Pignanelli and Webb: The latest gossip on three big races

Pignanelli & Webb: Politics and gossip are like bread and butter — they just go together really well. Your columnists like both (especially with a little honey), so we hereby deliver the latest hearsay and rumors about upcoming political races.

The National Republican Congressional Committee is still smarting from the defeat of Congresswoman Mia Love in Utah’s 4th Congressional District at the hands of Democrat Ben McAdams. The district leans Republican, and McAdams is being targeted in 2020. He’s a tough campaigner, but is he vulnerable?

“Maybe instead of asking political candidates to submit tax returns, we really should be asking to see their brain scans.” — Daniel Levitin.

National Republicans focused a lot of resources protecting the 4th District in 2018, so the loss was bitter and recapturing the seat is a priority.

Some GOP insiders are suggesting state lawmakers as natural candidates to take on McAdams. Among those mentioned by the “great mentioners” are Sen. Dan McCay(Riverton), Rep. Kim Coleman (West Jordan), Rep. Ken Ivory (West Jordan), Sen. Diedre Henderson (Spanish Fork) and Sen. Dan Hemmert (Orem). And might Love return for a rematch? Who knows.

Not all of those prospective candidates live in the 4th District. But because McAdams himself lives outside the district boundaries, Republicans have the luxury of shopping for candidates almost anywhere in the state.

McAdams is obviously not taking anything for granted. He is maintaining a frenetic pace of fundraising and constituent events. He’s a member of the Blue Dog Coalition of moderate Democrats, and is working hard to distance himself from his leftist colleagues. He even endorsed a conservative priority by introducing a balanced budget constitutional amendment (which caused apoplexy among liberal Democrats who accused him of pandering).

4th District voters lean Republican, but are obviously willing to vote for a mainstream Democrat. If Republicans nominate a far-right candidate who can’t appeal to moderate Republicans and independents, they will hand the likeable, hard-working McAdams a reelection victory. It will take a top-notch Republican candidate to reclaim the seat.

The 2020 gubernatorial race has become even more intriguing with the possible entry of Ambassador (and former governor) Jon Huntsman Jr. He joins a long list of possible contenders, including Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox, Atty. Gen. Sean Reyes, former House Speaker Greg Hughes, Salt Lake County Council member Aimee Winder Newton, former Miller Group CEO Greg Miller, Utah County businessman Jeff Burningham, former Congressman Jason Chaffetz Republican National Committee member and former Utah GOP chair Thomas Wright, Congressman Rob Bishop, and possibly others. What’s the early thinking?

A lot of fine candidates are on that list. Huntsman, Chaffetz and Cox enjoy the best name ID, which provides a bit of an advantage. But voters might be in the mood for a fresh face who has an exciting vision for the state. A common theme will be taking the state to a new level.

A majority of Utah governors did not come from another elected position. Instead they were prominent within the legal or business communities. Other business executives may join in this list by the fall.

The last time there was a field this large was in 2004, when party convention delegates narrowed the long list of nominees down to two — Jon Huntsman and Nolan Karras.

But most of the 2020 candidates are likely to try secure placement on the ballot through the signature process, resulting in a very large primary ballot. This dynamic dramatically changes traditional strategies and may provide opportunities for candidates who can secure a small but energized niche of the electorate. Some candidates may be maneuvering for a lieutenant governor slot. Expect social media to play an increasingly large role in this election.

The field of competitors for Salt Lake City mayor is large. The list currently includes Stan Penfold, David Ibarra, David Garbett, James Dabakis, Christian Harrison, Erin Mendenhall and Luz Escamilla. What’s the inside skinny?

City politicos agree that the Dabakis starts with an advantage because of name identification and popularity within powerful constituencies. But there is also a general question of whether he can remain focused and not be distracted.

With so many solid candidates, relatively few votes will be needed to emerge from the primary election. Most candidates will seize upon the strategy utilized by former Mayor Ralph Becker, who targeted voters within his legislative district, turning them out en masse.

