Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Huntsman’s new job, Trump’s speech and CMV initiative

Both local issues and international affairs are important to Utah. We take a look at some of them.

Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman is poised to become ambassador to Russia. What is the impact on international, national and local politics?

Pignanelli: "Diplomacy is to do and say the nastiest things in the nicest way.” — Isaac Goldberg

As a heathen Gentile who grew up in Zion, I can state that Mormons cannot help but be great diplomats. Most spent two years in other parts of the country and world — not as occupiers — but persuaders. They comprehend that each society (especially in Utah) has a unique way to "do business." Reared in Utah's passive-aggressive culture, LDS adherents are rarely confrontational but achieve their ends through subtler means (a skill needed by ambassadors).

Huntsman possesses these talents on an exponential level. Former ambassador to China and Singapore, no one is better suited to demonstrating strength while maintaining communications with the Russians. This assignment in Moscow keeps him relevant and could lead to an eventual appointment as secretary of state.

Although not yet 60, Huntsman has an impressive resume. The Obama campaign feared him as a potential opponent in 2012. Every day that goes by, there are more Republican millennials who will identify with Huntsman than almost any other politician. Very charismatic and clever in social media, Huntsman is also viewed as outside the establishment (a valuable commodity in 21st-century politics). Huntsman will be on a short list for national office in 2020.

Huntsman will demonstrate a successful, and global, application of the “Utah Way.”

Webb: Huntsman will be a terrific ambassador in this enormously sensitive and important position. But it will be difficult even for this consummate diplomat to navigate the world of President Donald Trump. Huntsman must avoid being undercut by wee-hour tweets and inconsistent administration signals. Can Huntsman condemn Russia’s aggression and incursions into the rights of other countries if Trump periodically tries to cozy up to Vladimir Putin?

Still, if Huntsman performs well, he might be in a position to take over for Secretary of State Rex Tillerson once Tillerson is inevitably fired by Trump or he tires of fronting Trump’s erratic foreign policies.

Locally, this appointment eliminates Huntsman as a potential challenger to Sen. Orrin Hatchin 2018, or to whoever runs to replace Hatch if he retires. That’s good news for Mitt Romney.

Utah is a state with healthy international trade and strong relationships with people in countries across the world. Did President Trump’s tough talk at the United Nations last Tuesday help or hurt Utah’s international interests?

Pignanelli: Hello!!! Is anyone paying attention? "Rocket Man" sent two missiles across Japan — an incredible and frightening event. I appreciate Trump inherited this problem and enjoy his creative chest thumping. But he has to apply action, or other nut jobs will think they can intimidate without ramifications. There needs to be severe economic sanctions (with rigorous penalties for noncompliance) that squeeze North Korean ruling families. This will impact Utah’s international, American and European interests in the short term but deliver long-term benefits.

Webb: I admit the nationalist in me liked a lot of Trump’s speech. It was nice to see a president stand up unapologetically for America’s interests and bluntly call out some of the world’s dictators. Trump received harsh criticism from liberals for some of the speech’s more memorable lines, but in reality it was a nuanced speech. Anyone who listened carefully found points to both love and hate. Some analysts said it was clearly written by committee, alternating between tough talk and lofty rhetoric worthy of a world statesman.

It is certainly in Utah’s interest for the world to be a stable place bolstered by free trade and positive international relationships. It’s too early to measure whether Trump’s foreign policy will move us in that direction or not.

Is the new Count My Vote ballot measure to create a direct primary election system for Utah really needed? Or is it best to leave the existing CMV/SB54 compromise in place?

Pignanelli: Maybe I am old school, but I adhere to the principle "a deal is a deal." Factions within the GOP challenged the law and House Republicans sent a “message vote” to eliminate it. Notwithstanding, the Legislature has upheld their bargain with CMV advocates. Results of recent races will compel most candidates to pursue the signature route with or without attention to delegates. I encourage CMV to have thoughtful second thoughts before acting.

Webb: I would have been happy with the SB54 compromise if assured it would remain in place. But with an ongoing lawsuit and continued attacks by elements of the Republican Party and the Legislature, it makes sense to ask Utah voters, once and for all, if they want a party nomination system that allows all party registered voters to have a voice, or if they want a select few convention delegates to control the nomination process.

