Romney or Wilson. DeSantis or Trump. Who do Utahns want?

Will Romey run, or won’t he? Who will be the Republican nominee for president? Politics are heating up in Utah and the nation

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

Finally, the weather is warming and politics are heating up as well. A recent announcement and polling results are topics discussed by local politicos. So we enter the fray.

Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson announced last week the formation of a committee to explore running for the U.S. Senate in 2024. Mitt Romney also filed a statement of organization with the FEC, but has not firmly said he’s running. What are politicos saying about Wilson’s chances against Romney or in an open field?

Pignanelli: “I would rather die than be in the United States Senate. I would be bored to death.” — Chris Christie 

Speaker Wilson hopes to defy Utah political history because no state lawmaker was ever elected to the U.S. Senate. (Congressman and former state Sen. George Sutherland was “chosen” by the Utah Legislature in 1905, prior to the 17th Amendment.) Our senators ascended from the business/legal community or held local government offices.

Wilson could break this tradition. His record, combined with strategic leveraging of the legislative caucus, could secure the top spot in a state convention. Wilson’s leadership on popular issues (i.e. Great Salt Lake, budget reform, etc.) are attractive. Wilson and Romney share many characteristics including success in business, willingness to tackle tough issues as elected leaders, and a local heritage. Both are well respected in religious, business and cultural arenas.

But if Romney decides for reelection, he will be tough to dislodge in the true battleground — the primary. Incumbent Romney will receive extraordinary external support, especially at the urging of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. If Romney chooses retirement, Wilson will face even more opponents.

History does not create barriers but rather constructs guidelines on how success is possible and is a rich textbook for all candidates in this upcoming election.

Webb: Wilson is a very solid candidate who will be tough competition for Romney in the Republican primary. Wilson can attract conservative voters while being reasonably acceptable to moderates.

Romney’s biggest problem with conservative Republicans is his bitter and vocal loathing of Donald Trump and especially his two votes to boot Trump from office in the impeachment process. What made Romney’s votes unforgivable for some conservatives wasn’t just that he disliked Trump. It was that Romney firmly aligned himself with Nancy Pelosi and liberal Democrats on a defining issue. Almost all other Republicans, including many who didn’t like Trump, did not provide aid and comfort to Democrats in the highly partisan impeachment process. Politically, it wasn’t wise behavior by Romney.  

On the other hand, Romney has voted conservatively on most issues, and has strongly criticized the Biden administration over excessive spending, regulation and national security issues. He will have ample funds for re-election.

If Romney is defeated, Utah will lose an influential voice in the Senate. As a former GOP presidential nominee and leading Trump critic, Romney achieved instant Senate prominence, far more than most freshmen senators. He has also maintained the ability to work with Democrats on important legislation, making him effective in getting things done. He is persuasive on foreign affairs, including Russia and China.

Trump will be a wild card for all the candidates in the Senate race. Trump will, no doubt, vocally attack Romney. He might swoop in and endorse one of Romney’s challengers in the GOP primary. All candidates will be pressured to disclose whether they support Trump for president. We’ll see how that plays out.

A recent Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics presidential preference poll stated 31% of Utah Republican voters supported Florida Gov. Ron Desantis and 23% were for former President Donald Trump. However, another survey (0H Predictive) suggested 41% of Utah Republicans supported Trump and 23% were for DeSantis. Why the confusion and how will this impact the U.S. Senate race?

Pignanelli: Different results are attributed to methodologies used. But these surveys — along with others — underscore conventional wisdom that a solid unshakable faction of voters support Trump, and others are equally opposed. These dynamics will play out in the March 2024 precinct caucuses to elect delegates. Candidates in all races, but especially those at the federal level, will be impacted by this tug-of-war. Between now and then, Utahns will witness various stratagems from politicians hoping to benefit, or defend against, the emotional environment of the presidential battle occurring in these neighborhood gatherings.

Webb: Personally, I hope the Deseret News poll is correct. It’s time to move past Trump and allow a new generation of leaders to take over. Trump can’t put together the coalition needed to win the general election. I don’t want another four years of Joe Biden.

What are the predictions regarding Romney running, and are there other possible contenders in the Senate race?

Pignanelli & Webb: We are not sure anyone has a clear read on Utah’s junior senator, including himself. But he enjoys the luxury of waiting. In addition to Wilson, other names floating about are Congressmen Chris Stewart and John Curtis (although Curtis is expressing hesitation), Attorney General Sean Reyes, businessman Thomas Wright, former Congresswoman Mia Love, former Congressman Jason Chaffetz and Robert O’Brien, former national security adviser to Trump.

Over half of Americans no longer think a college degree is worth it. Are they right?

A growing concern among conservative Americans is that their views are being stifled on college campuses

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

Higher education, a route for millions of people to achieve their dreams, has long been a source of pride for America. Utah’s colleges and universities have produced globally renowned advances in medicine, technology, social sciences and other disciplines. Yet recent national and local polling reveals discontent among citizens regarding these once-celebrated institutions.

A recent Wall Street Journal/NORC poll revealed that 56% of Americans believe a university degree “is not worth the cost.” Especially problematic is the 42% of respondents with college degrees who doubt its value. Sixty percent of 18 to 34-year-olds shared this view. Accompanying this trend is the concern that many campuses are governed by left-wing extremists who stifle expression of conservative opinions. What is the impact of these sentiments on policy deliberations and elections? 

Pignanelli: “Higher education should be based on quality not quantity; receive merit-based funding and be free of unnecessary bureaucracy.” — Ahmed Zewail, Ph.D., Nobel laureate 

As with most families, mine treasured education, thereby prompting my wife and me to secure graduate degrees. Despite this nurturing environment, my children — and those of friends and others — harbor a suspicion that college provides limited value. Initially difficult for me to understand, over time my interactions with higher education — as a parent, donor, adjunct professor, lawmaker, lobbyist, political gadfly — created similar doubts. Apparently, millions share the perceptions that universities deviated from their highest mission of prioritizing the student.

Higher education created the challenges they are now facing through unreasonable tuition increases to feed bloated institutions, dismissal of practical instruction, and lack of accountabilities. Diversity of personal characteristics are properly cherished, but not various political opinions. 

Government officials understand the nation cannot be competitive in the 21st century with a dysfunctional higher education structure. The experience and knowledge colleges impart are critical to success in many arenas. These universal concerns create fabulous rhetoric for political speeches that appeal across the demographic spectrum. Therefore, federal and state lawmakers will consider aggressive efforts to audit and eventually restructure. Public colleges have little time to reform before change is forced.

The answer is elementary — pay attention to the needs of the customer.

Webb: Utah’s universities are enormous assets to the state and its citizens. They perform basic research, prepare young people for good paying jobs and provide entertainment via sports, arts and cultural events. Many technology companies want to locate close to universities.

But the old higher education model doesn’t work for many people. It badly needs updating. Most good jobs that can support a family require post-high school training, but not four years of college. It is a positive move by some private companies and governments to eliminate degree requirements for jobs. Actual experience and competency is a better way to assess prospective employees than time spent in a classroom.

Costs and skyrocketing tuition are also big issues. Higher education reform is much needed and ought to be a focus of Utah’s governor and Legislature.

A Hinckley Institute of Politics/Deseret News poll showed 55% of Utahns disapproved of Pres. Joe Biden’s initiative to relieve student loan debt for millions of former college students. Sens. Mike Lee and Mitt Romney recently sponsored a resolution demanding suspension of Biden’s plan. Other members of Utah’s congressional delegation have expressed similar opposition. How will this play in local politics?

Pignanelli: Utahns pride themselves on frugality and honoring obligations. Because the student debt relief program smacks of political grandstanding, opponents will weaponize its unpopularity in elections. Local Democrats must craft messaging that avoids defense of the status quo.

Webb: A number of years ago I met a young lady from a difficult background who had been in and out of college for 10 years. She had a baby along the way, changed majors several times, and never got a degree. But over this period, with the help of college advisors, she mastered the art of obtaining student loans and she racked up $130,000 in college debt.

This young lady meant well, but she was naïve and undisciplined. College education and the availability of easy loans didn’t help her. In many ways it ruined her life. It’s almost like college took advantage of her, taking her money for tuition and fees, and leaving her with no job and a mountain of debt she had no ability to pay off.

The former student bears plenty of responsibility herself. But student loans have been a windfall for colleges and universities and have contributed to ballooning tuition costs. They’ve made it easy to be irresponsible and enjoy fun college life, postponing the inevitable consequences. Forgiving student loans would make the problem worse by incentivizing bad behavior. It would be terrible public policy and Utah leaders are right to oppose it.

Does Utah have the potential to craft comprehensive reform of public higher education that could be a national model? 

Pignanelli: The geography, demographics and cultural aspects of the state create a perfect laboratory for Utah officials and higher education bigwigs to restructure our public universities. There will be resistance, but the stakes are too high to ignore. Utah’s economic vitality depends upon a successful reform endeavor.

Webb: One great model Utah already has is Western Governors University (WGU), which is laser-focused on preparing students for careers. It is competency-based; seat-time is irrelevant. Students attend remotely, with close supervision and frequent faculty contact. They get credit for skills and competency acquired outside of school. WGU is fully accredited and respected nationally. 

2023 Best of State Winner 7th time for Foxley & Pignanelli

2023 End of Session Report

The danger of isolationism in conflicts with Russia and China

In the words of Ronald Reagan, American isolationism never was and never will be acceptable

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

Foreign affairs related to Russia and China have become hot topics in Utah. Russia’s war against Ukraine has divided Republicans nationally and provoked different levels of concern within Utah’s congressional delegation. Meanwhile, a recent Associated Press story about Utah’s ties to China has raised eyebrows. We’re not experts on these matters, but that never slows us down.

The far right and the far left are strangely united in opposing American assistance to Ukraine. When these extremes agree, should we be skeptical or take seriously their opinions?

Pignanelli: “Isolationism never was and never will be an acceptable response to tyrannical governments with an expansionist intent.” — Ronald Reagan

The amazing legacy about isolationism is the stunning consistency of the policy — it is always wrong. Leaders of the movement over the centuries possessed an incredible ability to ignore the weight of history.

Former President Donald Trump, Gov. Ron DeSantis and other Republicans are splitting from others inside the GOP tent who support aid to Ukraine. President Joseph Biden supports arming Ukraine but bungles his messaging, thereby aiding opponents. It is both frustrating and frightening that leading national politicians do not understand history and what is at stake.

America is not the world’s policeman to insert itself into never-ending scrapes. But on occasion, political realities demand engagement. Unfortunately, prior isolationism caused the nation to commit grave mistakes that cost lives and treasure. When our enemies sense weakness in military preparedness and presidents, they always strike in some fashion. This is especially acute when a president believes a personal relationship with a tyrant will prevent ill will.

Global foes are watching the action in Ukraine. The U.S. is more than just aiding a small democracy, we are sending a message of strength. History documents unequivocally if we falter, a bloodier and expensive conflict awaits us.

Isolationists enjoy the benefit of emotion, but realists possess facts. Our future depends on the latter prevailing.

Webb: I can’t understand the opposition to arming and supporting Ukraine as it fights off the Russian invasion and suffers Russia’s war crime atrocities. I believe the isolationists are damaging America’s interests and making a bigger, broader war in Europe more likely. They’re also emboldening China as it threatens Taiwan.

Vladimir Putin clearly wants to reunite the old Soviet Union by any means necessary, including invasion and subjugation. Ukraine is the first domino. If he conquers Ukraine and sees weakness and timidity in the U.S. and our NATO allies, we really could end up in a hot shooting war because we are fully committed to defend NATO countries as though America itself were being attacked.

It makes great sense to help Ukraine stop Russia’s imperialistic schemes cold and prevent a broader war. Providing potent weapons and funding to end the war quickly is an excellent investment that will save money and resources in the long term. It makes no sense to allow the war to drag out. Get Ukraine the weaponry it needs and get it over with. Obviously, we should not put boots on the ground, and I’m not advocating an “open checkbook.”

Helping Ukraine thwart a Russian takeover also sends a clear message to China, making it less likely to invade Taiwan.

Sen. Mitt Romney is strongly committed to supporting Ukraine. The rest of the delegation should be as well.

The Associated Press story outlined many examples of Utah/China connections. Were some Utah leaders naïve to be friendly with the communist nation?

Pignanelli: Utahns are decent and do not hate the people of another country just because our governments have differences. Implications that Utah officials are traitorous is ridiculous.

Webb: Let’s put this in a little perspective. It wasn’t long ago that friendly U.S./China relations were considered highly desirable. China was viewed as an enormous market for U.S. goods and services. Businesses were encouraged to develop relationships.

The conventional wisdom was that the more interaction we had with China, culturally and commercially, the more likely China would liberalize and become more like Western countries.

That didn’t happen, of course. China is now America’s biggest adversary, both militarily and commercially.

I believe Utah leaders’ interaction with China was done with the best of intentions. In retrospect, it does look rather naïve. But we didn’t know how truly malign China’s leadership was until we saw the crackdown on Hong Kong, the threatening of Taiwan and the extent of Uyghur persecution.

Will these foreign affairs matters become big issues and make a difference in the 2024 elections?