But with so many candidates, each appealing to a natural constituency, the two primary survivors may have to go beyond their usual supporters and poach from other candidates. Watch for various interest groups, including city business leaders, to coalesce around candidates they think can win. Voter turnout will be key.

It will be a contest of smart and innovative strategy, hard work, organizational and operational proficiency, fundraising capability and communications prowess.

With an August primary less than five months away, the most competent candidates will rise to the top.

Pignanelli and Webb: Tax reform is going to make a hot Utah summer sizzle

One of the most controversial, and unfinished, issues in the 2019 legislative session was a proposal to collect sales taxes on professional services and other industries. Lawmakers committed to study the matter through the summer, along with other structural reforms in the tax system, and then convene a special session in the fall. Shockingly, tax policy is political! We review the implications of tax reform.

Toward the end of the legislative session, many Utahns and numerous organizations contacted lawmakers to express concern over proposed sales tax expansion. Will the uproar over tax reform have any political fallout in the 2020 elections?

Pignanelli: “Taxation with representation ain’t so hot either.” — Gerald Barzan

The state sales tax was implemented in 1933 for “emergency purposes” and to be terminated April 1, 1935. (I will graciously avoid snide comments.) Utah’s sales tax has been contentious ever since.

In 1987 (my first session as a legislator), Utah was in economic straits and the sales tax was increased to cover basic government services. This resulted in massive demonstrations at the Capitol, a referendum and the near destruction of political careers for lawmakers and the governor, while serving as a launching pad for high-profile protesters.

The recent proposal would have impacted almost every Utah professional, yet no politico publicly led the opposition. Social media served as the source and inspiration of protesting, indicating a new trend.

An election year is approaching and all candidates for state office (especially gubernatorial contenders) soon will be articulating a position on tax reform of whether sales tax should be applied to professional services or restructuring through another alternative. These dynamics will determine any ramifications from the recent session, or if a new method alters reaction from taxpayers.

Once again the 1933 “temporary” tax is driving Utah politics.

Webb: Lawmakers should be commended, not punished, for promoting structural tax reform. Please remember they aren’t proposing a tax hike. They are trying to make the tax system fairer for everyone by reducing overall sales tax rates while spreading the burden over a broader base.

That’s a very difficult thing to do because every impacted business will squeal. But, as I’ve written before, why should we tax a hammer a carpenter buys at Home Depot but not a haircut? Or an Uber ride? Thousands of businesses charge sales tax and pass it on to consumers and they do just fine.

Certainly, this is complicated. Lawmakers want to avoid double taxation that can occur when a product or service is taxed at different levels of business transactions. In some cases, collecting the tax isn’t worth the effort.

I’m confident legislators and the Herbert administration will use common sense and be fair in this effort. If they fail, then funding for basic state services like education, prisons, Medicaid and law enforcement are at risk.

While devious election opponents may attempt to exploit this issue, no one should lose an election over it.

After failing to deliver comprehensive tax reform in the session earlier this year, will lawmakers be able to forge a consensus among the many interest groups to pass something in a special session in the fall?

Pignanelli: Much is owed to Rep. Tim Quinn who bravely sponsored the controversial legislation, enduring many slings and arrows. By raising the specter of a potential sales tax on services, he advanced important discussions of alternatives to structural reform that would not have occurred otherwise. These include amending the Constitution to allow income tax for noneducation purposes, enhancing the statewide property tax, assessing online streaming, etc. Exploring these solutions will occur, as the practical and political issues to broadening the sales tax base to services will foster heated deliberations.

The Utah tradition of a well-managed state will continue, as lawmakers ultimately fashion a solution with minimal impact upon business operations.

Webb: Legislative leaders and staff are refining their tax reform proposal, while lawmakers, political parties, chambers of commerce, other business associations and various interest groups are holding meetings, hearings and seminars to explain, educate and receive feedback. I hope they’re also outlining the consequences of not acting.

