• By putting the two Matheson brothers on the ballot, Utah Democrats have turned this into a very high-stakes election. If both of them lose, it would be absolutely devastating for the party. It would be difficult to recover.

• It's a shame that hardball campaign hacks at the Republican National Congressional Committee, obviously badly misjudging

Utah voters, have turned the 2nd Congressional race into a cheap-shot contest. To produce mailers that are so irresponsible they had to be repudiated by local GOP leaders is absolutely inexcusable. Every time the national operatives butt in, they mess things up.

Pignanelli: In November 1982, my girlfriend strongly suggested this Democrat cross the ballot and vote for her mother, Katie L. Dixon, the Republican Salt Lake County Recorder. With much trepidation, I punched the chad designated for my future mother-in-law. After this departure from straight ticket voting, I did not contract any skin diseases or suffer limbs falling from my body. Since then, I spend time at the voting booth reviewing each race and all candidates, regardless of political persuasion. Thus, I have selected various Republicans — because the nominee was eminently superior or I knew the vices of the Democrat all too well.

Any well-trained chimpanzee can push a chad through a computer card, oftentimes with more deliberation than straight ticket

voters of either party. True lovers of democracy judge a candidate beyond the distinctions of political affiliation. I encourage readers to evaluate whether a contender has articulated responsible positions on the important issues, not just the hot social controversies. Candidates who arrive at debates and public appearances well prepared to defend positions deserve attention. The responsible seekers of local offices came to your doorstep to hear your concerns and questions. These considerations are basic to representative government and cannot be ignored.

Because most Democrat candidates have fulfilled these obligations, my approach is an obvious and transparent attempt to persuade readers to support their hard work. I make my case because every candidate files for office with the hope and belief he or she will be chosen according to individual merits and characteristics. I do not ask Utahns to vote for a Democrat through an affirmative action program for minority parties. Rather Democrats should have an equal chance with Republican counterparts to prove their worthiness. I promise Republicans if they vote for some Democrats, there will be no physical or mental side effects. They may even enjoy the activity.