Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

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.

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Recent Articles by Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

The pros and cons of debating for Orrin Hatch and Dan Liljenquist

Published: Sunday, May 27, 2012 12:00 am MDT

The last few weeks have featured a few political mini-eruptions as the June 26 Republican primary draws closer and candidates scramble to attract attention and visibility in a rather quiet period.

Does the tea party have a real future in Utah politics?

Published: Sunday, May 20, 2012 12:00 am MDT

The defeat of long-serving, well-respected Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana again raises questions about the power and influence of the tea party across the country — and in Utah.

Political questions to ponder while honoring mothers

Published: Sunday, May 13, 2012 12:00 am MDT

Some readers may find this hard to believe, but political hacks (like us) do have mothers. (LaVarr's mother has long since departed this world, but Frank's mother is still around to, when necessary, spank him.)

Could Love oust Matheson in Utah's new 4th District?

Published: Sunday, May 6, 2012 12:00 am MDT

The 4th Congressional District race between Democratic Congressman Jim Matheson and Republican Mia Love is Utah's most interesting political contest this year. It will attract national attention.

Reflection and analysis of Utah's state conventions

Published: Sunday, April 29, 2012 12:00 am MDT

Utah Republicans and Democrats held their state conventions recently — providing a buffet of intrigue for politicos to chew on. The conventions will have long-term impact on Utah politics.

Record turnout gives color to Utah political landscape

Published: Sunday, April 22, 2012 12:00 am MDT

The big political events of the week were the Saturday state party conventions — well after our deadline. So our trenchant convention analysis will have to wait. (If you can't handle the suspense, call us...

The next six months will be a wild ride for Mormons

Published: Sunday, April 15, 2012 12:00 am MDT

Last week it became clear that LDS Church member Mitt Romney will be the Republican nominee for president. This is a momentous event for millions of Mormons who may have doubted it could ever happen. However, t...

Early advice for each party's presidential candidate

Published: Sunday, April 8, 2012 12:00 am MDT

It's going to be a nasty, negative, billion dollar-plus campaign. Here is some early advice to each party's candidate.

Utah races to watch other than for the U.S. Senate

Published: Sunday, April 1, 2012 12:00 am MDT

Pignanelli & Webb: Although Utah's U.S. Senate GOP contest has dominated the headlines, other fascinating intraparty races are also playing out. County conventions are now underway, and state Republican and Dem...

Big caucus turnout may change Utah politics a bit

Published: Sunday, March 25, 2012 12:00 am MDT

Participation in recent party precinct caucuses was enormous, with interesting ramifications for politics in Utah. Our analysis: