An interesting aspect of this controversy will be the actions of individual legislators. Led by Waddoups, senators will remain the aggressors advocating for change. Conversely, most House members are reluctant to dismantle IHC. Lawmakers well-known for their health-care expertise — especially Reps. Rebecca Lockhart, David Clark , James Dunnigan and Sens. Ed Mayne and Pete Knudson — have an exceptional opportunity to correct health-system disparities. Utahns are hoping the task force, unlike the Star Wars movie, will not be the last episode of needed action.

Webb: IHC is big, wealthy and powerful, with many prominent Utah citizens among its supporters. Its roots go back to LDS Church ownership, and it has been viewed for years as almost untouchable.

But in politics, things can change very quickly. IHC has now spent a couple of years in the political frying pan, and the heat gets cranked back up this week as the legislative task force begins its work.

My sense is that lawmakers aren't playing games with IHC or lobbing warning shots. They are serious about determining whether the massive integrated health care system is good or bad for Utah health-care consumers.

It's obviously far too early to draw any conclusions about IHC's future. But in chatting with a dozen or so legislators, lobbyists and IHC folks, it's clear that IHC's political strategies are going to be very tricky.

Already, a number of legislators resent IHC's heavy advertising campaign focused on the system's charity work. The TV, radio and newspaper ads are beautifully produced with fly fishing lines flashing in the sun and quivers in grateful voices, but some lawmakers wonder why all that money couldn't go for charity care — or to pay taxes.

IHC leaders say the current level of advertising isn't any higher than what IHC usually spends. But it's easy to be overexposed in a political fight and to create cynicism and resentment among the insiders (like legislators) who matter most. The current ads have an obvious political tone to them, and it would be crazy to try to sustain a political advertising campaign for 18 months. Citizens would tire of them and legislators would be furious.

IHC's most important audience in this highly-political atmosphere is initially the 15 members of the task force and, ultimately, Utah's 104 legislators — not the general public. Sometimes it's a lot better to operate under the radar, especially early in a legislative battle.