The 2020 gubernatorial election is still a long way off. But it has been fascinating to see three likely contenders out on the political battlefield in the last several weeks.
Only this time they weren’t battling each other. In fact, they were on the same side — on the front lines in the fight to overcome homelessness in Utah.
We might call them the odd threesome – House Speaker Greg Hughes, Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox, and Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams. All recognized as leading gubernatorial candidates in 2020. All working together harmoniously to combat lawlessness, addiction and mental illness, to find housing, money, and new resources for homeless people.
(And there are a couple of other prospective candidates worth watching, including Josh Romney and former state Sen. Aaron Osmond. More about them below.)
Each of the odd threesome are receiving positive reviews for their efforts on homelessness. And, interestingly enough, all three profess to enjoy working together and they say they have developed newfound respect for each other, and even friendship.
If this keeps up, we might see the first gubernatorial campaign in history where the candidates hug and kiss each other after a debate, rather than shake hands.
Cox, age 42, is a Boy Scout Republican. McAdams, also 42, is a Boy Scout Democrat. Both traditional, young, smart, earnest, Utah Mormon high-achievers. Besides being the same age, both have four kids, and both are “recovering” attorneys.
By contrast, Hughes, the “geezer” (as he put it) of the group at 47, is a lot more colorful. He’s a brash, political brawler – a self-described “white-trash kid of a single mother” from Pittsburgh. But, believe it or not, he seems to have a heart.
A political fighter with a heart. That appeals to a lot of people. Hughes is more nuanced than he sometimes seems. He became a believer in and advocate for public transit, for example, befuddling some of his conservative brethren who view public transit as socialism. As a conservative lawmaker from Draper, Hughes did not need to insert himself into the homeless situation. But he did so, and became a powerful force for action.
But McAdams and Cox have also demonstrated steel in the spine. McAdams showed resolve and courage as he stood up to outrage and scorn among some local leaders and citizens as he identified locations for homeless resource centers. McAdams also went undercover in the Rio Grande area for three days, experiencing in a small way what homeless people go through.
Cox, assigned by Gov. Gary Herbert as the state’s point person on homelessness, defied conservative Republican stereotypes by speaking sympathetically and eloquently about LGBT issues. Cox relates very well with rural Utah and is terrific on social media.
Both McAdams and Cox have faced tough political fights and decisions. Both have the strength and temperament to be good governors.
McAdams and Cox would be 45 when elected in 2020; Hughes would be 50. By contrast, Gov. Herbert is 70. Former Gov. Mike Leavitt won the governorship at 41.
There is no particular personality type that is better than another for governor. Some fine governors are flamboyant and charismatic. Others are reserved and more cautious. But any good governor must have good judgment, steely determination and a willingness to make tough decisions.
Hughes is much more demonstrative than Cox or McAdams. But he may also be more likely to get into trouble. He would need to assure Utahns that he would be a safe governor. It’s OK to send a firebrand to Congress, but Utahns seem to like a father figure for governor.
In separate interviews, Hughes, McAdams and Cox all professed to have a genuine affection and appreciation for each other. And they trust each other.
“We’re brothers in this effort,” said Cox. “I couldn’t care less about political party or whether someone might be a future competitor. None of us is putting personal ambition ahead of doing what’s right. My relationship with Greg and Ben has never been stronger. It’s trite, but true, that you can accomplish a lot if you don’t care who gets credit. I think we’re all putting people first and politics second.”
McAdams said: “What I love about Utah is our willingness to put aside political differences to focus on solving problems. Greg and I have actually become friends. We disagree politically on a lot of issues, but I respect and appreciate his willingness to jump in and provide leadership. This issue had been kicked down the road for too long. Both Spencer and Greg are great leaders and we’re lucky to have them.”
Hughes said it has been a pleasure working with McAdams and Cox. He has completely bought into the notion of collaboration and the need for all stakeholders to work together.
Meanwhile, a political advisor to Josh Romney said Romney is seriously considering running for governor in 2020 and won’t be deterred by a possible run for the Senate by his father, Mitt. It’s a hard decision for Josh Romney because he has seven children and very busy business and philanthropic obligations.
If he decides to run, he won’t be concerned about other candidates, he’ll be in it all the way, and he’ll be very competitive, this advisor said. “He’s the ideal mix of his mom and dad.” Mitt Romney came across as very smart and capable, but a little wooden. Ann Romney connects well with people and is caring and empathetic. “Josh is the perfect combination. He’s down to earth. I traveled with him all over the country during the presidential campaign. Everyone loved him, from large rallies to one-on-one in coffee shops. He really connects with people.”
The advisor said Romney “knows what a campaign entails. He knows the commitment. If he decides to do it he’ll be a terrific candidate, running as a businessman outsider, not an insider. He’ll make the time and put his whole heart in it.”
Another possible candidate, former state Sen. Aaron Osmond, is seriously considering getting into the race. He is going so far as to lay groundwork, meet with key people, and carefully weigh the pros and cons. Osmond was a popular and effective state senator who took on some tough issues. He hasn’t made a final decision, but is actively investigating the opportunity. He has strong ties to the high-tech community, where a lot of money and capability exist if it can be tapped.
Among others being mentioned are state Sen. Deidre Henderson, a young and effective politician with a bright future, and the immensely talented and capable Natalie Gochnour who runs the Kem Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah. Gochnour has broad experience with the Salt Lake Chamber and the Leavitt administration in Utah and Leavitt’s work in the Bush cabinet in Washington.
No doubt, over the next two years more potential candidates will likely emerge, including some successful business people who haven’t come up through the political ranks.
