Utah's caucuses were — surprise! — lively

Pignanelli: Start with a recently concluded legislative session dominated by "message bills," add a fair amount of angst for an antagonistic Republican president and you have the recipe to instill enthusiasm for Democrats to attend their caucus meetings. Such was the result Tuesday.

Normally, Democrats turn out for their biannual neighborhood meetings only when there is a competitive presidential or gubernatorial race. John Kerry and Scott Matheson Jr. are undoubtedly the nominees and there is no contest. But Democrats are ravenous to express disgust about national and state politics — which they did at the local meetings. (My neighbors were certainly vocal at the combined caucus meeting for my legislative district, held at the Capitol.)

Salt Lake County Democratic Party Chair Nichole Adams was ecstatic with an overall turnout that was more than double from the 2002 attendance figures. In fact, many precincts in Republican strongholds that normally experience a handful of attendees were flooded with double-digit numbers. State party chairman Donald Dunn, along with local party officials, targeted phone calls to residents who voted in the recent presidential primary to encourage participation. Utahns concerned about events in Iraq, problems with public education or an overall frustration with the "establishment" utilized Tuesday's meetings to voice concerns and volunteer for campaigns. Party leaders love the caucus system — it is an effective tool to recruit ground troops for candidates.

Political observers across the state heralded caucus attendance in both parties and the opportunities for Utahns to be involved in the democratic process. At the risk of sounding cynical (because I am), I appreciate the emotional attraction for neighborhood political meetings, but in the 21st century they are an archaic, cumbersome activity that excludes most citizens. I certainly enjoy visiting with old friends and making new acquaintances, but the system needs to be replaced by open primaries.

• Incumbents and challengers have now declared their candidacy, and disappointing is the departure of legislators who made a positive difference for all Utahns. For years Rep. Judy Buffmire led the fight to require better insurance coverage of mental illness. Some of Judy's biggest fans were businesses and insurance companies who aggressively opposed her efforts but appreciated her warm and gracious manner.