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Stock up/stock down
It’s Friday, which means time to look back on the week in Utah politics to determine who sees their political fortunes on the rise and who is dropping like Bitcoin. The less said about our crypto portfolios, the better.
📈 Stock up: Legislative Republicans
While there may be some hand-wringing by some about the resolutions on critical race theory and making Utah a “2nd Amendment sanctuary,” those issues are political wins for the GOP.
Most Utahns don’t really know what critical race theory is (Sen. Lincoln Fillmore admitted as much during floor debate). Still, there’s been enough demagoguing on the issue that it’s likely most voters are happy legislators are doing something about it (even though the resolution doesn’t do anything at all).
Plus, gun rights are always a winner in Utah.
📈 Stock up: House Democrats
Tired of being frozen out of the legislative process, House Democrats decided to take a stand and walk out before those resolutions came for a vote. It’s been a very long time since we’ve seen Democrats on the Hill do something that surprised the GOP majority, and it’s safe to say Republicans were not expecting it.
The maneuver didn’t impact the ultimate result since it was predetermined the resolutions would pass. But, Democrats effectively hijacked the discussion as reporters scurried out of the House gallery for a hastily called press conference, ignoring the action on the floor. You have to wonder how many Republicans had to abandon their passionate speeches on the subject because there was no audience.
Was it grandstanding? Of course, but it was very effective.
📉 Stock down: Gov. Spencer Cox
Gov. Cox stood up to Republicans, who pressured him to add the critical race theory and 2nd Amendment sanctuary issues to the agenda for this week’s special session. Undeterred, legislative Republicans went around him.
In theory, Utah has three co-equal branches of government. But the legislature has always seen itself as the most important and powerful of those equals.
Just 4 1/2 months into his tenure, Cox tried to show he wouldn’t be a pushover, but lawmakers showed they wouldn’t back down either.
If this dynamic continues, Cox will certainly win a few of these battles. But he’ll lose far more.
Do as I say...
On Thursday, during his monthly KUED press conference, Gov. Spencer Cox discussed the resolutions passed by the Utah House and Senate the day before.
“I’ve said this over and over again. I’ve been saying it for many, many years is that we would all be better off if people would stop watching cable news. Whether it’s CNN or Fox News or MSNBC, pick whichever one you’re addicted to. I’m eight years sober, and it’s one of the best things that I’ve ever done.”
Cox may have stopped watching cable news, but that hasn’t stopped him from being a frequent guest.
A cursory analysis from “The Rundown” found Cox made at least three appearances on cable news in the last month alone (CNN and Fox Business) and added another guest slot on PBS Newshour. In total, Cox has made at least 7 national television appearances since taking office in January.
In television, ratings are king. I’m guessing telling people not to watch is bad for business.
Here’s what you need to know for Friday
Local news
National news
“Utah Politics” podcast
This week I chat with Rex Facer, the chair of Utah’s independent redistricting commission. I asked him whether he and his fellow commissioners feel pressure not to draw maps that favor one party over the other.
“We don’t want to agree beforehand to draw maps that are going to force competitiveness where competitiveness wouldn’t naturally occur,” Facer said. “Competitive elections are a good thing because it forces us to have more thoughtful conversations on ideas. But we have to realize that not every place is going to end up with competitive elections.”
Friday’s Utah news roundup
Utah
Legislature
Washington
COVID-19
Business
Local government
On the opinion pages
🎂 You say it’s your birthday?!!
Birthday wishes this weekend to Joe Pyrah of Sego Strategies, Michael Jolley, who served as director of communications for former gubernatorial candidate Jeff Burningham who celebrate on Saturday and Carl Downing, a co-founder of the Buckshot Caucus who marks another year on Sunday.
Got a birthday you’d like us to recognize in this space? Send us an email.