Utah politicians take a moment to express thanks

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb
Published: Saturday, Nov. 19, 2005 10:50 p.m. MST
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Pignanelli & Webb: On Thursday, political and community leaders across the state will gather with family, bow their heads and count their blessings. Here are a few items for which Utah politicians are expressing gratitude:

Sen. Orrin Hatch: Thankful that state Rep. Steve Urquhart finally received enlightenment and ended his pursuit of the GOP Senate nomination. Hatch is even more appreciative that Urquhart obtained this inspiration in November and not next year — allowing Hatch more time to relax and write songs. (The senator will be especially grateful if Democratic challenger Pete Ashdown obtains the same wisdom that was bestowed upon Urquhart.)

Rep. Steve Urquhart: Grateful that he dropped out the Senate race just in time to prevent a number of St. George politicos from declaring their intentions to fill his legislative seat, thus avoiding a sticky situation had he waited much longer. Republican leaders who endorsed Urquhart: Extremely grateful that Hatch can't remember names very well (as evidenced by his convention speech). Nothing smooths over relationships like forgetfulness (although we worry Hatch campaign manager Dave Hansen will remember those names just fine).

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Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.: Thankful for the nuclear/radioactive waste issue that allows him to firmly shout "No," thereby establishing himself as a decisive leader, and the only people he has angered is a handful of folks in the waste disposal industry.

Sen. Bob Bennett: Grateful that his father, Wallace Bennett, lived to be 95 years old (a fact he frequently recites to remind all ambitious Republicans who have plans for his seat in 2010, 2016, 2022 . . . ).

Congressman Rob Bishop: Thankful that Hill Air Force Base is not on the base closure list. (This is pretty much why he got elected, and he can now coast for 10 years.)

Congressman Jim Matheson: Grateful for so much, including no high-profile opposition so far, congressional Republicans in disarray, phenomenal poll numbers, labor organizations that are more angry with each other than with him, etc.

Congressman Chris Cannon: Grateful for the anti-immigration extremists who attack him on a regular basis. They make him look normal.

Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert: Appreciative that "Herbert" is so easy to say next to "Huntsman," a nice word combination that rolls off the tongue smoothly and few people notice a minor slip like when he says "Herbert-Huntsman administration."

House Republican leadership: Thankful that the Governor's Office took a year to figure out who is really in charge.

Senate Republican leadership: Grateful to all GOP activists who are encouraging Sen. Curt Bramble (he who soaks up all the publicity) to leave the Senate and run for Congress.

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