Utah House delegation will soon have full voting power

In the closely divided U.S. House of Representatives, every vote matters By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb.

In the closely divided U.S. House of Representatives, every vote matters — especially during this tumultuous time when the House has been in chaos, while facing a long list of critical issues. The House has been short one vote — a Utah vote. But that vote will be available again after next Tuesday when 2nd Congressional District voters select a replacement for former Congressman Chris Stewart, who resigned in September. We take a look.

The contest in the 2nd District special election is between Democrat Kathleen Riebe and Republican Celeste Maloy. It is guaranteed that a woman will join Utah’s congressional delegation. Election data shows the Republican has an advantage. What are political insiders observing and conjecturing about this race?

Pignanelli: “Rural Americans are a special people. Their spirit of community inspires us all.” — Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack

The Fascinating Political Battles in Utah’s Capital City

What are politicos conjecturing about the outcome of the Salt Lake City mayoral race?

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

Although only residents of Salt Lake City will vote in the mayoral and city council races on Nov. 21, the contests are of interest to citizens all across the state. Utah’s capital city is always a hotbed of political intrigue, so your columnists weigh in.

Popular incumbent Mayor Erin Mendenhall is facing spirited opposition from former two-term mayor Rocky Anderson. No polling has been released to the public charting the status of the race. Homelessness has emerged as a key issue in the contest. Does Mendenhall deserve criticism on this matter from her detractors? What are politicos conjecturing about the outcome?

Pignanelli: “The mayor has got to work closely with a wide variety of people, city council, state legislature, governor, business, labor … in order to succeed.” — Mayor Marc Morial, New Orleans

A native Utahn, I lived and worked most of my adult life in Salt Lake City. My wife and I reared three children and multiple pets in a 173-year-old home. I was active in many community organizations and honored to represent Avenues/Capitol Hill/Guadalupe residents in the Legislature for 10 years. Twenty years ago, I was a candidate for mayor.

The preceding “humble brag” qualifies me to articulate this judgment, and it is my own judgment, independent of this publication: Erin Mendenhall is a great mayor.

Salt Lake City has never been more energized in housing, economic development, cultural and entertainment opportunities. Mendenhall excels in developing relationships with neighboring jurisdictions and state leaders. She understands the priority for a mayor is to get things done, not make speeches.

Unfortunately, Mendenhall suffers from a horrific disability — not boasting of her achievements. This allows antagonists to unfairly dump on her the decades-old issues of homelessness. Yet behind-the-scenes research reveals Mendenhall is leading, but there are enough undecided voters to require nonstop campaigning.

City residents appreciate Mendenhall’s quiet competence and will award her a well-deserved victory. Of course, I will boast about my salient prediction after Election Day.

Webb: I think Rocky Anderson is a fun and engaging politician — especially if you like drama, contention and big battles with the Utah Legislature. Mendenhall has brought stability and sensible progressivism (if there is such a thing) to city politics. Mendenhall is plenty liberal, but her personal style is to avoid unnecessary fights, work collaboratively when more can be accomplished, and recognize which party runs the state. The fact that the entire city council has endorsed Mendenhall over Anderson speaks volumes.

Homelessness is certainly a legitimate issue in the mayoral race. Homeless camps and related problems have frustrated residents, merchants and visitors. However, the city, whether under Mendenhall or Anderson, isn’t going to solve homelessness any time soon. Neither is the state, despite the multimillions of dollars spent.

Homelessness has become an intractable problem because of societal shifts. When I grew up in the 1950s and ’60s, we mostly (but not always) had large, intact families. Government didn’t deal much with homelessness, except to provide institutions for the severely mentally ill who were incapable of caring for themselves, with their families unable to cope.

Most families in those days lived very modestly, but most adults were married, children were raised by two parents, and extended families were generally able to take care of their own, including most of those with mental health challenges and addiction problems. They also received support from nonprofits, like churches.

Today, percentagewise, there are far fewer marriages, far fewer two-parent families, many more children with unwed parents, and much smaller families. Most of the consequences of these societal shifts, including homelessness, we have turned over to the government to solve. And government is a poor substitute for a strong family support system.