A change to a direct primary system would not be a radical step. It’s the process used by almost every state in the country, providing opportunity for maximum voter participation. And by fixing a few glitches in SB54, the proposal would create a model system to nominate political party candidates.

Foxley & Pignanelli hosts UAFS and NAIB annual convention

Foxley & Pignanelli is the association management firm for the Utah Association of Financial Services (UAFS) and the National Association of Industrial Bankers (NAIB). Management services include state and federal government relations, communications, event planning, training, plus board and committee governance.

On September 12-14, 2017, Foxley & Pignanelli hosted the UAFS & NAIB Annual Convention and Golf Tournament in Midway, Utah.  Bankers, academics, vendors and regulators attended this important industry event.

Highlights included:

Brokered Deposit Project

Dr. James Barth, Lowder Eminent Scholar in Finance at Auburn University

This report describes and examines the role brokered deposits play in the banking system as well as the regulatory treatment of such deposits. The focus is on the impact of brokered deposits on bank performance, bank failures and bank failure costs. An assessment is made as to whether the differential treatment of brokered deposits is justified in view of the empirical evidence examined.

Shape of Things to Come…Future of Fintech

John Lass, President of Lass Advisory Services LLC

The world of financial services is being impacted by waves of disruption from the growing FinTech sector.  But FinTech itself is rapidly being transformed by new advances in data analytics, AI, robotics and other tech sectors.  John Lass led us on a guided tour of the future to consider both the risks and opportunities facing financial institutions. 

Safety and Soundness of Industrial Loan Corporations

Dr. James Barth, Lowder Eminent Scholar in Finance at Auburn University

The ILC update project provides an updated assessment of the contribution and performance of industrial loan companies to the US banking system. It is shown that during the most recent financial crisis, ILCs provided credit when other financial institutions were unable or unwilling to do so (due to a lack of liquidity or capital). Moreover, in terms of ROA, 80 percent of the ILCs performed better than the average of all FDIC-insured institutions, while 80 percent also outperformed the average of all state-chartered institutions. When the ILCs are compared to commercial banks within the same size categories, 50 percent or more of the ILCs came out ahead of their respective FDIC-insured institution size group in terms of ROA. Based on all the other measures, nearly half the ILCs performed better than all FDIC-insured institutions and state-chartered institutions. This suggests that the ILC industry should be allowed to grow by tapping into new sources of capital from companies that are otherwise prohibited from owning a bank by the BHCA.

Other Convention Presenters:

Regulatory Updates

Kathy Moe     FDIC Regional Director

Ed Leary         Utah DFI Commissioner

Matt Sheeran FDIC CRA Review Examiner 

Risk Governance & The Board of Director’s Role

Catherine Bromilow, PWC

US Liquidity Regulations: Overview and Future Impact

Steve Turner, Novantas

Cybersecurity: Prevent. Detect. Respond.

Chad Knutson, President SBS Cybersecurity Institute

Regulatory Change + Economic Uncertainty = Opportunity or Threat?

Robert Spendlove, Sr. VP Economic and Policy Officer, Zions Bank

Rising Interest Rates in a Post-Crisis Environment

Steve Turner, Novantas

CRA Community Needs Assessment and Financial Literacy Outreach

Sorenson Impact Center, Salt Lake County, Kem Gardner Institute

Political Updates

Doyle Bartlett, Federal Lobbyist NAIB, The Eris Group

Mark Johnson, Government Relations Director, Toyota

Frank R. Pignanelli and LaVarr Webb: Here are the political issues we’re watching this September

Under Utah Debate Commission rules, any candidate in a race who polls 10 percentage points, minus the survey’s margin of error, is invited to participate in the debate. At the time of this writing, the Debate Commission planned to do a second survey to determine if Jim Bennett, the 3rd Congressional District United Utah Party candidate, would be allowed to participate in the debate. Is Bennett a viable candidate? Is the Debate Commission screening candidates fairly?

Pignanelli: “Without third parties, all forward movement stops. They're essential.” — Jill Stein

All my underwear is older than the recently created Utah United Party (I know — too much information). It is remarkable that with limited resources, this tiny local insurgency captured almost 6 percent in recent polling. Thus, something is bubbling inside Utah politics.

A special-interest group or media organization conducting political discussion has the right to determine the participants. But the Utah Debate Commission holds itself above partisan pettiness and supposedly this allows it to impose guidelines on candidate debates. Its efforts of promoting discourse in the election process are self-limited to "viable" candidates. What does that mean? A true test of electoral viability would eliminate Republicans in Salt Lake City and Democrats in many other Utah locales.

There is no public or government mandate behind the commission. (Membership is from major parties and the media.) So if it wants to legitimately claim to represent the public interest, it must incorporate what voters are actually expressing.

Bennett and the UUP deserve the same as my underwear — a chance to be worn.

Webb: Certainly, the debate would be more interesting with Bennett in it. But it would also be more interesting if the Libertarian candidate was invited. And then all eight candidates would have to be invited and the debate would become unwieldy, boring and mostly useless. The Debate Commission is right to have a threshold to weed out non-serious candidates, some of whom filed just for the fun of it, to get their 15 minutes of fame.

In theory, Bennett’s United Utah Party should have a chance. The target audience is unaffiliated voters and centrist moderates in both of the main parties — and they total enough to win. But the reality is a lot more difficult. With a mainstream Republican like Provo Mayor John Curtis in the race, moderates see no reason to go astray.

Are the homeless initiatives, including the law enforcement crackdown, going well? What are the political risks to politicians who are heavily invested in the success of this project?

Pignanelli: Until March 2017, most observers pigeonholed Speaker Greg Hughes as a conservative, successful insider within the legislative arena, but fostered questions whether he could survive outside Capitol Hill.

Those questions have been answered.

Hughes took a risk by following his heart with a sincere desire to solve a problem plaguing the downtown for decades. His personality was perfect for pushing local and state officials to work together.

The Rio Grande situation seems to be on a path to resolution, for which Hughes will capture enormous credit. But even if success is spotty, Hughes (and other officials involved) will receive plaudits from Utahns for trying.

Webb: It is fascinating to see three future potential political competitors — Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams, Speaker Hughes and Lt. Gov Spencer Cox — put aside their natural rivalries and work together on an important initiative. They have also developed genuine friendship and respect for each other.

Thanks to the cooperation among different levels and branches of government, the initiative is going well. It won’t be without conflict and hurt feelings. It is costly and difficult. All stakeholders know it must be a long-term, focused project. But real people are being helped, their lives improved. It’s worth the effort.

President Donald Trump has had a few reasonably good weeks, focusing on relief efforts in Texas and Florida and keeping his tweet-storms in check. He’s reaching out to congressional Democrats on a variety of issues, including immigration and tax reform. Is Trump doing better or is this just a short detour?

Pignanelli: Although Republicans are grumpy, the outreach by Trump to Democrats was a shrewd move as Americans are appreciative of any effort to prevent more government stalemate. They do not care about PR point scoring by the parties and want a federal government that works. Trump gets it, and this pivot reaffirms his status as an independent.

Webb: I’ve given up predicting what Trump might do. Does he have a master plan, or does he govern by whim? This could be a turning point for his presidency. Or it could be just another fleeting inconsistency. It’s interesting to see Trump playing footsies with the same Democrats who have ruthlessly savaged him for a couple of years.

Trump wants to get things done, which is great. But if it means caving in to the demands of liberal Democrats, ballooning the debt and growing the size of government, the country will be the worse. Better to form an alliance with centrists from both parties.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Off-year political rumors and speculation

As summer ends (except for the heat), football kicks off and fall colors pop in the foothills, the off-year political rumors and speculation proliferate. Because no one loves political gossip more than us, we share what we are hearing:

Is Sen. Orrin Hatch closer to a decision to run in 2018? “I guess rumors are more exciting than the truth.” — Venus Williams.

The Hatch re-election rumor mill went wild recently when thousands of voters received a postcard (resembling campaign literature) praising his work on the Trump administration’s reconsideration of national monuments. In addition, prominent GOP donors were invited to a fundraiser later this month for the benefit of the “Hatch Election Committee."

Many politicos view this as an obvious signal the senator is ramping up his feared campaign juggernaut. Others believe this is another ploy to freeze the field and defer to a favorite replacement later in the year.

We’re sticking to our predictions — Frank thinks Hatch runs next year, while LaVarr is quite confident he retires.

If the senator is keeping the seat warm for a favored person, who can best mount a last-minute campaign?

It’s getting late to plan, fundraise, organize and execute a 2018 statewide Senate race. Two guys who have the institutional support, name ID and financial prowess to do it are Mitt Romney and Congressman Chris Stewart. Neither would challenge Hatch, but both appear very interested if Hatch retires. We understand that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell even encouraged Romney to run by promising he would enjoy higher status than a typical junior senator. Romney and Stewart are both well-liked by Hatch.

What hopefuls are seriously considering a campaign regardless of what Hatch decides?

Derek Miller has said he is likely to run. He served as chief of staff to Gov. Gary Herbertand remains close to the governor. Former legislator Chris Herrod could represent the arch-conservative wing of the party, despite his recent 3rd District special election loss. Attorney General Sean Reyes is a possibility, along with Rep. Dan McCay.

Others mentioned by the “great mentioners” are Sutherland Institute President Boyd Matheson (former chief of staff to Sen. Mike Lee) and State Sen. Dan Hemmert, a businessman (owner of Red Hanger cleaners) who has performed well in the Legislature.

Then there are vague hints about prominent business leaders who want to try their hand in curing the problems in the Beltway swamp. Even the name of former Gov. Jon Huntsman, whose nomination for ambassador to Russia has been ridiculously slow, has come up.

Here’s an insider tip: Watch Mitt Romney.

Although she has said absolutely nothing, why does speculation exist that Congresswoman Mia Love may angle for the U.S. Senate or a TV network gig?

Many in her close circle state the congresswoman is not interested. But her choice of veteran GOP operative Ivan DuBois as chief of staff has caused tongues to wag.

Love has impressed some national observers with her hard work as a member of the House Financial Services Committee. They are among those promoting her as a possible Senate candidate or cable TV personality.

Why are Republicans anxious about the municipal elections in Draper and Salt Lake City?

Republicans have owned Draper for decades. But incumbent Mayor Troy Walker irritated some constituents when he offered the city as host to a homeless resource center. Former Democratic Senate candidate Michelle Weeks ran well ahead of Walker in the primary, and enjoys momentum for a possible win in November.

Salt Lake City municipal elections are officially nonpartisan, which allows the occasional Republican to sneak in. But some City Council candidates are openly running as Democrats and attacking opponents as Republicans. It worked well in the primaries. This is another leftward shift in the capital city.

Why are the supporters of Count My Vote considering placing a proposal on the ballot requiring all candidates to gather signatures to get on the primary election ballot? 

The SB54/Count My Vote compromise has been under continual attack by the Republican Party and some legislators who want to overturn SB54 and return exclusively to the caucus/convention system. So the thinking is: Why not put a proposal on the ballot letting voters choose once and for all if they want a relative handful of convention delegates to choose party nominees, or if they want all party voters to choose nominees.

What is going on with State Sen. Jim Dabakis and his Democratic colleagues?

Dabakis sharply criticized Democratic colleagues when they did not elect him to a leadership position last November. It appears he now does not attend minority caucus meetings. Some progressives are saying he used pictures of the Houston flooding to garner support for his left-wing political organization. There exists speculation that Dabakis is plotting to run for higher office independent of traditional party establishment.

Guest Speaker for Campaign Management Announced

Foxley & Pignanelli is ecstatic to host Steve Johnston as our guest speaker in Campaign Management 3160 tomorrow. We believe our students will learn a lot from his knowledge and experience. Have a look at his impressive bio:

Steve Johnston started working on federal political campaigns seventeen years ago…before he could even drive. Most recently, he was a Google Account Executive leading strategy with campaigns, political committees, and other organizations adopting online advertising in the elections and advocacy space.

In addition to his digital marketing work for the House Majority Leader in Congress and a national presidential campaign, Steve did product marketing for the Silicon Valley tech startup Quora and developed digital-focused business strategy for the national fast casual restaurant chain Sweetgreen.

He is an award-winning political strategist who was named to Campaigns & Elections Magazine's "Rising Stars" list that recognizes "young operatives who will shape the future of political campaigns" and to the American Association of Political Consultants' “40 Under 40” list of top political professionals.

