Pignanelli: LaVarr has been enjoying the warm weather of Southern California this week and asked me to cover for him. Although tempted to swing a meat ax at his defenseless sacred cows (i.e. Mitt Romney, Utah County, Mike Leavitt), I will utilize the extra space for more important endeavors.

A free exchange of ideas in a competitive environment promotes progress and prosperity. Thus, all Utahns will benefit when Democrats become a relevant factor in the debate and formulation of government policies. But how do Democrats become a significant force in Utah politics? As a Democratic activist for 30 years — a party officer for four years and elected official with a decade of service (and a wife who fulfilled six years in state party office) — I offer the following plan of rehabilitation for the loyal opposition:

• Grasp the facts. According to pre-eminent pollster Dan Jones, 52 percent of Utahns identify themselves as Republicans and 18 percent as Democrats. These statistics serve as a cold slap in the face that whatever Democrats are doing in Utah is not working, and radical changes are necessary.

• Eliminate the anti-Mormon stigma. Bigoted conduct against LDS Church members is a cancer that has crippled my party (and infected too many Salt Lake City residents). Not only is this politically stupid but is contrary to core party principles of human rights. For the last 10 years, a coalition of LDS Democrats and nonmembers has attempted to reverse this trend, only to be rebuffed by party bigwigs and financial contributors with an agenda. The minority party has become a refuge for non-Mormons and former Mormons whose politics are focused on poking at the dominant religion. The purpose of the Democratic Party is to promote important ideas and elect Democrats, not to serve as therapy for Utahns who have issues with the LDS Church and its members. Party officials can root out this insidious disease by consistently exercising a "zero tolerance" policy against any bias based on creed.

• Develop new and big ideas. The Jones-Mascaro legislation (authored by Representatives Pat Jones and Steven Mascaro) is the first bill in living memory that is identified by its sponsors. This unique labeling is a result of its novel concepts of taxation and school funding. Furthermore, it demonstrates (as does the voucher debate) that Utahns are hungry for different approaches in solving problems that affect their lives. Democrats must develop bold proposals, despite annoying traditional constituencies, which capture the imagination of Utahns.

• "It's the perception, stupid." Dan Jones estimates over 50 percent of Utah Democrats are members of the LDS Church and share the same concerns as their neighbors. Yet, because of statements made by national party leaders (not to mention controversial comments by you-know-who at City Hall) and masterful branding by GOP operatives, the perception Utah has of Democrats is mixed at best. Much of the state does not believe we share their core values. Democrats must take the opportunity, when needed, to distance themselves from national personalities in order to demonstrate an independent streak that Utahns love.