slcspin

Test

2006-11-22T01:02:00.000-07:00

Test

The Constitution

2006-11-18T11:26:00.000-07:00

So what do we do about constitutional questions regarding the 4th seat? If you believe the Governor, it's up to D.C. to worry about The Constitution. Of course when the NCLB was passed down, Utah's dashing politicos were tripping over themselves to defend the integrity of The Constitution against the attack of the killer unconstitutional concept. What was that prophesy about Mormon politicians, The Constitution, and a thread? Oh yeah, I remember: "In the latter days, Utah's politicians will be raging hypocrites".

Crazy Pills

2006-11-18T11:15:00.000-07:00

Utah's leadership is taking crazy pills over this 4th seat. They need to listen to Senator Bennett. A perfect example of the craziness is LaVarr Webb's treatment of the topic in Friday's Utah Policy. After pointing out all the reasons this is a crap idea (he makes great points, by the way), he closes out his essay with an endorsement of the current actions. None of this makes any sense.

Reporting Soccer

2006-11-17T16:44:00.000-07:00

The Salt Lake Tribune reports that "Jason Kreis is gone" but I think the Internet is way out front on this one. Update: The Universe is back to normal

4th Seat Drama

2006-11-15T16:19:00.000-07:00

So Governor Huntsman wants to call a special session for around the first of December. If all goes well, Utah will go through the time and money to rush through a redistricting so it can be ignored. On the positive side, the rush to redistrict has opened up the Achilles Heel of our Bossy Little Big Man Speaker Curtis. Speaker Curtis will insist that any new map put his home in the new 4th district. Nothing is more frightening to ambitious Republicans than to be put in Matheson's district. Leverage.

Real Salt Lake: Confident?

2006-11-13T20:52:00.000-07:00

We talked about this on The Nightside Project tonight. Real Salt Lake is apparently working on a plan to make an end run around SLCo by appealing once again to the Utah Legislature. In the meantime, they have purchased materials and are scheduled to begin excavation next month.

Utah And Negative Campaigns

2006-11-12T09:12:00.000-07:00

I disagree with Paul Rolly this week. Many make the claim "negative campaigning does not generally work in Utah", but I don't believe that is true. Not all negative campaigns are enough to win an election, but that's a fact of life across the democratic world, and not evidence of some sort of special attitude in Utah. After all Jim Winder is the new SLCo Sherriff thanks to a negative campaign. Voters responded to his attacks against Sherrif Kennard. They were simple, compelling, and absolutely devastating. Well timed negative campaigns work, even in Utah.

Dead

2006-11-10T16:14:00.000-07:00

I'm busy writing Nightside Spin for tonight's show. I'm calling the fourth seat dead.

The 4th Seat

2006-11-10T11:55:00.000-07:00

Pres. Bush today in the AP: "It's the first I've heard of it,'' and ''Well, it may or may not come up. . . . But I'll take a look at it,'' Hmmm. So this is the urgent cause for which Governor Huntsman is preparing a special session? Well, we know the Tribune endorses this. But Governor Huntsman has other, better advisors. He should listen to them. Or he could read SLCSpin.

Just Walk Away

2006-11-08T23:36:00.000-07:00

House Speaker Greg Curtis almost lost his job yesterday. 46 votes is embarrassing. Word on the street is that Real Salt Lake is planning legislation to make an end run around the pesky rules set out by Mayor Corroon. This effort would no doubt include Speaker Curtis BUT Surely Speaker Curtis knows his humiliation is directly tied to the Sandy Stadium. He will not survive a showdown with SLCo's most popular politician, Mayor Peter Corroon.

Do Something

2006-11-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

To the literally dozens of Republicans who have said to me "I can't believe Hatch is my candidate" please realize, Senator Orrin Hatch is not the Republican's candidate. He is no one's candidate but his own and the few people who pay him millions of dollars for favors. Pete Ashdown is your candidate. Finally, a Senate candidate who represents more than just his own career.

Write- In

2006-11-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

So I just found out that two more people wrote me in as Salt Lake County Surveyor. I'm not actually a write- in candidate. I am a fake write- in candidate. On the Nightside Project I did a fake debate with Reid Demmon, the sole contender for SLCo Surveyor.

Mixing R&D

2006-11-05T21:56:00.000-07:00

Many have defended Mr. Mac's double duty as President of The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and paid "campaign advisor" of Senator Orrin Hatch. It's absolutely reasonable (and smart) for the LDS Church to set policies against that kind of relationship. And I believe they will soon. Let's face it, The Boston Globe did The Church a favor last month. It brought out extremely serious behavior into the open where it could be dealt with early. Think about what would have happened had that article come out late next year. Disaster.

Dyslexia

2006-11-05T17:36:00.000-07:00

Congressman Chris Cannon: "I think [President Bush] is probably dyslexic" Congressman Cannon always delivers.

