Frank R. Pignanelli and LaVarr Webb: Campaigns heat up and lawmakers take the stage

This week is the beginning of a major vortex in Utah politics. The Utah Legislature commences Monday, Mitt Romney is likely to announce within days — and we may get more snow — hopefully. We comment on all things not meteorological.

What will be the overriding issues for legislators this session?

Pignanelli: "The most practical kind of politics is the politics of decency.” — Theodore Roosevelt

Various forms of boogeymen have haunted humans for thousands of years, influencing emotions and reactions. For many Utah lawmakers, these terrors manifest themselves through ballot initiatives, although not one has passed in almost 20 years. The presence of six dreaded petition efforts will impact legislative deliberations in education funding, allowing medical marijuana, amending party nomination procedures and Medicaid expansion (but not reapportionment).

Massive changes to transportation — funding and delivery — will be reviewed. Last year, analysts provided incredible documentation to lawmakers of needed changes to business taxes to keep Utah competitive in corporate recruitment.

So this will be a nuts-and-bolts session of responding to real or perceived public emotions exhibited through initiatives. Boogeymen are warned!

Webb: Lawmakers will grapple with federal and state tax reform as their top priority. They will enjoy a modest amount of new revenue, but it won’t amount to much if they devote most new money to education — as they should. They will try to modernize Utah’s out-of-date tax structure and make it relevant to the new economy by broadening the tax base, while reducing rates to keep revenue neutral.

That will be very difficult because in the shuffle there will be winners and losers who won’t care as much about the big picture of tax modernization as tax hits to their own businesses. Tax reform is always harder in practice than in theory. There will also be a “user fee” theme in this session, with lawmakers attempting to

Pignanelli: Washington, D.C., is engaged in an important debate. Did the president use "hole" or "house" immediately after a derogatory word when describing other countries? Thus, many Utahns view Romney as badly needed parental supervision to this circus. Similarly, media pundits will paint him as the GOP "anti-Trump," guaranteeing national attention on his campaign.

Romney is cleverly tapping local emotional chords of how the nation can learn from Utah in governance, management, culture and lifestyle. As a longtime true believer of the "Utah way," I am pleased a former governor of Massachusetts is a fellow advocate of this phenomenon, albeit with a national stage.

Romney expressed to the Salt Lake Chamber that his business peers are concerned about climate change and manufacturing. This is a clear sign that he is willing to reflect a more global view of America's responsibility. For a state that needs free trade, this bodes well.

Webb: The theme of Romney’s campaign was clearly articulated: What Utah, a model of sanity and good management, can teach dysfunctional Washington. Not a bad theme. Romney is going to have to balance being, in a real sense, a national senator, attracting interest and visibility across the country, while also dealing with Utah issues and maintaining his connections and support at home.

His presentation at the chamber event was masterful and touching. I think he will be a terrific senator. However, it is unfathomable to me why Romney is still playing footsie and not saying that he’s running. He’s had many months to decide. He doesn’t need to have his campaign all geared up before he makes the commitment. All he has to do is say three little words: “Yes, I’m running.” That ends all the speculation, the maneuvering, the intrigue. It’s a silly game he’s playing.

Just when Americans thought it couldn't get any weirder in Washington, D.C., President Trump triggered a meltdown by using vulgarity in describing certain countries. What is the local fallout?

Pignanelli: No Mormon would ever make such statements. (As a Gentile, I say what others cannot.) One of the many reasons why Utah is wonderful is the fact that every year, thousands of LDS faithful come home from serving missions in various countries. They experience wonderful things about the people to whom they have been proselytizing. Thus, Utah officials must mirror their constituents and distance themselves from these awful descriptions.

Webb: To her credit, Congresswoman Mia Love, whose parents emigrated from Haiti, reacted forcefully to Trump’s regrettable comments. Utahns and Americans, once again, must decide if they are willing to separate Trump’s policy agenda and successes from his flawed personality and tone-deaf utterances. Some people, including some Republicans, can’t do it. Trump’s erraticism and boorishness are too much, and they’re willing to sacrifice conservative policy achievements because they hate Trump.

Personally, I don’t like Trump’s behavior, and I disagree with him on immigration and international trade, but I give him and the Republican Congress credit for some excellent policy achievements. I’m not willing to dump Trump if it means turning the country over to Nancy Pelosi and Bernie Sanders and their leftist policies. Trump isn’t going anywhere, and I doubt he’s going to change. So what’s worse for the country — a vulgar Trump, or higher taxes, bigger government, more regulation and a weaker military with the Democrats in charge?

require those who use services, such as transportation, to pay a large share of the costs. That could mean higher gas taxes and some limited toll roads (such as up Little Cottonwood Canyon). A restructuring of Utah Transit Authority is also likely.

Gov. Mitt Romney gave an optimistic and well-received speech at the Salt Lake Chamber’s economic summit last week. What can Utahns expect from Romney?

Frank R. Pignanelli and LaVarr Webb: Hatch retirement adds intrigue to 2018 Utah politics

The retirement of Sen. Orrin Hatch will create some excitement in Utah’s political world in 2018. (Yes, Frank, who predicted Hatch would run, has already eaten two flocks of crows. Webb is spiking the football.) We examine the ramifications.

What does Hatch’s departure mean for Utah political races, especially if former GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney enters the Senate contest (as of Thursday, when this column was written, Romney hadn’t announced his intentions)?

Pignanelli: "The Senate is the last primitive society in the world. We worship elders of the tribe and honor the territorial imperative." — Sen. Eugene McCarthy

As governor of Massachusetts, Romney pushed many initiatives, especially a successful universal health care program which greatly expanded medical coverage to his constituents and inspired a national effort (aka Obamacare). The successful Olympic president/CEO publicly, and fiercely, opposed Donald Trump in the primaries. So Romney has appeal to some Democrats and many independents.

Therefore, Utah Democratic Party officials should assess the new political situation and execute the following: express appreciation to their current senatorial candidates; enthusiastically endorse Romney as the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate; then promptly claim victory. Thus, Democrats seeking other offices can support him and benefit from a massive Romney generated turnout.

Obviously I'm joking (maybe), but Utah Democrats need some strategy. Romney will enthuse voters of all demographics. Further, any negative media against the adopted favorite son will backfire.

Other questions are percolating. Will Romney mirror Hatch by building a campaign machine? Does Romney run on his brand alone or engage in retail electioneering? How does he message his relationship with Trump?

Bless Hatch. Even his retirement makes politics unexpected and interesting.

Webb: Romney will obviously win, but he also gives Republicans a very strong candidate at the top of the ticket. That could help other Utah Republicans in tough races.

Will national left-wing and right-wing special-interest groups try to influence Utah's Senate race?

Pignanelli: Within minutes of Hatch’s announcement, extremist groups sent nasty emails to Utah politicos attacking Romney and encouraging others to get into the race. This will continue until they run out of money. Should Romney decline to run, dozens of contenders would file. In the vacuum of a clear front-runner, numerous organizations with various political affiliations will bombard voters by mail, television, print and social media.

Utahns do not take kindly to outsiders trying to influence our choice in leaders. So the only beneficiaries of all the external resources will be their local campaign operatives with a fat contract.

Webb: Political anarchist Steve Bannon was itching to try to defeat Romney, but after the monumental (and deserving) smackdown by President Trump, Bannon likely won’t be much of a factor. The other usual suspects — FreedomWorks, Club for Growth and Americans for Prosperity (the Koch group) — would be wise to keep their powder dry and not waste their energy trying to defeat Romney.

With Hatch's retirement, insiders are worried that Utah will suffer a loss of influence in the nation's capital. Will there be a void?

Pignanelli: Seniority is paramount in the allocation of federal resources to states — which Hatch utilized to benefit Utah. From Hill Air Force Base to medical technologies to charitable causes to research and development projects, Hatch’s largesse was incredible. The remaining congressional delegation and his replacement must work hard to keep even a substantial portion of these important dollars to our state.

Webb: Hatch’s clout, institutional knowledge and remarkable ability to get legislation passed will absolutely be missed. Hatch’s small-minded and cloistered critics in Utah have underestimated the power he has on the national stage and how much good he has done. His service has been extraordinary. No one works harder or is more focused.

That said, while Romney won’t have much seniority, he will have a bully pulpit that few new senators enjoy. He won’t have seniority, but he will have influence. That’s especially so because he will be expected to sometimes strike a course independent of Trump and the news media will frequently seek him out.

However, I’m predicting that Romney will get along better with Trump than many people expect. They will agree on many policy issues. Romney understands that you don’t solve the nation’s problems by being a marginalized bomb-thrower.

Romney could be a force for bringing partisans together and seeking bipartisan solutions. That will be difficult, as Hatch can attest, because there are very few centrist Democrats, and the Democratic agenda is essentially to obstruct progress and prevent the president and Republican Congress from getting any wins.

Compromise isn’t even in the vocabulary of leftist senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, who essentially dictate Democratic strategy.

Hatch still has a year of hard work ahead on many important issues. Romney still has to win the job.

Session is coming

Monday, January 22nd marks the commencement of Utah's 2018 General Legislative Session. Foxley & Pignanelli is hard at work preparing for the frenetic 45-day battle. Frank is stocking up on long underwear, Doug is putting his passport in the drawer, Aimee is planning an empty-office party, Machi is adding padded insoles to all of her high heels, and is and Renae is hanging up her spurs.  

For the duration of the legislative session, we will be working around the clock at the State Capitol. If you are in need of assistance, please contact us by email or on our cell phones. We will be monitoring our office voicemail as often as possible. 

There are several links below that are great resources pertaining to the legislative session:

View or search bills

Who are my legislators?

Legislative calendar   

Utah House of Representatives roster

Utah Senate roster

There are also some important dates during the legislative process that we wanted to make you aware of: 

Jan 22nd First day of the annual General Session

Jan 25th Last day for a legislator to designate priority  bill requests

Feb 1st Last day to approve bills for numbering without floor approval

Feb 24th Last day for the Legislature to presents a bill to the governor where the governor is required to act on the bill before the end of the session

Mar 8th Last day of session

Mar 28th Last day for governor to sign or veto bills

We look forward to working with you during the upcoming session. Cheers to a merry 45 days from your friends at Foxley & Pignanelli. 

General email account: 

Foxpig@fputah.com

Twitter: @foxandpig

Individual emails:

Douglas Foxley (801) 556-1940 Doug@fputah.com

Frank Pignanelli (801) 558-3826 Frank@fputah.com

Renae Cowley (801) 529-3209 Renae@fputah.com

Machi Johnson (801) 687-6425 Machi@fputah.com 

Aimee McConkie (801) 634-8910 Aimee@fputah.com

Frank R. Pignanelli and LaVarr Webb: Kindergarten politicians reveal wish lists

Pignanelli & Webb: Ah, Christmas Eve. That most magical evening when stockings are hung, visions of sugarplums dance in children’s heads and everyone makes a final check of wish lists, hoping that Santa comes through. Through our usual sources, we interviewed select politicians to see what was on their Christmas wish lists — back when they were 5 years old.

Pres. Donald Trump: “When I was 5 years old, I wrote Santa a letter telling him I just wanted to Make Kindergarten Great Again and I needed a new game called ‘Golf Resort Tycoon’ that I could play with the other rich kids. It was unbelievably great. I fired a few people, won so much I got sick of winning, and the rest is history.”

Sen. Orrin Hatch: “I was really indispensable in kindergarten, serving my fellow students remarkably well, and leading school lunch money reform. So I asked Santa to let me stay there. I had a few good decades in kindergarten, then went straight to the U.S. Senate.”

Sen. Bernie Sanders: "Santa gave me a Monopoly game when I was 5, which I resented because it glorified capitalism. But I invited my friends and distributed all the money, property and cards equally. No one could rent or sell anything. It was really boring, but no one cried because they lost."

Hillary Clinton: "I wanted a big bag of marbles. If I wasn’t winning marbles game, I would pick up my marbles and go home. We played by my rules or not at all.”

Mitt Romney: “I was elected president of my kindergarten class, and I wanted to appoint a lot of girls to important positions, like recess leader. So I asked Santa for binders full of girls.”

Congressman Rob Bishop: “I couldn’t sleep at all Christmas Eve because I was so excited. I really wanted a toy shotgun so I could pretend I was hunting sage grouse.”

Jason Chaffetz: “I was so excited Christmas morning when Santa brought me just what I wanted – a toy microphone. I made my little brother and sister interview me until they started crying.”

House Speaker Greg Hughes: “I had a rough childhood, so I wanted boxing gloves when I was 5, and Santa came through. I wore them everywhere and solved the homeless crisis in my neighborhood by beating up the drug dealers and pimps.”

Congresswoman Mia Love: “I wanted a Velma Dinkley doll, the brainy member of the Scooby Doo gang. She did all the work and solved the mysteries while the boys sat around and ate Scooby snacks.”

Gov. Gary Herbert: "Santa gave me toys to build a play neighborhood when I was 5. Then we created make-believe neighborhood problems and I organized summits to talk about them. We never solved any problems, but we had a lot of summits.”

Congressman Chris Stewart: "I asked for a toy typewriter and I wrote my first book: ‘The Seven Miracles that Saved Kindergarten.’”

SL Chamber CEO Lane Beattie: “I just loved Smurfs. Still do. All so lovable and cuddly. It’s a great philosophy for life.”

Sen. Mike Lee: "I was just like any other normal 5-year-old who wanted to dress up like a favorite superhero. My friends did tease me a bit about the white powdered wig and fluffy shirt of my James Madison costume.”

Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox: "I got a Skeletor costume. I really enjoyed being evil and nasty. Then I felt bad about it."

Senate Pres. Wayne Niederhauser: "When I was 5 I got a Hungry Hippo game. Playing with my friends, it was boisterous, chaotic and fights broke out. Just like dealing with House members today.”

Utah Democratic Party Chair Daisy Thomas: "I got a Rubik's cube when I was 5. It was exasperating, frustrating and soul-crushing. Perfect preparation for my current job.”

Utah Republican Party Chair Rob Anderson: "I received a videotape of the first Star Wars movie when I was 5. I watched the bar scene over and over. Perfect preparation for dealing with the State Central Committee.”

Salt Lake County Council member and U.S. Senate candidate Jenny Wilson: "Dolls, schmalz. I got some Tonka trucks. This avoided the awful gender stereotyping and allowed me to play with the boys."

Attorney General Sean Reyes: “I loved my Dick Tracy watch that helped me pretend to catch bad guys. Plus it had a coder/decoder so I could hide my secret rap music.”

Congressman John Curtis: “When I was 5 I got boring games like Scrabble for Christmas, but I always found ways to make them entertaining. That came in handy when I tried to make Provo less boring. Running for Congress was easy compared to making Provo seem exciting.”

Frank R. Pignanelli and LaVarr Webb: Post-turkey political gratitude on Thanksgiving weekend

Politicians have much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving weekend (especially the patience of voters). Using a number of investigative techniques (learned from the Russians), we were able to detect the expressions of gratitude by politicians.

Political commentators and think tank talking heads: "We are grateful that Republican tax reform legislation is so complicated that any comments we make about it cannot be easily refuted. Makes us look smart."

Potential statewide candidates in the next three election cycles: "We admire and respect the tremendous stewardship Matt Holland provided Utah Valley University. May his mission be successful and long."

New Congressman John Curtis: "I will always be grateful for the vision and courage of the leaders behind Count My Vote. Otherwise, I would soon be the next ex-mayor of Provo."

Gov. Gary Herbert: "I admire the commitment Speaker Greg Hughes has to solving the homeless issue. Keeps him focused and away from my priorities.”

National Democrats: "We are grateful for the tenacity and bull-headedness of Judge RoyMoore in the Alabama special election. We hope he hangs in there."

National Republicans: “We are thankful for Democratic Sen. Al Franken and that granddaddy of all the dirty-old-men, Bill Clinton, who show Democrats are equal-opportunity harassers.

Women everywhere (and correct-thinking men): “We appreciate the brave women who have come forward and have changed the climate to make such tawdry actions unacceptable. Sexual harassment clearly knows no political boundaries and occurs at every level of society.”

Congressional Democrats: "We are so thankful for President Donald Trump, the Alabama special election, Russia and Steve Bannon. We don’t have an agenda or any vision, but our theme, ‘We’re Not Them!’ may deliver the House for us in 2018."

Congressional Republicans: We are thankful for the authors of the U.S. Constitution — especially for provisions allowing state legislatures to draw congressional boundaries. It may be the only way we survive 2018."

National pollsters, pundits, campaign experts, lobbyists and political wise men: “We are grateful for the chaos that exists in politics today. The more the turmoil, the more they need us.”

News media owners: "We’re grateful we can hold conflicting positions at the same time. We are outraged at Trump for calling us ‘fake news,’ but are appreciative that his antics are giving us the highest ratings ever.”

Former Utah governor and current ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman Jr.: "I'm grateful to have had the presence of mind to endorse Trump in 2016. Given the inevitable downfall of Rex Tillerson, I’m on the fast track for secretary of state."

Sen. Orrin Hatch: "I'm grateful that all those wannabes who covet my Senate seat fully understand that I will leave when I'm good and ready — and not before.”

Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams: "I have much to be thankful for: evil pharmaceutical companies just begging for a lawsuit … constitutional provisions allowing congressional candidates to live outside their districts … the Trump atmosphere that has weakened my opponent Mia Love. …"

Congresswoman Mia Love: "I’m grateful for voters’ understanding that a vote for my opponent Ben McAdams is a vote to turn over the U.S. House to Nancy Pelosi and her high-tax, big-government, left-wing cohorts.”

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jenny Wilson. "I'm grateful for the continued health and vibrancy of Orrin Hatch. May he stay in the race.”

Advertising agencies, TV and radio stations, graphic artists: We are deeply grateful for the cornucopia of blessings our democracy delivers, especially the super PACs and activist billionaires. May they prosper and raise ever more money for their right-wing and left-wing causes — and spend it on us.”

Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox: "I’m thankful that political lightning can strike — that a set of completely unforeseen circumstances can catapult a kid from Fairview into contention for Utah’s highest political office. 2020 is coming fast!”

Congressman Rob Bishop: "I'm grateful for a friendly administration that understands public lands and the rural people who depend on them. I won’t need to resurrect my Public Lands Initiative to shrink the Bears Ears and Escalante Staircase national monuments because Trump is going to do it.”

Attorney General Sean Reyes: "Just being normal gives me good approval ratings."

Sen. Mike Lee: "Amid the tumult in Washington, I’m grateful to have mostly avoided the circus atmosphere while writing my book on … what else? — the Constitution (and it has been well received by historians).”

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney: “I'm grateful to Orrin for clearing the decks. Now if Orrin will only jump ship. …"

Congressman Chris Stewart: "I’m grateful for those Hill Air Force Base F-35s rumbling across the skies of Davis and Weber counties. Nothing like the world’s most fiercesome fighter jet to strike fear in the hearts of America’s enemies.”

Pignanelli & Webb: We’re grateful for roasted turkey and pumpkin pie topped with whipped-cream — and for the relative calm and sanity of Utah politics as the national political scene erupts in near-chaos.

Frank R. Pignanelli and LaVarr Webb: The storms battering society and the political world

Meteorologically (yes, it’s a big word for us), the tornado and hurricane seasons are over. Politically, all sorts of man-made tempests are battering the nation's capital and all of society. We explore the impact on Utah politics.

Americans have been inundated with reports of sexual harassment and assault by nationally known leaders in the entertainment, political and news industries. Is this a short-lived controversy or will there be spillover effects on campaigns and politics — even in Utah?

Pignanelli: "Intimidation, harassment and violence have no place in a democracy." — Mo Ibrahim

Politicos love to disparage Hollywood types as clueless and unattached from reality — incurring little disagreement. Now, boastful commitments to “human rights” made by entertainment leaders are blemished by their participation in, or complicity with, awful behavior. Those who tried to halt such atrocities were exiled. (My sister filed a successful sexual harassment lawsuit against a business partner of Harvey Weinstein, and was rewarded by banishment from the industry.)

Thankfully, recent actions by courageous female sufferers has forever redrawn the lines of behavior — that will spill into politics. Disparity of power prevents practical consent to sexual activities between a boss and his employee. Even among peers, unsolicited and refused amorous conduct will no longer be tolerated. Violators of the new norm risk exposure.

The "outing" of offenders will significantly impact national and Utah political activities. For too long (as I witnessed firsthand) left-wing and right-wing organizations enthusiastically supported officials, candidates and activists despite verified documentation of their outrageous behavior. What I usually heard was "We know [so-and-so] is a real monster, but he/she is so great on our issues." Such nonsense ends.

The cinematic world can claim real, not imaginary, results. Dozens of their brave women, not muscled superheroes, delivered actual justice to society.

Webb: The days of locker-room antics and boys-will-be-boys attitudes that have victimized women with impunity are hopefully over, or nearly so. And it’s about time. As the brother of five sisters, father of five daughters and husband of one wife (for more than 40 years), I’m happy to see the creeps feel what it’s like to be harassed via media exposure.

This spectacle of women coming forward and powerful men apologizing, backpedaling and being defensive actually demonstrates real societal progress. For decades, vulgar behavior has mostly been brushed off. Women, to their credit, aren’t standing for it any longer, and that’s a positive development.

This story isn’t ending anytime soon. Too many women have been victimized over too many years, and they finally feel safe coming forward. Sexual harassment is always bad, but is especially so when women are in vulnerable situations, at the mercy of a boss or someone who can exert influence over their lives. It has occurred and continues to occur among all segments of society, but especially among men with money, power and fame who think they can get away with anything. Expect more revelations.

With Republicans having failed to repeal and replace Obamacare, the current storm thrashing Washington is tax reform. Will it happen or not? What's the impact on local politics?

Pignanelli: Please excuse the hyperbole, but failure to pass the tax reform package could wreak political disaster for all Americans as the remaining nominal faith in government institutions disappears. Steve Bannon and his dark army will be empowered and thereby target incumbent moderate Republicans (including members of the Utah delegation). The stock market will likely tumble and investment by corporate America collapses. Democrats need to work with rational Republicans to develop something workable — because the message to Americans is imperative.

Webb: The nation’s convoluted, economy-distorting, growth-depressing tax structure badly needs reform and simplification. But it’s going to be incredibly difficult. Real reform means eliminating tax breaks and exemptions in the face of an army of lobbyists and business groups, and really all of us, who benefit from some of them.

There will be winners and losers. With billions of dollars on the table, the losers won’t readily surrender.

Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch is smack in the middle of tax reform, trying to do what’s right for taxpayers and the country. It could be a signature achievement in Hatch’s 42-year career and allow him to retire at the pinnacle of legislative achievement.

I’m going to be optimistic and say it gets done.

President Donald Trump suffers historically low disapproval ratings. Yet a majority of Republicans are sticking with him. Any impact on Republicans in Utah?

Pignanelli: Despite the giddiness of Democrats and anti-Trumpsters, current disapproval ratings will mean nothing if the economy is in good shape in fall 2018. Thus, just being against Trump is not a winning platform for Democrats and GOP moderates. The distance between local politicians and the president will depend upon the economic dynamic.

Webb: Republicans, including those in Utah, have no choice but to hang with Trump — and it’s the right thing to do. If Trump goes down, then leftist Democrats win, along with their agenda of bigger government, higher taxes, overbearing regulations and less freedom and individual responsibility.

We could write a library of books about Trump’s flaws. But the alternative is worse.

Frank R. Pignanelli and LaVarr Webb: Politicians will be stylin’ on Halloween night

Pignanelli and Webb: By tapping into our usual reliable sources — CIA black ops, witch doctors, Fox News contributors, invasive drones, the investigators behind the Clinton-inspired Trump dossier, fortune tellers, the Dark Web, satellite imagery, WikiLeaks, the mafia (some of Frank’s relatives), the John Birch Society (some of LaVarr’s relatives), Twitter analytics, Utah lobbyist gossip (started by Frank) and faith-promoting Mormon rumors (started by LaVarr) — your columnists are able to reveal what key politicos will be (or should be) wearing on Halloween night.

