This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

In the wake of Friday's column about the large group of hikers at Arches National Park who were placed in a ranger-led tour of the restricted Fiery Furnace area after a call from Rep. Mia Love's office, I got an email from a hiker and his wife who were at the visitor center and witnessed the carnival.

When I asked why the first-year congresswoman got involved with park employees by getting the 16 hikers on a tour limited to 25 spots that usually must be reserved well in advance, her communications director, Richard Piatt, said the request from Love's office was part of its constituent services — akin to getting Utahns into tours of the Capitol or the White House.

But do constituent services mean getting Love's favored people pushed to the head of the line?

A state employee, who doesn't want his name used because, well, he is a state employee, was there that day at 8 a.m. and witnessed the 16 hikers, describing them as rude and acting entitled, with several of their children running around and screaming.

The state worker asked a park employee if he and his wife could get on a ranger-led tour, but they were told those excursions were full and had been booked for months.

He then asked if they could go on an unassisted hike in the area. After showing they were experienced hikers and agreeing to watch an orientation film, the couple were granted permission because there were only two of them.

The large group kept complaining to the park staff and throwing out Love's name. After a call from Love's office, they were able to get on to one of the next day's tours.

Short-term friend • I wonder if Judi Short would have received special treatment if she had asked for Love's help.

Short was a Facebook friend of Love, but when the congresswoman posted that she wanted to represent all Utahns, not just those who voted for her, the constituent apparently fell out of favor.

Short responded to Love's post, saying she hoped the Republican officeholder would let her keep her affordable medical insurance and funding for her kids' public schools. Short also advocated for public transit and improved air in the Salt Lake Valley.

Love's reaction? Short was unfriended.

Dabakis loves 'em all • Is state senator and recently announced Salt Lake City mayoral candidate Jim Dabakis suffering an identity crisis or just a severe bout of second thoughts?

In March, Dabakis lent his name to a Mayor Ralph Becker fundraiser called "Backstage With Becker" at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center.

Dabakis' was one of several prominent names on the invitation that seemed to imply an endorsement.

Also in March, Dabakis stood with former state Rep. Jackie Biskupski, apparently in support of her mayoral candidacy, at a news conference in which she scolded Becker for an apparent behind-the-scenes deal with legislative leaders that would tie a tax-increase authorization to the new location of the prison.

Then — you know the rest — shortly after those group hugs with Becker and Biskupski, Dabakis announced his own run for mayor.

Funny thing, in December, Dabakis wrote on his Facebook page: "I will not be running for SLC mayor. Thanks to those who said I would be a good mayor. Probably I would not."

He said he loved being in the Utah Senate and wanted to stay put.

It wasn't even April Fools' Day.