Religion And Politics 2

2006-10-31T09:24:00.000-07:00

The LDS Church has always maintained its political neutrality. The problem doesn't really lie with The Church. I believe The Church is victimized by opportunistic politicians and also employees who do not understand the consequences of their actions. For example: Craig Foster who organized the Davis Co. GOP golf tourney by using his email address fostercl@ldschurch.org or Those at BYU who used their positions to rally for Governor Romney. I think it's absolutely appropriate for The Church to say to Mr. Mac, "look, you can be Pres. of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, or you can be on Senator Orrin Hatch's campaign payroll, but you can't do both". It's clear that The Chuch cannot rely on the scruples of politicians or the judgement of its employees. They need hard policy to put distance between themselves and politicians.

Religion And Politics

2006-10-31T00:42:00.000-07:00

The LDS Church has always claimed political neutrality. But that doesn't stop ambitious politicians from standing as close as possible to The Church. Hopefully The Church will make some meaningful changes to discourage this practice. That is the only way The Church will survive its members reaching the top of the political game. For example, it's absolutely inappropriate for the President of The Mormon Tabernacle Choir to be on Senator Orrin Hatch's buddy payroll. If The Church is to survive the onslaught of Gov's Romney and Huntsman, they need to shed the small time bullshit games of disrespectful small ponders like Senator Hatch and Kem Gardner and get serious. Because what happened with the Boston Globe is only the tip of the public scrutiny iceberg that will dig through every email, schedule, and phone list available. The Church needs to get smart and push politicians to arms length.

The Utah Ledger

2006-10-30T18:07:00.000-07:00

A new newspaper?

"Zing", Continued

2006-10-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I'm misunderstood. I always blame myself, as I always know what I'm thinking but don't always know how to translate it. For the record, I posted Senator McCoy's comments because I thought they were 1) funny 2) a great response to the disturbing idea that everyone needs to be of the same party My education background is in East European Contemporary History, so ideas like that are big red flags for me.

Zing!

2006-10-26T23:32:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of Senator Scott McCoy in response to the allegation that he can't get anything done on The Hill if he isn't a GOPer. "You have given me an idea. I will start co-sponsoring all the bills I don't like so that the House will kill them."

Complicity? Cowardice?

2006-10-26T23:16:00.000-07:00

SLCo D.A. David Yocom and Utah A.G. Mark Shurtleff together decided NOT to investigate the illegal donation scheme of Dell Loy Hansen of Wasatch Property Management. Know why? Because Yocom is already up to his neck in an election eve sabotage investigation and another might backfire and Shurtleff is currently running ads for Lohra Miller.

Negative V. Personal

2006-10-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

Congressman Chris Cannon blew up at Christian Burridge during a Daily Herald debate. He accused Burridge of making personal attacks. Attacking the Congressman's decisions is certainly a negative attack. But it is in no way personal. Congressman Cannon labels them "personal" because they question his "integrity". Clever. So don't criticize the Congressman, lest you offend his integrity. Apparently, that's against the rules.

Street Cred

2006-10-19T22:48:00.000-07:00

Rebecca Walsh is in China with Governor Huntsman. As the Tribune explained, she earned her spot on the delegation. It was awesome to see the Tribune brag that Mayor Rocky Anderson "became so enraged with Walsh's reporting on him that he kept a dossier and tried to get her removed from the beat".

?????!!!!!

2006-10-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

Romney camp consulted with Mormon leaders, Eyes nationwide network to aid White House bid- Boston Globe

Slavish Redux

2006-10-18T23:16:00.000-07:00

Remember when Mayor Rocky Anderson used the word "slavish"? He was pushed for an apology. He never gave one. It was in the papers, but I guess House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Maryland missed the article.

Funny

2006-10-18T20:22:00.000-07:00

Tee Hee Tee Hee Hee

Convergence

2006-10-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

Interesting the Tribune published this the day after they published this.

The Other Shoe Drops

2006-10-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

When the Utah Legislature began poking its nose into SLCo's transit plans, some suspected it was just another way for the mighty State to make life hell for those it dislikes. Utah politics are the state's largest junior high school. Shane Johnson writes it up in the City Weekly.

Representation

2006-10-16T16:21:00.000-07:00

The Salt Lake Tribune endorsed Dr. Joe Jarvis over Senator Scott McCoy in the 2nd District. I disagreed with one of their reasons. While they noted gays were "underrepresented" at the statehouse, they said that Utah already had a "gay" legislator but no "doctor" legislator. I don't think that a representative has to share your lifestyle/ profession to politically represent you. While it's great to have a diversity of backgrounds, etc. on the hill, this is a flawed approach to democracy.

What's Good For The Goose...

