Chewing on nonissues dogs politicians

We're in the dog days of the election cycle, allowing opportunity for mischief by the media and clever politicos. Thus, insignificant items become headlines, including some of the following "nonissue" issues:

Several high-profile Utah Democrats are expressing outrage over 2nd District Rep. Jim Matheson's refusal to attend the Democratic National Convention in Denver later this month. They have publicly disputed his rationale of family and constituent demands, accusing him of running from the Democrat label.

Pignanelli: According to journalist John Mashek, "It is an old truism Democrats prefer their firing squad in a circle." Matheson's critics claim he must participate in this historic convention event as a delegate. This is classic nonissue nonsense. Millions of loyal Democrats will partake through television or the Internet. Further, Matheson is a recognized leader in Washington and spending a week partying adds nothing to his credentials (Honestly, party conventions are just that: weeklong parties).

The antagonists have fabricated this controversy from anger at Matheson's centrist voting record and leadership of the moderate Blue Dog Democrat Congressional Caucus. They foolishly refuse to acknowledge Matheson's principled stands, (i.e. his courageous vote against the wasteful farm bill) and that many Utah Democrats will continue to succeed in elections because of Matheson's influence.

The unintentional silver lining is the re-emphasis on Matheson's independence from the party machinery, which sits well with Utah voters. Smart Democrats are glad Matheson is staying home to be with his children and campaigning, instead of dipping shrimp into the cocktail sauce.

Webb: Snubbing the Democrats' big party is pure political calculation — but a smart move by Matheson. Matheson would prefer not to be seen among the activists promoting gay rights, abortion-on-demand and all manner of arch-liberal causes (resembling the bar scene in "Star Wars"). If he thought it would suit his election interests, he would attend.

The longer-term issue for Matheson is whether this slap at the party will hurt him after reapportionment in 2012 if the Republican Legislature creates an ultra-liberal district for him to run in, providing an opening for a more-liberal Demo challenger (like Rocky Anderson) to try to defeat him.

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. is accused of implementing a four-day workweek for most state agencies without consulting with public employees and demanding their approval.

Pignanelli: This was a brilliant move for Huntsman. He garnered national attention and saved the state some dollars, at the cost of angering some state employees. Apparently there is grumbling in the ranks of government workers (I have encountered several). Some told the media they expressed approval to pollsters to avoid potential retribution. This is a nonissue because the public isn't bothered by the change (until they need something on a Friday). The fear of Huntsman seeking vengeance is clearly overblown; he's not that kind of guy. (My ethnic background suggests a strong understanding of "vendettas" — which for Huntsman is just another type of Italian food)

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