Politicians won’t be getting any peace this holiday season

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

During the holidays, normal people are usually able to slow down a bit. Not so politicians. Action has been fast and furious both nationally and locally. In keeping with the holiday spirit, politicians have been playing either Santa or the Grinch — depending on one’s perspective.After six months of grueling town hall meetings and public hearings, the Legislature passed comprehensive tax reform in a special session last Thursday. The reform package was a Christmas tree of both gifts and new obligations, but provides an overall tax cut. The objective was broadening the tax base and balancing the revenue system. What will be the political fallout as we enter an election year? Pignanelli: “Tax reform is just taking taxes off things that were taxed in the past and putting taxes on things not taxed before.” — Art Buchwald Major readjustments to the tax system are akin to remodeling a home (i.e. internal family squabbling, frequent financial modifications, deadlines postponed, etc.). Despite these emotions, the effort confirmed part-time lawmakers are brave politicians. They make tough decisions while encountering constituents, amidst balancing professional and family demands.Having attended most hearings, I can unequivocally declare this tax reform underwent an exhaustive process to solicit input from citizens. (Attacks on the process are unwarranted.) But controversy and strong feelings of opposition remain among various special interest groups and some legislators. Democrats contest the reduction of revenue to the Uniform School Fund, but the imposition of the full sales tax on food is fostering bipartisan antagonism. Utahns will feel increases at the gas pump and grocery store more directly than an income tax reduction. This will engender reaction, compounded by adversaries airing concerns regarding education funding and regressive taxation. In the upcoming election year, lawmakers must energetically explain their position before voters to diminish any negative repercussions.

As with home improvement, tax reform never really ends.

Webb: I congratulate Utah’s legislators for tackling substantive tax reform and getting it done against strong opposition. It is a solid package that will benefit Utahns for years to come. It will need further work in future sessions, as all such legislation does. But it is excellent progress on the road to modernizing Utah’s tax structure.

Low income people come out the big winners. The benefits they will receive are far greater than the small amount of additional food tax they will pay. Opponents can pick apart the legislation and point to elements they dislike. But it should to be viewed as a package — and it’s a very good package.

This effort was not rushed and citizens will see benefits more quickly because lawmakers did the job this year.

The wonder is that lawmakers got it done amid withering criticism from many fronts, especially the news media. But they forged ahead and displayed real political courage. When the dust settles, voters will be better off than before and no one will be voted out of office over tax reform.

Former governor and current gubernatorial candidate Jon Huntsman Jr. wrote a column in this newspaper objecting to the restoration of the sales tax on food which he had eliminated as governor. Within days, the remaining announced GOP candidates stated similar concerns. Do they have a point and what are the political ramifications?

Pignanelli: Huntsman displayed a brilliant strategy as the first high profile candidate to weigh in on tax reform. This reassured Utahns that despite his absence as ambassador he understands current issues. The quick response by the other contenders validates Huntsman’s tactics, while underscoring angst with the food tax shared by many Republicans and Democrats. This may evolve into a major issue in the 2020 election. Candidates are on notice they need a strong message on their position.

Webb: It has been fun to watch gubernatorial candidates run for the weeds on tax reform, scared of voters. Truth is, whoever is elected next November will be secretly thanking lawmakers for doing what had to be done to improve the structural imbalance in the tax system. It will make governing far easier for the next governor.

There are better ways to help low-income people than giving high-income taxpayers buying $24-a-pound steaks a food tax break costing hundreds of millions of dollars and creating a terrible imbalance in the tax system. The Legislature’s targeted approach to help low-income people is far superior and will provide far higher financial benefits than the small amount low-income people were saving with the reduced food tax.

The U.S. House of Representatives will likely impeach President Trump next week. Have several weeks of televised committee hearings altered impeachment support or opposition among Utahns?

Pignanelli: The hearings did not alter public opinion. However, because President Donald Trump is incessantly tweeting more about impeachment, and less about the roaring economy, he is impacting public perception.

Webb: Impeachment has made life miserable for Democratic Congressman Ben McAdams, but otherwise will help ensure an election win for Trump in Utah. Utahns are smart enough to know that Trump’s unwise talk and actions with regard to Ukraine did not rise to the level of high crimes and misdemeanors.

The aid to Ukraine was delivered. There was no investigation of Biden and his son. There was no ultimatum. Ukraine did not feel threatened. If there’s a crime there ought to be a victim. This is dumbing down impeachment to a level any president will be vulnerable over policy disagreements.

If you hate Trump, just vote him out of office next November.

Utahns prefer state, local governments. Here’s the evidence:

Pignanelli & Webb

The federal government is deep in debt, Congress is dysfunctional and new survey research shows that Utah voters don’t much like or trust the national government. We explore why.

A poll from UtahPolicy.com conducted by Y2 Analytics shows that about 8 in 10 Utah voters say they trust their state and local governments more than the federal government. Why is this?

Pignanelli: “If the Tenth Amendment was taken seriously, most of the federal government’s present activities would not exist. That’s why no one in Washington ever mentions it.” —Thomas Woods

Italian Americans and Latter-day Saints have much in common, including food-centric family activities, intense tribal loyalty and affection for ancestors who suffered persecution while enduring legalistic issues (I’m being kind) with the “Feds.” For over half a century, the federal government pursued hostile tactics towards Utahns, including stationing troops, imprisoning leaders and seizing assets. These good faithful patriotic Americans did not deserve such ruthless bellicosity. Therefore, history influences attitudes of their descendants toward Washington, D.C.

Because this legacy still percolates in our culture, the poll reflects a high level of distrust with the national government. Even today, there are remembrances of family members whisked to jail or who shrewdly avoided capture. (At reunions my family recalls with pride the manufacture of “refreshments” during Prohibition, while dodging the law.)

Such emotions do not — and should not — quickly dissipate. Additional reasons exist for anger towards the nation’s capital, but the outrageous treatment of Utahns in the 19th century justifies current subtle antipathies.

Although the objectives of church members were much more noble (saving souls) than of my ethnic heritage (slaking a specific thirst), I am honored of a nominal common inheritance.

Webb: Utahns are smart enough to know that government close to home is better than government in faraway Washington. Each level of government has important roles to perform. But while the U.S. Congress wallows in dysfunction, acrimony, crushing debt and partisanship, Utah’s state and local governments effectively serve citizens by solving tough problems and working collaboratively.

Some 82% of Utah voters agree with this statement: “The federal government should run only those things that cannot be run at the local level.” And 71% disagree with this statement: “The federal government provides a better return on my tax dollars than state and local governments.” Do Utahns recognize a fundamental imbalance in the federal/state relationship?

Pignanelli: The poll also highlights that 83% of Utahns believe either the state or local government, not the Feds, should make key decisions that impact them.

Although millions of Utahns benefit from federal programs, there is a doubt of effective administration. Further, they trust their neighbors serving in the city council or the legislature to truly understand their needs. Thus, our culture — which treasures quality organization and efficient management — possesses little confidence with the national government.

Webb: Clearly, Utahns and people across the country believe the federal government has become too large and unwieldy. I believe this matter is critically important because restoring a proper federal-state balance is really the only solution to federal dysfunction, ominous debt and the pending bankruptcy of entitlement programs.

The only way to make Washington work the way it should (and was intended) is by disrupting it through a devolution process so states and local governments take over many of the functions that have been centralized in Washington. We’d see flexible and customized solutions, better performance and lower costs. Let the laboratories of democracy work as intended.

The nation’s founders never meant for the federal government to take care of every citizen from cradle to grave and regulate nearly every aspect of our lives. The federal government is dysfunctional and broke precisely because it is trying to do too much. It ought to do less. Local and state governments (along with individuals, families and nonprofits) ought to do more.

The federal government needs to be disrupted so it can successfully focus on its truly national responsibilities as identified in the Constitution.

Balanced federalism ought to become a crusade for Utah’s congressional delegation, gubernatorial candidates, state and local leaders, and public policy organizations.

When it comes to spending tax dollars wisely, a healthy 61% of Utah voters most trust local government, compared to 34% who most trust state government and only 5% who most trust the federal government. Why does local government come out ahead?

Pignanelli: No wonder here. On a regular basis, Americans hear reports about state and local government trimming programs and other actions which successfully “balance the budget.” They never hear any such results from the federal government.

Webb: Local governments are the most responsive governments. They take care of the day-to-day services that citizens need. City and county leaders, and their policymaking meetings, are accessible and responsive. For the most part, our local and state governments are well managed. They get things done and solve problems.

What were politicians grateful for on Thanksgiving?

Pignanelli & Webb

Pignanelli & Webb: Some of our sillier readers are convinced that we are part of the “fake news” media. For the record, it’s not fake news if you hear it from little voices in your head. That’s where we heard what politicians are grateful for this Thanksgiving weekend.

Gov. Gary Herbert: I’m thankful for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Salt Lake Tribune actually praised me, however grudgingly, in an editorial about my policy of welcoming refugees. I know it had to be painful ... which made it more fun for me.

Legislative Tax Reform Task Force members: We are grateful that Utahns can’t buy tar and feathers at Home Depot. Otherwise, angry citizens would show up at our hearings bearing buckets of it.

National pollsters, pundits, campaign experts, political wise men: Thank goodness for the impeachment controversy. This is a nonstop talking-head bonanza for us well-paid blowhards.

U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney: I’m thankful for variety of opportunities ... governor of Massachusetts ... presidential candidate ... senator from Utah. In Massachusetts I was too conservative. In Utah I’m too liberal. I’m seeking the perfect Goldilocks position where my ideology is just right — maybe Murray dogcatcher.

Congressman Chris Stewart: I’m grateful for the Intelligence Committee impeachment hearings. Defending the president with indignant outbursts guarantees plenty of cable TV appearances and protects me from right-wing opponents back home.

Local TV stations. Always thankful for delusional billionaires who are willing to spend their fortunes on early advertising blitzes.

Congressman Ben McAdams: Many thanks for my high approval ratings. I will need them as a buffer for however I vote on this dang inconvenient impeachment thing.

Conservative activist groups: We’re blessed by three things: The impeachment hearings that solidify our base, the left-wing presidential candidates who scare voters and for a great economy that even liberals can’t deny.

Liberal activist groups: The blessing of Donald Trump trumps everything else. No one in history has so fired up the liberal throng as the orange-haired one.

The news media: He calls us names. He denigrates our profession. He calls us Fake News. He demeans all of us. But ... he drives audiences to us. He improves our ratings. He increases advertising revenue. We’re thankful for Donald Trump!

Utah legislative leaders: We appreciate our members who are trying to modernize Utah’s taxes. The mind-numbing details, confusing data, angry comments and incessant speeches should be banned by the United Nations Convention Against Torture.

Former Utah House Speaker Greg Hughes: Despite my hibernation, thanks to everyone for keeping me on the list of governor candidates.

Jon Huntsman Jr.: Always grateful for flexibility in the definition of a Republican in Utah.

Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox: Most popular candidate among Republican voters. Just sayin’ ... Thanks.

Salt Lake County Councilwoman Aimee Winder Newton: I’m thankful for the privilege of running for governor and carrying on the great Winder tradition of public service.

Gubernatorial candidate and businessman Jeff Burningham: I’m thankful that Utah needs an outsider conservative businessman to take Utah to the next level.

Congressman John Curtis: I am grateful to be issuing regular press releases about actual congressional action, instead of being paralyzed by impeachment proceedings.

U.S. Sen. Mike Lee: I am grateful for the opportunity to use the impeachment trial to quote from the Federalist Papers, classic rock songs and weird cult movies.

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson: Very grateful to a father, Ted, who taught me the importance of public service — and for the opportunity to be the Utah Democrat with the most constituents.

Thomas Wright: I’m thankful for all the governor candidates who got in too early and are spending resources when no one is paying attention so I can jump in when it makes sense and unite conservative and moderate Republicans with a winning campaign.

Utah’s education community: We don’t like it, but we’ll accept the blessings of the Legislature considering changing the constitutional income tax earmark for education. Nothing galvanizes our members like a good battle over funding.

Utah Democrats: We are grateful for the miracle of Twitter … especially for the over-used account of one spelling-challenged individual whose tweets unite all the disparate factions of our party.

Utah Republicans: We are extremely thankful for those overused hyperbolic superlatives like: Bombshell! Explosive! Blockbuster! Game-changer! used by Democrats and the news media for the last three years to describe various revelations about Trump — all while the nation’s voters stifle a collective yawn and mow the lawn.

Congressman Rob Bishop: I’m thankful for the privilege of serving — and to be leaving the swamp and coming home permanently in a year.

LaVarr & Frank are again grateful to have readers beyond family members (who we force to read the column). We are also thankful for Utah’s politicians who, despite their antics, serve the state well and generate plenty of news and controversy to keep us busy each week.

Frank Pignanelli Recently Spoke at the Hinckley Institute regarding Polarization and Incivility in American Politics.

Frank had the opportunity to speak at the Hinckley Institute regarding Polarization and Incivility in American Politics: Is Congressional Gridlock Affecting US State Legislatures? Where he stated “there is civility at the Legislature where most follow the “Utah Way”.

To read the full article click the link below.

https://www.hinckley.utah.edu/calendar/2019/11/25/polarization-and-incivility-in-american-politics-is-congressional-gridlock-affecting-us-state-legislatures

Will leftist national Democrats impact the party in Utah?

Pignanelli and Webb

Political pundits have noted the national Democratic Party is tilting left. This is especially evident in the liberal policies pushed by some of its presidential candidates. Further, the impeachment proceedings are a mixed bag for some Democrats in swing states. All of this is creating cracks within the world’s oldest political party. We review the national and local implications.

Former President Barack Obama recently counseled Democratic presidential candidates not to “tear down the system.” He said many people “just don’t want to see crazy stuff,” implying some archliberal candidates are not aligned with mainstream Americans. Meanwhile, additional centrist Democratic candidates are getting into the race. And moderate Democrats have won recent gubernatorial elections. What do these internal struggles mean for the party and how will it impact Utah’s elections next year?

Pignanelli: “In politics, manipulating reality can take precedence over finding reality.” —George Soros

A talented ballet performer turned politician has crystallized the angst Americans are suffering while watching the coddling of left-wing extremists by presidential candidates. Former Congressman and Chief of Staff to President Obama Rahm Emanuel recently reminded everyone the traditional value system of Democrats (including Social Security and Medicare funded by payroll taxes, Earned Income Tax Credit, etc.) is based on respecting the value of work, shared responsibility and equal access to opportunity. He then declared, “The fact is, promises of free income, free college, guaranteed health care is walking away from the traditional value system of Democrats … from Roosevelt backwards.”

Emanuel’s statements highlight a subterranean struggle occurring between moderates and progressives. A correction to the leftist trajectory must occur in order for Democrats to remain competitive across the country and in Utah, to deflect the expected, and likely impactful, attacks from the GOP declaring them members of a party out of touch. But the champions of this cause are not fully developed. So, no solid predictions as to the ultimate outcome.

The interesting feature is a dance-trained big city mayor is the articulate mouthpiece of mainstream Democrats and centrist Americans.

Webb: Given President Trump’s weakness, Democrats really ought to be able to crush him and take total control of government. But Republicans can express gratitude this Thanksgiving for extremist Democratic leaders who are even more out-of-touch with mainstream Americans than Trump is.

Even a lot of Democrats are terrified that Elizabeth Warren or Bernie Sanders can’t defeat a wounded Trump. The archliberal wing of the party controls the nomination process, pushing all the candidates to the left.

In Utah, these dynamics will hurt Democrats if Republicans can nationalize the election and tie Utah Democratic candidates to leftist plans and policies and highlight the Democratic obsession with impeachment instead of letting voters choose.

Utah Democrats will need to distance themselves from the “crazy stuff” Obama alluded to — like forced Medicare (whether you want it or not), the multitrillion-dollar Green New Deal, free college (even for the rich), open borders, higher taxes, free health care for illegal immigrants, and on and on.

Trump could be an albatross for some Utah Republican candidates, but he also energizes the base.

National Republicans are spending $250,000 in ads targeting Utah Democratic Congressman Ben McAdams for his support of the impeachment inquiry and his association with liberal congressional personalities (i.e. Nancy Pelosi, Adam Schiff, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez). Will the ad campaign influence McAdams’ eventual vote on impeachment and how will it impact his reelection?

Pignanelli: These commercials accentuate that McAdams needs a strong personal message on impeachment that appeals to center right voters, the majority in his district. This requirement is especially emphasized as he has no control over the eventual public perception on impeachment, as it will be determined by external factors. So, a clear strategy towards the progressive faction is an imperative.

Webb: Utahns don’t appreciate outside interest groups injecting themselves into Utah politics. So the ad campaign will probably help McAdams more than hurt him.

But McAdams is in a delicate spot with an impeachment vote pending. It will test his political skills. His liberal constituents will be very angry if he doesn’t vote to toss Trump out of office. But a majority of his constituents likely believe Trump’s behavior was highly inappropriate, but doesn’t rise to the level of impeachment, especially less than a year before voters will determine his fate. That position would be a good spot for McAdams to land.