2006-10-10T21:04:00.000-07:00

Senator Orrin Hatch helped spring Hip Hop producer Dallas Austin when he was caught in Dubai with 1.26 grams of cocaine and capsules of Ecstasy. Was it the right thing to do? Senator Hatch believes it was. An American in Dubai was just sentenced to four years in prison for posession of .14 grams of Marijuana. Should Senator Hatch step in? Absolutely, if only because he did it for Dallas Austin. And we said as much tonight on the Nightside Project. Listen to the segment.

Congressman Chris Cannon

2006-10-07T22:22:00.000-07:00

The Nightside Project KSL The World, According To Me Salt Lake Tribune, and here The Utah Amicus Utah Democrats, and here, and here One Utah Deseret News Daily Herald KUTV New West Huffington Post Article Of Faith Shakespeare's Sister Ambivalent Mumblings Gateway Pundit Born At The Crest Of The Empire Degenerate Elite Daily Kos Gahzette The Heretik National Journal The Long Goodbye Know Ideas

Congressman Chris Cannon

2006-10-06T00:08:00.001-07:00

I was stunned to hear Congressman Chris Cannon's take on the current D.C. scandal. Listen to it at the Nightside Project. Also in the segment are reactions from Senator Zell Miller, and Congressman Rob Bishop. I think the audio speaks for itself.

Congressman Chris Cannon

2006-10-06T00:08:00.000-07:00

Backtalk

2006-10-02T19:00:00.000-07:00

I've been having way too much fun with the Nightside Project BackTalk Feature. Join in.

RETREAT!

2006-09-29T21:31:00.000-07:00

I often sympathise with the "it's not ideal, but it's what CAN be done" argument. It makes sense. When you're talking about some things. Things like settling for a 5% flat tax when you really want 3%. Or whatever. But safe districts are a subversion of our Republican form of government. Instead of leading a battle for Utah, Governor Huntsman is leading a cowardly retreat before the battle has even begun. His four safe district map perpetuates a system by which incumbents create such unassailable positions of power that they are not held accountable until they committ such gross misconduct that even the most strident partisan finally says "enough".

Competition

2006-09-29T11:27:00.000-07:00

Governor Huntsman's problem isn't that he'll hold up the 4th seat. What the Governor has done in creating four safe districts is ended any competition outside of the convention. We can create at least two competitive districts. The problem is, competition is bad when all you want to do is hold on to power. This is simply a way for Utah's elite to put distance between themselves and the voters. I thought the Governor was bigger than this.

Failure

2006-09-28T17:30:00.000-07:00

Governor Huntsman had a chance to show us what he is made of. Instead, he chose to reinforce a very dangerous status quo. He's just like all the others. Sure, he likes The Who, rides motorcycles, etc. etc. I don't dispute he's the coolest governor we've ever had. But he had an opportunity to leverage his popularity and power into some real advancements for Utah politics. Instead, he's dooming Utah to under- representation for decades to come. Looks like he finally swallowed that silver spoon. I hope he chokes on it.

Amended Affadavit

2006-09-26T19:17:00.000-07:00

The affadavit of North Salt Lake City Manager Collin Wood will be amended so paragraph five reads: -------------- 5. I have personally met with the Salt Lake County Council and discussed with them the issue of disconnection from salt Lake City and subsequent annexation into North Salt Lake City. -------------- Compare to original paragraph in the post below.

Affadavit In Question

2006-09-26T18:29:00.000-07:00

The NSL affadavit that got everyone so upset read: (I only include the paragraph in question: #5) -------------- I, Collin H. Wood, being first duly sworn, testify that the following statements are true and correct: 5. I have personally met with the Salt Lake County Council and discussed with them the issue of disconnection from Salt Lake City and subsequent annexation into North Salt Lake City and found them to be understanding and sympathetic to North Salt Lake's position. Given this knowledge, I believe a resolution will be adopted by the Salt Lake County Council, thereby allowing North Salt Lake City to annex the property. --------------

Positive Developments At Salt Lake County

2006-09-25T22:28:00.000-07:00

Members of the Salt Lake County Council have started catching flak over standing up to North Salt Lake. They're being asked why they're taking Salt Lake City's side over North Salt Lake. We all know what's being implied here. Mormon/Non- Mormon, Conservative/Liberal. NSL is trying to play every card but the good public policy card. Because they don't have it. I'm just extremely glad that FINALLY the County Council is standing up for Salt Lake City.

Development, Land, Lawsuit, Perjury

2006-09-25T19:18:00.000-07:00

Remember the SLC/NSL land battle? Well that is still going on. In fact, it's about to explode. The NSL City Manager filed an affadavit that claimed NSL had met with SLCo and that SLCo was sympathetic to the NSL cause. That affadavit has people very upset. Publicly the talk is misunderstanding. Privately it's perjury. Tomorrow, Salt Lake County Council Chairman Cort Ashton will introduce a resolution that basically says that even if NSL wins their court battle with SLC, SLCo will prevent any development.

