Resolutions that will lead to a happy new year

Pignanelli and Webb: Every year, most Utahns feel obligated to adopt a few New Year’s resolutions. Among common, and laudable, goals are losing weight, exercising more, spending less and being nice to one’s in-laws. However, these rarely succeed (we are evidence) because they require obnoxious things like hard work, sacrifice and pain.

Your columnists, tapping the wisdom of the ages (yes, combined we are sneaking up on being 130 years old!), offer resolutions for readers that require no time on the stationary bike, allow unreasonable consumption of sugary treats — and TV binge watching is just fine. All that is required is a better attitude. So here goes:

New Year’s resolution No. 1: Don’t be easily offended.

Good heavens! Millions of Americans are feeling aggrieved about the most minor or unintentional slights. In fact, many seem to purposely look for offenses and something to whine about. All the kerfuffle over the harmless Peloton advertisement is a classic example. (For anyone not aware of this silly controversy, consider yourself lucky.) Too many of us spend too much time on social media calling names, nitpicking statements and expressing outrage over trivial things. So, let it go and do something productive like go pet a dog.

Resolution No. 2: Don’t be easily offended by those easily offended.

All this oversensitivity by the easily offended is driving others to be outraged at their outrage. This is an endless loop of anger over things that really do not matter — creating anxiety in our community, country and personal lives. The commonsense approach is just roll the eyes and drop it.

Resolution No. 3: Understand most elected officials are not evil.

In this cynical, highly partisan era, too many people are personalizing disagreements they have with the policies of politicians or parties. Almost all officials work hard for what they believe is best — usually at a sacrifice of time and money. Of course, articulating a different perspective with emotion and conviction is our constitutional right. But demonizing and attacking someone’s character is not appropriate. (Only columnists possess the moral authority to pass such judgment.)

Resolution No. 4: Appreciate the beauty of disagreement and dissent (this is especially for elected and appointed officials).

Americans, including Utahns, love to vocally disagree and become upset with government officials and policies. Yes, they say stupid things and can be insulting. But we should all appreciate that the constitutional right of dissent occurs without concern of violent government recrimination. This is a testimony that our republic is working properly. We should all treasure the slightly maladjusted person ranting in a public hearing because it demonstrates our democracy is in good order.

Resolution No. 5: Obtain news from multiple sources.

As media commentators, it pains us to admit that many publications and sources do have agendas. Therefore, relying on one news outlet befuddles your brain. In other words, neither Fox News or MSNBC should be the sole source of thought processes. Your body needs diverse nutrients to be healthy, and so does your mind. (Of course, a weekly dose of Pignanelli/Webb counts as fertile brain food.)

Resolution No. 6: Appreciate what you have and stop being ungrateful.

Humankind has never had it so good as 21st-century Americans. We have the best food, medical care, military protection, legal structure and advanced technology in the planet’s history. Plus, our remarkable Constitution, while a bit tattered, still protects our rights. But, so many people act as if they were starving, subjected by foreign invaders or harassed by a police state. Yes, it’s OK to have strong feelings about leaders, policies and issues. But we must be grateful for the amazing blessings we enjoy. Without this appreciation we become susceptible to demagogues who would threaten our freedoms.

Resolution No. 7: Seek improvement and advice from wise leaders.

Most Utahns strive to continually improve their bodies and souls — such is the culture of this great state. Learning at the feet of truly astute, experienced, thoughtful mentors, religious leaders, successful people and from insightful and classical literature is the key to continued progress.

Resolution No. 8: Find joy in little things.

Fame, glory and secular achievement are incredibly fleeting. Anyone who allows their worth to be determined by external factors or comparisons to others will never be truly happy. Someone smarter, thinner, richer, younger and better looking will always be around. True joy will be found in the beauty of a sunset, the touch of a baby’s hand, a rose, the laugh of a loved one, a good book, a conversation with a good friend or a religious precept that touches one’s soul.

Resolution No. 9: Follow the path to achieve these resolutions.

We humbly suggest that a sincere commitment to read Pignanelli/Webb every week will motivate positive action. When you see those funny faces (yes, the photo is about a hundred years old), you’ll be reminded to do as we say (not as we do).

And have a happy, happy new year.

What will politicians find in their Christmas stockings?