Bernie Sanders captured almost 85% of the Utah primary caucus vote in 2016. Does a moderate have a chance to attract Utah Democrats in the 2020 presidential primary?

Pignanelli: The leftists will be organized again to deliver a similar return next year. But they will be split between Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. Thus, Pete Buttigieg may have a chance to walk through the division and score a win.

Webb: Utah has some moderate Democrats, but the party base is as liberal as any place in the country. So Utah Democrats are likely to give their primary votes to an archliberal, rather than to a moderate like Joe Biden or Amy Klobuchar.

Lots of Intrigue and Strategy in Race for Governor.

Pignanelli & Webb

With the municipal election behind us, all eyes are on 2020 and particularly the race for Utah governor — the first truly open gubernatorial race in 28 years (since Gov. Norm Bangerter retired in 1992). The intrigue is well worth exploring.

Under Utah law, any number of candidates can win a spot on the primary ballot through the convention process or by gathering signatures — or both. With a crowded field, concern is being expressed the GOP primary winner could emerge with a relatively small percentage of the primary election vote. Is this a real problem? Will the Legislature act to fine-tune party nomination procedures?

Pignanelli: “Politics is weird. I don’t even know what that means any more.” — John Cusack

The human body reacts well to quality nutritional inputs (i.e. vitamins, vegetables, meat, etc.). But too much of even wonderful ingredients cause stomach problems, skin lesions and other ailments. Similar ills befall political parties when too many qualified members are on the same ballot.

Multiparty democracies often provide opportunities for extreme candidates with narrow constituencies to win through low thresholds created by multiple stronger opponents. A similar situation is possible in the June GOP primary if several candidates are fielded.

Democrats and Independents changing party affiliation to vote in Republican primaries normally have nominal impact. But they could impact this unusual nomination selection. Since most will likely support a moderate, this could counter ultra conservatives.

Too much of good things are rarely beneficial (except Italian food and wine) and could affect the spring primary.

Webb: It’s likely that even with several attractive candidates, one or two will emerge as frontrunners and the top vote-getter will enjoy a solid plurality and be a strong nominee.

With a large field, immense intrigue and strategy exists as various “lanes” to the nomination are plotted with conservative and moderate vote-splitting. Lieutenant governor choices will play into this as well. Can an archconservative become the nominee if the moderates split the vote? Will Democrats register as Republicans and skew the primary vote?

In reality, none of this has been a real problem in the past. Many states have wide-open primaries and the best candidate usually emerges.

Still, it would be best if the Legislature created a runoff process so that if no candidate gets, say, at least 30% of the primary vote then the top two voter-getters square off in a runoff.

Pignanelli & Webb: Who are the candidates to watch in the gubernatorial race?

Spencer Cox: The lieutenant governor started early, looks good in the polls and he enjoys some impressive support. But can he maintain the momentum and withstand the onslaught of the heavy hitters?

Jon Huntsman Jr.: The recent announcement by the returning ambassador was not a surprise. With all of his assets, he has to be considered the frontrunner (who gets all the arrows). Will voters demand a promise to reject an offer for U.S. Secretary of State to finish a term?

Jeff Burningham: A majority of Utah governors have come from the outside business world. He has plenty of money. Can he build name ID and find the right message?

Greg Hughes: The hard-driving former speaker has been quiet for over a year, but has been raising money. Is there a conservative lane for him, or will he support another candidate or maybe end up as running mate to Huntsman?

Thomas Wright: The popular former state GOP chair has also been quiet, but working behind the scenes. He has the ability to unite the conservative and moderate wings of the party and will also be well-financed.

Aimee Winder Newton: The well-liked Salt Lake County Council member is a solid competitor and is the only female in the race. Can she overcome the historical disadvantage of launching from the county?

Spencer Eccles: This remarkable business leader gained respect as the director of the Governors Office of Economic Development and is well-regarded across the state. His good name and grasp of the issues would make him a strong contender. Will he run?

Rob Bishop: Worshipped by state delegates, the retiring congressman could shake up the race. But insiders don’t expect him to run.

Will the Democrats field a serious candidate?

Pignanelli: State Sen. Luz Escamilla will receive pressure but may be too exhausted after her mayoral campaign. Other legislators will be reluctant to give up their seats for a long shot. I suggest party chair and businessman Jeff Merchant, who is collecting bipartisan compliments for his style and substance. (This also alleviates the awful chore of finding someone.)

