S.L. mayor's race is a beauty contest

The midterm elections are history, and a possible four-district congressional election is on hold. The most likely next big electoral event in Utah is the 2007 Salt Lake City mayoral race. We offer some early analysis on this contest. Later, we will focus more specifically on the candidates.

What are the expected dynamics of the 2007 mayor's race?

Webb: In Utah, municipal positions of mayor and council are officially nonpartisan, although political parties and partisan politics clearly play a role in the Salt Lake mayoral race. Candidates will sometimes flaunt or avoid party ties, depending on the political advantage. There is no party process to weed out candidates via conventions or party primaries. All candidates compete in an October primary election, with the top two vote getters squaring off in November's municipal election. Incumbent two-term Mayor Rocky Anderson is not seeking re-election, and nearly a dozen candidates have already formally announced or expressed interest.

Pignanelli: The race is now a beauty contest among a variety of contestants, each desperately seeking to rise above the pack. In the somewhat similar 1991 and 1999 races, the Democrat with the most unique profile (Deedee Corradini, female; Rocky Anderson, outspoken civil rights attorney) was the clear favorite in the primary and final election. In both elections, the numerous left-of-center candidates split the Democratic pie, and the more perceived conservative contender collected enough Republican votes for the second position. History will repeat in 2007.

What are the political dynamics of Salt Lake City?

Pignanelli: "East Berkeley" is how one politico describes the city, and with good reason. Polls demonstrate 45 percent of Salt Lakers are LDS, and the next category of religious denomination is "none" at 24 percent. (Most "nones" are active voters, antagonistic to the LDS Church.) Indeed, the ongoing issue of Mormon vs. non-Mormon is a strong cultural force in the city. Rocky successfully plays this card to motivate his base of support. Other than some council members, Mormon elected officials are rare in the capital city. Further, many Salt Lakers of all political stripes seem to enjoy a mayor who pokes at the "establishment."

Political activists enjoy power in the city. The gay and lesbian community has a tremendous impact on social, cultural and political life — and they know it. Environmental and economic justice organizations maintain a strong membership base from residents.

Without an incumbent to run against, mayoral candidates will attempt to tap into this unique political ecosystem in order to distinguish themselves and win the primary.