Pignanelli: The isolationist faction inside GOP ranks is increasing while conservative cable news commentators are agitating against American involvement in Ukraine. This emotion is percolating among many delegates which could drive election rhetoric.

Yet, I was heartened by legislators sporting the Ukraine flag on their lapels during the session. Most Republicans possess a clearheaded understanding of global politics that could be tapped by officials supporting Ukraine. Delegates may force incumbents into uncomfortable positions unless they craft a compelling message as to why this is important and not just an isolated tribal fight.

Webb: This is extremely important. Personally, I won’t vote for isolationist candidates, including those who don’t want to help Ukraine.

Would a Trump arrest damage his standing with Utah voters?

Are the recent allegations against Trump a partisan witch hunt?

Despite facing ongoing legal and moral troubles, Donald Trump’s vicelike grip on the Republican Party seems to grow ever stronger, not weaker, according to the polls. We look at the quandary this poses for Utah Republicans.

As of our deadline for this column, Trump was facing a possible indictment expected to be issued by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office having to do with $130,000 in hush money Trump’s attorney paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016. What impact will all of this have on Utah voters and Utah elected officials in the 2024 election?

Pignanelli: “The prosecutor in New York has done more to help Donald Trump get elected president than any single person in America today.” — Sen. Lindsey Graham 

A politician is alleged to have paid hush money to an adult film star with whom he had an affair while his wife was pregnant. Normally, this would be a fatal obstacle to gaining traction among Utah voters. But these are not normal times.

Polls indicate that Utahns have a strained relationship with the former president. They support his policies and willingness to confront cultural issues. But doing so requires swallowing the bitter taste of his personal actions.

Even national critics of Trump agree the hush money allegations barely rise to any criminal conduct, justifying Trump’s claims of a partisan “witch hunt.” Indictments in the other jurisdictions pose greater potential problems for him. Thus, the pursuit of the former president for minor aberrations, by a liberal East Coast prosecutor, will likely compel defensive statements from the Utah GOP. Of course, a former president arrested, fingerprinted and subjected to a criminal proceeding is not helpful.

This dilemma will impact Republican officials who must articulate a message of sympathy for Trump without excusing his conduct. Yet, they must anticipate his predicted drag on the 2024 elections will not dissipate, as independent voters reject him.

The best strategy for Republicans is to ignore Trump’s candidacy while maintaining a disciplined, noninflammatory message that liberal prosecutors are wasting taxpayer dollars on grandstanding. Americans and Utahns desperately want the political discussion to move past the 2020 elections and return to “normal.”

Webb: When writing about Trump, I always note that I voted for him and I liked many of his policies and accomplishments. I also think he was treated very unfairly by most of the news media, Democrats and much of the big government establishment.

But Trump’s toxic personality, erratic behavior and deep character flaws have gotten worse, and disqualify him from winning the presidency again. He performed poorly in the last two elections and it’s entirely his own fault.

But many Republicans still love Trump for a variety of reasons. A big one is that liberal elites, including left-wing prosecutors, keep making a martyr out of him, which he, of course, loves. They launch half-baked, partisan investigations that produce more sympathy among Trump’s supporters. If you’re going to prosecute him, you’d better nail him, or he emerges stronger.

There’s little doubt that Trump had an affair with porn star Stormy Daniels. The payments to keep her quiet are not in dispute. But many legal experts say it will be difficult to convict Trump. Adultery is not a crime. In addition, the prosecutor is a left wing partisan who is going after Trump instead of focusing on street crime in New York City. Even a lot of Republicans who can’t stand Trump are saying the prosecution is politically motivated.

Most Utah GOP leaders aren’t saying much. Privately, most of them don’t like Trump and they believe he’s tearing apart the Republican Party. But they don’t want to alienate his many grassroots followers.Even Trump’s most ardent supporters admit he has many flaws and quirks. Why do they continue to back him?

Pignanelli: Trump possesses some characteristics that charm many, including disrupting the status quo. His unabashed attacks on “The Establishment,” protecting domestic manufacturing against globalization, criticism of woke ideology and other such themes are popular. Especially appealing is how Trump’s unorthodox behavior attracts nontraditional newcomers (i.e. labor union members, persons of color, etc.) to the GOP tent.

Webb: Trump has become a messiah for many heartland Americans frustrated and angry toward establishment politicians, the liberal elite, big business, high tech firms, Hollywood and “woke” culture. Trump is boorish, dishonest, disloyal and otherwise outrageous, but he fulfills fantasies among people who feel ignored and alienated.

