Legislature 2012

The last evening of the session includes a dinner for legislators and their families.
Here's our brood waiting for Dad to be ready for dinner.
Isaac especially enjoyed his visit to the capitol.

The session came and went. Ben was uber busy. There were highlights and low lights. I've observed a pattern in his mood over the course of three sessions now.

1. Lots and lots of excitement and high hopes of passing his bills as the session begins. He works hard leading up the session, getting as many bills as far along in the drafting process as possible. Also laying the groundwork for success by talking with all the various stakeholders to address their concerns and bring them on board.

2. The session begins and all the legislators are cordial and complimentary. There's a good amount of pomp and circumstance as everything gets underway. Inspiring speeches, energized legislators and constituents. And lobbyists and media persons a plenty.

3. The bills start getting hearings and Ben enjoys speaking on behalf of them. The non-discrimination bill got a hearing this year. That was progress.

4. Disappointment starts setting in about the third or fourth week. Bills begin to die. Partisanship starts heating up.

5. Depression and anger set in, but it's mostly only noticeable when he comes home at night to rant to me or a few close friends on the phone. He does a good job keeping up a good demeanor at the capitol.

6. Resignation to a few facts (again). Fact - non-discrimination will not pass this year. Fact - he is part of the minority party and not privy to discussions where things are decided.

7. The end is in sight. He's done what he can. Enjoy the environment, the remaining excitement, and mend relationships with the many people he's stood against during the previous weeks because, well, their politics are bad, but they aren't bad people.

8. Celebrate the end and spend some time with family.

Except for this year. Straight into full-strength campaigning. First stop: caucus meetings on March 13. Second stop: county convention on April 14. Please, no primary election in June. General election in November. We are crossing our fingers for a lull in all of the campaigning after the county convention, but I'm sure things will pick up again with summer parades and whatnot, then craziness through November. Here's to looking forward to a Happy Thanksgiving and Christmas Season.


Ben visited with students at the Hinckley Institute at the University of Utah one evening during the session to talk with them about his experiences during the session.

Bishop Wester gave one of the morning prayers during the session. He and Ben and been able to work together on a few community issues in Ben's work with SLC and also on a couple of legislative issues over the past couple of years.