Pignanelli: The recent attacks on evolution have generated interesting results. The jokes about the controversy have been quite witty, i.e. "Experts still have not found proof of 'intelligent design' at the state Legislature." A number of LDS scientists, especially from BYU, have offered articulate defenses of evolution. Gov. Huntsman, the state school board and many other Mormons have publicly refused to embrace mandatory instruction of "intelligent design" — demonstrating again that Utah's flavor of conservatism is often different when compared to other red states. For these reasons, intelligent design is doomed in Utah.

Webb: I don't favor mandatory teaching of creationism or "intelligent design," but I don't think it would be improper at all for a teacher to say, while teaching evolution, something like this: "In this class we are focused on science, and what science teaches us. However, there are many people, a majority, in fact, who are religious and believe in a divine being. Many people believe that a divine being helped guide the creation or evolution of our human species. That is not something we will discuss in this class, but it would be wise for you to discuss it with your parents or religious leader."

Will the Utah GOP ever find a candidate against Congressman Jim Matheson?

Pignanelli: Doug Wright is still considering, but my hunch is he will soon realize he has more influence as the KSL talk jockey — without all the nasty fund raising. When Wright refuses, Republicans will pressure state legislators LaVar Christensen and Steve Urquhart, thus dropping his challenge to Orrin Hatch. My prediction is if there is not a candidate by December, Huntsman chief of staff Jason Chaffetz will file.

Webb: Doug Wright could give Jim Matheson a serious challenge. He is moderate, centrist and has good name ID to start with. The prospect of Democrats taking control of the U.S. House will be a big factor in the race. Do Utah Republicans want to vote for a guy whose victory may turn control of the House to ultraliberal San Fran Nan Nancy Pelosi, who will attempt to impose San Francisco values on the entire country? The ideal GOP candidate would be a moderate woman who has already proven herself as a leader and executive.

Is Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson in political trouble, and why is he apologizing?