Inflation could upend government in ’22

The people in charge (Democrats, in this case) always get the blame

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

The holiday decorations are back in storage, 2022 calendars are hanging on walls and weight loss resolutions are still being obeyed. That means it’s time to highlight issues that will be discussed, debated and possibly impact laws and elections in the new year. (Of course, in a year we will remind you of correct predictions and ignore the misses.)

Your columnists are the last generation (which means we are really old) that remembers when inflation was a major political issue. Will history repeat in 2022?

Pignanelli: “Inflation is taxation without legislation.” — Milton Friedman.

History documents that leaders, and often entire governments, can be jettisoned by citizen angst with price inflation. If by Labor Day the cost of household purchases is still increasing beyond 4%, Republican economic messaging will be successful in congressional and down-ballot races.

Webb: Unfortunately, inflation is real and raging. The people in charge (Democrats, in this case) always get the blame. It will be one among many issues that will likely produce a Republican takeover of Congress in the midterm elections later this year.

The U.S. House Select Committee on the Jan. 6 attack will be conducting hearings and issue a report in the new year. Regardless of results, any impact on Utah?

Pignanelli: Because of the needless politicization in the creation of this committee, the conclusions will have limited electoral effect. However, most Utahns will expect their officials to distance themselves from the organizations and individuals responsible for the tragedy.

Webb: What happened on Jan. 6 was a terrible stain on our democracy and those involved should be (and are being) punished. But this investigation isn’t a political winner for Democrats except among their narrow base (whose support they already enjoy). For heartland Americans, it seems Democrats just can’t refrain from mounting one partisan, politically motivated investigation after another to punish Trump. Will they impeach him a third time? The longer it drags on the more it looks like persecution, not prosecution. Citizens are tired of it.

So far, winter precipitation is above average. If this remains through the spring does the recent desire to deal with water issues and the Great Salt Lake fizzle or continue forward?

Pignanelli: Veteran observers agree that the focus on water issues, including those surrounding the lake, will continue regardless of the weather. Utahns possess the common sense that these problems need attention, and their officials are reflecting this desire.

Webb: The Cox administration and legislative focus on the Great Salt Lake is greatly needed. Providing some significant funding, as proposed, is an important step forward.

Progressive groups disappointed with Republican redistricting maps are considering lawsuits to overturn the plans. Will they succeed, and does this controversy become an election issue?

Pignanelli: The lawsuit does not occur and media coverage fades as their audiences have other concerns.

Webb: A lawsuit at this late date could mess up election schedules for a multitude of candidates who are already off and running. They need to know their district boundaries. Challenges are unlikely to succeed.

Utah’s population continues rapid growth. Does this impact on our lifestyle affect deliberations on state and local levels?

Pignanelli: Affordable housing for young families and much-needed employees will continue to dominate municipal and state actions. Shrewd officials will include discussions regarding better roads, public transportation, parks and public safety to soothe current homeowners.

Webb: Coping with rapid growth is Utah’s biggest challenge. Constant investment in infrastructure is required to maintain mobility, and carrots and sticks are needed to provide affordable housing and high-density, multi-use developments. A plethora of children requires massive education investment. Thank goodness for a strong economy.

Utah enjoys a powerhouse economy. While the benefits are obvious, how should officials respond?

Pignanelli: State officials are examining whether tax incentives are still necessary or should be more strategic in allocation. Further, air quality and water usage are now strong components when reviewing expansion of existing, or recruiting new, manufacturing operations.

Webb: Enjoy the great economy while it lasts. It can’t go on forever. Spend carefully. Cut taxes very strategically — if at all. Don’t give away revenue, because it’s almost impossible to raise taxes to get it back. Utah’s taxes are low by historical standards. Bolster rainy day funds and pay down debt.

Gov. Spencer Cox and many lawmakers have prioritized development in rural Utah. Does this continue?

Pignanelli: Yes. This strategy is brilliant on so many levels.

Webb: Absolutely. We need to spread out growth and jobs, and reduce urban congestion. People who can work from home can live anywhere and enjoy a great quality of life in rural Utah.

