Summer weather is warming up, and so is the Utah GOP governor nomination race

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb, Contributors

Finally! Utahns are talking more about politics than about some virus. (At least it seems so in our political bubble-world.) Dominating this banter is the four-person race to become the Republican nominee for governor. This once-quiet contest has now become a heated battle with unusual issues. We have some fun with it all.

One of the hot controversies is the potential for unaffiliated voters and Democrats to register as Republicans so they can vote in the GOP primary. While this possibility has long existed, some candidates are aggressively recruiting independents and even Democrats. Will enough people become temporary Republicans to impact the June 30 primary election?

Pignanelli: “A vote is like a rifle; its usefulness depends upon the character of the user.” —Theodore Roosevelt

For decades, activists warned that hordes of unregistered voters would invade party primaries.

It never happened. But this year could be different — and Republicans should accept the compliment. Because of the pandemic and the recession, unaffiliated voters (most are right of center) have a legitimate interest in the governor’s race for all the right reasons (i.e., the economy, business acumen, leadership experience, etc.) Therefore, there is a greater receptivity — even among some Democrats — to cast a ballot in June when the next chief executive is in reality chosen. All the candidates and their running mates possess strong qualities and attract support across the political spectrum.

Jon Huntsman Jr. is popular with the unaffiliated Utahns. Shrewdly, his supporters are aggressively recruiting this quadrant because in a four-way race, an additional sliver of support will make the difference (and will not be delivered by cannibalizing others).

The over 600,000 unaffiliated Utahns are not reprobates. They are independent-minded individuals suspicious of labels. Especially because of the current crisis, these Utahns (including yours truly) hold a deep civic obligation to participate in this important election, regardless of the extra “paperwork.”

The GOP should be proud it fielded four strong teams that appeal beyond traditional ranks. Just accept the compliment.

(Note: My firm proudly represents the Huntsman Foundation and my wife was a political appointee of Gov. Huntsman)

Webb: Usually, efforts to register non-Republicans have limited success. It’s harder than it seems to get substantial numbers of unaffiliated voters or Democrats to register as Republicans and vote in a primary. But because this race really will determine Utah’s next governor, any Utah voter who wants a voice, who wants their vote to count, might be enticed to crash the GOP primary.

What’s more, with four solid candidates, this could be a very tight race. A few votes from temporary Republicans could make the difference. Both Jon Huntsman and Spencer Cox could attract some independent votes, although polls show Huntsman is likely the biggest beneficiary.

While some are crying foul at the prospect of the Republican Party being “infiltrated” by more moderate voters, there is nothing nefarious about seeking this advantage. Any candidate with a smidgen of sense attempts to register as many supporters as possible and get them to the polls. It’s perfectly legal and proper to recruit supporters and get them registered.

If the race is extremely close, a big registration effort could produce a win.

If unaffiliated voters registering as Republicans are perceived as altering the gubernatorial primary, could this result in election law changes? Would party leaders, lawmakers and the future governor consider abolishing party registration, or creating obstacles to switching registration, or perhaps establishing a “jungle primary” to determine the two highest vote getters for the general election — regardless of party?

Pignanelli: Primary elections are funded by all taxpayers. Fairness dictates those paying the freight deserve a ride. As the national rancor of partisanship increases, more Utahns will recoil at registration. Thus, policymakers will be pressured against further hindrances. But a bipartisan “jungle primary” is unlikely.

Webb: Ronald Reagan’s “big tent” GOP would seek to appeal to good Utahns with ideologies ranging from moderate to conservative. The elitist idea that party members must be “pure” and pass arch-conservative litmus tests, is nonsense. Most Utah independents lean Republican. The Utah GOP ought to open its primary elections and welcome all interested Utahns to help select party nominees. Such action would strengthen the party, not weaken it.

Bryan Schott of UtahPolicy.com reported that Gov. Gary Herbert urged Thomas Wright to withdraw and endorse Cox. Does this change anything?

Pignanelli: Politicos, intrigued by this gossip, flapped gums about the potential impact on the race and the “good guy” image Cox possesses. Most experts believe the matter fades …unless an opponent uses the story in a clever manner.

Webb: All’s fair in love, war and politics. There’s nothing improper about a high-profile supporter of one candidate trying to talk a competing candidate out of running. In any event, Wright is staying in the race.