August 11, 2026

Utah Democrats refuse Republican help & continue their tantrum

Given the choice between accepting Republican help and continuing a public temper tantrum, Utah Democrat Jim Dabakis prefers a tantrum.

In the end, Utahns can tell the difference between grand standing and good public policy. On one hand we have Litvak, who represents the image of a consistent, fair public servant. On the other hand, we have Dabakis, more interested in a headline, in smearing his opponents than seeking compromise and the public interest.

We need public servants more like Litvack, willing to stand by his oath to the public over short-term interest and party loyalty. Politicians like Dabakis are savvy with the media, and he makes for great copy, but his grandstanding does little for the public interest. [cont…]

Jim Dabakis is taking his lessons from Harry Reid

Utah Democratic Chair Jim Dabakis is on the hunt. Or perhaps more accurate, a fishing expedition.

He’s trying to force the Utah Legislature to let him play by different rules than other tax payers by giving him documents for free just because he claims to smell a rat, never mind that he lacks any proof.

Like Harry Reid claiming Mitt Romney hasn’t paid taxes, an assertion that can only be disproved by exposing Romney to undue scrutiny, Dabakis is claiming a foul against the Utah Legislature that can be disproved only by granting Dabakis special privileges not given to other mere humans (i.e. tax payers).

The Legislature should uphold its duty to the people of Utah and requiring Dabakis and the Democratic Party to pay for the documents Dabakis has requested, just like everyone else. Allowing Dabakis a special priviledge and to have them without paying would set a bad precedent of the Utah Legislature bowing to pressure from political party leaders.

It’s ironic, really. That’s a complaint that Dabakis is usually leveling against the Legislature about Republicans, not the other way around. Funny how things change when the shoe is on the other foot. [cont…]

“Bring it on,” says Speaker Lockhart.

Speaker Becky Lockhart ain’t afraid of the big bad wolf. Or Jim Dabakis, either, for that matter. By the time you read this, you’ll also be able to read the Robert Gehrke’s intrepid reporting about the Utah Legislature‘s Special Session Monday on redistricting. I can’t wait to see what juicy tidbits he has found. Meanwhile, […]

Utah is becoming even more Republican…if that’s even possible.

Last night, or early this morning, I engaged in some hyperbolic jousting over Twitter with the inestimable Deb Henry, a candidate for Vice Chair of the Utah Democratic Party. Amidst the trash talk, Deb reminded the world why she is running for Vice Chair of the Utah Democratic Party (yes, our state has one). http://twitter.com/heydebhenry/status/75806018684207104 […]

Proportional Representation: a boost to representation and turnout or a shift of power?

“Now if you think that proportional representation is boring, you are a very silly person because it’s about how we can run the country better.” John Cleese, Monty Python’s Flying Circus