District 4 shaping up as key Utah political race

Along with beautiful flowers, cute baby animals and warm weather, spring also brings weeds, allergies and political campaigns. Over the next few months, we will highlight some key races.

Pignanelli: The Big Kahuna of legislative races: Democrat Pat Jones versus Republican Dirk Anjewierden in Senate District 4 (Holladay, Millcreek, Murray). This is a crucial contest for Utah Democrats; as one recently opined, "If we can't win this one, we're not worth a damn!" This seat is currently held by the legendary Patrice Arent — who shocked the political community with the announcement of her retirement.

An active Mormon, Jones is a well-respected businesswoman (co-owner of Dan Jones and Associates) who enjoys bipartisan affection. She is a board member of the Salt Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and the White House Commission on Aging. A six-year veteran representative, she never shied from important causes including tax reform, children's health and protecting the elderly. Always articulate and pleasant, she rose quickly through House leadership. Other than an LDS general authority, there is no better profile for a Democrat.

But a Jones victory is not assured. Voters in this district travel readily across party lines (before Democrat Arent, the area was represented by Republican Steve Poulton). GOP moderate Anjewierden is well-spoken and also shares an impressive resume, having garnered 73 percent of the convention delegate vote. Executive director of the Utah Health Care Association, he will craft an appealing campaign theme on health issues. Also, expect references that only a Republican can be effective in the corridors of the Capitol.

The stakes are high (especially for Democrats), and this legislative contest could be the costliest in Utah's political history.

Webb: While it's all gloom and doom for Republicans at the national level, 2006 is shaping up as a year of opportunity for Utah GOPers to win some significant Democratic legislative seats and slow the Democratic success surge in Salt Lake County.

District 4 is one such opportunity. Losing this seat would be an enormous blow for Democrats.

Salt Lake County GOP Chairman James Evans has been very aggressive in recruiting good Republican candidates, and Anjewierden is clearly a solid contender. Arent beat Poulton 56-44 percent four years ago, but Democratic performance averaging all races is only 47 percent, to 52 percent for Republicans.