalize medical marijuana and form a redistricting advisory commission. In addition, it’s possible that Count My Vote could be resurrected, with a proposal to end the fight over SB54 by forever eliminating the caucus/convention nominating system. Why are citizens taking things into their own hands with these proposals instead of lobbying the Legislature to act?

Pignanelli: "Politics is not a profession but a disease.” — Premier Utah campaign manager Dave Hansen

Medical practitioners frequently prescribe invasive procedures to determine problems or diagnose conditions. As most readers can attest, these medicinal procedures are inconvenient and painful, but are beneficial because they promote remedial activities.

Ballot proposal campaigns are the intrusive, but necessary, examinations that protect the health of the "body politic." Simmering issues abound that are so controversial the Legislature may be reluctant to respond. A worthy initiative/referendum/proposition effort provides a diagnosis of what truly concerns citizens.

Many Utahns tell pollsters they support tax increases for public education. Yet, this emotion is never reflected in election outcomes. The general election results for the Our Schools Now (OSN) proposal to increase income and sales taxes will provide a long-overdue diagnosis of what taxpayers really believe. (OSN gets on the ballot because Utah Education Association Director of Political Action Chase Clyde, a former student of mine, is one of the best field operation managers in the country.)

As a veteran of medical tests and ballot activities, I verify both enhance healthy outcomes. Plus, their anticipated completions bestow ready excuses to celebrate with wine and meatballs.

Webb: We live in a democratic republic where we elect men and women to represent us in making laws. It is an inspired system with checks and balances built into it. One of those checks provided in the Utah Constitution is the ability, in rare cases, for citizens to enact a law. It is very difficult to do, and occurs infrequently. The hurdles are very high.

Citizens and interest groups have lobbied the Legislature for years on all of the 2018 proposals. These are not new ideas. The Legislature has chosen not to approve them. Personally, I don’t support some of them, but I believe it is appropriate for citizens to attempt to meet the very difficult requirements to place a proposal before voters if they feel the Legislature is unresponsive.

Is this “direct democracy” lawmaking a bad idea that might have unforeseen consequences?

Pignanelli: Direct democracy in Utah usually promotes good results. A strong effort to obtain signatures for an initiative/referendum, even if ballot placement is not achieved, sends signals to the governor and lawmakers that many constituents want some action undertaken. This often drives public policy. For example, the well-funded Count My Vote momentum delivered compromise legislation.

The medical marijuana proposal may not receive ballot placement. (Polls indicate it would pass in a general election.) However, evidence of tens of thousands of signatures in key Senate districts may be enough to prompt legislative involvement in solving this issue.

Webb: Ballot proposals are blunt instruments because the proposed law must be written correctly at the outset. The law doesn’t have the benefit of going through the legislative process where it can be improved and refined. There is also the danger of becoming like California where dozens of proposals, some frivolous, are on every election ballot.

But in Utah it is extremely difficult to get something on the ballot, requiring great organization and financial capability. Only the most important and serious proposals are successful.

And the Legislature can always change a flawed law. A citizen-passed law is subject to future legislative action, although the Legislature would face political consequences if it reverses a popular citizen-created law.

Utah’s system is well-balanced and works well. It would be a big mistake for the Legislature to be intimidated by the number of 2018 ballot proposals and therefore try to make the ballot process even more difficult.

The U.S. Senate is struggling mightily — and failing — to repeal and replace Obamacare. Will the Republican Congress ever get a health care bill on President Trump’s desk?

Pignanelli: Individual health insurance markets across the country, including Utah, are in deep trouble. Republican congressional leadership understands they now own the issue. Failure to correct looming problems will endanger their majority in the 2018 elections. So, something passes this year.

Webb: The outlook is bleak. It’s a classic case of Congress struggling to provide an appropriate level of taxpayer-funded benefits for citizens — within the financial constraints of a nation staggering under a $20 trillion debt.

It’s always easier to be a liberal Democrat and demand more generous benefits — and worry about the costs later. The personal stories of people with health problems are compelling; the future plight of our debt-burdened children and grandchildren less so.