Political predictions for 2009, local and national
We consulted an assortment of charlatans, witches, soothsayers, psychics and mystics (in other words, the usual politicians) to come up with our predictions for 2009, local and national.
Webb: These are ironclad prognostications, which I will quickly deny if held to them.
Local predictions:
— All manner of woe and wailing will be heard on Capitol Hill in a few weeks as lawmakers and the governor grapple with the nastiest budget in decades. Forget about pay increases for educators and public employees.
— A fairly monumental executive branch/legislative branch battle will occur. Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. has a mandate, but lawmakers are stubborn.
— New Senate President Michael Waddoups will be one tough cookie.
— The Legislature will pass meaningful health system reform.
— The Legislature won't create an independent redistricting committee.
— The Legislature will pass semimeaningful ethics reform.
— Lewis Billings will run for an unprecedented 18th term (or whatever it is) as Provo mayor.
— Utah will receive a fourth congressional seat, setting off a major scramble among congressional hopefuls.
— The economy will rebound fairly strongly in the third quarter this year.
— Brigham Young University football will win the national championship.
— Frank Pignanelli will either run for Congress in the 4th District or be called on a mission by the LDS Church (as the first non-Mormon missionary).
National predictions:
— By the end of this month, most things in the country will be much better, not because anything really is any better, but because the liberal news media will quickly begin painting a much more rosy picture with Barack Obama in power. The steady drumbeat of negativity will be over.
— After the chilliest winter in many years, Obama will get credit for stopping global warming cold.
— Al Franken will turn Congress into a joke, embarrassing the Democrats.
— Dow Jones Industrial Average hits 10,500 by end of the year.
— Google buys Apple, crushes Microsoft.
Pignanelli: Unlike LaVarr, I unequivocally stand by my prognostications … because in politics there are no ramifications for arrogance and stupidity.
Local predictions:
— The most publicized battle between the governor and legislative branch will be over booze — the governor's proposal to eliminate private club memberships.
Recent comments
What the heck Br5adley! We love it when you threaten to kick butt!
Lassie | Jan. 11, 2009 at 10:25 a.m.
Be less of a tool.
My Goal for Rob Miller | Jan. 11, 2009 at 9:03 a.m.
Very charming Mr. Miller, and dead on.
John Marlor | Jan. 11, 2009 at 3:08 a.m.
- Raptors confirm Turkoglu 1:10 p.m.
- Trial begins in Hilton contract 12:57 p.m.
- Clippers sign No. 1 pick Griffin 12:50 p.m.
- MLB fans feel priced out at ballpark 12:48 p.m.
- GM sale cleared 12:47 p.m.
- House passes food stamps bill 12:33 p.m.
- Utah man to serve 4 years for fraud 12:26 p.m.
- U.S. to launch $15B food initiative 12:06 p.m.
- Violence hits Iraq 12:04 p.m.
- What's it worth? 11:53 a.m.
- Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
- Utah's top 10: Wealth of recreation
- MWC, WAC rushed into BCS
- O'Connor unhappy Fes not with team
- Teen injured in fall from waterfall
- River flow marks birth of sanctuary
- Keeping golf light on the wallet
- Fatigued Jazz no match for Pacers
- Murder charge filed in shooting
- Jazz payroll is $3.1 million over tax
- Letters: Palin mistreated
134 - Teachers struggle with district cuts
133 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
132 - 'Tea party' protesters unhappy
107 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Stadium of Fire lights up the 4th
78 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
76 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
72 - Millsap not franchise player
70 - Services bids farewell to Jackson
70
Through the years, I've always raised eyebrows whenever I tell people...
Sen. Scott Jenkins was name-checked by Jay Leno Monday night during his...
My husband only decided to run for Mayor after numerous individuals who know...
From the DesNews: Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor, reached late...
A question for all who blame the CRA for our current diffuculties. The law...
Seems to me that the economy, health care, etc have gotten plenty of notice....
WOW!! Seeing the lack of diplomacy and maturity in these blogs, as well as...
Oh, I'm sorry, I guess I should have been more specific. I was not talking...
Oh my. Government destroys our health care system and now people want them to...
As a Democrat, I hope that Chaffetz challenges Bennett so that all of Utah...
The Taliban are very bad and clearly training terrorists. That's why we...
It was Woodland when my grandfather was born there, and that was a long time...


