Midyear Political Notes

Talk continues to build around town that Senator Jake Garn (R., Utah) won’t seek a third term in 1986. “He gripes about his finances all the time,” observes a Democratic staffer, “about how hard it is to support seven kids and two homes on a salary of $72,600.” Garn fought hard against the 1983 amendment that limited the income senators can earn from outside speeches, articles, and appearances to 30 per cent of their salary (which works out to $21,780 annually). The rumor continues as follows: Republican Congressman Jim Hansen will run for the Senate seat if Garn doesn’t (true) and will probably be challenged by former Governor Scott Matheson (probably true), which race would then be too close to call (true).

The only problem with the scenario is that the starting premise is wrong. “Jake grumbles a lot,” says a ranking Republican senator, “but there’s no question he’ll go for it again.” Garn himself says he’s running and is amused by stories that he’s been offered the presidency of a large banking firm. “The only job he’d like better than being senator,” says a senior Garn staffer, “is being Secretary of the Interior or Defense.” Hansen himself backs Garn unreservedly. “I’m encouraging Jake to run,” he told me. “He’s been a great senator, the most popular politician in Utah. I don’t know what Jake could do to lose the election. It wouldn’t surprise me if he got 75 per cent of the vote.” (In 1980, Garnracked up 74 per cent.)

JM

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John McLaughlin

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Talk continues to build around town that Senator Jake Garn (R., Utah) won’t seek a third term in 1986. “He gripes about his finances all the time,” observes a Democratic staffer, “about how hard it is to support seven kids and two homes on a salary of $72,600.” Garn fought hard against the 1983 amendment that limited the income senators can earn from outside speeches, articles, and appearances to 30 per cent of their salary (which works out to $21,780 annually). The rumor continues as follows: Republican Congressman Jim Hansen will run for the Senate seat if Garn doesn’t (true) and will probably be challenged by former Governor Scott Matheson (probably true), which race would then be too close to call (true).

The only problem with the scenario is that the starting premise is wrong. “Jake grumbles a lot,” says a ranking Republican senator, “but there’s no question he’ll go for it again.” Garn himself says he’s running and is amused by stories that he’s been offered the presidency of a large banking firm. “The only job he’d like better than being senator,” says a senior Garn staffer, “is being Secretary of the Interior or Defense.” Hansen himself backs Garn unreservedly. “I’m encouraging Jake to run,” he told me. “He’s been a great senator, the most popular politician in Utah. I don’t know what Jake could do to lose the election. It wouldn’t surprise me if he got 75 per cent of the vote.” (In 1980, Garnracked up 74 per cent.)