Certainly, opponents are also gearing up to fight taxes on their business or industry. By the time the special session is held in the fall, everyone should be fully educated. The battle lines will be drawn, and lawmakers should be ready to vote.

Nearly everyone agrees that tax reform is needed to correct structural imbalances in the current system. Why is it so hard to enact meaningful reform?

Pignanelli: "Tax reform" is just a kind term for the statutory creation of winners and losers. Taxpayers despise additional expenses and administrative burdens. Thus, citizens exercise a constitutional right to express these concerns to officials, always with strong emotions.

Webb: This issue is a lobbyist full-employment act (nice for Frank). Every lobbyist in town is fighting some aspect of tax reform, far outnumbering proponents of broadening the base. So let’s just tax the lobbyists. We could balance the budget, raise teacher salaries and pay cash for the new prison.

Best of State Winners

The "Best of State Awards" organization - which recognizes outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses in Utah for excellence - announced Foxley & Pignanelli as their 2018 winner for Community Development in Government Relations. This category for Best of State was first introduced in 2014. Your Foxley & Pignanelli team were the inaugural winners of this award and are deeply honored to receive it for the fourth time. 

The criteria used for Best of State judges evaluates individuals and organizations that excel in their endeavors, use innovative approaches, and heavily weighs service and contributions to improving the community. 

Our firm is also proud to announce that two of our clients received awards for 2018. Lagoon Amusement Park is the recipient of the best Community Development Employer and Better Days 2020 the best Education and Advocacy Organization. 

Best of State continues to perform a remarkable service of highlighting Utahns who make a significant difference in a variety of activities. Our firm is privileged to be listed among them for the fourth time.

Pignanelli and Webb: A little light reading: The shortest books ever written

Pignanelli & Webb: After a rough winter — both politically and meteorologically — Utahns are ready for sunshine, flowers and spring. Because you may not have time for much reading this general conference weekend, we graciously provide a new list of “The Shortest Books Ever Written:”

"The importance of respecting personal space," by former Vice President Joe Biden

“The best of my substantive and detailed responses,” by Trump spokesperson Kellyanne Conway

“How to succeed in business and politics with humility, modesty, compassion and meekness,” by President Donald Trump

“High profile Democrats who are NOT running for president in 2020,” by Tom Perez,Democratic national chair

“Exemplary coverage of Trump by CNN, Washington Post, CNBC and The New York Times,” by Trump press secretary Sarah Sanders

“The principles of classic conservatism guiding the Trump administration,” by former House Speaker Paul Ryan

“Mentoring and getting out of the way of younger Democrats,” by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer

“The virtues of free-market capitalism,” by Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

“Essays promoting logical reason and thought,” by the Utah Republican Central Committee

"Why everyone should be a social conservative," by Troy Williams, executive director of Equality Utah

"Joyful experiences in the 2019 legislative session," by Speaker Brad Wilson

"Why I get bored with excessive tweeting," by Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox

"My love of arcane rules and internal party politics," by soon-to-be-former GOP Chair Rob Anderson

“Reasons we should cut taxes for rich people,” by Sen. Bernie Sanders

"A catalogue of times of tranquility and quiet in my life," by former speaker Greg Hughes

"Why I will miss interactions with legislators and city council members," by Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski

"Why governors should only serve two terms,” by Gov. Gary Herbert

“How supporting sales taxes on professional services enhances member relations," by the Salt Lake Chamber

"Transportation policy minutia I need to learn,"by Senate President Stuart Adams

“Movers, shakers and celebrities I have yet to hang with,” by Attorney General Sean Reyes

“The efficiency and productivity of the U.S. Congress,” by Sen. Mitt Romney

"The warm reception I received promoting a progressive agenda in Utah," by Daisy Thomas, chair of the Utah State Democratic Party

"Our expressions of appreciation to legislators for amending the Medicaid Expansion Initiative," by health care activists

“Citizen initiatives and why we love them,” by Utah Republican lawmakers

“The advantages of a 694-vote margin,” by Congressman Ben McAdams

“Why serving in Congress is better than a cable TV gig,” by former Reps. Jason Chaffetz and Mia Love

"Term limits — the only hope for America's democracy," by former Sen. Orrin Hatch

"Reasons you should never run for one office as a ploy to win another office,” by Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson

“Taxes, fees and revenue enhancements I really like," by Utah Taxpayers Association President Howard Stephenson

“Top reasons I wouldn’t be interested in serving as U.S. Secretary of the Air Force,” by Rep. Chris Stewart

“Why conservative principles are sexy,” by House Minority Leader Brian King

“Why the U.S. Constitution is archaic and should be rewritten,” by Sen. Mike Lee

“Top reasons Nancy Pelosi is a great speaker,” by Rep. John Curtis

“Expressions of love to Boyd Matheson for bumping us off the front page,” by Pignanelli & Webb (available only in adult stores because of language)

Editor's note: After reading the previous book, consider listening to its companion hit song, "Let It Go."

“Why states should be totally subservient to the federal government,” by Rep. Rob Bishop

“All the reasons to support same sex marriage,” by Gayle Ruzicka

"Why we love conservative Republicans, the LDS Church and the establishment," by the editorial page editor and writers of the Salt Lake Tribune

“The reasons riding bikes is for sissies,” by former Salt Lake Mayor Ralph Becker

“Utah sacred cows I’m unwilling to make fun of,” by Frank R. Pignanelli (actually, this is a postcard)

"Valuable lessons I learned from Frank,” by LaVarr Webb (a Post-it note)

A double volume: “The Wit & Wisdom of Pignanelli & Webb” and, “Why columnists make great husbands,” by their wives, D’Arcy and Jan

End of Utah’s 2019 Legislative Session Report

Another session is in the books! Foxley & Pignanelli is proud to have completed another legislative session. 2019 was a unique year of new faces and unprecedented issues. As your designated Utah politicos, we are pleased to provide you an end of session summary, complete with color commentary:

Tax Reform

You can’t discuss the 2019 session without mentioning ​H.B. 441 Substitute​ -- Tax Equalization and Reduction Act ​(Rep. Quinn, T.). ​State leadership is concerned that the General Fund is in danger of diminishing as sales tax receipts decrease due to changes in the economy. Governor Gary Herbert collaborated with House leadership to craft this tax reform bill to reduce the state’s overall sales tax rate by extending taxes to professional services never taxed before. The rapid introduction and inclusion of all these services created a dramatic response from many Utahns. Lawmakers sent the bill to study and may brought back in special session sometime this summer.

Hate Crimes

Senator Thatcher worked tirelessly to pass​ S.B. 103 ​-- ​Victim Targeting Penalty Enhancements ​(Sen. Thatcher, D.),​ a hate crimes bill that increases the penalty for criminals who target victims based on personal attributes like race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, family status, homelessness, college attendance, or gender identity.

Alcohol

Another bill to buzz about in the beehive state was ​S.B. 132​ -- Beer Amendments(Sen. Stevenson, J.). T​ he original version increased the permissible alcohol content of off-premise beers from 3.2% to 4.8%. Currently in Utah, beers that are sold outside of state liquor stores are capped to the 3.2%, one of only two states in the country with this limit. Merchants desired changes in response to beer manufacturers ceasing the production of low alcohol content beers. After much debate, the cap was lowered from 4.8% to 4.0%, and requested interim study for research.

Conversion Therapy

Representative Hall ran legislation that would ban the practice of therapy to change a minor’s sexial preference and/ or gender identification. The bill gained attention when the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints publicly announced they would not oppose the bill. But the bill was eventually altered in the House Judiciary Committee with a substitute that essentially ​only placed a ban on the most severe forms of conversion therapy and did not include transgender minors. There was much debate as to what should fall under the definition of conversion therapy with no consensus. As a result, the bill was tabled. Media attention and rallies at the capitol which indicates the conversation will carry to future legislative sessions.
H.B. 399​ -- Prohibition of the Practice of Conversion Therapy upon Minors
(Rep. Hall, Medicaid Expansion
In the 2018 elections, Utahns voted in favor of Proposition 3 which implemented full Medicaid expansion.There was major concern amongst lawmakers as to the feasibility of the state funding this in the long term and the legislature passed ​S.B. 96 ​-- Medicaid Expansion Adjustments (Sen. Christensen, A.). ​The bill alters Proposition 3 by including enrollment caps, a work requirement, and seeks federal waivers.

