Thus, a legislator cannot help but consider the ramifications of the neighborhood caucus in determining his/her position on many legislative issues. Last week, a House member expressed to me concern that while his position on an issue is popular among the general public, a handful of caucus delegates disapprove. Political survival may force this official to change his stance to modify this aggressive minority — an unfortunate action that happens frequently.

Most special interest and political organizations involved in the legislative process understand this pressure on a lawmaker. They recruit and urge their members to attend the local caucus meeting. This sends the obvious message to incumbents.

• LaVarr's observation that Democrats have more fun was reaffirmed at the successful Democratic Legislative Gala held last Saturday. Gov. Walker's event was held the same time; but that didn't stop politicos from making an obligatory, but short, visit at her function then rushing to the Marriott to spend most of the evening with the Democrats dancing to the sounds of Ratpack. In fact, the Legislative Gala was originally founded as a livelier alternative to the Governor's Ball. My wife and I were the co-chairmen of the first event in 1986 and were given explicit instructions by Democratic Party Chairman Randy Horiuchi and Executive Director/legislator Blaze Wharton to organize a function that exceeded the Republicans for excitement and action (obviously a low threshold, but we have to win at something).

• Community and preservationist activist Dena Blaes will run for the Salt Lake County Council against Russell Skousen. Democrat Blaes achieved notoriety last year by leading the effort to stop the construction of the Home Depot in Holladay.

---

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 recent 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.