Questions about 4th seat, vouchers, more

Questions enquiring minds want answered:

What are the chances of Utah getting a fourth congressional seat early?

Webb: Pretty much zilch. The proposal may pass the House, only to disappear in the catacombs of some Senate committee. Even Utah's two senators aren't enthusiastic about it. Many senators don't want to give the District of Columbia a House seat, fearing it will become a toehold to also give the District a U.S. senator. In the unlikely event it passes Congress, President Bush would probably veto it. This isn't an enormous thing for Utah, because we'll get a fourth House seat in a few years, anyway.

Pignanelli: "Congress seems to favor a stable government, judging from the amount of stalling it does." — Anonymous. The effort to expand congressional representation is destined to a death by stalling. The most outspoken advocates for the extra two seats are residents of Washington, D.C., and Utah. This is not enough horsepower to push the legislation through, but no politician wants to offend a cause important to many black organizations. Thus, by stalling the legislation through technicalities, politicians can avoid an unwanted vote. Even if embedded in some unrelated legislation, the matter is DOA in the Senate. The silver lining is Rocky Anderson cannot run for the supposed "Democratic seat" until 2012.

What does the attorney general's opinion mean for the voucher referendum drive?

Pignanelli: Lawyers make money. The anti-voucher crowd will need the Utah Supreme Court to strike legal objections and underscore the right of citizens to repeal legislation, as provided in the Constitution. Conversely, the state (a k a the Legislature) will push the court to rule the referendum cannot repeal all voucher legislation in a comprehensive manner. This is fertile ground for a great policy debate and will clarify the court's willingness to challenge the legislative branch.

Webb: The Legislature passed a brilliant voucher law that sets up a modest pilot project for school choice while ensuring that public schools won't lose one penny of funding. (In fact, public schools receive bonus money if a child leaves for a private school.) It's unfortunate that zealots are attacking the law and trying to repeal it before it even has a chance to work. Thankfully, the attorney general's opinion makes clear that a usable voucher law will still be on the books even if HB148 is repealed by voters. The petition drive may be an exercise in futility. One thing is certain: This issue is headed for court.

Is it worth spending $3.5 million on a Utah presidential primary with so many other bigger states holding primaries around the same time?