2003 full of political drama and intrigue

Pignanelli: Best Politician : Salt Lake County Mayor Nancy Workman. She gave enormous raises to her staff, increased county government and was still honored by the Utah Taxpayers Association. Although it is painful to endure the mayor's speeches, she has tenacity and guile.

Worst Veteran Mistake: In protesting a salary increase for Workman's assistant, Salt Lake County District Attorney David Yocom disparaged this woman's position by dismissing her as "hairdresser" to the mayor. You have to admire his efficiency of language — with just one word he insulted thousands of women and hairstylists.

Best Democrat Rising Star: Rep. Pat Jones. This second-term legislator sponsored legislation to limit tax deductions for large families. Some question her sanity for pursuing such political suicide in Utah, but lawmakers and Gov. Olene Walker are following her lead in exploring new alternatives for education funding.

Best Republican Rising Star: Sen. James Evans. His election to the Senate from the west side of Salt Lake was considered to be a bizarre one-time fluke. By withholding state funds until Mayor Rocky Anderson agreed to pay attention to northwest Salt Lake City with economic development and neighborhood improvements, Evans has energized his community.

Best News for Utah Democrats: Scott Matheson Jr. will be a candidate for governor in 2004. He can sleepwalk through the election and still receive 40 percent of the vote.

Worst Reason to Move to Washington, D.C.: To be EPA director, which is like the local sewer commissioner — most people do not know who he/she is until there is a horrible, disgusting problem. Can Mike Leavitt transform this sow's ear into silk?

Best Kept Secret: Orrin Hatch has actually written songs that were performed in major motion pictures and by major artists. It's a shame he didn't sing them during the recent U.S. Senate filibuster.

Worst Rookie Mistake: Most freshmen members of Congress use their maiden legislative opportunity to promote heartwarming activities like "Family Week" or safety in schools. Such delicacies are not for Rep. Rob Bishop. He would rather take a strong stand in favor of more radioactive waste coming to Utah.

Best Reason to Admit a Mistake: Many Democrats (including me) thought that after 11 years of holding Mike Leavitt's briefcase, Olene Walker lacked the spine to chart an independent course. When we are wrong, we are really wrong.

Best Reason It is Better to be Lucky Than Good: Tom Welch and Dave Johnson's list of witnesses they were going to call at trial to prove that prominent Utahns knew of their activities.