Looking ahead:

Golden Spike

It’s almost time for the party of the century! Doug has been hard at work bringing together stakeholders from across the state and country to ensure this is a celebration worthy of such a historical event. Art, culture, history, tourism, business and more have all come together to make this celebration an important part of history. By May 10, 2019 Doug will have raised over $6M in private and public contributions to fund a celebration of transcontinental railroad. Additionally, on March 12th of this year, President Trump signed the ​Natural Resources Management Act​, which was sponsored by Congressman Bishop and ​designates the Golden Spike National Historic Site as a Historic National Park. There may or may not have been a Foxley behind that legislation.

Better Days 2020

What could possibly challenge the Golden Spike celebration in historical significance for the state of Utah? The year 2020 will mark the ​150th anniversary of Utah being the first state where women voted in our country. The year also happens to be the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which granted all U.S. women the right to vote. Foxley and Pignanelli is proud to represent the organization behind the celebrations next year, Better Days 2020, in legislative affairs.

Ongoing issues:

Marijuana

Though the legislature altered the 2018 voter affirmed Proposition 2- which legalized patient access to medical marijuana - the marijuana discussions continue. Legislation was passed this session addressing topics from ​the transportation of cannabis​ to an appropriation that calls for a study on the effects of cannabis.

Inland Port

The Inland Port was conceived in the 2018 legislative session and lawmakers continue to iron out logistics and power associated with its creation. This year, Rep. Gibson sponsored ​HB 443​. The bill extends the boundaries of the port, reorganizes powers, and introduces what the Representative refers to as a ‘Hub-and-Spoke’ approach -which looks to include more rural communities so they have an easier time clearing international customs with their exports.

Tax reform

HB 441 (mentioned above) was abandoned just shy of one week of being released but the Legislature sent a clear message that this is the beginning of tax reform conversations. To illustrate their sense of urgency to find a solution for the dwindling general fund, they converted all ongoing state appropriations to one-time funding. Furthermore, HB 441 was replaced with ​H.B. 495​ -- Tax Restructuring and Equalization Task Force ​(Rep. Schultz, M.), s​ o options can be further explored. As of now, there are many. There is talk of possibly restructuring the ‘broaden the base, lower the rate’ proposal we saw in HB 441 to possibly reissuing a sales tax on food. At this point there does not seem to be a precise course of action.

Important dates:
Last day for Gov sign or veto bills: April 3rd
Veto override session: May 13th
Bills will become effective on May 14th unless otherwise noted in the legislation.

Pignanelli and Webb: Sure, you're tired of it — but just a little more on SB54, Mueller

We can affirm that most Utahns are sane, commonsense people who are exhausted by the Mueller investigation. They’re also tired of the never-ending fight over SB54 and Count My Vote. We contribute to the fatigue by exploring, one more time, the impact of these issues on our state.

Last week, Gov. Gary Herbert vetoed SB123, which gave party delegates control over naming candidates to run in a special election to fill a congressional vacancy. This is a continuation of the fight over SB54 and whether all voters, or just delegates, choose candidates. Will the governor's veto be upheld, or will the Legislature override the governor, putting power in the hands of party delegates?

Pignanelli: "My friends, no matter how rough the road, we can and we will, never surrender to what is right.” — Dan Quayle

The idiom "bad penny" describes an unpleasant or unwanted thing which repeatedly appears at inopportune times. The convention/delegate process and the furor surrounding SB54 is a "bad penny" despised by thousands. Herbert understands this and it explains the veto.