If only about 6% of Utahns live in Salt Lake City, should they care about its elections? Are the politics really that different from the rest of the state?

Pignanelli: Most states have different cities each with a specific focus for government, finance/business, higher education, etc. Utah is unique as Salt Lake City is Utah’s political, business, academic research, religious and historical capital. Thus, what happens between 2100 South and the foothills affects the entire state.

Also, the capital politics are dramatically different from the rest of the state. Mendenhall shines brilliantly in navigating the left-wing demands of her constituents and conservative realities of a red state. She understands Salt Lake City and the rest of Utah need each other despite the ideological differences.

Webb: I love Salt Lake City. I loved living and working in the heart of downtown for many years. The city has great neighborhoods and great people. However, I didn’t fit in politically, a fact that I accepted. Salt Lake City is a liberal island in a sea of conservatism. But it is Utah’s capital city and all state residents should want it to be vibrant and successful.

In prior columns we discussed the theoretical impacts of the congressional special election and ranked choice voting on municipal balloting. How will these affect Salt Lake City’s mayoral and council races?

Pignanelli: Both mayoral campaigns are utilizing messaging strategies to appeal to those GOP voters who normally dismiss municipal elections. Several city council races with multiple strong candidates may have unexpected outcomes because of ranked choice voting.

Webb: The special election will bring out a few more voters in the portion of the city within the 2nd District. Ranked choice voting won’t make much difference in the mayoral contest, but it could in some council races.

Get ready to vote for the leaders who affect you the most

Utah’s municipal election and the 2nd Congressional District special election will be on Nov. 21

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

National and international politics have been so intense lately that it’s easy to forget we have an important election later this month, right here in Utah. The municipal election, along with the 2nd Congressional District special election, is Nov. 21, two days before Thanksgiving. However, mail-in ballots are starting to hit mail boxes this week, so the election is upon us. We take a look at unique aspects of this election and why it is important.

More than 250 municipalities in Utah will be electing leaders this month. Several hundred candidates are running. Why should voters learn about their municipal candidates and participate in this election?  

Pignanelli: “The issues that most impact the average person are made at the local level.” — Erin Brockovich   

The U.S. House of Representatives went 22 days without the leadership of a speaker. Despite all the handwringing by media and politicos, very few Americans were adversely impacted by this controversy. (The House did not have a speaker for 55 days in 1961-1962 and the republic survived.)

However, if a city is dysfunctional for a day residents would feel negative ramifications — whether loss of police protection, refuse collection, health inspections, traffic safety, etc. The quality of our lifestyles is directly linked to municipal or county governments.

All citizens should learn about their local candidates and participate in the elections. This helps them know their council representative who is closer to the resources to solve many problems.

While debates over international relations and the federal debt are interesting, ensuring that the necessities of life are safeguarded is more important. Please remember this when hauling out your garbage.

Webb: The federal government, especially Congress, may be a lost cause. But Utah’s local governments can still solve problems, govern effectively and make a difference in citizen’s lives. That’s why it’s important to elect competent, dedicated mayors and city council members.

Many matters critical to your quality of life are handled at the city level. Rapid population growth is putting enormous pressure on municipalities. Decisions are being made that will impact cities and towns, and their residents, for generations.

Are your local roads full of potholes? Do you have, or need, public transit? Do you have a walkable, attractive city center with shops and restaurants and arts and cultural facilities? Or is yours mostly a community of big box stores with gigantic parking lots. Do young people in your community have opportunities to play sports and engage in other recreational opportunities to develop their talents? Do you have pleasant parks and picnic areas with scenic walking trails? Are you proud to live in your community? 

Your local leaders must have big visions to make your community a great place to live, work and play. That’s why It’s important to vote.

Here’s another reason local governments must perform well: If they don’t, state government or, worse, the big, overbearing federal government, will step in and take over local prerogatives.

