Down in Provo, retired fire captain David Bailey is running for mayor. Bailey was introduced at the State Democratic Convention last weekend with the promise of help from state party leaders.

Sandy Mayor Tom Dolan, a leading Republican, has announced he is running for a fourth term in November.

The Salt Lake County Republican Party has been taking steps over the past 12 months to get its internal house in order, kicking one party member out of some party offices in part because of his repeated complaints about party operations.

Time should not be spent in party central committee and executive committee meetings arguing over procedures, but in organizing to win elections, says Evans.

And last weekend's state Democratic Party convention saw renewed debate over whether Utah Democrats should remain true-blue to long-standing party doctrine, like pro-choice, or if practical, get-people-elected work is more important.

Said Utah Democratic national committeeman and former U.S. Rep. Bill Orton, "If we don't win elections, not much else matters. We can't govern."

The new party bosses don't seem much interested in debating platforms, resolutions or even issues.

Let's raise some cash, find some good candidates and hit the streets campaigning, they're saying.

---

Deseret Morning News political editor Bob Bernick Jr. may be reached by e-mail at bbjr@desnews.com