Pignanelli: Based upon the number of endorsements from local Democrats, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is in the lead. However the Utah favorite is still up for grabs. Connecticut Sen. Christopher Dodd has support in the environmental and business community, while Sen. John Edwards scored a success (especially among trial lawyers) in a local fund-raiser. As with many other Americans, a number of Utahns made the pilgrimage to see Obama.

Will Utah gain any attention on Feb. 5 — the big primary date for so many states?

Pignanelli: You can expect one or more of the presidential candidates (especially Democrats) to attempt another "Tsongas" effect. In 1992, Massachusetts Sen. Paul Tsongas dumped $50,000 in the Utah presidential primary (big money back then) and everyone questioned the rationale. He won the Utah primary, along with some of the smaller states, and was able to gain an additional month or so of traction in the primary because of these cheap and easy wins. Although we are among a multitude of states holding primaries on that date, expect a few second-tier candidates to lavish attention on Utah and other Rocky Mountain states to claim momentum.

Webb: The good news is that Utah's primary will be held early next year, before the game is all over. The bad news is that so many other states are holding primaries on Feb. 5 that Utah might get lost. Republican candidates aren't going to spend much advertising money specifically in Utah because the outcome is pretty much assured. Romney may do a little work just to firm up his base of support here, but there's little doubt he will win the Utah primary. The Democratic race is more wide open, and some candidates will likely expend some effort here.

What about the Hillary factor in Utah? Should she come to Utah?

Pignanelli: I really hope Hillary Clinton comes to Utah. As with Mitt Romney, she is making presidential history, and Utahns should have a chance to participate in this endeavor. Also, her appearance in Utah will actually help Democrats. A number of Republicans are claiming with Hillary on the ballot, they coast to an easy re-election (or election) because of her divisiveness. Conversely, I believe in the decency of Utahns — if they see the senator on the local television (i.e., visiting LDS leaders), they may not support her but will soften the opposition. Remember, she may actually win the whole thing.

Webb: Remember, Clinton/Gore in 1992 got only 23.5 percent of the vote in Utah, coming in third behind Bush/Quayle and Perot/Stockdale. In 1996, Clinton/Gore got only 32 percent of the vote against Dole/Kemp. Will Hillary do better than her husband? I don't think so. Democrats ought to worry that she will be a drag on the ticket.

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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, Pignanelli served 10 years in the Utah House of Representatives, six years as House minority leader. E-mail: frankp@xmission.com.