President Donald Trump ordered White House staff to prepare an Armani Superman costume. He is confident he can defy political gravity, leap tall political hurdles and walls in America, despite the odds against him. So far, the Democrats and news media have failed to find enough Kryptonite to stop him.

Gov. Gary Herbert will be Willy Wonka. He loves to give tours explaining all the treats Utah can offer.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Chief of Staff John Kellywill be out on the streets trick-or-treating as the Power Rangers, “Keeping America from Chaos.”

Far-right nationalist Steve Bannon will be dressed as the “It” Clown — only he’s a lot scarier.

Vice President Mike Pence will also dress up as a clown — one of those with a shovel and wheelbarrow at the end of a horse parade — cleaning up the messes that spill out of the While House.

Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox will be sporting a Gary Herbert mask because he enjoys having people say, “Hi, governor,” if even for a few hours.

Former Congressman and Fox News analyst Jason Chaffetz will trick-or-treat as Ron Burgundy — The Legend. A television newsman with personality.

Congresswoman Mia Love is dressing up as “Game of Thrones” queen Daenerys Targaryen because she overcomes all odds and has the political equivalent of dragons-high approval ratings.

Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams is trick-or-treating as the Incredible Hulk because he will need to transform from mild-mannered Bruce Bannon into a muscular giant for the tough congressional race.

Utah Democratic Party Chair Daisy Thomas will rather appropriately represent her party as a zombie — not entirely dead but not fully alive.

Utah Republican Party Chair Rob Anderson will rather appropriately represent his party as a penniless hobo.

In deference to the recent natural disasters, Utah Senator Curt Bramble will not be dressing up in his usual tornado/hurricane outfit, but will appear as the Energizer Bunny.

Hillary and Bill Clinton will be dressed as an aging Ken and Barbie couple that doesn’t know when to exit the stage. They are the perfect couple that does not make mistakes or need to apologize, and everyone else is to blame.

Attorney General Sean Reyes will be Dick Tracy, fighting crime with technology and keeping legal opinions hidden from pesky legislators.

Congressman Chris Stewart will be the brave, shy, patriotic soldier Captain America.

Mitt Romney will be the Night King from "Game of Thrones" because “Romney is Coming.”

Sen. Jeff Flake will be a kamikaze pilot, going down in a blaze of glory, taking one for the team.

Sen. Bob Corker will be Dr. Phil, offering forensic psychiatric analysis, especially on a certain president.

Sen. Orrin Hatch is the Wizard of Oz — or rather the man behind the curtain —manipulating the fate of Utah’s 2018 Senate seat.

House Speaker Greg Hughes will toss away his Genghis Khan costume and instead don the humble robe and sandals of Mother Teresa, but with one fashion accessory — boxing gloves — as he deals with homelessness in Salt Lake City.

Senate President Wayne Niederhauser is Yoda again this year. Unassuming but definitely in control of his environment is he.

This column once described him as “The Force," so it's only natural that State Auditor John Dougall will be costumed as Darth Vader as he continues to strike terror in small government agencies.

Salt Lake County Council member and U.S. Senate candidate Jenny Wilson is Dorothy, awaiting many perils as she travels down the yellow brick election road.

Former State Sen. Pat Jones, CEO of the Women’s Leadership Institute, will be Wonder Woman as she fights to elevate the numbers and stature of female leadership in Utah.

Sen. Mike Lee is Thor, using his hammer to smash any incidents of unconstitutional behavior.

Congressman Rob Bishop will dress up as James Madison, author of the 10th Amendment and the foremost champion of balanced federalism among the Founders.

House Minority Leader Brian King will be Wyatt Earp, eager to confront Republican rascals.

Senate Minority Leader Gene Davis wants to trick-or-treat as Confucius, stroking his beard as he offers wisdom on Medicaid expansion.

Pignanelli and Webb will be dressing as favorite potted plants, reflecting both their intelligence and personality.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Why so many ballot measures, and which will win?

A record number of meaningful ballot measures have been proposed for voters to approve or reject in the 2018 election. The proposals would boost taxes for education, create a direct primary election system, allow use of marijuana for medical purposes, create an independent commission to propose election district boundaries and expand Medicaid coverage to more low-income Utahns. These measures raise interesting questions.

Why are so many substantive ballot measures being proposed this election cycle? Should these issues be left to the Legislature?

Pignanelli: “The ballot box is the surest arbiter of disputes.” — James Buchanan 

At neighborhood or community functions in Utah, non-Mormons, like me, are happy to bring alcoholic beverages — when appropriate — to enjoy and share. They want to participate in the social exercise, but understand that “certain dynamics” prevent gracious hosts of the LDS faith from providing high-octane drinks. Such rationale underlies ballot initiatives.

Shrewd activists understand that “political dynamics” prevent the Legislature from raising income taxes, salvaging SB54, establishing a boundary commission, etc. So the desired vibrant and substantive discussion with citizens is pursued through the initiative process.

The visionary drafters of our 1895 state constitution were prescient of such potential and mandated that “Legislative power … shall be vested with the Legislature … and the people.” Thus, lawmakers and petition sponsors who grumble at each other are misguided. The relative success or failure of an initiative sends a valuable signal of where Utahns are on issue, and the Legislature should be grateful for the information, without the pain of a vote. Sponsors of a ballot effort should be happy that they can take the message to the citizens without the filters of elected officials.

Implementing a ballot initiative is a wonderful fulfillment of civic duty.

Webb: Most issues should be decided by the Legislature. It would be a mistake to put every major issue before the voters. It should be an arduous task to get a proposal on the ballot — and it is.

However, select important issues that have had much discussion and debate but have not been resolved in the minds of most voters are legitimate subjects of ballot proposals. Any proposal that can overcome the tough obstacles to get on the ballot deserves to be there.

Given the difficulty of gathering the required number of signatures (more than 100,000) to get on the ballot, which measures are likely to be placed before voters next year?

Pignanelli: After the Legislature changed the signature requirement to 10 percent of voters in 26 Senate districts — a daunting hurdle — no ballot initiative has succeeded. (Remember, Count My Vote reached a compromise with the Legislature, but I surmise that they were going to have problems had they not done so).

If thousands of teachers and PTA activists are well-organized, they could push the tax increase proposal through obstacles to be awarded placement. The other campaigns will not have such an expansive volunteer network and will have to procure enormous resources to hire the expensive signature gatherers. Readers should not be surprised if all ballot campaigns struggle with these challenges.

Webb: Getting on the ballot requires an enormous amount of hard work, strong public support and a significant amount of money. My guess is that the direct primary election proposal by Count My Vote, the education tax proposal by Our Schools Now and the Medicaid expansion proposal will all get on the ballot. Medical marijuana and the redistricting commission proposals are popular but will need outside money from national groups to gather sufficient signatures.

Which measures are likely to win voter approval and become law?

Pignanelli: The education initiative will need clever messaging because Utahns are unlikely to pass tax increases — even for education. Because many families have relatives or friends touched by a horrible disease that is alleviated by marijuana, they may have enough goodwill in the general election.

Webb: Voters will readily approve the Count My Vote/direct primary proposal. Medicaid expansion has the firepower to pull out a win. I absolutely want Our Schools Now to win because a substantial investment is badly needed in the education of our young people.

Utah’s leaders have not shown sufficient courage, urgency and persistence to make Utah a top education state so our young people can compete globally for the jobs of the future. As a pro-family culture with the most young people, percentagewise, of any state, we ought to aspire to be the nation’s top education state.

We won’t get there by spending the least per pupil in the country, no matter the uninformed arguments against taxes by groups like the Sutherland Institute and Americans for Prosperity (an out-of-state Koch-funded organization).

Nothing is more important to the future of Utah’s young people and our economy than education excellence.

Having said all that, I worry that the tax increase by Our Schools Now may not pass, setting back the cause of education funding. If it loses, the defenders of education mediocrity will say citizens are happy with the status quo. That would be unfortunate.