For generations to come, this last month will be fondly remembered for a little thing called "Twitter," which frightened dictators and tyrants across the planet. On a smaller scale, the last few weeks witnessed issues and political dynamics involving Utahns in addressing important questions:

The presidential ambitions of Nevada Sen. John Ensign and South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford have been dashed because they engaged in extramarital affairs. They've both already resigned from prominent party positions. Does this bolster the chances of Mitt Romney and possibly influence Utah political decisions?

Webb: The GOP nomination may come down to last man (or woman, in the case of Sarah Palin) standing. In reality, plenty of GOP candidates remain, but Mitt Romney gets a small boost because of his large, supportive family and apparently loving and faithful relationship with his wife. He can still legitimately preach family values. But this won't be the most important factor in the GOP nomination race. Romney still has to prove he's the best candidate, and he still faces formidable obstacles.

Both parties have had their share of sexual peccadilloes. But these tawdry affairs hurt Republicans the most because of the element of hypocrisy. Duplicitous conservatives who don't follow their own sermons about traditional values are in for special scorn. Limited expectations of Democrats mean less outrage.

Pignanelli: Finally, high-profile Republicans are abandoning stranger sexual proclivities (i.e. soliciting in airport bathrooms, salacious text messages to teenagers) and pursuing infidelity through traditional adultery (joining some Democrats). Romney could benefit from the "Sharlene Wells effect." After enduring a year of embarrassment from publicized nude photos of the 1984 winner, the Miss America beauty pageant focused on selecting someone impervious to scandal. The "sure bet" in 1985 was BYU graduate Sharlene Wells (and she did not disappoint). At this point, the GOP is desperate for a credible voice — and the threshold is low. Many are frustrated with Romney's vacillations, but in family and moral matters, he is a "sure bet." Democrats contemplating major office in 2012 must work this into their equations. Romney at the top of the ticket will produce a Republican landslide in Utah.