Steve has a degree in Government from Harvard and an MBA in Marketing and Operations Management (joint major) and Entrepreneurial Management from Penn’s Wharton School

Frank R. Pignanelli and LaVarr Webb: Painful discussion can move us to a better future

The Kardashians recently shared their opinions regarding the Charlottesville protest controversy. If this wacky reality TV family can weigh in, then so can we. Here’s our Utah perspective on some difficult and sensitive issues.

The national debate over statues, monuments and parks dedicated to Confederate leaders has again erupted. How should this be resolved?

Pignanelli: The erection of a monument … would have the effect of continuing if not adding to the difficulties under which the Southern people labor." — Robert E. Lee

"Abraham Lincoln-Vampire Hunter" is a 2012 movie with the silly premise that throughout his life our 16th president pursued and slayed the undead. In this fun fantasy flick, the Confederate States of America was controlled by hellish bloodsucking monsters — which is close to actual history. The real Confederacy was organized with the evil premise of maintaining slavery not only in this country, but throughout colonies in Latin America and South America. The traitorous men who fostered this dreary vision must not be honored in public monuments.

“The South” has a heritage and legacy to be treasured and appreciated. Even the darker elements should not be forgotten, but remain in the tapestry of traditions.

As an Italian Irish-American, I am sympathetic to the affection the South attaches to their unique heritage. No one enjoys mob movies more than me, especially because these stories are an element of the American fabric. But pride in one’s background does not create rationale justifications for the inhumane behavior of our ancestors.

Public monuments memorializing the Confederacy are contrary to American ideals …as are any statues honoring Al Capone and Lucky Luciano.

Webb: The underlying issue here is racism, an evil that we must not tolerate, and that we must denounce in the strongest terms possible. I don’t believe President Trump is a white supremacist, but his rhetorical inadequacies provided an opening for a frenzy of criticism from his enemies.

I believe local leaders and citizens should determine if statues and monuments should stay or go. We should all learn from history that we might not be proud of. Should all things that remind us of that history be destroyed?

If all countries, ethnic groups and cultures are honest and consistent, then just about everyone has historical issues to deal with. Episodes of racism, slavery, massacres and blatant injustice have occurred in the history of most cultures, countries and ethnic groups — including Christianity, Mormonism, Catholicism, Islam, other religions, Native American tribes, African tribes, European cultures, Asian empires, and so forth.

Evil is always evil. But I’m not sure I’m qualified to fairly judge people living hundreds of years ago by today’s principles, values, ethics and standards.

Even Abraham Lincoln, that great emancipator of slaves and perhaps the nation’s greatest president, made a number of racist statements. We should learn from the past and continually improve. Local leaders and citizens should decide what best enables learning the lessons of history.

Many Utah officials provided a response to these highly charged events. What should Utahns expect of their leaders?

Pignanelli: Utah Republican and Democrat officials were eloquent in their criticism of the events in Charlottesville. The reference by Sen. Orrin Hatch to his brother who died fighting Nazis was extraordinarily poignant.

Demands upon Republicans to completely reject President Trump are unrealistic at this time. (History suggests caution in such requests. Subsequent to the revelation President Bill Clinton had multiple Oval Office sexual liaisons with a 21-year-old intern, Democrat officeholders and liberal groups criticized such conduct, but were silent beyond that.) Our officials must continually remind constituents they remain dedicated to the ideals of our nation, and fervently oppose the fringe elements with contrary objectives.

Webb: I believe our leaders have responded gracefully and appropriately.

Is there a silver lining somewhere in these dark clouds?

Pignanelli: Whether through wonderful events (i.e. moon landing, peaceful transfers of power, etc.) or darker chapters that spur nationwide cathartic responses (i.e. Charleston and Charlottesville shootings, etc.) Americans are reminded of the great souls they possess. Hopefully, the emotions percolating this summer will motivate Congress to ignore narrow demands of left- and right-wing extremists and construct needed legislation.

Webb: This discussion, while painful, moves us forward, helping us become more sensitive and empathetic to others.

When I was a child in the 1950s, I recall a person I admired a great deal, a person who loved and helped everyone, no matter their race, creed, background or religion. But I remember this person using words that would be considered hateful today. He was not a racist, and didn’t mean for those words to be racist. He was part of a society and culture 60 years ago that was more insular, that took things for granted, that didn’t know better.

We have a long way to go, but we shouldn’t forget we’ve made a remarkable amount of progress.