Webb: The Democrats won’t find a candidate who can win. But most Democrats like Huntsman and Cox. If they really want to have an impact on the gubernatorial election they would be wise to register as Republicans for the primary election and vote for the candidate most aligned with their ideology.

The World Series is over. What’s been happening in politics? Pignanelli & Webb

We’d much rather talk about baseball, but we’ll instead opine on politics.

Yes, more impeachment intrigue occurred last week. But, thankfully, it did not overshadow important municipal elections and a well-deserved parade for the World Series champs. We’d much rather talk about baseball, but we’ll instead opine on politics.

The Salt Lake City mayoral race ended as expected, with Councilwoman Erin Mendenhall earning a solid win. Do the municipal election results portend trends that will be manifest in the 2020 state and national political wars?

Pignanelli: “If elected I shall be thankful; if not, it will be all the same.” — Abraham Lincoln

To predict the future, fortune tellers use various tactics including tea leaves, tarot cards and roosters pecking grain. Similarly, political hacks (like us) rely on deciphering of polls, media statistics and election results to proclaim trends.

The West Jordan mayoral election may offer important insight. The popular incumbent, Jim Riding, lost to Councilman Dirk Burton substantially because residents were upset with a recent increase in water fees imposed by the city. Voters were unpersuaded by a policy of improving the water delivery infrastructure and expressed anger at the ballot box. Legislators should heed these lessons in the development of their tax reform proposals. (i.e. There can never be too much well-crafted messaging on such issues.)

The Salt Lake City mayor’s race was a clean uplifting battle between two competent visionary women. Unfortunately, such niceness did not prompt voter turn out. All hope this does not encourage negative campaigns but more creative efforts to encourage the electorate. Ogden Mayor Mike Caldwell won a tough election by reminding constituents about the renaissance his city is experiencing.

Understandably, politicos are weird but at least we are not using Haruspicy (examining the livers of sacrificed animals) to make predictions.

Webb: The overall low voter turnout means citizens are generally happy with the performance of their city and town governments, in contrast to their feelings about the federal government. In fact, recent polling conducted by UtahPolicy.com shows Utahns have vastly higher trust in their local governments than the federal government and significantly more than state government.

The people most interested voted, and those who weren’t motivated didn’t. That’s just fine with me. Let knowledgeable people who care about the issues determine the future.

Salt Lake City, my home for many years, is a vibrant, growing city and will do just fine under Mayor Mendenhall. From what I’ve seen, she will listen and govern in a collaborative fashion, seeking to work effectively with all city stakeholders, including the city council, the business community, the Legislature and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She appears to be progressive, but reasonable.

The usually mild-mannered Utah Congressman Chris Stewart is gaining media notoriety for his strong defense of President Trump in the impeachment proceedings. Is this smart politically for Stewart, or does it harm his re-election chances?

Pignanelli: The impeachment hearings of the House Intelligence Committee will dominate the news for many months. Stewart, as a member of the committee with bona fide experience in military and security matters, will garner serious national media exposure.

History documents others who occupied similar roles in congressional deliberations generated hatred from opponents, but displays of competence returned them to office.

Webb: Stewart is a responsible, honest politician who is seeing the evidence and doing what he thinks is right. It might be better politically for him to be more neutral and less outspoken. But he’s the kind of person who speaks up when he sees injustice and hypocrisy.

He knows that Trump is no angel. I don’t think he likes Trump’s style or personality. But he honestly doesn’t believe the Ukraine imbroglio rises to the level of an impeachable offense. He also correctly sees a lot of duplicity in the Democrats and the national news media. Good for Stewart for doing what’s right instead of hiding in the weeds.

Will Stewart’s high profile and Democrat Ben McAdams’ impeachment posture inject a massive infusion of money by outside special interest groups into their 2020 races?

Pignanelli: Utah’s roaring economy will feel another big bump in 2020 as multiple right and left wing groups hire staff, print literature and bombard the airwaves with predictable messages for or against these politicians. They will not care most voters will tune out the repetitive mantras as their primary goal is securing funds for the fight, not the outcome.

Webb: The Republicans are already targeting McAdams and Democrats will target Stewart. It will be even more intense if impeachment proceedings drag on into the election year.

