Jones is primarily known for his work through Dan Jones & Associates, a well-known market research and public opinion firm. He has conducted numerous polls for the Deseret Morning News, among other companies and political candidates.

In the business since 1959, he has been consulted by the likes of Ted Kennedy, Bob Dole, Orrin Hatch, Norm Bangerter and Mike Leavitt, and he has conducted polls for every presidential race since 1962.

He could have done this full-time, but he never could tear himself completely away from the classroom. He has taught at Granite and Bountiful high schools, Utah State and now at the U.

His father was a teacher in Pocatello, Idaho. His family regularly discussed political issues around the house. Seven of his eight siblings became professional teachers.

"I love to teach young minds about the Constitution and the political system and see if they can't find the interest to be involved," says Jones. "I want them to be knowledgeable voters about issues and candidates. I want them to feel a part of the system and what is great about America."

If you're wondering why he doesn't run for office himself, you're not the first to ask. One of the political parties in Utah — he won't say which — once asked him to run for Congress. He declined so he could continue his polling business, which he uses to feed his passion for politics the way a baseball junkie checks the box scores each morning. His wife, Pat, a newly elected state senator, is the politician in the family.

That also leaves him time for the classroom, and that's good news for Utah students.

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Doug Robinson's column runs on Tuesday. Please send e-mail to drob@desnews.com.