The U.S. Supreme Court is likely to rule on many matters issues this year, including mandatory vaccinations and abortion. What is the impact on Utah politics?

Pignanelli: There will be rallies and demonstrations. The Legislature — most likely in a special session — will modify abortion restrictions allowed by the court. The contentious matter will have no influence on the elections. But the decision regarding vaccinations will be a topic in some campaigns.

Webb: Thank goodness for a conservative court that values constitutional originalism. The conservative cause will likely make progress in the judicial system this year. About time.

Will both national and state voting issues dominate discussions and affect voter turnout?

Pignanelli: The legislative audit will confirm Utah is the platinum standard on election integrity. Thus, wrangling on a national level over election laws will not permeate our state.

Webb: Democrats in Congress want to completely federalize election laws and procedures. That would be a terrible mistake that a future GOP Congress or the courts would have to overturn.

A look at the political lessons learned in 2021

The overarching lesson of 2021 is that Americans cannot be taken for granted. They rightfully demand explanations and participation in the process.

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

2021 was a fascinating political year. We look at some of the things learned over the past 12 months.

For Democrats at the national level, in control of Washington, 2021 started off with high hopes for major legislative accomplishments. Republicans played defense all year, overshadowed by the presence of former President Donald Trump. What are the lessons of their successes and failures?

Pignanelli: “The story of the year’s politics has been one of partisan, cultural and ideological divisions that defy easy resolution. Neither party has the strength to really impose its will. So, in 2021, governing was just hard.” — Gerald Seib, Wall Street Journal

For political observers, 2021 confirmed the traditional rules of politics remain significant. For example, an understanding of mathematics is critical for success. A three-vote majority in the U.S. House and a one-vote majority in the U.S. Senate is not a mandate. Instead, these numbers signal an absolute requirement of collaboration to pass anything.

President Joseph Biden, when a senator, was masterful in cobbling together coalitions on large legislative initiatives. Thus, it was no surprise congressional bipartisanship delivered the largest legislative accomplishment, the $1.2 trillion for infrastructure improvements. But for everything else, left-wing progressives apparently need tutoring on this lesson.

Electoral activities in 2021 further underscored voters care about the future, not the past. Democrats who messaged against Trump, and Republicans who embraced the former president, fared poorly. The rule “stuff happens so be prepared” was ignored, at an expense. Coronavirus variants, the Afghanistan pullout and price inflation all raised competency questions towards the Biden administration.

The tenet “Democracy is messy” was evident. Americans are wrestling with teaching race, mandatory vaccinations, nondiscrimination principles and climate change. While seeming confusing and traumatic, all Americans are engaged in conversations of these issues.

The overarching lesson of 2021 is that Americans cannot be taken for granted. They rightfully demand explanations and participation in the process. This is truly heartwarming.

Webb: The biggest political lesson of 2021 is this: Don’t overreach; don’t assume you have a mandate to take the country in a radical new direction when you don’t. A corollary is this: Understand the mood of the country, especially working-class citizens in the heartland, before trying to force through dramatic change. Don’t try to govern the entire country through the lens of East Coast and West Coast values.

Democrats won the presidency and the U.S. House and Senate fair and square (despite protestations by Trump). But the margins of victory were tiny. The Senate is 50-50. Republicans picked up a lot of House seats. And Joe Biden barely won the presidency.

But instead of governing with a little humility, from the center, reaching out to the other side, the Democrats swung for a grand slam left-wing home run, championing every ultra-progressive issue and program imaginable.

Now Biden suffers almost historically low approval ratings, the progressive wing of the party is angry and disillusioned, and the stage is set for Republicans to win big in the 2022 midterms. It was never realistic for progressive Democrats to try to transform society.

Meanwhile, Republicans effectively played the loyal opposition all year. But when they have to perform in elections and policy initiatives, the wild card that is the Trump card could mess things up.

In Utah, the priorities of a new governor, a headstrong Republican legislature, a vibrant economy and the hazards of redistricting all combined to produce an intriguing year. What did we learn about our state politics?