Pignanelli & Webb: 2019 has been a wild and crazy political year. And 2020 promises to further escalate the drama and intrigue. We decided to look into what goodies politicians are asking Santa to place in their Christmas stockings to help them survive the big election year. No comment on whether we obtained a FISA warrant to conduct this spying.

Congressman Ben McAdams: Santa, please deliver to Mitt Romney the courage and wisdom to vote against acquittal in the Senate trial next year. I really need the political cover.

Sen. Mitt Romney: I’m hoping at least a three-month supply of Twinkies will fit in my stocking. That should give me a big enough sugar fix to get through the Senate trial.

Sen. Mike Lee: I really want a Judiciary Committee hearing on the Horowitz report so I can grill former FBI Director James Comey. He belongs on the naughty list.

President Donald Trump: Santa, if the Senate overwhelmingly acquits me and Democrats apologize for their horrible conduct, then I know you are real. Otherwise, you are FAKE NEWS!

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: Now that the left-wing members of my caucus got their impeachment, please keep them quiet this election year on the Green New Deal, Medicare for All and the other leftist fantasies.

Former Rep. Fred Cox and his anti-tax reform petitioners: We just need a major miracle — 115,689 signatures by Jan. 21. Santa, you visit that many homes in 10 minutes on Christmas Eve. Just get their signatures.

U.S. Senate minority leadership: Witnesses, we need more witnesses. It won’t help to convict the president, but we can drag this thing out forever.

National Democratic Party leaders: Santa, we demand that you immediately provide all elves a $15 per hour minimum wage, diversity training, safe places, automatic citizenship, universal health care and mandatory “wokeness.”

National Republican Party leaders: Santa, as an older northern European white male, you get us. Please teach us how to deal with political correctness.

Libertarian Party leaders: Santa, we are philosophically opposed to your monopoly and demand that you open gift delivery to private competition like FedEx, Uber and DoorDash. Further, your “naughty and nice” list is an invasion of privacy and must immediately cease.

Gov. Gary Herbert: I don’t ask for much. A quiet last year of office and a legacy as “best governor ever.”

Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox: More polls please. Love that lead beating Huntsman and chances to humble-brag on Twitter.

Jon Huntsman Jr: Nothing big for me. Perhaps a little reminder to Utahns that experience, global relationships and ability to make tough decisions are more important than “niceness.” Plus, I’ll reeliminate the food tax.

Gubernatorial candidates Aimee Winder Newton and Jeff Burningham: Santa, how about delivering our brochures in everyone stockings just to remind them we exist.

Salt Lake City Mayor-elect Erin Mendenhall: Santa, please help me do the impossible — stay friendly with the Legislature and business community while keeping my liberal voters happy.

National news media: Nothing for us this year. Three years ago, you brought us nonstop Trump, the gift that keeps on giving — more viewership and advertising and the opportunity to demonstrate our greatest quality: self-righteousness.

Utah Senate President Stuart Adams: I just need a little more public understanding of the great benefits of comprehensive tax reform.

House Speaker Brad Wilson: Please, Santa. I never want to hear the words “tax reform” ever again.

Congressman John Curtis: Please help me pass legislation that requires me to do product testing at the various motorcycle manufacturing plants around the country.

Congressman Rob Bishop: Santa, please remember my medicinal needs — a truckload of Diet Dr. Pepper.

Congressman Chris Stewart: My 15 minutes of fame on cable news shows has been fun. How about more televised congressional hearing next year? I’m all practiced up on expressing moral outrage at Democrats.

Utah Republican Party Chair Derek Brown: Please deliver me one little gift — a candidate who can defeat Ben McAdams.

Utah Democratic Party leaders: Pardon our confusion. If we ask for something from Santa then we are indentured to an old white male. Wishing merriment during this season’s various celebrations may give offense or pleasure, triggering unknown emotions and committing cultural appropriation, and we therefore refrain. Thus, we wish lovely times on that Dec. 25 date if it’s something you desire, otherwise, not. Just to be safe, we apologize.

Deseret News: Merry Christmas to our readers and thank you for supporting our least favorite charity — Pignanelli & Webb.

Pignanelli & Webb: We’re not sure if we’re on Santa’s nice or naughty list because he doesn’t talk to us for fear that a mention in this column will destroy his reputation.At any rate, since we gratuitously pander to all, we wish all of our readers a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Wonderful Kwanzaa, Spectacular Festivus!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

“And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One!”
― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

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.