All legislators: "We need to confine the activities and presence of lobbyists to ensure greater participation by all Utahns." (Of course, we will not restrict their ability to donate to our campaigns or pet projects.)

Republican senators: "We admire Gov. Huntsman's self-imposed limitation of two terms in office." (Which opens the door for one — or more — of us to run in 2012.)

Legislative leaders: "We will use objective studies and scientific analyses to prioritize transportation and building funding." (I'm going to get highway and building funding for my district because I have the clout!)

Salt Lake County Republicans: "This is the year for education funding and teacher salaries." (I'm scared to death the UEA will oppose me for re-election.)

Congressional delegation members giving speeches at the Capitol: "I am excited to come back and see old friends, and I wish you well in your deliberations." (I hate giving speeches to these ambitious legislators who all want my job and who are always whining and carping about the federal government.)

Special interest groups: "We believe this is the year that the Legislature will hear and understand our concerns." (Because if they don't, we will run a referendum just like the UEA.)

All legislators: "This is the year that we need to accomplish health-care reform." (Wow, this is complicated. Do we really have to act on this?)

All legislators: "Point of order! Point of order! (I just got outmaneuvered in floor debate and I want to know what happened.)

All legislators: "This is just a simple and straightforward bill." (Please pass it so I don't make any news media lists of most ineffective legislators.)

News reporters: "Year after year, legislators refuse to improve ethics and campaign finance laws." (Year after year, this issue provides an easy story to write, with little research or effort.)

News media editorial writers: "We encourage legislators to focus on the real needs of the people and have a successful session." (They're back! Time to dust off our several dozen "outrage" editorials and blast them at every opportunity.)

Lobbyists: "We contribute to good governance by providing information and expertise." (It sure is nice to make a year's worth of big bucks in just three months.)

Pignanelli and Webb: "We'll provide intelligent commentary and insights as the session progresses." (We can't believe the Morning News actually prints our stuff!)

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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, six years as House minority leader. Pignanelli's spouse, D'Arcy Dixon Pignanelli, is a Utah state tax commissioner. E-mail: frankp@xmission.com.