Who is the real Democrat, Matheson or Rocky?

Pignanelli & Webb: Mayor Rocky Anderson recently disputed the Democratic credentials of Congressman Jim Matheson. He is encouraging 2nd District Democrats to cast their votes for Green Party candidate Bob Brister. This intra-party spat has generated plenty of questions and theories. We offer our always-erudite analysis.

Is Jim Matheson a real Democrat?

Pignanelli: Yes. I have known Jim for many years, and he is committed to efficient solutions for economic, environmental and social concerns — which is demonstrated in his congressional decisions. However, like his father — the former Gov. Scott M. Matheson — he is a maverick in many ways. A member of the Blue Dog Coalition, Matheson is concerned about the crushing federal debt and strives for economic opportunities in a 21st century economy. Indeed, a number of national Democrats mirror Matheson's decisions on controversial issues. The last time I checked, Rocky was not handed the authority to define a "Democrat."

Webb: Frank got the campaign talking points memo. Here's a simple test: If Matheson will vote for Nancy Pelosi for speaker of the House then, you betcha (an erudite expression), he's a Democrat, and one that will turn the country in the wrong direction. Matheson may be a blue-dog, independent, Southern, nice-guy Democrat, but the certainty that he will make Pelosi speaker, and elevate a whole raft (another eruditism) of ultra-liberal/leftist Democrats to House committee chairmanships makes him a very dangerous Democrat. While Matheson is a Democrat, he's not a party-building Democrat. That would be bad politics for him in Utah. Matheson does the perfunctory party events, but he's too busy wooing Republicans to be a cheerleader for his party.

Is Rocky a Democrat?

Webb: Of course he is. He's the spittin' image (another eruditism), the very epitome, of a Utah Democrat. In fact, when Utah voters get before that voting screen on Nov. 7 with the Democratic candidate slate spread before them, the specter of Rocky Anderson should be conjured up in their minds and they should vote accordingly. Rocky is Rocky, and upon his creation the gods broke the mold. Rocky is a liberal first, and a Democrat second, loyal mostly to his liberal ideals.

Pignanelli: No. The mayor is the undisputed dictator of the "It's all about Rocky" party — an amalgamation of liberal Democrats, cantankerous independents and some contrarian Republicans. These poor souls have built a personality cult around the man while ignoring his abusive practices, hypocritical actions and monumental failures. Rocky does espouse a number of statements associated with left of center politics. However, he relishes the fact that his antics hurt the election chances of real Democrats throughout the state.