Legislators balance between the minority of loud protestors opposed to the election changes and the majority of residents who want the signature option for the primary. Lawmakers left SB54 untouched since passage in 2014, but threw small change (another penny metaphor) this year at the activists with SB123. Deep fatigue suffered by Capitol Hill politicos combined with the Supreme Court decision creates an incentive to sustain the veto.

Veto survival benefits lawmakers and the rest the population by eliminating those annoying pennies.

Webb: Herbert’s veto was courageous and correct. It should be upheld. Utah voters overwhelmingly want a say in choosing party nominees, even in special elections. The dual-track nomination system empowers all voters, not just party activists. The process has worked very well and the governor is right to insist the SB54 statutory process be followed in special elections. I predict the governor prevails.

A key factor in the future of the Republican Party will be the election of a new state chair at the party organizing convention in early May. Current chair Rob Andersondeclined to seek re-election after long and bitter fights with the right wing of the party. What is the current state of the GOP and potential impact on the 2020 elections?

Pignanelli: The Utah GOP Convention will be of crucial importance to the party, and the state. Should delegates choose a new chairman that continues the battle on SB54, the party will sink into irrelevancy, jeopardizing organizational and fundraising activities. Further, future growth is questioned as Millennial and Generation Z voters are unwilling to embrace a process that is alien to their technological prowess.

However, if delegates select a mainstream leader willing to heal wounds, then Utahns will believe that the majority party is serious about rational public policy on matters that really concern them.

Webb: Utah Republicans should feel lucky they are so dominant in the state. Otherwise, party dysfunction and chaos would hurt GOP candidates. Party activists spend most of their time bickering over arcane party rules and what constitutes a purist Republican, rather than raising money for candidates and organizing at the neighborhood level. Some county Republican parties even snub candidates who don’t go through the caucus/convention system. So much for Ronald Reagan’s“big tent.”

GOP candidates know they get very little help from the party, so they do everything themselves. Many prominent Republicans have given up on the party and have formed a totally independent group, the Reagan Roundtable, to raise money and support sensible candidates.

Of the candidates running for GOP chair, Derek Brown, an attorney and former legislator who has worked for senators Mike Lee, Orrin Hatch and Bob Bennett, has the best chance of restoring some semblance of order and respect to the party. But it will be very difficult.

What impact does the results of the Mueller investigation report have on local politics and the 2020 elections?

Pignanelli: Mueller's analysis is Twitter fodder for the president. He will tweet frequently about the report exonerating him, while strident detractors obnoxiously nitpick various details. Thus, it becomes background noise for most voters — unless another investigation reveals something truly noteworthy. Democrats will gain more traction by highlighting the weaknesses on tariffs and healthcare.

Webb: It’s very good news for Republicans to have the collusion illusion behind them. If Trump will focus on mainstream issues and the economy, and not digress in weird directions (good luck with that!) Republicans have the potential to have a good 2020 election year.

Trump was, no doubt, a drag on Mia Love in 2018, helping deliver a win to Democrat Ben McAdams in the 4th Congressional District. But if the economy is rolling, Trump stays under control, national Democrats chase leftist policies, Republicans nominate a solid, mainstream candidate, and if they can get the vote out in Utah County (a lot to ask!), then 2020 could be a tough election for McAdams.

Pignanelli and Webb: Political triage on mayoral race, senators vs. Trump and legislative politics

Politicos love nothing more than to politically triage officials, candidates and elections. We look at three recent events and the extent of hurt and injury.

The campaign bombshell of this year (so far) was the announcement by Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski that she will not seek re-election. How does this alter the race for announced and potential candidates James Dabakis, Stan Penfold, David Ibarra, David Garbett, Christian Harrison and Luz Escamilla?

Pignanelli: “From politics, it was an easy step to silence.”— Jane Austen

Observers predicted the recently filed Inland Port lawsuit would energize the mayor's re-election campaign, enhancing her perception as the anti-establishment Joan of Arc in Utah. But we will never know.