Pignanelli: Utahns are a pragmatic people, and many actions of our state officials reflected this virtue. Controversial social issues were reviewed but also confined to prevent them overwhelming deliberations in other matters. The critical attention on water, air quality, climate change and growth problems were subtle but very real.

Utah is growing with a diverse demographic flavor. We are a global center of innovation for technology, financial services and health care. Yet, the “Utah Way” remains a priority. Another refreshing sign of the times.

Webb: Utah is by no means perfect. We face our share of problems. We need to do a better job with education, for example. But we have good governance in Utah. Our state and local leaders don’t ignore problems. They solve them thoughtfully and reasonably. They take care of basic needs and they balance budgets. They are in sync with citizen priorities and values. This is a good time to be a Utahn.

Hovering above everything in 2021 was the COVID-19 pandemic. What political impact did the dreaded coronavirus have?

Pignanelli: Response to the pandemic became a litmus test for many officeholders across the political spectrum. This will influence interparty contests in 2022.

Webb: It’s unfortunate that the pandemic turned into a divisive political issue. Trump was vilified by his opponents for not controlling the pandemic. But Biden and the Democrats haven’t done any better. This is a tough battle, more difficult than anyone anticipated. Biden’s struggles with COVID-19 — including not being prepared with millions of test kits needed right now — are contributing to his low approval ratings.

The reality is that neither Biden or Trump deserve criticism for things outside of their control. But when bad things happen, the people in charge get the blame.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year From Foxley & Pignanelli

A sneak peek at politicians’ letters to Santa

Many politicos are angry and defiant and thus have landed on Santa’s “naughty list”

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

Pignanelli & Webb: Despite the hope the pandemic would unite the nation and produce greater compassion among Americans, many politicos are angry and defiant and thus have landed on Santa’s “naughty list.” Of course, they are still seeking favors from the world’s most generous North Pole celebrity. Despite the risk of a congressional investigation, we decline to divulge our sources for this material and rely on the First Amendment to avoid prosecution.

President Joseph Biden: “C’mon, man! Just an extra 10 points on the approval ratings. Nothin’ big, I’m a nice guy, I kid you not, just 10 points!”

West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin: For all those liberals wishing me coal in my stocking, I say to Santa, “Please deliver a ton! I love coal. Christmas stockings are a great market for West Virginia coal.”

Left wing, self-proclaimed “woke” progressives: “We refuse to accept anything from this wretched example of everything that is wrong with the world. You exploit smaller humans while subjecting them to low wages and the discriminatory label of ‘elves’; your partner is barely acknowledged; the reindeer are treated cruelly and exceed an eight-hour workday; and you glorify the consumption of sugary, nonvegan foods.

Right wing, self-proclaimed guardians of liberty: “We don’t want anything from the obvious tool of fake media. You are clearly part of the conspiracy, using big tech social media algorithms to gather personal information as to who is naughty and who is nice. Further, your incessant gift-giving smacks of socialism.”

Donald Trump: “Hey Santa, clear the regulatory hurdles so I can get my media company ‘Truth Social’ going so no one can censor me. Also, make sure Twitter keeps me banned because I don’t make any money from it anyway.”

Gov. Spencer Cox: “I spent a lot of political capital developing my budget and vision for the state. All I ask is that the Legislature, the media and special interest groups do something different next year — actually pay attention to it.”

Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson: “Santa, please let all the election workers across the state know they are appreciated. And to those scoundrels claiming fraud in Utah’s elections, please show me the evidence — put up or shut up.”

State Auditor John Dougall: “I am still grateful for the 1 million votes — most ever for a Utah politician — you gave me in 2020. Makes me think I should run for governor, or U.S. senator.”

Attorney General Sean Reyes: “Just keep that overreach by the Biden administration coming so I can keep filing federal lawsuits and eventually argue before a friendly Supreme Court.”

House Speaker Brad Wilson: “No more resignations from my caucus, please. I have to spend Christmas vacation just memorizing all the new people’s names.”

