Who's to blame for hold up on a 4th seat for Utah?

Davis' motives are suspect in light of developments in his home state. Sen. George Allen, R-Va., is a frequent visitor to New Hampshire and contemplating a bid for president in 2008. There are rumors that the other senator from Virginia, John Warner, will retire in 2008 after 30 years of service. Virginia will soon have an open Senate seat that is coveted by Davis. Most politcos believe Davis' goal is not to pass legislation but rather curry favor with beltway insiders and special-interest groups dedicated to D.C. representation, many of whom have connections to Virginia voters. Any problems his proposal creates for Matheson is an added bonus.

Old Albert was right: Quantum physics is much easier understood then the intricacies of politics.

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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. Pignanelli's spouse, D'Arcy Dixon Pignanelli, is executive director of the state Department of Administrative Services in the Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. administration. E-mail: frankp@xmission.com.