• A lesson that we already knew, but that was re-emphasized this year, is that hard-core negative campaigning just doesn't work in Utah. The National Republican Congressional Committee's attacks on Jim Matheson backfired in a big way. The so-called "Truth in Politics" PAC that attacked several Republicans (with apparent collaboration from Donald Dunn and the Democratic Party) probably backfired as well.

Contrast ads that have a basis in truth are legitimate campaign tactics and can be effective, but a clear line exists that shouldn't be crossed. Some Democrats thought Scott Matheson should have been more aggressive against Jon Huntsman. But Matheson knew what kind of campaign he wanted to run and stuck with it. He deserves respect, not criticism, for running a positive campaign.

• Short of criminal activity, politicians can make mistakes, even big ones, and be forgiven by voters if they fess up, take responsibility, make amends, and lay it all out for everyone to see. But if there is any whiff of hypocrisy, coverup, or on-going personal gain, the politician probably can't recover. The Salt Lake County scandals and the ensuing election confusion formed a truly bizarre chapter in Utah political history, and we can learn many lessons from it.

But one lesson is simple: Politicians can't be too prim, proper, and careful. They have to expect to operate at higher standards, be observant of procedure and process, and avoid conflicts.

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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, Pignanelli served 10 years in the Utah House of Representatives, six years as House minority leader. E-mail: frankp@xmission.com.