Congressman Guess Who

2006-09-23T21:51:00.000-07:00

Before they seriously consider Governor Huntsman's plan to create four non- competitive districts for Utah, The Utah Legislature should consider the following: Governor Huntsman drew Congressman Matheson a much more liberal district. Some speculate whether the Congressman could be elected in such a district. Maybe he could, maybe he couldn't. You know what well- known liberal and Matheson foil could win in Governor Huntsman's new district? Here's a clue: He ran once before. Utah's Republican leadership needs to remember: The only thing worse than not getting what you want is getting what you want. I'm just sayin... that kind of irony is only funny to bloggers.

Governor Huntsman Needs To Step Up

2006-09-23T21:41:00.000-07:00

It's time for Governor Huntsman to decide what he truly believes. District 1 & 3 are a total farce. They are a textbook example of the dangers of safe districts. Congressmen Cannon and Bishop practically mock their constituents through their utter apathy or their embarrassing ethical ignorance. All they have to do is make it through their convention and then double dog dare their constituents to vote for their opponent, Hillary Clinton. Why does Governor Huntsman want to do this with every single Utah district? What a disaster.

Competition

2006-09-23T21:31:00.000-07:00

Naturally, not every district can be competitive. But if we're talking four districts, I think we can make two competitive. The Governor's current four safe district map has SLCo cut through its beltline. I think a better division would be to draw a vertical line through the county. Dividing the County East/West then adding rural counties can make two competitive districts instead of two safe districts.

Fairness? No Way

2006-09-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

Governor Huntsman drew up a 4 district map that he says is fair. He needs to be more specific. Fair to whom? This map is fair to everyone but the voters. All the Governor did is include Congressman Matheson in the standard incumbent protection program. If Governor Huntsman truly wants Utahns to be treated fairly, then he will give us as many competitive districts as possible. We deserve at least that much. His plan of four safe districts is not fair. It is gross, irresponsible governing that shields the powerful from having to honestly face the voting population.

In Case You Missed It

2006-09-21T22:05:00.000-07:00

You can still hear the politics of Nightside Spin It's up at nightside.ksl.com. Just press play.

Nightside Spin= Politics

2006-09-21T17:33:00.000-07:00

Tonight 7:40pm 102.7fm or 1160am nightside.ksl.com Listen every Thursday. Same time, same station. Politics are so not lame.

Pete Ashdown

2006-09-21T09:41:00.000-07:00

Go to this link, find Pete's photo, and vote for him. It takes only a few seconds. If we can get enough votes for Pete, he'll be featured in some nationwide fundraising efforts. Pass the link to everyone you know. Pete has more on it.

4 Districts

2006-09-20T17:11:00.000-07:00

The Governor unveiled a map of Utah drawn to include four congressional districts. Compare it to the 4 district map the legislature drew in 2001. A few things: 1. The Legislature drew 4 GOP districts. The Governor drew 3 GOP and one Dem. 2. The Governor drew LaVar Christensen out of District 2 BUT 3. Christensen is in the new District 4 which appears to be pretty Republican and which includes Washington County where Christensen has been campaigning for a while already.

Thanks, I Feel Much Better

2006-09-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

Great threats, everyone. Very creepy stuff.

Arr! A Missed Opportunity

2006-09-20T10:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was International Talk Like A Pirate Day. Looks like I missed a real opportunity during yesterday's session. Tragic.

Bucket Of Hot Wings

2006-09-19T22:33:00.000-07:00

You can check out our coverage of today's special session on nightside.ksl.com. I went live from inside the Senate Lounge surrounded by tasty food. We also interviewed Senate President John Valentine. He was a champ to stay late and talk to us. Knowing he'd be hungry, I offered hot wings to help grease the deal. He did the interview anyway.

What Does It Take?

2006-09-19T21:38:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling left out. I want to be threatened. Someone threaten me! I promise to act scared. I'll give you bonus points for having an establishment domain like utahpolicy.com or utah.gov That's extra scary.

Fly On The Wall

2006-09-19T13:39:00.000-07:00

Want a view into today's special session? Log onto the Senate Site's webcam.

mark@utahpolicy.com

2006-09-19T09:33:00.000-07:00

A favorite local blogger received a very disturbing email. He's not the first to be threatened like this. The title of the email was "I see everything" and the text read: "Watch for the subpoena coming soon". It was sent from mark@utahpolicy.com Mark Towner has threatened at least one other blogger with legal action in an attempt to silence them. The first threat was to a blogger commenting on the sham lawsuit Towner filed to keep a U.S. Senate candidate from speaking at the convention. This most recent threat was over participation in a bi- partisan group blog called UTOPOLY. One of the several participants was Mark Towner's political enemy, so he apparently saw fit to scare away the other participants through threat of legal action.

