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Utah Policy - Politics, Communications & Government Relations

Today's political briefing: Key developments
and analysis for Utah policymakers
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News Highlights

Rep. Mark Walker resigns, ending a House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations he tried to bribe Richard Ellis into dropping out of the state treasurer race (Deseret News, KCPW, and Salt Lake Tribune). Tribune editorial calls for creation of an independent, bi-partisan ethics commission.

3rd District GOP nominee Jason Chaffetz is critical of establishment Republicans who haven’t delivered in Congress, as well as Democrats (Tribune).

Quote of the Day

“But that's only one issue the governors could and should tackle. Water, land management and other topics that have been victims of Washington inertia should be taken up by governors -- not only in the West but across the nation. It's time for them to fill the cavity in leadership.”

-- Standard-Examiner editorial lauding western governors for taking leadership in climate change and encouraging more action on other issues.


Tuesday Buzz
Written by LaVarr Webb & Associates

UPD: Tell Us What You Like and Don’t Like

Many Utah Policy Daily readers have filled out a quick on-line survey that will help us improve UPD’s content. If you haven’t taken the survey, I hope you’ll do so. UPD has been published for more than four years, and it’s time to check with readers to see what's working and what isn't. The survey is fast and confidential. We appreciate your feedback. Please click here to complete the survey. Thanks again.

Hinckley Journal of Politics

An Answer to Subprime Market Problems

In the latest edition of the Hinckley’s Institute’s Journal of Politics, U. of U. student Clinton Reeder, in an article titled, "Government Solutions: An Answer to the Subprime Market Problems,” discusses four approaches government agencies and branches are taking to with mortgage defaults and foreclosures. His abstract:

“Though homeownership has grown phenomenally in the United States over the past decade, recent developments with subprime mortgages threaten to undo that growth and hurt the economy in the process. With record rates of foreclosures and defaults on subprime mortgages, there has been a public outcry for the government to take charge and fix the problem before it does significant damage to the United States economy. Many different government agencies and branches have answered the call with four differing approaches to this issue. Each group’s approach is analyzed and the four approaches are then compared to see which provides the most success in the current situation. In the end, each has had mixed results that seem to answer most of the problems effectively but each has its drawbacks, as well. The final conclusion is that the federal regulatory agencies approach has the most effective solution with the least drawbacks.” Read the Journal on-line here.

Becker's 180-Day Plan
The SLC Mayor's Office has posted a progress summary of Ralph Becker's 180-Day Plan. To read it, click here.

Washington Watch

Cantwell Co-Sponsors Bennett Bill
Washington state Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell signs on to co-sponsor Sen. Bob Bennett's Healthy Americans Act, joining 15 other senators who've endorsed the health reform legislation (see press release).

Today in Political History

July 8, 1919:  President Woodrow Wilson receives a tumultuous welcome in New York City after his return from the Versailles Peace Conference in France.

July 8, 1950:  Gen. Douglas MacArthur is named commander-in-chief of United Nations forces in Korea.

July 8, 1994:  Kim Il Sung, North Korea's communist leader since 1948, dies at age 82. (Source:  NY Times

Wise Words

“He who does not bellow out the truth when he knows the truth makes himself the accomplice of liars and forgers.”

-- Charles Peguy (Patriot Post)

Communications Tip

The Art of Email Subject Lines

Your email message is one of scores of messages in your recipient's inbox. If the recipient does not know you, your subject line determines whether your message is opened or deleted.

Good subject lines for routine correspondence are specific and tell the reader what to expect in the message. Lines such as "Campaign launch at 10 today" or "Energy Policy Unveiled" telegraph the emails' content and motivate the reader to open them. By contrast, subjects such as "New Product" or "Policy News" say little and prompt no action.

Subject lines of sales emails are most effective when they're short and contain a promise. Tell the reader what's in it for him and what action he might be expected to take. Put key information up front so it isn't truncated by the email client. And as with all sales messages: test, test, test.  (Source:  Access Consulting

National Politics

Best Stories From . . .

-- Politico: Barack Obama "will leave the hall of the Democratic National Convention in Denver and deliver a rock-star-style acceptance speech at nearby Invesco Field at Mile High, quadrupling his live audience, the party announced Monday. The speech ... will be on the fourth and final night of the convention, Aug. 28. Adding to the historic resonance of the first nomination of an African-American for president, that date is the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream Speech.'"

