Some New Year's advice for those involved in politics

Happy New Year! The enormous 2012 election year is upon us and big events will occur rapid-fire, not just in the presidential election, but also in Utah. This fascinating political year will be defined by a lousy economy, a divided and dysfunctional federal government, and the possibility of the first-ever Mormon major party nominee for the U.S. presidency.

With over 50 years, between us, of participating in and watching state and national politics, we're offering some New Year's Day advice to those involved in Utah public policy:

Political Candidates.

Webb: Congratulations for putting your good names on the line and leaping into elective politics. You're off on a great adventure, so enjoy the ride. Be prepared to lose as well as win. Keep things in perspective. Talk to at least one person each day who doesn't care about and isn't following politics. Avoid negative campaigning. Stick to your principles, but don't be a purist ideologue. Be a problem-solver. Uncompromising ideologues never solve anything and never do the state or nation much good. All the great conservative politicians that I admire, including Ronald Reagan, were willing to find common ground to solve problems.

Pignanelli: "A leader must have the courage to act against an expert's advice." — James Callaghan. LaVarr is a gracious gentleman; I am not, and my advice is more direct.

Utah Democrats: Mitt Romney is the most famous living LDS adherent on the planet, and he is about to suffer a savage thrashing from national Democrats. Harsh attacks in presidential contests are a quadrennial tradition since 1800, but this is a first for a Mormon. Not only will the turnout be high in Utah to support his candidacy, a number of LDS Republicans and Independents will be furious at this treatment. Utah Democrats are advised to develop a strategy in response. This may require disagreeing with Democrats from other parts of the country. Also, this environment will not allow Utah Democrats to utilize negative campaigns.