Senate President Stuart Adams: “Nothing for me this year. But I do wish the world a peaceful, calm Christmas, as quiet and serene as any day in the Senate.”

Sen. Mike Lee: “Santa, I know you respect the strength of participatory democracy. So how about giving me a few more election challengers to dilute the opposition and ensure my reelection?”

Sen. Mitt Romney: “Please, more missteps by the Biden administration, which should not be a big lift. I need more opportunities to demonstrate my conservative credentials.”

Congressman Chris Stewart: “Chairmanship of the House Intelligence Committee would be a nice gift. In return, I will always clear and protect the airways from nefarious foreign interventions on Dec. 24-25 to protect your late-night global excursions.”

National Democrats: “Could you possibly deliver the votes for the ‘Build Back Better’ package? Within the $2 trillion there’s money for organic, non-GMO reindeer feed.”

National Republicans: “Santa, many thanks. Christmas came early for us this year — Afghanistan debacle, high inflation, out of control wokeism, immigration chaos, and Joe Manchin.”

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall: “Seriously, I’m hoping Santa will deliver to all my municipal colleagues throughout the state a desire to relieve the capital city of some of the homeless burden.”

National news media: “Please keep the two old guys representing the major political parties saying silly stuff because it sells. Also, reporting on political rantings is easier than actual journalism.”

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson: “This is a time for forbearance. So I’m willing to forgive the County Council their mistake in not funding my entire budget. I hope Santa will deliver wisdom so they will change their ways.”

Congressman John Curtis: “Santa, nothing too difficult — just a fair compromise on Bears Ears National Monument. One that makes everyone happy. I know you have magical powers.”

Congressman Burgess Owens: “Santa, I appreciate my new district boundaries. Now just give me a few easy opponents and I won’t bug you for a full year.”

Congressman Blake Moore: “Santa, I need the name of a really good financial reporting professional. The media loves to jump on me for mistakes on reports that I’m not sure anyone really cares about.”

All Utahns: “Santa, please deliver extraordinary precipitation this winter so we can fulfill the basic needs of our lives — water-skiing, snow skiing, swimming pools, golf courses, perfectly manicured lawns, clean cars, washing down driveways, etc.”

Deseret News: Happy holidays to our readers – especially those who endure the antics of Pignanelli & Webb every week.

This Christmas, imagine how following Jesus could help our public policy problems

Read the Sermon on the Mount, including the Beatitudes. Ask yourself: If all of us truly lived these principles, wouldn’t a great many of our problems be eliminated?

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

Pignanelli & Webb: The Christian world is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Even non-Christians recognize Jesus as a moral philosopher whose teachings and example provide guidance on how humanity should live.

But it is also interesting to apply the teachings of Jesus to the public policy problems that beset communities, states and nations today. Jesus stayed far away from politics and government during his ministry. But the simple, basic principles he taught were revolutionary. If honored universally in our day, many public policy problems would be solved — or not exist. The suffering endured by many, the rude dialogue, the size of government and the taxes we pay could all be dramatically reduced.

Of course, other religions offer equally important ethical precepts. They deserve recognition for their rich wisdom, as well. Thus, the “Yuletide season” provides an opportunity to emphasize basic spiritual ethics that are shared in some form by many faiths.

We are not suggesting that religion and government should be mixed, and we certainly do not support government-dictated religious principles. But the reality is that how we voluntarily live our moral lives is vitally important in the realm of public policy. John Adams, one of the nation’s great founders and constitutional theorists, offered an important insight: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

He was not the only Founding Father to express such sentiment. James Madison wrote that our Constitution requires “sufficient virtue among men for self-government.”

For clear evidence of how the teachings of Jesus would solve public policy problems, simply read the Sermon on the Mount, including the Beatitudes. Ask yourself: If all of us truly lived these principles, wouldn’t a great many of our political and public policy problems be eliminated? We wouldn’t need large armies and navies, police forces, criminal courts or prisons — and the trillions of tax dollars they cost. We would avoid the untold misery caused by war, crime, dishonesty, selfishness and infidelity.

