Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Politicians share appreciation this Thanksgiving weekend

Democratic Party Chair Jim Dabakis: I am happy that the Legislature agreed to release all the remaining records surrounding redistricting, even though they contained nothing of interest. The fight gave us fodder for press conferences, statements of outrage, and vindicated my bizarre obsession with boxes of documents.

Congressman-elect Chris Stewart: I appreciate tea party favorite Carl Wimmer. Had Jim Matheson not switched to the 4th District, wanting to face Carl, I would have had to run against Matheson in the 2nd District.

U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch: I am grateful for the opportunity to show how to defeat the tea party – hire a great campaign manager (Dave Hansen), spend $3 million on grassroots organizing, watch the LDS Church turn out unprecedented numbers of mainstream Utahns to party caucuses, avoid primary election debates, show vigor despite a few memory lapses, and then coast to victory.

Congressman Rob Bishop: I appreciate big Republican majorities, little-known Democratic opponents, and the luxury of an easy win. Life is good.

Speaker Becky Lockhart and President Wayne Niederhauser: We are thankful for the Goldilocks state budget forecasts – an increase big enough to cover growth and ongoing expenses, but not so much that we are inundated with unrealistic funding requests.

Congressman Jason Chaffetz: I'm have deep appreciation for CNN, Fox News, and all those reporters and producers who find me so quotable. For your safety, please don't get between me and a camera.

Pignanelli & Webb: We are grateful for politicians, for their dedication, for their willingness to serve, and also for their human frailties – ensuring a never-ending supply of content for our columns.

Republican LaVarr Webb is a political consultant and lobbyist. Previously he was policy deputy to Gov. Mike Leavitt and Deseret News managing editor. Email: lwebb@exoro.com. Democrat Frank Pignanelli is a Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser. Pignanelli served 10 years in the Utah House of Representatives, six years as minority leader. His spouse, D'Arcy Dixon Pignanelli, is a state tax commissioner. Email: frankp@xmission.com.