Chase away the holiday blues with Utah politics

Got the holiday blues? Lots of amusing things are happening in Utah politics to cheer you up. They're not quite as hilarious as Frank dressed up as an elf in tights, or LaVarr trying to sing "Santa, Baby," but here are the questions that are keeping us entertained.

What's up with the U.S. Senate race? Attorney General Mark Shurtleff dropped out. Now prominent businessman Fred Lampropoulos is out, leaving a group of lesser known candidates opposing Sen. Bob Bennett for the GOP nomination. A recent Deseret News survey shows Bennett ahead of all challengers, but a majority of Utah voters "want to give someone new a chance." Is Bennett in serious trouble?

Pignanelli: "No good deed goes unpunished."

— Clare Booth Luce

Every experienced political insider, regardless of party affiliation, acknowledges the deep influence Bennett possesses in the Senate. His position on the Appropriations and other important committees is a huge advantage to the state. Bennett rarely engages in acidic partisan sniping — which enhances his effectiveness — and is not plagued by scandal or personal issues.

Yet only 27 percent of Utahns desire his re-election. Apparently, some right-wingers believe demagogic speeches and futile positioning is more important than protecting Utah's key industries and steering federal dollars toward local activities. (Note to the clueless: Bennett had to support the Troubled Asset Relief Program. He is a ranking member on the banking committee and was protecting a core economic engine in the state.)

Sensing vulnerability, politicos are sporting other potential contenders: prominent attorney Michael Lee, former Gov. Mike Leavitt, and the darling of GOP delegates, Congressman Rob Bishop. However, because of Shurtleff's entry, Bennett developed a delegate campaign early and is far ahead of any potential competitor.

Webb: Bennett has a lot of work to do, but his so-far shaky campaign is slowly picking up steam. The lesser-known candidates will not be able to match his statewide organization, his paid media or his support among opinion leaders and the business/political establishment. His opponents will have to bet that once the delegates are selected, one of Bennett's challengers will emerge as so attractive and persuasive as to win support of at least 60 percent of the delegates. I don't see that happening.

It's possible that Congressman Jason Chaffetz could still get in the race, but he would be foolish to do so. His young political career would be over after just two years if he loses. He needs more seasoning to be viewed as U.S. Senate material.