Jesus endorsed the Ten Commandments, then added the virtues of humility, empathy, integrity, purity, peacemaking, obeying the Golden Rule, setting a good example, avoiding anger, being faithful to spouse and family, embracing forgiveness, charity, modesty and avoiding hypocrisy.

And we have high-profile leaders who have set good examples. Democratic President Harry S. Truman and Republican President Ronald R. Reagan showed how to be tough partisan leaders who followed Jesus’ example of treating everyone, including their enemies, with respect.

Certainly, none of us will ever totally live up to the lofty aspirations of the Sermon on the Mount. But the truth is that if we tried harder to follow the humble teachings of Jesus, the need for larger government and high taxes would be significantly reduced. Influential people showing kindness to “the least” of us would breed an extraordinary community spirit.

We watch as the best minds in the world grapple with the challenges of society — and never totally solve them. Despite legislation, presidential decrees, court orders, newspaper editorials and the efforts of public leaders, the problems are not eliminated; in some cases, they seem to grow.

James Madison also observed, “(W)hat is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? A number of secular philosophers have noted that “government is downstream from culture.”

Jesus took a much different problem-solving approach than used by the institutions of society and government. His ways were not the world’s ways.

We observe that society mostly works on the effects and results of problems, while Jesus focused on the root causes. Society’s answer to war and crime is larger armies, more sophisticated weapons, tougher law enforcement, more policemen and bigger prisons. Jesus’ answer is to love your neighbor as yourself; do to others as you would have them do to you; and teach children correct principles in loving families. One approach would actually eliminate war and crime. The other, while necessary, never gets to the root causes.

Society’s answer to problems of poverty and family dysfunction is public support, homeless shelters, child protective services, divorce counseling and substance abuse programs. Jesus’ approach is reliance upon self, family and church; reenthroning the principles of work, and teaching the virtues of chastity, love and service. One approach would actually solve these problems. The other helps those presently afflicted. Both are clearly necessary, but it is obvious that Jesus’ approach should be emphasized more than it is today.

Society’s approach wins headlines and is the subject of legislation and political speeches. Jesus’ approach is quiet, taught in homes, churches and neighborhood gatherings. Jesus’ way requires that individual lives be changed, person by person. It takes time and great effort. But it is designed to revolutionize society and soothe humankind’s troubles.

Should Congress implement Jesus’ philosophies when deliberating and developing national policy? No, it would never work. Each of us must implement them within ourselves.

Have a wonderful holiday!

Opinion: Can Utah help solve the supply chain crisis?

The controversial but needed Utah Inland Port can enhance manufacturing in Utah and other Western states, promising to handle exports and imports more efficiently

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

The nation is dealing with some big problems. Here’s a look at a couple of them and how Utah might contribute to their solutions. Also, we’re political hacks, but we also notice sports.

The nation faces a serious supply chain problem just as the holiday shopping season starts. Can Utah provide some help to solve this and other economic problems?

Pignanelli: “On Twitter, the supply chain has been blamed for: getting nothing done, disappointed children, an excess of camouflage pajama pants, hungry dogs, insomnia, bare grocery store shelves … and dating advice.”— Aurora Almendral, Quartz

Teenagers are known for sleeping late until a parent screams a wake-up demand because a school or work obligation is being blissfully ignored. Similarly, throughout history our nation has slumbered until an economic, military or technology catastrophe awakened us. Today we are amid a five-alarm signal snapping us to attention.

Free trade fosters the exchange of products and services among nations — increasing economic opportunities across the planet. But the pandemic revealed a complacency in manufacturing, shipping and protecting intellectual property. Interchange with nations collapsed because the current system is vulnerable to shocks.

Fortunately, this crisis is providing opportunities for Utah to take advantage as the “crossroads of the West.” The rural economic development incentive program initiated under prior administrations and supercharged by Gov. Spencer Cox is promoting manufacturing in efficient and ecological methods. This is a critical formula, that if replicated elsewhere, can give Americans local access to needed goods and avoid unfriendly leverage from other nations.

