Who is the real Democrat, Matheson or Rocky?

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.

Will Rocky's endorsement of the Brister impact the election?

Webb: Would that it were so. I encourage all Democrats to follow the mayor's advice and vote for Brister. That would be a nice boost to the campaign of Republican LaVar (he-who-spells-his-name-wrong) Christensen. The reality is, arch-liberals have been grumbling about Matheson for years. Anderson has nicely articulated the sentiments of the Avenues wine-and-cheese crowd, but their numbers are so tiny, relatively, that if a handful of them cast a protest vote it won't register a blip in the election outcome.

Pignanelli: Possibly. Matheson will win because GOP candidate LaVar Christensen has not developed any momentum. However, the fear for Matheson is that if a number of Democrats select Brister, his margin of victory will shrink and he could be viewed as vulnerable. Also, Matheson does not want this to set a precedent for the 2008 election.

Are Anderson and Matheson conspiring to promote each other's interests?

Pignanelli: The buzz in political circles is that Rocky's attack of Matheson helps the congressman in Republican areas and gives the mayor an opportunity to strut his stuff on the national stage. Such a Machiavellian strategy is not beyond Rocky, but Matheson would never participate.

Webb: I wholeheartedly endorse this rumor and move that we all agree to believe it. All the more reason to vote against Matheson. This rather boring campaign needs a little spice. I think I saw Jim and Rocky skulking together in a back room at Lamb's the other day.

Why is Rocky attacking Matheson and what does he have to gain?

Webb: It all adds to the mystique. Rocky is successfully building a national, even international, reputation as a gadfly willing to go after the establishment on an equal-opportunity basis.

Pignanelli: Matheson (and the remaining congressional delegation) has been good to Rocky and the city — Matheson did not deserve these attacks. Could Rocky be eyeing the potential fourth congressional district (which may be configured Democratic)? Energized Rockyites would be a potential force in the selection of a candidate. These remarks may help him land the much discussed job with a left-wing advocacy group. Regardless, these antics prove the "Mouth of Fourth South" will say or do anything to promote his narcissistic agenda.

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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 a Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser. A former candidate for Salt Lake mayor, he served 10 years in the Utah House of Representatives, six years as House minority leader. Pignanelli's spouse, D'Arcy Dixon Pignanelli, is a Utah state tax commissioner. E-mail: frankp@xmission.com.