I really don’t blame heartland Americans. Many of these folks are my neighbors. They really believe Trump understands them and will fight for them.

I blame myself and my mainstream friends who have failed to help the Trump wing of the conservative cause understand they can have what they want — but they can’t get there with Trump. If Republicans were united, they could win elections, reduce regulations and cut the size, cost and intrusion of the massive federal bureaucracy; they could fight for families and traditional values and reduce the influence of liberal elites.

But Trump cannot deliver these things. He’s too flawed. He will just keep losing. Other candidates are just as committed and willing to fight as he is, but they’re not burdened with his baggage.

Will anti-Trump Republicans unite behind one candidate in 2024, or will multiple candidates split the vote, helping Trump win the GOP nomination?

Pignanelli: A year before the convention, the smartest prediction is Trump prevails through a messy primary process. This remains the outcome unless a contender who can unify the non-Trump factions becomes evident by the late fall.

Webb: I’m hopeful candidates with no chance to win will drop out early and get behind one solid, conservative, non-Trump candidate who might be able to unite Republicans, even the Trump base, in the general election. But that’s probably wishful thinking.                                                                                                                     

Bills usually get 2-4 minutes of floor time before passage — is this a flaw or efficiency?

Utah introduced and passed a record number of bills this year while also managing to spend less time in session

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

Sports enthusiasts love compiling and analyzing various metrics to highlight successes and challenges of players and teams. Political hacks possess a similar affection to “geek out” over statistics. BYU professor Adam Brown developed a website that is a politico’s dream. He provides historical context to his valuable statistical insights. Especially pertinent is the annual review of the Utah Legislature, which includes rankings and trends. Your nerdy columnists provide our perspective on this treasure trove.

Brown provides fascinating data. 2023 was a record year for bills introduced (929) and bills passed (535). Conversely, this session featured the lowest amount of time lawmakers spent on the floor of each chamber debating bills (65 hours). The median enacted bill received two to four minutes of floor discussion before passage. The net result was more bills and less time debating. Do these numbers imply a need for reform or explain a very efficient mechanism of lawmaking?

Pignanelli: “It is the mark of a truly intelligent person to be moved by statistics.” — George Bernard Shaw 

For almost four decades, I arrived at the Capitol every day of the legislative session dressed in suit and tie to demonstrate my respect for the institution. These numbers validate my admiration.

Some observers complain that lawmakers spend too little time deliberating as a full body in their respective chambers. Such criticism reveals ignorance of the legislative process. While floor debates are important, they are not the center of lawmaking. Instead, public policy is slowly advanced when legislators meet with constituents, various organizations, lobbyists, staff and colleagues.

The Legislature has a robust website allowing the public to follow and participate in proceedings. This is another avenue for lawmakers to interact with citizens and understand their concerns. Moreover, the activities surrounding committee hearings is when the real statecraft is developed. Listening to speeches is the least valuable role of our local solons.

After reviewing Dr. Brown’s analysis, I am ordering another suit in recognition of a strong season.

Webb: Critics and cynics can complain about the limited amount of floor time spent debating each bill. But the reality shows less cause for concern. Important bills and those creating controversy are reviewed and debated thoroughly.

The lawmaking process ensures that most bills are scrutinized in committees before floor debate. Many key bills are also discussed and vetted during monthly interim meetings between sessions. Most consequential bills also receive attention from lawmakers, bill drafters, the news media, lobbyists, interest groups and citizens impacted even before being introduced. Also, many bills are noncontroversial “housekeeping” measures that don’t require lengthy debate.

Thus, despite moving through the floor process quickly, most bills do receive adequate debate and scrutiny before passage.

But efficiency also has something to do with it. Over many years, the Utah Legislature has created an effective, efficient process that allows both legislation and the state budget to be thoroughly vetted before final passage. This allows legislative sessions to be short and our legislators to be part-time, citizen lawmakers who hold jobs and are impacted by the laws they pass. 

Only 14% of House votes and 9% of Senate votes were made along party lines. The average percentage of legislators on the “winning side” was 95%. At least 80% of the votes were near unanimous. 67% of bills passed were sponsored by Republicans and 34% by Democrats. What does this imply about partisanship?

Pignanelli: The minority party provides a critical, substantive voice as the loyal opposition, while engendering respect. This explains why they pass legislation at a higher rate than their membership of 20%. Alignment with Republicans on most bills suggest they view lawmaking as a purposeful activity devoid of unnecessary rancor. Further, I witnessed on several occasions committee chairmen who temporarily handed the reigns over to Democrats with no hesitation. This is a noteworthy expression.