Rob Miller

2006-09-18T22:22:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow at noon, I'll be at the steps of the Davis County Memorial Courthouse for Rob Miller's press conference. To all the bloggers and readers in Davis County: Consider spending your lunch hour getting to know a great man. Rob is our candidate. He's been operating The Utah Amicus for a while now. His site is a fresh, sincere, and thought provoking look into the intersection of family, faith, and public service. Rob Miller for Davis County Commission Seat A Tomorrow (Tues) 12 Noon 28 East State Street Farmington

Always Tell The Truth

2006-09-18T21:23:00.000-07:00

Governor Huntsman told the U.S. House that Utah would be fair in drawing in a fourth Congressional seat. Two things about that: 1. It has been made abundantly clear that Governor Huntsman does not speak for the Legislature 2. It's wrong to lie when you testify before Congress

Mystery

2006-09-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

I have a subscription to Country Home magazine. I have no idea where it came from.

A Great Lesson

2006-09-15T19:41:00.000-07:00

The unfortunate resurgence of the Towner/Ridgway silliness holds an important lesson for all of us. When you publish to the Internet, you'd better be sure of what you are doing. Because it can't be undone. RSS feed readers trap and hold posts independent of their original site. Services like GOOGLE take pictures of every web page. And finally, email comment notification puts blog comments into an email inbox where they sit even after their author tries to delete them. Here's a great example. Perhaps Mark Towner recognizes this post.

I Always Knew Utah Had Some Weird Place Names

2006-09-15T15:26:00.000-07:00

But this song and video posted at Deseret Spectacle was a real eye opener.

I Prayed These Two Would Never Darken My Door Again

2006-09-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

Received this email today from Mark Towner: "I post a simply reply to your 97.5 revelation and from nowhere I am flamed by Mike Ridgway or his supporters. I respectfully request you remove this messages posted by likely Mike Ridgway. I did not post this, please remove this and any other references to me." I don't moderate comments. You can't hide behind a restraining order, and use the Internet to bait and slander your personal political enemy then try to hurry and delete everything. (by 'everything' I mean comments on SLCSpin and multiple posts on Spyglass. Did you just think we wouldn't notice?)

Where Were You When You Heard?

2006-09-11T10:51:00.000-07:00

SLCSpin readers Bob Aagard and here Rob Miller Jeff Bell pramahaphil

Utah Debate Forums

2006-09-11T09:49:00.000-07:00

utahdebate.org

Where Were You When You Heard?

2006-09-11T09:03:00.000-07:00

I was in a motel in Reno. Like many people, I received a phone call directing me to the television because "something has happened". I don't remember any emotions outside of anger. Sadness came later, but anger was the first and most abiding emotion.

Rumors

2006-09-06T17:15:00.000-07:00

Remember when Tom Barberi was talking on 97.5fm? The "younger" talk radio? He's not there anymore. No one is there. You can listen right now to some early Christmas music. Or you can bide your time until the station begins its new Christian music program. Yeah, Christian music.

After Thirty Years, Senator Hatch Still Doesn't Get It

2006-08-31T14:09:00.000-07:00

He still thinks it's all about him. Senator Orrin Hatch told the Tribune he was still raising money to combat any future negative attacks. Senator Orrin Hatch is a man who has spent his entire career building up the Washington D.C. political money machine but never learned what it really means to be a U.S. Senator.

Thank You, Pete Ashdown

2006-08-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

Thank you for never uttering the words "this is how the game is played" but instead showing us what a campaign SHOULD be. How a candidate SHOULD raise money, how a candidate SHOULD communicate with constituents and for showing the openness and accessability that should be standard at all levels of government. Utah has a lot to be proud of in your campaign. In Washington D.C., you will finally give us represenatation that is not afraid to uphold values that run counter to the status quo.

Might And Right

2006-08-29T11:05:00.000-07:00

Those in the pay of Senator Orrin Hatch point to the Senator's riches as validation of the Senator's continued career. Senator Hatch is obviously a good Senator because he has all the money and power. Might makes right. Sound reasonable? Is that truly compatible with "Utah's values"? What about Utah's history? Did might make right every time Joseph Smith was arrested and imprisoned on ridiculous charges? Did might make right when he was assasinated? Did might make right when Mormons were mobbed and driven through multiple states? Senator Orrin Hatch may survive November, but his generation of politics is on its last leg.

More On The Money

2006-08-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

Pete Ashdown has enough personal wealth to close the cash gap with Senator Orrin Hatch. But he doesn't. Because he's NOT Senator Orrin Hatch. Nor is he anything like those who insulate the Senator from the public, who smugly point to his riches as some sort of validation. Riches, I should add, accumulated on the backs of Utahns. So why doesn't Pete Ashdown cut himself a check? Because he understands the dangerous game of men like Senator Orrin Hatch. And he will play no part in it. The mere presence of Pete in this race is a triumph for Utahns. There is a new generation moving into the scene. Old men like Senator Hatch use millions to stay in as long as they can, but they will be forced to the side to make way for openness, communication, and the triumph of innovation.

