Personally, I'm content that the rule of law has been followed. Every legal and political avenue has been explored and everyone has had their say, from the president and Congress down to local courts and local officials. That's the way our system works, and we have to accept the result. Clearly, politicians on both sides of the aisle have exploited this situation for political purposes, and I'm sure that lots of exploitative books, TV shows and movies will follow.

Pignanelli: Sen. Orrin Hatch demonstrates that paranoia is a powerful emotion in politics. The five-term lawmaker always campaigns as if he is 10 points behind, irrespective of real or imagined opposition. His 2006 re-election bid is focused on frightening potential intraparty and Democratic opponents. Last weekend, a bevy of well-known Utahns and business leaders participated in a St. George golf tournament to raise funds for the senator (who garnered over $250,000 from the event). This early show of strength is not preventing Democrats from recruiting a contender. Democrats know that if Hatch encounters difficulty gaining the nomination, he may be vulnerable in the general election.

Local Democratic leaders are strategizing with Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid about inflicting a mortal stroke on Hatch. The first name dropped is Congressman Jim Matheson, who garners bipartisan support (he recently received a contribution from staunch Republican Mayor Tom Dolan of Sandy). However, Matheson seems content with his House seat, and certainly does not want to repeat the mistakes of predecessor Wayne Owens, who twice left Congress to pursue a failed Senate attempt. With many Utahns grateful for his positive gubernatorial campaign, Scott Matheson Jr. is mentioned as a possibility. Former Congressman Bill Orton is another favorite because his "maverick" status within the party easily attracts supporters across the political spectrum. A handful of Democratic leaders recently approached House Minority Whip Pat Jones because her profile as an articulate successful businesswoman with moderate political views is appealing. Although honored, Jones immediately declined.

There are grumblings from Washington, D.C., that high-tech and Internet businesses wish to unseat the senator because of his aggressive activities to protect the entertainment industry in contravention to their business plans. Politicos are anticipating their involvement in choosing and funding a candidate.