The controversial but needed Utah Inland Port can enhance manufacturing in Utah and other Western states, promising to handle exports and imports more efficiently. Because Utah is facing a clean air dilemma, the port will encourage environmentally sensitive operations.

The U.S. will eventually overcome this crisis by following Utah’s lead. Unlike the atypical teenager, our state was already awake and moving when the alarm sounded.

Webb: The Utah Legislature, working with the Salt Lake Chamber, was visionary in creating the Utah Inland Port system. It really can help ease California port delays and get more diesel truck off the highways, improving air quality, by better using the rail system to get goods to and from Utah.

With a state-of-the-art transloading facility using clean energy, Utah can make a difference in our nation’s supply chain logistics. The result will be more local manufacturing and warehousing, using clean energy and more good jobs. The benefits won’t be produced immediately, but long-term planning, taking advantage is Utah’s natural strengths, is vital for a continued strong economy.

A shortage of eager workers continues to hamper small and large businesses. This problem highlights a dysfunctional immigration system that divides the nation and leaves illegal immigrants in limbo. How can Utah help?

Pignanelli: The American economy is desperately trying to rebound while inhibited by limited employment. We were in this situation before, and the solution has not changed — hard-working immigrants. Utah has a ready commonsense approach — the Utah Compact. Although developed several years ago, it remains a guidance for national lawmakers.

Webb: My wife and I are building a house right now. It has been a challenge for our contractors to find enough skilled workers. Most of those working on the home have been Hispanic, some not speaking English very well. They are terrific, hard-working tradesmen, expert in carpentry, masonry, roofing, siding installation, Sheetrocking, etc. They work long hours and earn good money. I expect many of their next generation will be college graduates. We need more of them.

Immigration is a quintessential federal responsibility. Congress has been criminally negligent for years in not creating a modern, efficient immigration system that secures our borders, keeps bad people out, while providing a reasonably straightforward opportunity for many good people to immigrate to our country and help build America. Almost all of us descend from such immigrants. The Utah Compact shows the way.

On the bright side, it’s fun to be a Utahn right now. 2021 has been an amazing year for women’s and men’s sports teams in Utah. What has contributed to all this success on the football, basketball, soccer and volleyball arenas?

Pignanelli: Utah is a cool place that attracts young athletes from across the planet … and within our state. Our universities and colleges strive to follow the “Utah Way,” offering opportunities and lifestyles that promote excellence in education, athletic competition and ethical conduct.

Webb: It’s really all about great leadership. Excellent organizations, whether in sports, politics or business, require great leaders. Leaders make all the difference. Utah is blessed with some terrific athletic directors, coaches, team owners and university administrators.

Athletic superiority, like excellence in business, politics, nonprofits and government, doesn’t happen by happenstance. It’s not luck. The competition is daunting. Getting to the top, and staying there, requires incessant focus, hard work, learning from failure, intense attention to detail, quick action at times, wisdom and first-class character traits. Congrats to all the Utah sports teams, and all who associate with them, who exemplify excellence.

Can a Democrat ever win a statewide race in Utah again?

The party has not won a statewide race since 1996. Legislative seats have remained relatively constant, averaging less than 25% in each house

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

The political class loves to analyze and dissect trends and nuances affecting voters. We perform our own dissection of a recent survey conducted by the respected think tank Utah Foundation regarding political ideology of Utah voters.

Using methodology employed by the Pew Foundation on a cross-section of American voters, the Utah Foundation retained Y2 Analytics to measure the political ideology of Utahns. To no one’s surprise, a great deal of polarization exists between members of the two main political parties. However, while Utah Republicans remained stable on the political spectrum, Utah Democrats have recently moved farther to the left than even their counterparts in the rest of the country. Do election results reflect this trend and what does it portend for the future?

Pignanelli: “Progressives brag publicly about pushing the Democratic party leftward — and they succeeded.” – Kevin Drum, Jabberwocking

For decades the common adage was a Utah Democrat would be considered a Republican anywhere else. This once perceptive insight morphed into a mistaken canard. Veteran observers illustrate the leftward shift in the last two decades by reference to election results. A Democrat has not won a statewide race since 1996. Legislative seats have remained relatively constant, averaging less than 25% in each house.