The municipal election is usually early in November, but was pushed back this year to provide more campaign time for the 2nd Congressional District special election. Another interesting aspect of the election is that some cities will use ranked choice voting. How will these dynamics affect the election?

Pignanelli: There are just some things that confuse me including, scoreless soccer games, roundabout intersections and ranked choice voting. There may be supposed advantages to this system (i.e. avoiding primaries, greater civility, etc.), but I remain unpersuaded. For example, many local elections have two major contenders and supporters of the remaining minor candidates could have outsized influence of the ultimate outcome under this system.

Partisan voters who normally refrain from city elections but cast a congressional ballot will impact many city races. Shrewd candidates understand this and are conducting “above and below the radar” campaigns targeted at these unique voters.

Webb: With so much happening (or not happening) in Congress, it’s very important to get Utah’s full congressional delegation seated, so this special election is timely. Utah has been short a seat since Chris Stewart resigned.

Meanwhile, voters need to be educated about how ranked choice voting works. It also changes how candidates campaign, seeking second-place support if they are not first choice. It can all be rather confusing.  

Will the 2nd District election help boost voter turnout within the district, or will this be a low-turnout election with only the most committed voters participating?

Pignanelli: Municipal elections usually have lower turnout, although mail-in balloting has helped. Also, the 2017 special congressional election garnered fewer participants than usual. Further, only a quarter of the state will be impacted by this congressional special election. Thus, there may be a slight bump in those affected regions, which could be enough to alter the results of close races.

Webb: With citizens distracted and traveling in advance of Thanksgiving Day, it will be a low-turnout election. Candidates will need to focus hard on getting their supporters to mail in their ballots or to vote on election day, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.

The Halloween nightmares of Utah politicians

What Halloween nightmares are Mitt Romney, Mike Lee and other Utah politicians dreaming up?

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

Pignanelli & Webb: Halloween is scary enough by itself. Inject politics into the mix and some real nightmares emerge. With the big night almost here, we used various means of divination (or maybe it was indigestion) to conjure up the Halloween nightmares of our local politicians.

Gov. Spencer Cox: “It was terrifying! I was forced to say rude things on television about people with whom I disagree. I was forced to, perish the thought, disagree worse! I woke up screaming.”

Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson: “I dreamt a real case of voter fraud actually occurred in Utah. I’m so glad it was just a nightmare. It shook me to the core!”

U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney: “I woke up in a cold sweat after dreaming that Donald Trump was reelected. Worse, he issued an executive order outlawing sales of my biography and the manufacturing of Twinkies. I may never be the same.”

U.S. Sen. Mike Lee: “At first it seemed like a happy dream because I was sitting in the inner sanctum of the Supreme Court when the justices were deliberating a case regarding the dormant Commerce Clause. But when I tried to get their attention, they could not see me or hear me. I shouted my legal theories in vain, over and over again. It was sheer torture.”

U.S. Rep. Blake Moore: “What a nightmare! I dreamed I was part of a gridlocked House of Representatives in total disarray, unable to even elect a speaker! And in caucus, various factions spent all their time yelling at each other! Wait, was that just yesterday’s headlines?”

U.S. Rep. John Curtis: “My frightening dream started as a beautiful morning. But while dressing I opened the drawer and all my socks were drab gray. There was no color or pattern to any of them. The scene still haunts me today.”

U.S. Rep. Burgess Owens: “I dreamt I met with constituents and they really didn’t care about football or the Super Bowl I played in. It really was scary.”

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall: “It was like ‘Groundhog Day.’ I get up every morning and have to debate Rocky. Same arguments and campaign pitches, over and over again. Actually, the bad dream pretty much reflects my life right now.”

Mayoral candidate Rocky Anderson: “It was awful. I dreamt that every liberal over the age of 55 suddenly disappeared from Salt Lake City. No one had a clue who I was! It was devastating.”

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson: “I dreamed I had to ride the gondola up Little Cottonwood Canyon to Snowbird and Alta. UDOT tossed me out halfway up. Worst nightmare of my life!”

Democratic Party Chair Diane Lewis: “I dreamed that Donald Trump was no longer a candidate and Joe Biden had to face a more mainstream Republican. What a disaster! This was so frightening.”

Republican Party Chair Robert Axson: “I dreamed that Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer retired and we could no longer vilify them and raise money. What a disaster! This was so frightening.”

Attorney General Sean Reyes: “In my nightmare, I heard trick-or-treaters outside my door. I went out to hand out candy and children wearing Tim Ballard masks said, ‘Boo!’ It’ll take a while to get over that.”

Senate President Stuart Adams: “I woke up in a panic after dreaming that Utah did not win any award for good management, solid taxation policies or a great economy. The horror was indescribable.”

House Speaker Brad Wilson: “I dreamed I was a well-respected state legislator who could solve problems and get things done. Then I shape-shifted into a federal lawmaker and was caught in a maze of chaotic paralysis. I was immobilized. I tried to get something done and heard laughter. It was frightful.”

U.S. Senate GOP candidates Trent Staggs, Rod Bird and other arch-conservative Republicans: “It was a ghastly dream. The Legislature abolished the caucus/convention system. Thousands of delegates were staggering around like zombies with nothing to do.”

2nd Congressional District Republican nominee Celeste Maloy: “I dreamt that on my way to be sworn in as a new member of Congress I was stuck in the elevator with members of “the Squad” — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Tlaib ... I’m still shaking.”

2nd Congressional District Democratic nominee Kathleen Riebe: “I dreamt that on my way to be sworn in as a new member Congress I was stuck in the elevator with Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Opal Boebert. It was awful.”

University of Utah President Taylor Randall: “This was so realistic. The Pac-12 suddenly disintegrated, we were left afloat, and then we had to join another conference. When will I wake up?”

Frank Pignanelli: “It was terrifying. I was sitting in one of those national chain restaurants that claim to serve Italian food (you know what I’m talking about) and forced to eat tasteless breadsticks. I will need therapy.”

LaVarr Webb: “Well, this is embarrassing. In my bad dream, I went out to feed the chickens one cheery morning and forgot to put on my pants. The chickens were so traumatized they stopped laying eggs for a month.”

Presenting to the Legislature

We had the opportunity to present to the Utah Legislature issues facing the Utah Association of Financial Services, and National Association of Industrial Bankers. We appreciated the invitation from President Adams, Speaker Wilson, legislative leadership  and Zions Bank to participate in this forum at the Capitol. 

How will the Hamas attack, House chaos and concerns about Biden’s age affect Utah politics?

Who will Utah voters support in the context of a world in turmoil and the U.S. House in disarray?

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

The once sacred rule, “All politics is local,” is becoming a canard. What happens in Washington, D.C., and occasionally elsewhere on the planet, increasingly impacts local elections in America. We consider the impact of national and international events on Utah politics.

The attack by Hamas on Israel has generated emotional responses and political activity. Meanwhile, U.S. House Republicans have been in chaos after ousting their speaker and struggling to elect a new one. Will these national and international events influence the 2nd Congressional District Special Election and municipal contests on Nov. 21, and could the impact spill over into 2024?

Pignanelli: “It was dangerous (to oust the speaker). What kind of message are we sending to our adversaries when we can’t govern, when we’re dysfunctional, when we don’t even have a speaker of the House?” — Congressman Michael McCaul, R-Texas. 

For many generations, Utahns exhibited a deep affection for people of the Jewish faith in the state and throughout the world. Therefore, the condemnations from state leaders, and even average citizens, to the brutal, terroristic slaughter were direct and without equivocation.

A large majority of the Utah electorate anticipate local politicians to support Israel. Many candidates for mayor and city council offices will act accordingly. Democrats will need to establish distance from leftist congressional members and elite college activists issuing statements demeaning to Israelis. But if assistance to Israel is delayed or impacted by congressional chaos, Republicans will also feel frustration by some voters.

Troubling images will emerge as Israeli troops push through the Gaza Strip. Others throughout the country may protest such actions. But in Utah, the historic relationship with the Jewish people and Israel will remain a priority in public affairs.

