From Deseret News archives:

'It's deja vu all over again' at Capitol

Published: Sunday, March 9, 2008 12:08 a.m. MST
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"Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive." Several moderate Republican lawmakers and their lobbyist friends were exposed in a clumsy attempt to unseat various conservative legislators.

"Don't worry, be happy." State officials are wearing happy public faces when discussing long-range revenue projections, but insiders are scared (there's a reason why there was no tax cut).

"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." The mantra of lawmakers attempting any meaningful reform of ethics, immigration, education and health care.

"The meek shall inherit the earth." This is apparently the long-range strategy for legislative Democrats.

"Fear is a great motivator." The whispered rationale behind all the new money focus toward public education: fear of an election-year backlash against the voucher program.

"Do as I say, not as I do." Speeches expressing fear of immigrants is directly proportional to the benefits received from their cheap labor.

"Truth is relative." Philosophy behind many a lobbyist pitch.

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"Don't throw good money after bad." Legislators continue to search for bad money and therefore are still throwing good money around.

"Making a mountain out of a molehill." The preferred method to justify most legislation.

"It seemed like a good idea at the time." The preferred rationale behind most apologies for bad legislation introduced.

"A friend of yours is a friend of mine." This is rarely used by legislators, who prefer to say, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend."

"All is fair in love and war." Thus explaining legislators' willingness to allow concealed-weapon permit holders to openly carry their guns in nearly every public place and also allow domestic partners to register in Salt Lake City.

"All dressed up and nowhere to go." Multitudes of interest groups and lobbyists were counting on spending time with the Immigration Task Force, which didn't get approved in the waning minutes of the session.

"Lies, damned lies, and statistics." Sources used to determine fiscal notes on bills.

Recent comments

Observer,

By "observed many state legislatures" do you mean...

To Observer | March 9, 2008 at 1:35 p.m.

A universal maxim for the session: "Just because you can, doesn't...

another | March 9, 2008 at 8:01 a.m.

I've lived around the country and have observed many state...

Observer | March 9, 2008 at 7:04 a.m.

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