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Richard Piatt ReportingOn Capitol Hill in Washington there is a lot of speculation about Democrats taking control of the House of Representatives. On Capitol Hill in Salt Lake City, Democrats don't have such a sure thing going.
It's a battle that's taking shape in Utah neighborhoods this fall. Campaign signs are popping up, getting stolen and then replaced---all evidence of a battle. At the heart of it all is the balance of power in the Legislature.
Kirk Jowers, Hinckley Institute of Politics: "This has been a fun race for political observers."
Democrats, who make up 27 of the 104 seats in the Legislature, are fighting to hold on to what they've got this year. In the Utah Senate, Pat Jones is hoping to keep Senate District 4, after Patrice Arent's retirement. Republican Dirk Anjewierden sees an opportunity.
So does Repubilcan Bryce Jolley in Senate District 7. Democrat Ross Romero wants to keep Karen Hale's seat in the party.
But it's in the House of Representatives where things are really in play; voters will decide all 75 seats this fall.
Again this year Salt Lake County's east bench poses challenges for both parties. Democrat Carol Spackman Moss is working hard to keep Sandy Thackeray from taking House District 37.
In District 46, Democrat Karen Morgan does not have a sure thing against Republican Robin Bagley this year.
Wayne Holland, Utah Democratic Party: "There will always be tough races in those areas, but we have real optimism about what's happening in those races.
Democrats also have tough challengers in House Districts 21 and 22, Where Democrats Jim Gowans and Carl Duckworth are facing real challenges this year. Republican Jeff Hartley says his party has good candidates who are working hard this year.
Jeff Hartley, Utah Republican Party: "In some of these swing districts, especially in Salt Lake County, they vote the man, the woman, the individual. And we've happened to have signed up some real strong candidates this year."
On the other hand, Republican Susan Lawrence is facing a challenge from Democrat Phil Riesen in the Olympus Cove area. Republican Ron Bigelow has a real challenge from Democrat Michael Lee. And Ogden Senate District 18 could be up for grabs, after support for incumbent Dave Thomas slacked off in the primary.
In the end, it'll all come down to voter turnout, as it always does. The question is whether the Utah Republicans will inspired by national events to cast a ballot, or stay home.
Democrats also say they're hopeful about overtaking the seat the House Speaker Greg Curtis occupies. Vacancies in longtime Republican seats in Draper and Summit County are also targets for Democrats.