The liberal swing increases difficulty for moderate Democrats in convention and primary contests. Furthermore, candidates will be tempted to appease well-funded national PACs that demand adherence to lefty litmus tests that create problems in the general election.

Unless a new maxim is adopted and practiced, the minority party may have difficulty garnering additional victories.

Webb: Democrats in Utah and nationally are in very difficult positions right now, poised to lose seats in the 2022 election. It is a predicament of their own making. By tilting left on so many issues, they have left ordinary citizens behind. They misunderstand the attitudes of average, commonsense Americans who don’t favor big government, high taxes or over-the-top political correctness.

The problem is both ideology and issues. Americans don’t believe they are systemically racist and they recoil against the liberal ideology of victimhood and identity politics. They are concerned about the loss of traditional values and are suspicious of big government, Big Tech, big media, big business,and the entertainment industry that together seem to control the levers of power.

And they see the problems of inflation (especially gas prices), energy dependence on foreign countries, dysfunctional immigration, crime and an ineffective COVID-19 response getting worse under the Biden administration and Democratic control of Congress.

When I talk to ordinary people, working men and women, they are appalled. They simply feel the country is going in the wrong direction. They are ready for a change.

The survey also indicated that 50% of Utah voters are registered as Republicans and just 15% as Democrats, reflecting a slight increase since 2016. Is it hopeless for Democrats or is there a path where they could attract unaffiliated and moderate Republicans?

Pignanelli: The study reaffirms Democrats can only win key races (federal, statewide and swing legislative) if they cobble together a coalition of usual supporters, a majority unaffiliated and a slice of moderate Republicans.

Congressman Jim Matheson was the most successful Utah Democrat in this century by establishing his persona as a maverick not beholden to Washington liberals. (Ben McAdams used a similar tactic in 2018.) For example, both promised they would not vote for Nancy Pelosi as speaker of the House, which was well accepted. Their tactics demonstrate an important element that Utahns will elect a Democrat with demonstrable distance from the left wing.

Major issues Democrats historically forwarded (i.e. clean air, economic fairness, nondiscrimination, etc.) are now important to many local Republicans — especially millennials. Messaging on these issues, while demonstrating separation from the national Democratic agenda, could be a fertile approach. The “Matheson Formula” for success exists. Is there a willingness to use it?

Webb: The Democratic registration number is low, in part, because, unlike Republicans, the party does not require registration to participate in party caucuses or primary elections. Thus, a number of Utahns consider themselves to be Democrats but aren’t counted in the registration numbers.

Still, while quality Democratic candidates can still win some legislative races and nonpartisan local government contests, it will take a very special mainstream, charismatic Democrat to win a statewide office or a seat in Congress.

Both Pew and Utah Foundation suggest that national and Utah voters (including unaffiliated) as a whole slightly shifted left. What does this imply for our state?

Pignanelli: This reveals that Utah Republican leaders are very shrewd. They are appeasing the extreme elements within ranks while quietly responding to concerns their constituents are expressing on social, education and environmental issues. By doing so they have maintained power without sacrificing traditional principles.

Webb: I’m not surprised to see a slight shift given the pervasive liberal messaging of the mainstream news media, academia, Hollywood/entertainment industry and the technology giants. With the nation’s major influencers all far to the left, it’s actually more surprising that more citizens haven’t followed their lead. It’s a tribute to individual independence that so many average Americans are still conservative and don’t want big government to dictate their lives and take care of them from cradle to grave.

What Utah politicians are thankful for this year

We are especially grateful that Utah’s politicians can’t help but be interesting creatures who generate ample news and controversy to keep us busy every week

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

Pignanelli & Webb: Our politicians have much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving weekend (especially the patience of citizens). Using drones with cameras and listening devices that also scour social media (perfected by Evan McMullin when he was in the CIA), we were able to upload secret intelligence regarding the expressions of gratitude by political and community leaders.

Utah legislators: They express gratitude that there were many controversial issues in the recent special session, like mandatory workforce vaccinations, changing a university name and others, so the redistricting issue was partially smothered.

Gov. Spencer Cox: He expresses appreciation for the hard work and dedication of legislators in the recent special session. He is especially grateful for their efficient deliberations so that they could adjourn in time for him to conduct his fundraising gala without breaking any contribution laws.

Left-wing and right-wing activists: They are grateful for the many opportunities the Legislature gave them throughout the year to participate in hearings and discussions on numerous issues. They enjoyed the platform to complain about how the Legislature is not including them in anything. They are also thankful being disingenuous is not against the law.

Reps. Blake Moore, Chris Stewart, John Curtis and Burgess Owens: They compliment the Legislature for its careful, thoughtful and fair deliberations in crafting new boundaries while balancing the many competing interests. In other words, … THANK YOU for those BEAUTIFUL, SWEET districts!

Moderate Democrats: They certainly appreciate the recent election results in Virginia and New Jersey that clearly demonstrate that extreme left-leaning and progressive objectives are unpopular and mainstream approaches are needed for them to succeed in 2022.

Moderate Republicans: They certainly appreciate the recent election results in Virginia and New Jersey that demonstrate that extreme right-leaning objectives and kowtowing to former President Donald Trump are not popular, and mainstream approaches are needed for them to succeed in 2022.

Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson: As Utah’s election czar, she is so grateful that the recent municipal elections went off without a hitch, including ranked choice voting. She certainly did not need any more unfounded allegations of election fraud.

Utah politicians: They are glad that Utah, BYU and Utah State all have winning football records. It makes their constituents happy. And when they’re happy, they like politicians.

Attorney General Sean Reyes: He appreciates the big technology companies and the Biden administration. They make such good targets for multistate lawsuits and wonderful publicity.

Senate President Stuart Adams and House Speaker Brad Wilson: They are grateful that the only people who get upset about redistricting are liberal activist groups, Democrats and the news media. But they are usually unhappy with legislative leaders, anyway. They’re also thankful that they won’t be involved 10 years from now.

Republicans: Even though he won’t be on the ballot, they are grateful that Biden will be a major issue in 2022.

Democrats. Even though he won’t be on the ballot, they are grateful that Trump will be a major issue in 2022.

Aspiring young Republican legislators: They wish retired Majority Leader Francis Gibson well and are grateful that his departure creates a vacancy on the leadership ladder, providing more opportunities for them.

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson: As the highest-ranking Democrat in Utah, she’s always glad that all the other officials have to come to her for access to the Biden administration.

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall: Although everyone loves to complain about the capital city, no one denies that it’s become very cool in reputation nationally and globally. Thanks for that.

U.S. Sen. Mike Lee: He is grateful for the open democratic process developed by our Founding Fathers. This allows his potential opponents to all compete for the same slice of voters. The more the merrier!

U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney: He is appreciative of President Joe Biden. His tilt to the progressive left-wing gives Romney plenty of ammunition to attack him and thereby mend fences with conservatives.

Utah technology leaders: They love to complain about liquor laws and air quality. In reality, this state has fostered and promoted their growth. So, they begrudgingly thank Utah for that.

Lobbyists: What a great country. Where else is there complex legislation with thousands of pages packed with goodies and problems that no one has read or understands — compelling clients to hire them? In addition, there are billions of dollars just begging for their advice on how it should be spent. It is truly a cornucopia of blessings.

Rational Americans: They are thankful the record-breaking voter turnout in Virginia and New Jersey demonstrates that citizens are ignoring the baseless claims of election fraud made by right- and left-wing extremists.

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: She is thankful for the lemmings out there willing to follow her off the 2022 election cliff with proposals for bigger government, higher taxes and more regulation.

Pignanelli and Webb: As always, we are hugely grateful that the Deseret News allows us to blather and pontificate every week. But we are especially thankful that Utah’s politicians can’t help but be interesting creatures who generate ample news and controversy to keep us busy every week.