Raising Money

2006-08-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

Candidates raise money so they can communicate with constituents. It is supposed to enhance our democracy. Honorable candidates like Pete Ashdown understand that the need to communicate should drive the need for money. Senator Orrin Hatch sees it differently. I don't know what is more disturbing, that Senator Hatch doesn't campaign and instead uses money raised to enrich personal friends and hoard for himself or that he is so brazen about it, knowing that in the end he can just say "what are you going to do? Vote for a Democrat?" Utah, show Senator Hatch that you are not his to push around. That you are not his blank check. Show him you have your self- respect and Vote for a man with real honor.

I'm In The Wrong Line Of Work

2006-08-28T18:07:00.000-07:00

Senator Orrin Hatch is paying Senator Bob Bennetts son $2,500 per month to manage the lamest campaign site in the world. They don't even update the journal anymore. Everything is the same as it was months ago. Money makes the incumbent Under the radar: One Christensen company's sole purpose is to keep the senator in office

The Definition

2006-08-28T01:57:00.000-07:00

The Third Avenue has an amazing quote from Albert Einstein: "The definition of stupidity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." I read that and immediately remembered Utah is poised to give Senator Orrin Hatch a sixth chance.

Love

2006-08-25T14:38:00.000-07:00

Lavarr Webb mentioned SLC Councilman Dave Buhler has hired Love Communications to put a face on his Mayoral campaign. I have two thoughts on this. 1. After what has happened with RSL, I'm amazed anyone is still calling Tom Love. Could Buhler's campaign be any more dead than it already is? 2. Josh Ewing is apparently already supporting Jenny Wilson. So I guess it won't be him on the job.

Man Of Honor

2006-08-25T13:53:00.000-07:00

Senator Orrin Hatch won't bother campaigning, but he will raise cold cash during President Bush's visit. If he has any honor at all, Senator Hatch will walk out of his fundraiser and cut a check to LaVar Christensen for the full amount raised. We all know the Senator is at the end of his career. What happens to his money? This race couldn't provide more striking contrasts. Read why Pete Ashdown is a candidate with real honor

Of Politicians And Planets

2006-08-24T14:35:00.000-07:00

New rules have booted Pluto off the planet list. A planet now "has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a ... nearly round shape, and has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit." In related news,

Deconstructing Doug Robinson

2006-08-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

From Doug Robinson's article: "For months, Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon vowed he wouldn't spend public money on Dave Checketts' soccer stadium" FALSE. Mayor Corroon always said he would approve the right deal. He never discounted the use of public money. "Corroon turns down the stadium project because he says he is protecting the public interest and doesn't want to use public money for it." FALSE. See above. "Corroon, still enjoying his new popularity, repeats that he will listen to any funding plan as long as it is the people's will." FALSE. Mayor Corroon always said that he would approve a deal that made sense for SLCo. He never put a "people's will" qualifier on any plan. "On Aug. 12, Corroon takes the bait like a hungry bass." FALSE. RSL and others asked Mayor Peter Corroon to present to them a plan that would be acceptable to the county. This he did August 11.

Is This It?

2006-08-22T10:02:00.000-07:00

Is this the end of Senator Chris Buttars? He needs to start talking. Sen. Buttars says ruling against school segregation was wrong Anti-segregation ruling wrong, Buttars says Will the real Chris Buttars please stand up? Conservativism vs. Neo-Totalinaranism

Senator Hatch Won't Remember Your Name In The Morning

2006-08-18T22:43:00.000-07:00

Senator Orrin Hatch doesn't remember making a certain statement about terrorism. It seems like he's not remembering a lot of things lately. Or maybe he's using the Nancy Workman "I'm incompetent but not in a dangerous way, more like a loveable town drunk sort of way" defense. Senator Hatch makes stuff up because he figures Utahns won't understand what he's saying. If they do, he figures no one will call him on it. If he is called out, then he runs and hides, sending out his people to "clarify", which is a fancy D.C. way of shoring up a lie with an even more blatant lie that is somehow less of a lie because the Senator isn't saying it, he is just hiding behind the skirt of the person he paid to say it. Utah, respect yourselves more than Senator Hatch respects you. Vote for a real man.

The Dark Side Of Utah Politics

2006-08-18T22:23:00.000-07:00

When Utah's politicians spend their entire careers trading on their membership in the LDS Church, and posing for cameras at general conference. but have no problem bearing false witness lying using their position to enrich family members stealing Hooray for Utah's values!

Let's Name The Stadium

2006-08-17T13:18:00.000-07:00

Tonight on Nightside, we'll be naming the new soccer stadium. If you have any name suggestions, leave them here. We'll take all serious and tongue- in- cheek name ideas. SLCSpin has gathered quite a few already, but there is room for more. Listen tonight for a selection of the best new stadium names.

It's Time For A Vacation... Er, I Mean A Convention

2006-08-17T08:49:00.000-07:00

I would like to propose a blogger convention at Charley Foster's new house.

