Western Democrats need to do something, for they have been pushed into a minority position during the 1980s and 1990s.

The Utah Legislature went to a Republican majority in the late 1970s.

We haven't had a Democratic U.S. senator since 1976.

Matheson, the last Democratic governor, left office in 1985.

We're on our second generation of Utahns who have grown up without a Democrat in a top state office, without the party having a major voice in state decisionmaking.

Now a number of Utah Democratic officeholders act more like Republicans than Democrats, holding and espousing moderate-to-conservative ideals.

"If-you-can't-beat'em, join'em" may be a road to win some elective seats, but it does little in offering a real alternative in political leadership.

So this week we honor and bury Rampton and Williams — two unique men who gave a lot to their students, constituents and fellow Utahns. May they long be remembered.

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Deseret Morning News political editor Bob Bernick Jr. may be reached by e-mail at bbjr@desnews.com