Given all that, it's remarkable the Legislature's image fares as well as it does. The reality is that Utah lawmakers accomplish an amazing amount of work in 45 days, dealing with the state's toughest issues. When all is said and done, they generally make the right decisions, balance the budget and serve the state well.

Pignanelli: During the opening ceremonies of the first day of the Legislature in the mid-1990s, my seatmate, Minority Whip Kelly Atkinson, and I began a ridiculous argument as to who was better at garnering publicity. By the end of the day we organized a contest between us: Whoever was able to maintain the longest consecutive substantive mentions in a major media outlet on a daily basis was the victor. Although good friends, Atkinson and I were fierce competitors. Every day we concocted some press event or unusual quote to keep ahead of the other. After several weeks our antics became increasingly bizarre and nasty (usually at the expense of Republicans). Indeed, our foolishness ended only when we learned that a prominent journalist was on the brink of exposing us. (We denied his accusations with self-righteous indignation.)

From this narcissistic adventure I learned three lessons: (1) the media are eager to lap up strange or derogatory commentary of legislative activities (2) the GOP majority leadership has difficulty in crafting positive messages that resonate and (3) I am a glory hound.

These insights still remain in effect (especially the latter). Reporters do cover beefy issues such as the budget and tax policies, but the public remembers best the interesting items — controversial "message" bills, closed caucuses and goodies from lobbyists. Legislative leaders retain experienced PR individuals whose talents are not completely utilized. The Legislature simply has no strategy for proactive public relations.

Other dynamics hamper the ability of lawmakers to change perceptions. When a colleague sponsors a ridiculous bill or utters an outrageous statement, legislators are reluctant to chastise him or her in public. Further, these officials oftentimes "think aloud" on various matters without regard to the publicity implications.

Conversely, Utah's governors have been shrewd operators in the PR arena. If they have had so much as a noteworthy belch, there are press conferences and media events to highlight this important development. The governor's office maintains strict control over messaging to ensure strict adherence to the overall strategy. Governors rarely make a move without involving their PR experts. Thus, the Legislature always loses the PR competition when contrasted with the governor.

Legislators can make outrageous statements and stupid decisions — all of which are publicized. But the moments of enlightenment or political courage are rarely documented for the public. Yet, this discussion is academic. A veteran lawmaker once expressed to me, "Whatever angers a voter in February is long forgotten by the November Election Day."

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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 Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser. A former candidate for Salt Lake mayor, he served 10 years in the Utah House of Representatives and six years as House minority leader. Pignanelli's spouse, D'Arcy Dixon Pignanelli, is a Utah state tax commissioner. E-mail: frankp@xmission.com.