Let's Name The Stadium

2006-08-16T21:54:00.000-07:00

So we have an interesting list of names so far. "The Fortress" "The People's Stadium" "Boondoggle Field" "Checketts' Legacy Field" "Jenny Wilson Caved Stadium" "Taxpayer's Green" "Dolan's Downs" "The Tahitian Noni American Freedom Stadium of Values and Family" Obviously, some are more serious than others. Surely there are more out there.

Fruit Salad

2006-08-16T21:38:00.000-07:00

I just watched Pee Wee Herman marry a bowl of fruit salad during a pajama party at his playhouse. That is what kids were watching in 1986. Any more questions about the rising generation?

A Name For The Stadium

2006-08-16T14:47:00.000-07:00

I'm ready to start a collection to give the stadium a proper name. Let's raise a million dollars and name the stadium ourselves. "The Fortress"

The Governor's Ambition

2006-08-14T23:15:00.000-07:00

Pignanelli/Webb asked why Governor Huntsman endorsed Senator McCain for President. Many people's first thought was that Governor Huntsman was looking for a cabinet position. But consider The Governor knows that the cabinet will not advance his career. It lasts a few years max, and comes with little long- term political clout. Governor Huntsman wants Senator Hatch's job. He can be Senator Huntsman until he dies. Or until he does what Senator Hatch tried but failed to do... find the next rung on the ladder.

Street Buzz

2006-08-14T22:57:00.000-07:00

Sunday's Pignanelli/Webb discusses the "street buzz" around the upcoming special session. Well, there is no street buzz. It's about taxes. No one is talking about it. But if they were, I bet the street buzz would be something along the lines of "this special session is simply a gift to lawmakers facing re- election".

Disclosure

2006-08-14T21:36:00.000-07:00

The Salt Lake Tribune blogs have opened a new world of reporting. This then this

A Deal!

2006-08-11T23:10:00.000-07:00

KSL Nightside just reported that a deal has been struck to build the stadium in Sandy. Groundbreaking is at 10am and David Beckham is supposed to perform the honorary shovel thing. Update: Groundbreaking is at 12 noon.

Putting It To Bed?

2006-08-11T22:18:00.000-07:00

So the day ends with a deal extremely close. In the past 48 hours, the entire political leadership, both Republican and Democrat, have come together to find a solution. Tomorrow evening, Rice Eccles stadium will be completely full of bodies. If Dave Checketts walks away from Salt Lake City, 1. He doesn't deserve this team 2. He should be institutionalized

Stadium

2006-08-11T20:43:00.000-07:00

If you read SLCSpin, you know the stadium negotiations have been all over the place. Heather May at the Tribune just posted the most current deal may be unraveling. I suppose that means RSL is going to make another counter offer. Tonight on Nightside, Mayor Rocky Anderson talked about a 10am groundbreaking but that is looking less and less likely he also accused the County Mayor's office of making last minute changes to an approved plan before sending it to RSL, thus rendering it unacceptable. My own sources indicate the plan before RSL right now is the exact plan the County Council, Mayor's office, and financial advisors signed off on. So tonight, the RSL has the reigns.

Groundbreaking

2006-08-11T18:44:00.000-07:00

A stadium groundbreaking has been tentatively scheduled for 10am tomorrow morning. This according to Mayor Rocky Anderson as heard on Nightside.

Statement By Mayor Peter Corroon

2006-08-11T17:29:00.000-07:00

August 11, 2006 6:00 p.m. Today, with the endorsement of key members of the Salt Lake County Council, Salt Lake County has presented a proposal that I hope will satisfy REAL Salt Lake, The City of Sandy and the State of Utah. At this time we have received no response from REAL. When I came into office I wanted to change politics as usual: No more sweetheart deals and backroom bargaining; I promised less partisanship and politics and an open, honest, and ethical government based on planning not politics I feel Salt Lake County has been more than open about this process. We’ve also been clear about what we believe is feasible. I We see the county as a facilitator and leader. If there’s a way we can find common ground and common good, then it’s worth our time. Over the months, now year, of discussion, we always maintained that we’d consider any plan that benefits taxpayers. With that in mind, yesterday, Thursday, I proposed a plan that was countered by the team. Today, we came in with a proposal that satisfies the concerns of many members of the County Council, the Mayor’s Office and our financial advisors. We believe it is a good deal for our citizens. In general the plan includes contributions amounting to $15.8 million dollars from the county plus the relocation of the planned South Towne Parking lot across the street for use by both South Towne and the stadium. In return, nearly $27.5 million in cash and in-kind contributions from the team through parking revenue, ticket revenue, youth soccer and other promotions. The specifics of the plan are these: The County will provide $20 million for parking and related improvements including land and infrastructure. Salt Lake County will own the property and improvements for which these funds are used. The County will lease the parking garage at fair market value to REAL for stadium-related events. The County will issue a bond up to $10 million in 2010 and another $10 million in 2015 utilizing Transient Room Tax revenue as the payment source; it will cost OUR property taxpayers absolutely nothing. REAL shall provide 50-cents per ticket for all non-concert, stadium related events. REAL will make a $7.5 million dollar cash contribution to the Salt Lake City soccer complex approved by voters in 2003…and ensures that if it develops a soccer academy, it will be in Salt Lake County. REAL shall contribute $1 million each year in in-kind tourism promotion (details later). REAL will guarantee to Salt Lake County it will maintain its headquarters and play its games here for at least 30 years. Should REAL go out of business, it shall be liable to Salt Lake County for repayment of $10 million. As is common with most public-private partnerships, we’re asking REAL to develop relationships with youth and host annual charity events. As with all of our new government buildings, REAL commits to make the new stadium LEED – certified (LEED=Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Salt Lake County will contribute NO money for land for the stadium, hotel or broadcast studio. Over the past 24 hours I have met with the Governor, legislative leaders, Dave Checketts, the County’s financial advisors, my fiscal staff and members of the county council. After crunching the numbers and getting input from Council members, this was the proposal we offered to REAL. I believe it is a plan that is feasible AND protects the interests of the citizens of Salt Lake County.

