• "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.

• Ban litmus tests on moral issues. For almost 15 years, many Democratic officeholders have been judged not by a commitment to central issues (education, economic fairness, etc.) but as to the purity of votes on hot-button matters. This has led to ridiculous antics and prevented the party from expanding its base. Congressman Jim Matheson has confronted public protests from Democrats at their conventions and has been spit on by abortion-rights activists. Party leaders need to articulate that civil rights is a key feature of Democratic politics, but some subjects (abortion, same-sex marriage) are the province of personal morality and will not be utilized in developing platforms and selecting candidates.

• Be creative and humorous. Love or hate him, politicos admit that former party chairman Randy Horiuchi was brilliant in utilizing funny and outlandish methods to highlight GOP problems and Democratic perspectives. His success with this strategy was incredible — doubling numbers in the Legislature and gains in statewide elections. For example, Democrats should occasionally remind Utahns that regardless of secular humanists in their party, the national GOP is burdened with right-wing fundamentalists who believe Mormons are cultish and not Christians. The public enjoys having fun at the expense of right- or left-wing extremists.

• Know your strengths. Democrats have made gains along the east bench of the Wasatch Front with female legislative candidates (and Matheson) who attract the support of Republican families. By creating a comfort level for Republicans through focusing on core issues and constituent affairs, these Democrats have played upon the fears that the imbalance of power is counterproductive and promotes extremism.