Frank R. Pignanelli and LaVarr Webb: Homeless Ben, seldom-seen Love, and Tuesday showdown

Experts claim the murky air hugging the Wasatch front last week was caused by heat, ozone and forest fire smoke. We believe political hot air is to blame.

Salt Lake City Mayor Ben McAdams created a moderate kerfuffle when Utahns learned that he had spent a night on Salt Lake City’s streets and another in the main homeless shelter. His experiences helped move other leaders, including House Speaker Greg Hughes, in developing solutions. Was this just political grandstanding or a real attempt to understand the problem?

Pignanelli: “Internalization is used in this country as a very effective political tool.” — Kathy Acker

As my former legislative colleagues will attest, I excelled at flamboyant antics and obnoxious grandstanding. Indeed, that other daily newspaper editorialized against me for such behavior. I have no regrets because the approach works.

Last week, after leaving a late movie in the Gateway area, my family witnessed a drug deal at the crosswalk, while observing attempted car break-ins across the street. So Mayor McAdams deserves accolades for learning, and internalizing, how to correct the problem while garnering massive attention. Furthermore his nocturnal activities uncovered other important aspects of this tragedy.

Speaker Hughes’ comments for the National Guard to pacify the Rio Grande area were also viewed as theatrical antics. So what? I learned decades ago that dramatic statements guarantee a spotlight and results. Hughes is now universally considered an invaluable element in any resolution.

The downtown homeless and criminal crisis is beyond another task force or touchy-feely deliberations. Hughes and Mayors McAdams and Jackie Biskupski should utilize more histrionics to rally the community and compel other leaders into action. Give them a standing ovation.

Webb: Politicians frequently take fact-finding trips where they travel to some exotic location, often wear cool military gear, get briefed by local experts, and then fly home feeling that they have firsthand knowledge. McAdams’ experience was far more authentic and less superficial.

It’s easy to approach homelessness as an abstract issue. But McAdams’ experience made it real. It was certainly not a political stunt. He didn’t do it for publicity. It’s good for political leaders to actually experience the issues they’re dealing with.

Certainly, it was just three days, and McAdams knew he would get back to his comfortable life and family. But it was an honest attempt to gain insights into what life on the streets is all about. It gives him more credibility as he deals with this and other issues.

Good for the mayor for learning more about the homeless issue personally.

Congresswoman Mia Love is no longer holding large town hall meetings, but instead provides a series of open-office meetings with smaller groups of constituents. Some are attacking this change from the traditional big-meeting format while others praise her creative approach.

Pignanelli: Town hall meetings are vestiges of democracy from the nation's colonial past. Families attended to hear from elected officials and participate in constructive dialogue. But in 21st century America, right- and left-wing organizations hijacked these gatherings with the intent of increasing their national membership. Substantive policy discussions and the needs of constituents are lost in the noise.

Incumbents have tried a variety of tactics to solicit input from residents while constraining protests, including electronic town halls (used by former Congressman Jim Matheson and Sen. Mike Lee), appearances before large organizations, etc. These activities succeeded by appealing to busy citizens.

The most important objective is for elected officials to hear from more than just people like me (lobbyists). So Love’s approach is an excellent conduit for allowing effective personal dialogue with constituents — even if to lodge complaints.

Webb: This is a rational alternative to the large open meetings that accomplish little except to provide a forum for the rabble-rousers and activists who are there only to heckle and shout down any attempt by the member of Congress to even speak.

The professional agitators don’t like the new format. Too bad. Plenty of respectful, effective ways exist to meet with constituents and receive their suggestions and feedback without subjecting oneself to rude, boorish behavior by demagogues, often flown in for the occasion.

The Third Congressional District Republican primary is this Tuesday. What is expected?

Pignanelli: Campaign insiders believe it is too close to call. The winner — by a thin margin — will not be finalized until Wednesday morning.

Webb: This has been a painful campaign to watch. I expect Provo Mayor John Curtis to win, but the negative attacks against him have hurt. Lots of people are not careful enough political consumers to know what to believe when they see the attack ads, mostly from out-of-state, unaccountable groups that distort, misrepresent and outright lie.

Still, late polling shows Curtis with a lead and I expect he will become Utah’s next member of Congress.

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.