-- Washington Post: "Conservative activists are preparing to do battle with allies of Sen. John McCain in advance of September's Republican National Convention, hoping to prevent his views on global warming, immigration, stem cell research and campaign finance from becoming enshrined in the party's official declaration of principles."

-- New York Times: Columnist William Kristol says "acquaintances and sources in and around the McCain campaign" have told him that "McCain is frustrated. He thinks he can beat Obama (politicians are pretty confident in their own abilities). But he isn't convinced his campaign can beat Obama's campaign."

-- Bloomberg: Columnist Heidi Przybyla: "The prerequisites for [McCain's] running mate are clear: a Washington outsider with solid economic credentials who isn't associated with President George W. Bush, can fill the vice-presidential attack-dog role, help win Western and Midwestern states and cut into [Obama's] fundraising advantage. One candidate fits the bill: former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney."

Blog Watch

-- At Salt Blog, Holly Mullen reports on Rep. Rep. Mark Walker’s abrupt resignation and the cancellation of the Ethics Committee meeting: “I talked to (Richard) Ellis, who beat Walker in the primary, after the 11-minute meeting was adjourned. 'I'm surprised [at the outcome],' Ellis said. Ellis showed up with a stack of documents and other paperwork regarding his testimony -- he apparently didn't get the resignation memo. 'I was subpoenaed to be here today,' he said. 'Essentially I was prepared to discuss my affidavit with the committee, which is public record.' Ellis said he'll stand by his account of events with his opponent, and is ready to testify in any criminal case, should it go that far. Meanwhile, he said, 'I'll just pursue my election.'"

Lighter Side

“Women are like the police. They could have all the evidence in the world, but they still want the confession.”

 -- Chris Rock (Reader’s Digest)

 

Elected Officials Birthday List


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Publisher: LaVarr Webb
Editor: Paul Hollingshead
News: Golden Webb
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Tuesday
July 8, 2008


Utah in the National News

Associated Press: "A conservation group claimed Monday that a Las Vegas water agency wants to exclude ranchers, Indian tribes, local governments and others from full participation in hearings on the agency's bid for billions of gallons of rural Nevada water. ... Steve Erickson of the Great Basin Water Network said more than a dozen groups and individuals from both Nevada and Utah want Taylor to grant them 'interested persons' status so they can fully participate in the hearings, but SNWA attorneys oppose the request."


Local Headlines

Deseret News

- Another blow in Nevada's water fight

- Probe ends as Walker resigns

- Family, friends pay tribute to community activist

- Ogden has landed spot among best U.S. cities

- Yahoo CEO Yang to speak at Technology Council event

- Utah 10th in proportion of jobs in biosciences

- Editorial: Don't keep audits secret

Standard-Examiner

- Editorial: Western govs filling the void

KUER

- Utah Wilderness Legislation

Daily Herald

- Editorial: Vineyard road a necessity

KCPW

- Utah Taxpayers Association Opposes Hogle Zoo Bond

- Constitution Party Candidate Campaigns in Utah

- Becker Pleased With Administration's Progress

- Rep. Walker Resigns, No Ethics Investigation

KSL Editorial Board

- 4-day Work Week

Salt Lake Tribune

- 3rd District GOP nominee: Chaffetz's jabs hit right as well as left

- Ethics case is Utah rarity

- Utah educator to be V.P. of union

- Candidates draw party lines over District 28 seat

- Walsh: State cars and turkeys have a bit in common

- Sevier County plant will be on ballot

- Editorial: The air out there: EPA should maintain air-quality standard in parks

- Editorial: Ethics commission: Independent, nonpartisan panel should be seated


Political Calendar

Please submit calendar items to Daily@UtahPolicy.com

- July 8: Revenue and Taxation Interim Committee Meeting, 8 a.m., room C445.

- July 8: Legislative Management Committee Meeting, 11 a.m., room C450 State Capitol.

- July 8: The Public Square  at 11 a.m. on NPR Utah, KCPW 88.3 FM, talks about ethics reform and the Utah Legislature with Kirk Jowers of the Hinckley Institute of Politics and veteran political reporter Paul Rolly of the Salt Lake Tribune. Call 355-TALK or email publicsquare@kcpw.org during the show to participate.

- July 8: Lt. Governor Herbert to participate in a live interview with Tony Yapias on Live Latino Pulse, 12 p.m., Radio Exitos 1550 AM.
- July 10-11: Governor Huntsman to attend the National Governors’ Association Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA.
- July 10: Legislative meetings scheduled throughout day. See Legislative calendar for details.

- July 10: Davis County Democratic Planning Committee Bi-Monthly Meeting, 7 p.m., Davis County Democrat Party Headquarters, 50 West Gentile and Main, Layton. All candidates and District Chairman are required to attend. The general public is invited.
-July 11: Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee Meeting, 9 a.m., Springs Elementary School, Cedar City.

- July 11: Lt. Governor Herbert to participate in the Public Land Policy Coordinating Council, 10 a.m., Utah State Capitol.

- July 12: Democratic Party Monthly Breakfast, 8:30 a.m., Granny Annie's Restaurant, 286 N 400 W, Kaysville. Guest speaker is Joe Hatch, Democratic National Committee Chairman. Mr. Hatch is one of the two delegates from Utah that serve on the Democratic National Committee. All Democrats and the general public are invited.
- July 15: Higher Education and Applied Technology Governance Committee Meeting, 8:30 a.m., room C450.

- July 17: Lt. Governor Herbert to give welcoming remarks at the Utah Healthcare Association's Emergency Prepardness Summit, 9:00 a.m., South Towne Center 9575 South State Street Sandy.

- July 17: Lt. Governor Herbert to participate in the Utah Farm Bureau MidYear Conference, 2 p.m., Park City.
-July 17: Libertarian Monthly Social, 6 to 9 p.m., Mo's Neighborhood Grill, 358 S. West Temple. Come for politics, food drink, and socializing.

- July 17: Town Hall Meeting with Mayor Ralph Becker, 7 p.m., Salt Lake City Downtown Library, Library Auditorium, 210 East 400 South. The event is an opportunity for residents to ask questions and hear directly from the Mayor on the progress his administration has made during the first six months in office and his vision for the future.
- July 18: An Evening to Support Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon, anytime from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., The home of Ben and Julie McAdams, 1530 Hubbard Avenue (935 South), Salt Lake City. Drinks and light hors d'oeuvres served. Suggested donation $100. RSVP to Ben McAdams 801-618-1946, benmcadams@gmail.com.
- July 19-20: Young Democrats of Utah and Save our Canyons Environmental Retreat, Big Cottonwood Canyon. Eat smores, help the environment, and learn about the issues facing Utah’s canyons. $20/per person, includes food. Space is limited. RSVP here.
- July 21: Candidate Forum sponsored by the Salt Lake Chamber and the Utah Foundation Utah Priorities Project, 12 to 1 p.m., Board Room, Salt Lake Chamber, 175 East University Blvd. (400 South), Suite 600, Salt Lake City. Forum includes House District 45 candidates Brian Monsen vs. Laura Black.

- July 28: Administrative Rules Review Committee meeting, 9 a.m., room C445, State Capitol.
- Aug 4: Candidate Forum sponsored by the Salt Lake Chamber and the Utah Foundation Utah Priorities Project, 12 to 1 p.m., Board Room, Salt Lake Chamber, 175 East University Blvd. (400 South), Suite 600, Salt Lake City. Forum includes House District 20 candidates Paul Neuenschwander or Becky Edwards vs. Kyle Roberts.
- Aug 15: GenX GOP networking group summer lunch, 12 p.m., Hires, 400 S 700 E, Salt Lake City. For more info email mike.winder@winderfarms.com.

- Aug 18: Candidate Forum sponsored by the Salt Lake Chamber and the Utah Foundation Utah Priorities Project, 12 to 1 p.m., Board Room, Salt Lake Chamber, 175 East University Blvd. (400 South), Suite 600, Salt Lake City. Forum includes Senate District 23 candidates Richard Watson vs. Dan Liljenquist or Ron Mortensen.

- Aug 20: Legislative meetings scheduled throughout day. See Legislative calendar for details.
- Aug 21: Health System Reform Task Force Meeting, 8 a.m., room W020.

- Aug 21: Education Interim Committee Meeting, 9 a.m., room C445.
- Aug 25-28: Democratic National Convention, Denver

- Sept 1-4: Republican National Convention, Minneapolis, MN

- Sept 1: Labor Day

- Sept 15: Utah Senate Majority Golf Tournament, 8 a.m. registration with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m., Eaglewood Golf Course, Bountiful. For more info click here or contact Laura Barlow, 435-881-2588.

- See the entire calendar