Webb: Voters will have important questions for Utah candidates in upcoming elections. Utahns will determine who they support in the context of a world in turmoil and the U.S. House in disarray. Will a Utah candidate help bring sanity to national politics, and peace through strength internationally, or will the candidate create more chaos that weakens the United States?

Utahns should very much want to understand the positions of their politicians regarding the U.S. House fiasco, and the war in Israel, the war in Ukraine, and how to protect U.S. interests in a very scary world.

Republicans must be held accountable for the nasty, embarrassing, intraparty leadership brawl. Utah’s members of Congress may not be directly responsible for the fiasco, but what are they doing to prevent a similar future occurrence and to punish the renegades? 

Meanwhile, isolationist Republicans ought to be defeated. This is no time to elect leaders who are soft on Russian aggression and its war crimes in Ukraine. Some Republicans can’t seem to connect Russia’s invasion in Ukraine with Hamas’ invasion of Israel, China’s intimidation of Taiwan, Iran’s warlike actions, and the menace of North Korea. They need to understand that going soft on Russia, allowing it to conquer Ukraine, will only embolden those other bad actors, increasing the likelihood of World War III.   

National and international affairs are top-of-mind for voters this year and next, as they should be. Local and national candidates should respond accordingly.

President Joe Biden continues to suffer high disapproval ratings in polls conducted nationally and locally. Further, a CBS News survey revealed two-thirds of Americans do not believe Biden will finish his second term, revealing a new negative perception issue among voters. How will this impact local politics?

Pignanelli: Biden cannot catch a break. His age and frailty continue to haunt him, factors beyond any correction. Further, a recent survey documents that most Americans support Israel but disapprove of Biden’s handling of the conflict.

According to the CBS poll, Biden’s personality traits so attractive to voters in 2020 (calm, predictable) contrast with what the voters want in 2024 (tough, energetic). All this angst with the president could trickle down to local politics (as it usually does in other states). This will affect the congressional special election and those municipal races where voters have a perception of candidates’ ideologies — real or perceived.

Webb: We’re in a very perilous political period. The world is in turmoil and our two leading presidential candidates are old, unpopular and incompetent. The old world order, dominated by the United States, is being challenged by bad actors. Biden is incapable of providing the leadership needed, and Trump is so erratic and volatile as to be dangerous.

Are there any other potential late year surprises for politicos this season?

Pignanelli: If the controversy surrounding the House speaker creates issues in government funding or jeopardizing national security, the GOP will be held accountable. Democrats’ difficult Biden problems are “baked in” and unlikely to worsen. Normally, “October political surprises” must occur by now to have impact. But Utah’s elections are scheduled for Nov. 21 this year, expanding opportunities for potential trouble.

Webb: If national or international affairs cause the economy to crash, the political ramifications could be dramatic. Utah voters will look for leadership that is wise, steady, reassuring and dynamic.

Can Gov. Cox’s ‘Disagree Better’ initiative work?

Polls show citizens want more courtesy and cooperation in politics

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

Recent political events in Washington, D.C., and in Utah demand greater scrutiny of the behavior of our elected and appointed officials and how they talk to each other and to citizens. Since your columnists are purportedly in the communications business, we have our opinions.

In light of the chaos and backbiting in Washington, including the ouster of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Gov. Spencer Cox’s “Disagree Better” initiative with the National Governors Association appears timely and is receiving more attention. Is this initiative just feel-good, fuzzy-headed wishful thinking, or is it a substantive, needed objective in today’s political climate?

Pignanelli: “The toppling of Speaker Kevin McCarthy is so ... below the country … without heightened meaning. It’s as if Julius Caesar were stabbed to death in the Forum by the Marx Brothers.” — Peggy Noonan, Wall Street Journal.

Advocates of the Cox initiative possess millennia of history which prove respect toward adversaries generally delivers positive results. Two recent pertinent examples surround the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. The founders hoped holders of this constitutional office would rise above political fray. Unfortunately, this intent went awry — especially by the last two occupants.