What will the autumn political bounty bring? Mayoral race, impeachment and tax reform

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

Both capitals, Salt Lake City and Washington, D.C., are providing a fall harvest of political intrigue. We are happy to pick the crops and share the bounty.

A recent UtahPolicy.com survey conducted by Y2 Analytics showed Salt Lake City Council member Erin Mendenhall with a 10-point lead over state Sen. Luz Escamilla for Salt Lake City mayor. Geography, religious affiliation and prior experience seem to be playing roles in voter choices. How will things play out in Tuesday’s election?

Pignanelli: “Politics is rough and tumble everywhere but many women recoil from the negative aspect of its nastiness.” — Melanne Verveer

Voters in our religiously diverse capital city have reached a state of nirvana, the place of peace and happiness in Hinduism and Buddhism. The recent poll documents a strong majority of them have very favorable opinions of both mayoral candidates, who are controlling positive campaigns.

Mendenhall is leading by messaging her skills as an administrator. Each candidate is popular in their respective section of the city — an advantage to Mendenhall as her eastside neighbors vote in higher numbers.

Mendenhall impressed professionals with a very strategic primary campaign, focused on her council district. Politicos are observing a similar strategy on a citywide level, through a combination of retail canvassing and traditional media. Escamilla, with a compelling personal story, is dominating portions of social media and billboards. Hopefully, the religious bigots (unattached to the candidates) will fail in their desperate attempts to influence the contest.

Optimistically, the good karma created by these altruistic candidates will result in a community and city administration with similar attributes. We can all chant to that.

Webb: Barring any last-minute developments, my guess is that Mendenhall will be Salt Lake City’s next mayor. I was disappointed to see religious affiliation injected into the campaign and I think the mere fact that Escamilla is an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hurt her chances of being elected.

I was also disappointed in a letter sent by a group of LDS members to other church members (paid for by the Mendenhall campaign) endorsing Mendenhall using LDS buzzwords and phrases like “We’ve worshipped with her,” “visit taught her,” and “served with her.”

I have no problem with any group endorsing any candidate, including LDS members endorsing Mendenhall. But their letter using LDS buzzwords to hint LDS affiliation of some sort when Mendenhall’s campaign says she is “not LDS” was unfortunate. Had Escamilla’s campaign sent such a letter she would have been harshly criticized.

Last Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to formalize the procedures of the impeachment inquiry into Pres. Donald Trump. Congressman Ben McAdams was the only Utah member to vote for the resolution. Will this vote have any bearing on next year’s elections?

Pignanelli: The impeachment hearings, and Senate trial, will impact Utah’s 2020 elections. Despite Trump’s blasé approval ratings, any perception he is a victim will be problematic for Democrat candidates. Conversely, a fair investigation may bolster them.

The circus atmosphere surrounding the witness depositions diminished the respectability of the proceedings. Utahns will demand their congressional delegation restore some dignity to the process. So far this is occurring. To avoid repercussions, McAdams will especially need to exude maximum probity. The standing of our federal representatives a year from now will depend on the events, and how they respond.

Webb: Impeachment will continue to be a highly partisan, highly disputed circus that will prevent Congress from solving the country’s problems. I believe most Utahns don’t like Trump’s demeanor or style, but they don’t believe what he has done rises to the level of treason or high crimes and misdemeanors.

Democrats would be a lot smarter to censure him and then work to defeat him in 12 months, rather than put the country through the impeachment charade. There is a very good chance this will backfire on Democrats, hurting McAdams.

The Legislature’s Tax Restructuring and Equalization Task Force will be conducting additional public hearings in November to discuss draft legislation outlining tax reform plans. Is there enough support for meaningful tax reform to be passed in a December special session?

Pignanelli: In the public hearings, the common refrain of most Utahns to lawmakers was “We appreciate your efforts, but please do not rush this.” Because any tax reform has winners and losers, much messaging is required. This may take more than a few months.

Webb: Tax reform is incredibly difficult and a consensus will never be reached. But it’s worth the effort and lawmakers should get it done.

Remember that Utah taxes are low, both historically and compared to other states. Rebalancing the system is essential. The sales tax base needs to be broadened. User fees, like the fuel tax, need to be boosted. We need more money for teacher salaries.

Just do it. Some people will squeal, but real political leadership is about doing the hard stuff that ensures the state’s future success. I predict no one will lose their seat over wise and necessary tax reform.