Crazy Few Days

2006-08-11T15:25:00.000-07:00

It's been a crazy few days. The stadium news was changing minute to minute. It seems to be over, and that's good. I know everyone is going to try and pretend like stadium is all roses and beautiful music, but I hope we retain memory of what happened I hope we remember the fumblings of Dave Checketts the petty underhandedness of Speaker Greg Curtis and the grandstanding of Mayor Rocky Anderson. After all, we didn't land in this place by accident. So it would be a disservice to our community if we all forgot what brought us here.

It's All About Mayor Corroon

2006-08-11T14:59:00.000-07:00

The plan reported by the Tribune is a plan put forward by SLCo Mayor Peter Corroon. All that remains is for the plan to be approved by RSL. That should happen soon.

Taking Credit

2006-08-11T14:41:00.000-07:00

Mayor Rocky Anderson is busy taking credit for the soccer stadium. That is horseshit. He his hoping 1) the public doesn't understand what happened the past few months 2) the principles involved have too much class to call him on it

There's A Deal!

2006-08-11T14:35:00.000-07:00

Rumor is Real Salt Lake has reached a deal to build its stadium in Sandy. They'll announce later today.

RSL v. Real Madrid Section 34 Row 3

2006-08-11T11:29:00.000-07:00

I have two seats available on the third row. As many of you probably realize, this will provide a great view of the Real Madrid bench. Interested in one or both? SLCSpin at gmail.com.

And Finally

2006-08-11T11:23:00.000-07:00

My Hero, Romney Oaks- The Utah Amicus Romney's President Wish- Make- A- Wish Worst Writing 2006- A literary look at Gordon Monson's Tribune story

16 Minutes Of Infamy For A...

2006-08-11T10:54:00.000-07:00

No Mention of Kelly Leak?- Dodger Thoughts Take a Side... this is interesting- Big EZ Network Take the Little League coaches’ test- Clippertoday.com There is no IBB in Little League- O'DonnellWeb I should just shut up- brian California here I go- Robbie V Readers: We Want Your Input On This Story- Ankle Biting Pundits What the hell is wrong with some people?- Rise Against Romney, my hero (a positive reason baseball makes me cry)- nite of tears This one is for those who wish to teach your sons how to become men- THECHURCHMILITANT baseball cancer survivor- Don When baseball doesn't matter anymore- Amul Madan What would you Do?- Cole me down on the panny sty What would you do?- slates and slags.....in my area

15 Minutes Of Infamy For An Unsuspecting Little League Coach

2006-08-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

Little League Coach's Decision Causing Controversy- KSL.com Lil' Romney Oaks Would Want You to Read More- Sauce1977 Monson: Weighing compassion, drive to win- Salt Lake Tribune If it's a non-competitive league, why keep score?- Sports Debate A Heartbreaking Story that Raises the Question: What Would You Do?- Nine Moons Is it good baseball strategy or a weak attempt to win?- Sports Illustrated.com How NOT to coach- Cut the Chatter, Red Two Playing to win or Playing to have fun?- keihojournal Who's this about anyway?- Joel's Thoughts Hitting to all Fields 08/10/06- Ennuipundit Moral Turpitude In The Little Leagues- The Mighty MJD Ethics and Baseball- Lakeshore Laments Pitch or Walk?- RUnderground A Point Of Discussion Pt. 1- Silent Bob's House Of Fun & Ill Repute

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mark@utahpolicy.com

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I Prayed These Two Would Never Darken My Door Again

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Where Were You When You Heard?

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Is This It?

Senator Hatch Won't Remember Your Name In The Morning

The Dark Side Of Utah Politics