Had Nancy Pelosi created a Jan. 6 commission that was balanced with requested Republican members, the deliberations and conclusions would have survived attacks of partisanship and better served national interests. McCarthy, by demonizing Democrats before and after the government funding votes, diminished any obligation by them to retain him.

The initiative should do more than just admonish rudeness but educate voters that nastiness exhibited on television and social media accomplishes nothing. Our nation advances when respect is exchanged between friends and foes. The most successful leaders, regardless of party, are disciples of this philosophy.

Webb: My first reaction was that the Cox initiative was rather lightweight and too obvious. I thought it would be routinely ignored by the boorish, warring political factions at all levels of politics. And perhaps it will be ignored.

But upon further reflection and understanding what Cox really intends, I like the initiative a lot. It has real substance and it can make a difference. It should be studied and adopted by everyone who has strong political opinions.

Cox isn’t suggesting that we should all set aside our strong feelings, give in, hold hands and sing “Kumbaya.” To the contrary, Cox fully recognizes that deep-seated disagreements exist, that people feel their side is right, and they have no interest in surrendering.

The problem isn’t that we disagree, but it’s the way we disagree that is so toxic to our society. My wife and I sometimes disagree, but we don’t disparage each other, use harsh language, or cause permanent damage or resentment. Cox is saying that we can disagree without being offensive and without destroying relationships.

Respectful disagreement would make a big difference in politics and in all sectors of society. It would preserve relationships, reduce acrimony and tension, and ultimately solve more of the serious problems we face.

Congressman John Curtis announced he will not seek the U.S. Senate seat that will be open when Sen. Mitt Romney retires. How will this impact the Senate race? Could his decision increase the dignity of the political process?

Pignanelli: Well-informed political operatives understand Curtis would have been a formidable candidate. A tough campaigner, he is beloved in a congressional district that promised a strong performance in a GOP primary. Also, Curtis has access to national funding resources.

Thus, his decision to stay in the House was made through a sincere desire to pursue what was best for the state, and not fear. Indeed, his announcement carried in this paper was so articulate, visionary and unselfish that it rose to that ultimate of adjectives — “Lincolnesque.” All Utahns are grateful Curtis set an example of noble public service.

The campaign is now an open field for state House Speaker Brad Wilson and Mayor Trent Staggs. Other potential contenders face catch-up challenges.

Webb: Curtis is a terrific human being and an excellent member of Congress. He would make a very fine U.S. senator. But it would have been a tough battle. Wilson has run a masterful early campaign, rounding up a who’s who list of impressive supporters, most of Utah’s top Republicans, and corralling a load of money.

Had Curtis jumped in earlier, I suspect a lot of those leaders would not have endorsed Wilson so soon. But Wilson moved very quickly and is now the clear front-runner. It’s still very early in the race, and more candidates will likely emerge, but Wilson looks formidable.

Polls indicate that citizens want greater courtesy and cooperation among politicians. Is there anything they can do?

Pignanelli: Communications from campaigns and special interest groups are often caustic and denigrating toward political opponents. The wonderful and terrifying thing about democracy is when citizens despise political antics, they can blame the person looking back in the mirror. Only when voters hold candidates responsible for toxicity will the environment change.

Webb: This is a problem for political leaders, but also for political followers. It’s a problem at city council, school board and county commission meetings. It’s a particular problem on social media. If we ordinary citizens set a good example ourselves of “disagreeing better,” and expect the same from our elected officials, then our communities, states and nation would be better places to live.

Chaos in the U.S. House: The sorry state of congressional governance

After the ousting of Kevin McCarthy from his role as speaker of the House, what will the Republican Party do?

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

Anyone watching the news recently has witnessed a terrible display of political acrimony that is an embarrassment to this country. We are not describing Republican versus Democrat but the Republican versus Republican fratricide resulting from the near shutdown of the federal government and the ousting of U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. This tumult is generating conjecture about the health of the GOP nationally and highlighting recent initiatives to alter local politics. We offer our observations.

