Legislature's dynamics evolving with leadership changes
The dynamics in the Utah Legislature are evolving, especially through the recent changes in leadership. Some thoughts on the impact:
Were the changes surprising?
Webb: Leadership races are always very personal, and close races are often unpredictable. Even a superior vote-counter is sometimes tripped up because caucus members don't always vote as they promised. All sorts of factors play out in leadership races, including leadership ability and style, ideology, personal alliances and geography (Utah County loses). It was clear the hottest race, the GOP Senate presidency contest between John Valentine and Michael Waddoups, would be close, so it's not a big surprise that Waddoups won.
Pignanelli: The loud groaning from Utah County last week (and repeated after the BYU-Utah game) was their bemoaning loss of influence at the Capitol. Senate President John Valentine and Majority Leader Curt Bramble were knocked from powerful positions in state government. Leadership elections are nasty affairs because they're so personal and reflect a legislator's standing among his/her colleagues. The Senate Republican battle was fomenting for months and change was not unexpected. Many conjectured senators were frustrated the House was dominating state affairs. Further, Bramble's style was an issue for him and Valentine. Utah County, once the focal point of power, now boasts just one of their own in leadership: Rep. Becky Lockhart as assistant majority whip. The new president, Waddoups, is a shrewd operator and will be assertive with the governor and the House. The House's mood for change was satisfied by replacing outgoing Speaker Greg Curtis with Dave Clark. Kevin Garn's election as majority leader over Wayne Harper was not surprising, although the rumored margin of victory (less than four votes) was eye-opening.Senate Democrats were split evenly and a coin toss utilized to elect Pat Jones as minority leader. For the first time in many years, House Democrats elected a Blue Dog, Jim Gowans, to their leadership. Both events could not be predicted and promise changes in approach from the minority party.
Do these changes offer opportunities or challenges to the governor?
Pignanelli: The Senate refusal to confirm Robert Hilder to the Court of Appeals was more than a gun issue. Senators sent a signal they will not "rubberstamp" anything from anyone. However, with Curtis out of the picture and the senators temporarily divided, the popular governor still has a limited opportunity to push his agenda (i.e. health care, ethics, energy) in this vacuum. Otherwise, Speaker Clark and President Waddoups possess more than enough energy and skill to re-establish the pre-eminence of the Legislature in state government.
Recent comments
I'm open minded and optimistic about the new leadership teams. What...
Leg leadership | Nov. 23, 2008 at 9:22 p.m.
Lavarr Webb was wrong. There was a collective sigh of relief on both...
ELKMAN | Nov. 23, 2008 at 6:14 p.m.
Neither mentioned the massive tax increases that will be coming this...
Anonymous | Nov. 23, 2008 at 7:12 a.m.
- LDS seminary principal arrested 11:49 a.m.
- Power.com sues Facebook 11:40 a.m.
- Stocks falter 11:39 a.m.
- Mandela stays away from exhibition 11:38 a.m.
- Obama artist makes plea deal 11:33 a.m.
- Cuba acknowledges desertion 11:30 a.m.
- Goosen shoots 63 to lead Scottish 11:29 a.m.
- Boston man begs to repay Brady 11:28 a.m.
- Movsisyan to remain through season 11:22 a.m.
- Teacher faces new sex charges 11:19 a.m.
- Jazz talking Boozer trade?
- Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
- Jazz in back of line for free agents
- Okur signs two-year extension
- A primer for the 6th Potter film
- Jazz won't meet Lopez on Europe trip
- Restaurant destroyed by fire
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- Mall owner seeks to retain zoning
- Jazz rally for OT win at Orlando
- Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
140 - Letters: Palin mistreated
137 - Teachers struggle with district cuts
135 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
123 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
119 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Moon landing: Let's hear from you
79 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
73 - Letters: Single-payer system best
70 - Services bids farewell to Jackson
70
By now you've probably read about the investigation that showed just how...
Sen. Scott Jenkins was name-checked by Jay Leno Monday night during his...
It would appear that most of the comments are from people who've never been...
To James: Tmac doesn't HAVE to work that hard in Houston either. He...
Actually, "Greg" is the one who proposed these changes, so I am surprised...
re: Fred | 4:23 a.m. July 10, 2009 //Perhaps they didn't burn it because...
of all you Provo citizens and your short-minded, short-sighted lives. The...
Hooray! Yura is amazing. I am glad he has the opportunity to pursue his...
I totally agree.. There are so many great players who play in all the...
I'm okay with Okur staying as long as Boozer is gone. Its the combo of the...
I continually see your posts that humans are not affecting global warming.......
This will be the best trade that was never made. What does Tyrus Thomas do...