A word of caution to readers who live outside Salt Lake City — it is very much not like the rest of the state. For capital city residents, international and national causes regarding the environment, human rights, urbane lifestyle, etc. are more important than traditional municipal issues.

Also, mayoral candidates endure the toughest challenge of any office seeker in the state. Fundraising demands are comparable to federal and statewide offices. Additionally, residents demand a campaign similar to legislative and council races, focused on door-to-door outreach, cottage meetings and attendance at Community Council functions.

Biskupki’s departure benefits Dabakis but also opens another pathway for Penfold — a former city councilmember who understands the emotional levers of city residents. This election now mirrors the 2007 race — victory to not the best financed, but to most strategic in messaging and voter turnout.

Utahns should expect several mayoral contenders leading crusades on topics “unique” to their capital.

Webb: The mayoral race is wide open. Dabakis has the lead in the polls, but it’s all ephemeral name ID. The only candidate I know well is Christian Harrison, the former Downtown Community Council chair. He’s a fine person.

Salt Lake City is as liberal as any big city in the country, so the next mayor will obviously not be a conservative (as I would prefer), or even a moderate. But even liberals ought to understand that the next mayor needs to be able to work collaboratively with the business community, the Legislature, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The church contributes immensely to Salt Lake's economy, vitality and success. A hostile mayor could provoke the church to move its headquarters to Bountiful (just joking!).

The new mayor also needs to be business-friendly. Strong business and economic centers are popping up all over the valley and, especially, in northern Utah County. Salt Lake City faces plenty of competition for economic vibrance. An anti-business mayor would be disastrous for the city.

Candidates concerned about endangered species and oppressed minorities should listen to me — the very last old white male conservative Republican still living in downtown Salt Lake City.

Last week, Utah Sens. Mike Lee and Mitt Romney voted to overturn Pres. Donald Trump's emergency declaration on border wall funding. Then Romney criticized Trump's tweets disparaging former Sen. John McCain. Is the grumbling within GOP ranks a problem for Trump?

Pignanelli: Lee’s undisputed commitment to constitutional principles — even at the expense of legislation that benefits Utah — compelled his affirmative vote on this resolution. Trumpistas care nothing for such admirable consistency and are screaming betrayal. These objections will soon dissipate. Further, his decision solidifies him as a future conservative nominee for the Supreme Court.

Romney is an unusual commodity in Washington, D.C. He was literally drafted by Utah voters and expresses little ambition beyond. Therefore, no one can threaten him from providing the desperately needed parental supervision in Washington. Millions are grateful for his assumption of this burden.

Webb: I don’t have a problem with Lee and Romney voting against Trump. But I have a very big problem with Congress itself being totally impotent in dealing with the immigration mess. Immigration policy, a quintessential congressional responsibility, is in shambles, desperately needing reform.

The reason Trump usurps congressional authority is that Lee and Romney and the rest of Congress are incapable of producing good public policy. The old saying is true: Congress is good at only two things — doing nothing and overreacting.

Republicans do have a problem with Trump’s many foibles. But Democrats have a problem with leftist candidates and a Trump economy that’s the best in many years. Which is the worst problem going into 2020?

Do any of the results of the recently concluded legislative session suggest electoral problems for lawmakers?

Pignanelli: The tax reform controversy overwhelmed every other issue that may have caused problems for lawmakers. Although hundreds of thousands of Utahns would have been impacted, little time was available for them to assess. Summertime committee hearings covered by the media, along with a potential special session, will provide opportunities for everyone to learn, and decide whether to support or oppose.

Webb: What will matter is how the Legislature performs in the special session later this year. Legislative leaders have forced themselves to take meaningful steps on tax reform, tax cuts and the state budget by deliberately spending $300 million in one-time money to pay for ongoing expenses. If they don’t perform, chaos ensues.