Anyone watching cable news programs or social media the last several days has been amused, but more likely appalled, by the antics of a handful of Republican members of Congress and the ensuing tumult and confusion. Democrats watched and allowed the carnage to occur. Is this the disintegration of the Republican Party?

Pignanelli: “If the present Congress errs in too much talking, how can it be otherwise in a body to which the people send one hundred and fifty lawyers, whose trade it is to question everything, yield nothing, and talk by the hour?” — Thomas Jefferson   

Dozens of reality TV programs entertain millions with “impromptu coverage” of fights between families and friends. Usually, these differences are minor, but the camera incentivizes participants to amplify the emotions. Americans are now viewing a congressional version of such theater.

The main combatants — McCarthy and Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla. — are both aligned with Donald Trump. Allegiance to the former president is not at issue. Other factors are at play.

For over a decade, the demographics of both parties shifted, which created confusion and frustration among their ranks. Trump made it fashionable to challenge traditional Republican leadership without incurring ramifications. Additionally, promises by veteran leaders to control the deficits only prompted laughter and contempt from younger GOP officials. Thus, internal rebellions in Congress are not surprising. 

The national Republican Party has weathered much greater challenges (i.e. Great Depression, Watergate, Great Recession), and will remain strong. But they will likely endure comedic comparisons to the Kardashians, “Real Housewives,” etc.

Webb: The Republican Party has always had factions and, even today, it’s not on the verge of self-destruction, at least in most of the country. However, some members of Congress take dissension within the party to whole new levels, forming a circular firing squad and contributing to the embarrassing dysfunction of Congress. This is proof that Washington is broken.

In the big picture, it’s critical to remember that Republicans narrowly control the House, while Democrats control the presidency and the U.S. Senate. If anything worthwhile is accomplished in Congress, it requires compromise, support from both Republicans and Democrats. McCarthy was ousted by a small faction of right-wing ideologues for the unforgivable sin of compromising a little bit with Democrats to keep the government running.

In part, GOP schisms are more prevalent today because the apparent leader of the party, Donald Trump, is so polarizing himself.

It is worthwhile to contrast the chaos in Congress with what the nation’s 50 governors are doing. Under the leadership of their chair, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, they have undertaken a major initiative to produce better policy through “healthy conflict” and by “disagreeing better.” They have adopted a “positive approach to political and social discourse.” And states, with a few exceptions, are better governed than the federal government.

Local businessman Bruce Cummings along with others have developed a nonprofit organization “People4Utah” to open the closed Republican primary elections in Utah. This organization believes that restricting participation in party nomination activities marginalizes most citizens, and is unhealthy for democracy. Do local Republicans need such a change?                                                                                     

Pignanelli: Republican leaders demand with compelling logic that only the party faithful should choose their nominees in the primary elections. But this reasoning also raises the important question of why taxpayers should pay for elections in which they cannot participate. (Utah’s second largest voting bloc is unaffiliated.)

Despite allegations of mischief, surveys indicate most Utahns vote for whom they consider the best person, including in the primaries. Such rational behavior oftentimes excludes the most conservative or liberal candidates, with selections toward better candidates to represent constituents. Therefore, I respectfully suggest if taxpayers are paying the freight, they can ride the train.

Webb: I’m in favor of as much participation in the political process by as many citizens as possible. I was among those who supported opening the party nomination process to allow candidates to gather signatures to get on the ballot. I also support open primary elections if parties voluntarily choose that route.

However, I think we would go too far in forcing the Republican Party to allow non-Republicans to vote in its primary elections. If someone wants to vote in a Republican primary, it’s easy enough to join the party. 

Is there a potential for such disruptions among Democrats nationally or locally?

Pignanelli: Far left progressives prevailed throughout the internal struggles of the Democratic Party in prior decades. Their control was secured by subdued, effective bloodletting of moderates outside the limelight.

Webb: Democrats have their own schisms. But at this time in history, Democrats are much more unified, both nationally and in Utah.