How did Huntsman really fare at the Legislature?

During Gov. Mike Leavitt's second term, legislators initiated the annual practice of restricting the chief executive's powers, with little resistance from Leavitt. For example, the governor's budget is now rarely considered in the appropriations process. Attempts to enhance legislative dominance of state government at the expense of the executive branch continued in the 2005 session (i.e., proposed legislation by House Speaker Greg Curtis to further limit the governor's budgetary actions). Consequently, Huntsman needed to spend energy just to prevent further erosion. Furthermore, Huntsman may be a casualty of a political Stockholm Syndrome (psychological term for kidnap victims who become sympathetic to their captors). Legislative leaders convinced the governor to refrain from press events supporting his agenda during the session. Instead of balking at such demands, the governor's office proudly proclaimed compliance and operated behind the scenes. When legislators gushed about Huntsman's personal charm and willingness to remain quiet, reporters viewed these nice comments as an indicator of legislative success by the governor.

It is disappointing that accomplishment in the legislative arena for our chief executive is not based upon enactment of his priorities, but rather the public display of affection by lawmakers. Huntsman has demonstrated a willingness to tackle tough issues within his office (i.e., restructuring economic development). But he inherits the dilemma that an aggressive drive for significant change in state government (involving arm twisting and press activities) will cause many legislators to grumble openly and thereby risk unwarranted media charges his administration is in trouble.

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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 former candidate for Salt Lake mayor, Pignanelli served 10 years in the Utah House of Representatives, six years as House minority leader. Pignanelli's spouse, D'Arcy Dixon Pignanelli, is executive director of the state Department of Administrative Services in the Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. administration. E-mail: frankp@xmission.com.