This isn't the first time we have faced this situation. Back in 1988, I was a reporter covering the County Commission office (we had three commissioners back then, not a mayor and nine-member council). Commissioner Dave Watson was arrested and pleaded guilty to drunken driving, attempted possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was in the middle of a re-election campaign at the time.

It didn't take too much pressure from the party to persuade Watson to take one for the team. He swallowed hard and submitted to an exam that found — surprise! — he had a stress-related mental disorder that might become life-threatening if he stayed in the race.

Watson, who has since tragically passed on, was already finished politically. But it was downright cruel to make him certify to the world that he had a mental disorder. I interviewed him regularly up to the time he left office, and there was nothing wrong with his mind.

But then, he was a Democrat, and few people in the GOP-controlled Legislature felt a need to change the law.

This year ought to convince people otherwise. It isn't rational to narrow a political party's options that way. It also encourages dishonesty. Why not amend the law to allow a replacement candidate in the event someone is charged with a crime?

To be fair, Workman does have two other honorable options. One of them — death — is definitely not one I'd recommend. But the other one is interesting. She could resign to "become a candidate for president or vice president of the United States."

Sure. Why be satisfied running Salt Lake County when you could rule the Free World?

Is that nuts, or what?

---

Jay Evensen is editor of the Deseret Morning News editorial page. E-mail: even@desnews.com