Webb: These statistics again show that most legislation passed by the Legislature is nonpartisan and noncontroversial. The numbers also show the minority party punches well above its weight. Democrats make up only 19% of the House and 21% of the Senate, so to have passed 34% of bills shows Democrats are relevant and effective. Of course, when members of the two parties differ, when the majority party wants to get something done, the Democrats get steamrolled. If they want to win those big battles, they need to get more Democrats elected.

Utah spent more while reducing state debt — How?

Utah made history with a record $28 billion budget

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

Last week, the Utah 2023 general session of the Utah State Legislature adjourned sine die, more than two hours before the midnight deadline. This rare conclusion exemplifies a unique result of 45 days. We offer our insight.

Many veteran observers claim the recent session was historic and unprecedented for the breadth of issues deliberated and for legislation enacted. Is this just hyperbole or did lawmakers accomplish much — or too much — depending on perspective?

Pignanelli: “The 2023 session was the most consequential in Utah history. The list of accomplishments is long, impressive, and will impact the state for many years.” — Chris Bleak, former chief of staff to two House Speakers.

A reference to that citadel of American culture — “The Godfather” — best describes this legislative session wherein lawmakers “settled all family business.” State officials possessed a personal interest in resolving multiple issues plaguing them for years. This emotional component drove so much legislation that citizens, regardless of partisan affiliation, will find something to like and disdain.

The spectrum of public policies reviewed in 45 days was astounding, including major increases to public education while funding scholarships, providing voters an opportunity to remove the constitutional earmark for income tax, massive funding for water conservation, tax cuts, refining abortion restrictions, prohibiting transgender surgeries, infusion of new money for affordable housing and homelessness initiatives, streamlining construction for new homes, establishing a Great Salt Lake Commission, developing domestic violence database and approving a new state flag. The anger towards social media impact on youth fostered two bills, with encouragement from Governor Spencer Cox .

In the past, lawmakers expressed frustration with left-wing behaviors percolating in the federal government or other arenas with resolutions. But not this legislature. There was a flurry of bills to thwart the use of aggressive environmental, social and governance standards instead of usual business practices in finance, insurance and other activities.

The session catalog seems endless. Legislative leadership was blessed with a budget surplus, and the experience to focus throughout the entire session — not just the final week — to achieve so much. Therefore, lawmakers were able to settle their “family business.”

Webb: Lawmakers passed a lot of important legislation, but the real history was made with the state’s record $28 billion budget. It was remarkable and historic because the lawmakers had so much money to spend. To badly bungle a quote by Winston Churchill: “Never has so much been given to so many by so few.”

It is almost unbelievable that lawmakers were able to enact historic tax cuts, spend historic amounts on water conservation and development, historic amounts on education, and exceptional amounts on transportation and infrastructure. Usually, such a spending blowout would mean racking up deep debt, leaving future generations to pay for it. But, no, lawmakers actually reduced state debt significantly and left fat rainy day funds, leaving the state better-positioned than ever for the future.

It is a tribute to Utah’s amazing economy generating copious state tax revenue, and abundant federal money (generating copious federal debt).

As I’ve written previously, I would have preferred lawmakers grant less generous tax cuts, instead saving more money for leaner times sure to come in future years. Utah taxes are already comparatively low.

But I must admit that lawmakers and the governor did a nice job overall of allocating Utah’s bonanza, cornucopia, windfall, goldmine, bounty, jackpot, of tax revenue.

Some observers predicted that the new batch of conservative freshmen would tilt the Legislature even more to the political right. Did this happen?

Pignanelli: I was amused when several Republican lawmakers commented the “new batch” was very conservative. They forgot a similar moniker was pinned to them years ago. The 2020 elections fostered these newcomers, as Utah was one of the few states that experienced a red wave in local contests. Despite the right tilt, most of the major legislative items originated from experienced lawmakers.

Webb: Utah’s Legislature is very conservative, but it’s mostly a responsible conservatism that doesn’t often veer off into right-wing craziness — although it sometimes comes close. Thus, while plenty of ultra-conservative bills were introduced, not many made it through the entire legislative gauntlet.

And, as I’ve said many times, with 104 independent-minded lawmakers all trying to enact their priorities, you can’t judge a legislature by bills introduced, speeches made or even what survives a committee hearing. You only judge a legislature by what finally passes both houses and is signed by the governor. By that measure, Utah’s legislature was quite responsible.