Thanksgiving is over. The turkey was yummy. The pumpkin pie even better. Let the Christmas frenzy begin. But we're not letting go of the season of thankfulness just yet. Most Utahns have much to appreciate, especially our families, our great quality of life, and the economic and professional opportunities we enjoy. Many Utah political leaders also have a lot to be grateful for. Here are some things we've noticed:

Pignanelli: Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. must be thankful the Referendum 1 loss was a blowout instead of a squeaker. Up to Election Day, Huntsman's strategy of limited support for the referendum was risking the ultimate nightmare of alienating both sides. (However, once again his political shrewdness became readily apparent.) But the stomping vouchers received at the hand of Utah voters signaled that even stronger support from Huntsman would not have made much of a difference. Voucher opponents got what they wanted in a big way and cannot be too critical of the governor for reaffirming an earlier campaign promise. Even worse, passage of the referendum would have resulted in major litigation and a potential PR squall for Huntsman. The governor is assuredly grateful for the wisdom of his fellow Utahns.

After blessing the Iowa-bred turkey, Mitt Romney expressed quiet appreciation to the telemarketing company (based in Orem of all places) that was making all the nasty anti-Mormon push polling phone calls to voters in New Hampshire. For the first time in this election season, Romney credibly played the role as a victim of bigoted insensitive attacks, while his fellow GOP contenders were constrained from responding.

Republican legislators are extra satisfied that the voucher referendum was held in an off year and not in a general election season. Thanksgiving 2008 will be even better if voters forget the whole voucher mess.

Salt Lake County Republican big-time political donors are thankful that the Salt Lake City mayor's race was so lopsided for Democrat Ralph Becker. They can now easily deny requests for contributions from potential Republican mayoral candidates for the next 20 years. The savings could be in the millions of dollars.

Mayor-elect Ralph Becker made a silent prayer in gratitude for his internal acumen. He did not listen to the conventional wisdom and obsess about fund raising. Instead, he happily allowed his young staff to establish a campaign high in technology but low in cost.