Last week was the deadline for candidates (except congressional) to file for office in Utah. Every cycle, politicos examine these closely to determine possible demographic and ideological trends within the political sphere. This year did not disappoint with fascinating insights. We explain.
Some insiders were shocked that Senate President Stuart Adams drew three inter-party challengers. What does this mean, and how will this election shake out?
Cowley: Utah has a history of legislative leaders losing their reelection bids following tumultuous political cycles (Former Speaker Greg Curtis, for example). Yet, from an election standpoint, three inter-party challengers to a powerful, well-funded incumbent is better than just one, since they will likely split the vote of any constituents wanting to see a changing of the guard. I predict Adams prevails, but not without a fight.
Pignanelli: “I don’t think the American people, if you look historically, elect angry candidates.” — Ken Mehlman
Stuart Adams is much more than a veteran lawmaker. He has been an integral part of the state’s development of transportation and economic policies for over 20 years. For someone of his stature to face several inter-party challenges indicates turbulence within the GOP. Yet, Adams has not lost the common touch, and his constituents will return him with gratitude for his service.
Several powerful incumbents will face challenges from either their own party or across the aisle. We highlight a few races to watch.
Cowley: After sponsoring the anti-union bill that spurred a referendum, insiders anticipated a union-backed challenger to Rep. Jordan Teuscher, which has come to fruition with challenger Scott Stephenson. Stephenson, a Republican, is the executive director of the Fraternal Order of the Police and is married to a teacher, an ideal union candidate. This will be the race to watch in the House, signaling just how Republicans feel about unions’ influence in Utah, specifically the UEA’s.
There are several Republican incumbents facing interesting inter-party challenges. Rep. Doug Fiefia is making a run for the Senate, challenging fellow Republican and incumbent Sen. Daniel McCay. Both candidates elected not to gather signatures, putting their fate solely in the hands of delegates. Fiefia leaves an open seat in the House, which has drawn four Republican contenders. Rep. Trevor Lee is being challenged by Davis County Commissioner Bob Stevenson. Stevenson has name ID and local government experience but recently voted to increase property taxes.
Sens. Brady Brammer and Scott Sandall; Speaker Mike Schultz; and Reps. Casey Snider, Jake Sawyer, Jefferson S. Burton, Nicholeen Peck, A. Cory Maloy, Norm Thurston, Lisa Shepherd, Troy Shelley, Logan Monson and Tiara Auxier all drew inter-party challengers. Most of these races don’t signal any widespread shakeup within the Republican Party, but with caucuses on March 17 followed by county conventions, the state convention on April 25 and the primary election on June 23, politicos will be eagerly watching as each step unfolds.
Pignanelli: Controversies within both national parties are creating turmoil on a local level. These are creating challenges for incumbents of the same party or from the opposing party in actual and perceived swing districts.
For example, State Sen. Stephanie Pitcher is an articulate advocate for Democratic ideals yet works effectively with Republicans to pass legislation. Apparently, her well-known effectiveness is an issue in this intra-party contest — a strange development.
For decades, the electoral politics of western Salt Lake County were volatile, as various legislative districts swung between the parties. This is percolating at a higher rate again as incumbent representatives Matt MacPherson, Anthony Loubet, James Dunnigan and Ken Ivory are the targets of left-wing special interest groups to benefit Democrats.
This dynamic of external forces is seeping into east Salt Lake County as legislative stalwarts Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore and Reps. Steve Eliason and Clinton Okerlund will face Democrats utilizing this extra assistance.
To everything there is a season, and it seems turnover in the Legislature is increasing. We discuss several notable retirements.
Cowley: Attrition with elected officials is a good thing, but there are several leaving this year who have left their mark on Utah politics and who I am sad to bid farewell to. Sen. Jerry Stevenson is beloved by many. His calm, cool leadership through divisive issues will be greatly missed. Several other current and former members of leadership are also saying “sayonara” to Capitol Hill — Rep. Bridger Bolinder, Rep Karianne Lisonbee and Sen. Ann Millner.
Rep. Jill Koford is leaving the House to run for Millner’s open seat, paving the way for former Rep. Rosemary Lesser’s (D) return to the House. Reps. Tyler Clancy and Karen Peterson are also entering their swan song session. Former Mayor Erik Craythorne of West Point (my former hometown) is well-positioned to win Peterson’s seat.
Pignanelli: The State House will be different with the retirement of long-time veterans Reps. Carol Spackman Moss, Stewart Barlow (son of Utah’s longest-serving legislator Haven Barlow) and Christine Watkins.
But this loss of institutional memory will be offset by the likely election of Rob Bishop, who filed to replace retiring Rep. Matthew Gwynn. Bishop served eight terms in the Utah House and 18 years in Congress. My term of office overlapped with Bishop’s, and I look forward to his return. Despite some differences, we really had a good time together. More importantly, his knowledge will be beneficial in legislative deliberations.
We want to give an honorable mention and a big “thank you” to Mel Robe, our intern, for her thorough research for this column.