All this kindness by Republican bigwigs for Workman is not out of charity. With 45 percent of Utah's population, they know that Salt Lake County is the linchpin for electoral success for all the major elections. Technically a "swing" area that leans Republican, valley voters are mavericks. Democrats have been successful in electing countywide officials (i.e. County Council members Jim Bradley and Randy Horiuchi, District Attorney David Yocom and Clerk Sherry Swenson), and Workman struggled in 2000 to beat Democratic opponent Karen Crompton. In fact, Mike Leavitt lost Salt Lake County to Bill Orton in the last election. The real battleground in 2004 is the east bench of Salt Lake County. Homeowners in these affluent neighborhoods have chosen Democrats (i.e. Congressman Jim Matheson and state Sens. Patrice Arent and Karen Hale). Thus, Republicans do not want voters, angry at Workman, wandering all over the ballot. If this dynamic occurs, races other than just the mayor's will be easier for Democrats, especially the hotly contested County Council seats. Moreover, a shift of Salt Lake County votes will hurt 2nd Congressional District candidate John Swallow and create unanticipated problems for Jon Huntsman Jr.

In the upcoming months, GOP political physicians will use all sorts of remedies to heal Workman — the deadly disease she carries is too contagious.

• Upon the above noted departure of Bleak, staffer Spencer Jenkins was named the new executive director of the Utah Republican Party. Jenkins is an ecumenical fellow who served as deputy campaign manager in my mayor's race.

• During the Democratic National Convention, the Kerry campaign played a well choreographed video highlighting his support among demographic groups. The "Mommies for Kerry" spokeswoman was my sister, Gia Pignanelli Dowling, who held her daughter Lena while articulating Kerry's commitment to families. Gia is currently a resident of Santa Monica, Calif. (obviously the most liberal family member).

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Republican LaVarr Webb was policy deputy to Gov. Mike Leavitt and Deseret News managing editor. He now is a political consultant and lobbyist. E-mail: lwebb@exoro.com. Democrat Frank Pignanelli is a Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser. A recent candidate for Salt Lake mayor, Pignanelli served 10 years in the Utah House of Representatives, six years as House minority leader. E-mail: frankp@xmission.com.