Pignanelli and Webb: What Utahns say and what they really mean

A very grueling, contentious legislative session adjourned last week. We know it was a rough session because events on our Capitol Hill even overshadowed the circus in Washington D.C. — a rarity. We know it’s hard to follow the nuances of legislative action because of all the political mumbo-jumbo. So, to clarify what really happened, we offer our traditional annual feature: “What they say … and what they mean.”

Lawmakers pushing tax reform: “Broadening the base of the sales tax to include all professional services ensures fiscal soundness and fairness.” (Wow, we have achieved a remarkable feat: Every business association and interest group in Utah is spitting mad at us!)

Freshman legislators: “We were surprised and pleased with the diversity of legislation this session.” (Alcohol, cigarettes, stronger beer, vaping, horseracing, premarital relations. … Who knew that Utahns were having so much fun with so many vices.)

House Speaker Brad Wilson: “I look forward to extra time to visit my peers in other states and learn how other state legislatures function so we can adopt best practices.” (I am especially intrigued by Nebraska, which does not have a Senate.)

Senate Pres. Stuart Adams: “I appreciate the important dynamics and inevitable friction between the upper and lower body.” (Just a reminder: The Senate is the upper body.)

Medicaid expansion supporters: "There may be some minor issues in the language of the petition, but the Legislature should leave it alone and see if problems arise in the future." (We can never admit in public that the automatic increase for health care providers is a major problem that must be resolved.)

Most lawmakers: “We take air quality seriously, and we took meaningful action this session to clean up Utah’s air.” (Thank goodness there was no major inversion during the session, which saved us from clean air protest rallies.)

Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski: “I am outraged at the Inland Port legislation and am filing a lawsuit.” (All right, the good old boys on the Hill gave me a great campaign issue.)

Salt Lake Chamber: “We were successful in calling upon the governor and the Legislature for more time to deliberate the difficult issue of modernizing Utah’s tax code.” (Hopefully, if we say this enough our members will forget we strongly endorsed the bill.)

Sober lawmakers: “Allowing 4.0 beer in convenience stores is a generous compromise.” (We did not want to face a nasty citizen initiative battle on this.)

Beer drinkers: “Utah’s war on beer must end!” (Once I’ve had a few, it doesn’t matter if it’s 3.2, 4.0 or 4.8).

Long-time conservative activist Gayle Ruzicka: “I am grateful for the many experiences and friends gained in the legislative process over many years." (I am enjoying the last laugh at all those who think I’m past my prime. Who else got a multi-page flattering profile in a daily newspaper, won major battles this session, and is still eager for more? See you in 2020.)

All lawmakers: “We were wise to handle revising the medical marijuana initiative in a special session before the regular session.” (That was a piece of cake compared to our experience over the last 45 days.)

Perceptive legislators: “We definitely need a new state flag to represent our changing demographics and diversity.” (This is a great way to distract angry voters from tax and moral issues.)

Gov. Gary Herbert: “I endorsed the House skinny budget because it made sense.” (The Legislature disregards most of our recommendations, but I appreciated the House pushing hard on tax reform.)

Many lawmakers: “We respect ballot initiatives, but just want to ensure that they are appropriately implemented." (These dang things are a terrible nuisance.)

Nitpicking pundits: “The Legislature is just a good old boys and girls club and is clueless to needs of Utahns.” (I know lawmakers make tremendous sacrifices and study tough issues in transportation, tax reform and education. But I'm too lazy to actually research their actions and it is just more fun to attack them with unfair castigations.)

Veteran lobbyists: "We are proud to be part of the important legislative process." (We are like gut bacteria; no one wants to see us, but they know they need us.)

Frank: “This session is an absolute confirmation The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has more important priorities and rarely weighs in on most legislative issues.” (The Church appropriately focused their time and effort on the recent visit with Pope Francis. I just hoped the Pontiff listened to their wisdom.)

LaVarr: “The push for comprehensive tax reform was a great effort, even if it fell short and will take a while longer.” (The great thing about the Legislature is that when it’s over, spring is here!)