Curtis, soccer, gifts, parking and more

For 45 days a year, the Legislature is the vortex of political intrigue in the state. Here are answers to a few of the questions and rumors circulating on Capitol Hill.

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In the last election, Speaker Greg Curtis squeaked to victory by a handful of votes despite being one of Utah's most powerful political leaders. Did the close election reduce his political clout?

Pignanelli: I am amazed that some politicos still question Curtis' political prowess. Despite his near loss, Curtis ran unopposed for speaker. Furthermore, his control of the House is unquestioned. Indeed, the voucher effort was struggling until he decided to get involved in a very personal way and gave the issue momentum. Curtis still wields a big sledgehammer (note the dents on the heads of moderate Republicans), and the 2006 elections are yesterday's news.

Webb: Agreed. Curtis is smart, creative and knows how to pull the levers of power as well as anyone in recent history. He learned some lessons in the campaign that make him an even better and more impressive politician.

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Is soccer dead, or can/will the Legislature come to the rescue?

Pignanelli: The final week of the legislative session is reminiscent of the "Night of the Living Dead" movies — ideas/bills once presumed deceased are seen wandering the halls with revived hopes. There is talk that various state leaders are looking to fund a soccer stadium before the team is sold. My prediction is that the soccer stadium will be one of the zombies haunting the corridors but will be put out of its misery on the last night.

Webb: Whether the Legislature acts or not, losing major league soccer would constitute a massive failure of political leadership. Reasonable people could still make this happen if everyone puts aside personal and regional agendas and focuses on what's best for the entire state.

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What are the dominant issues other than budget and taxes? (In other words, who is paying for armies of lobbyists?)

Pignanelli & Webb: