Political predictions for 2009, local and national
We consulted an assortment of charlatans, witches, soothsayers, psychics and mystics (in other words, the usual politicians) to come up with our predictions for 2009, local and national.
Webb: These are ironclad prognostications, which I will quickly deny if held to them.
Local predictions:
— All manner of woe and wailing will be heard on Capitol Hill in a few weeks as lawmakers and the governor grapple with the nastiest budget in decades. Forget about pay increases for educators and public employees.
— A fairly monumental executive branch/legislative branch battle will occur. Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. has a mandate, but lawmakers are stubborn.
— New Senate President Michael Waddoups will be one tough cookie.
— The Legislature will pass meaningful health system reform.
— The Legislature won't create an independent redistricting committee.
— The Legislature will pass semimeaningful ethics reform.
— Lewis Billings will run for an unprecedented 18th term (or whatever it is) as Provo mayor.
— Utah will receive a fourth congressional seat, setting off a major scramble among congressional hopefuls.
— The economy will rebound fairly strongly in the third quarter this year.
— Brigham Young University football will win the national championship.
— Frank Pignanelli will either run for Congress in the 4th District or be called on a mission by the LDS Church (as the first non-Mormon missionary).
National predictions:
— By the end of this month, most things in the country will be much better, not because anything really is any better, but because the liberal news media will quickly begin painting a much more rosy picture with Barack Obama in power. The steady drumbeat of negativity will be over.
— After the chilliest winter in many years, Obama will get credit for stopping global warming cold.
— Al Franken will turn Congress into a joke, embarrassing the Democrats.
— Dow Jones Industrial Average hits 10,500 by end of the year.
— Google buys Apple, crushes Microsoft.
Pignanelli: Unlike LaVarr, I unequivocally stand by my prognostications … because in politics there are no ramifications for arrogance and stupidity.
Local predictions:
Recent comments
What the heck Br5adley! We love it when you threaten to kick butt!
Lassie | Jan. 11, 2009 at 10:25 a.m.
Be less of a tool.
My Goal for Rob Miller | Jan. 11, 2009 at 9:03 a.m.
Very charming Mr. Miller, and dead on.
John Marlor | Jan. 11, 2009 at 3:08 a.m.
- No. 24 Minnesota wins by 40 8:19 p.m.
- Moulson scores twice for Islanders 8:17 p.m.
- Flyers snap Devils' win streak 8:15 p.m.
- Lewis returns in Magic victory 8:14 p.m.
- BYU, Utah struck gold in coaches 8:06 p.m.
- LDS Church, BSA in abuse lawsuit 8:06 p.m.
- Aggies aspire to be like Boise St. 7:59 p.m.
- Rock on 7:56 p.m.
- Williams happy to be back with Jazz 7:51 p.m.
- Lack of experience no RSL concern 7:40 p.m.
- MWC expand? Get rid of deadweight
- Relieved Cougs prep for Falcons
- Wounded Utes limp home
- Jazz rookies had to grow up quickly
- Big games keep UHSAA coffers full
- Barzee to plead guilty
- Sloan misses practice
- RSL surprised by Chicago's Fire
- Vitamin D deficiency puts U.S. at risk
- Jazz notes: Young bigs ride bench
- TCU creams U.
233 - BYU happy to escape with victory
232 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
224 - Will state consider gay rights law?
162 - RSL heads to MLS title game
134 - Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
132 - Utes remain silent about BCS
120 - TCU stays 4th in AP; Y. 19th, U. 23rd
115 - MWC expand? Get rid of deadweight
113 - 5A: Bingham rolls to title game
108
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