Beg To Differ

The Utah political landscape has changed dramatically! There could be 3 republicans on the August primary ballot in Utah's 3rd Congressional District as John Curtis and Tanner Ainge have secured their spot.  Will Congress change after the tragic shooting at a baseball practice this week? We're joined by outgoing Democratic Party Chairman Peter Corroon who leaves office this week. What has changed, if anything, under his leadership? Plus, we answer questions about Gary Ott, Jim Dabakis and partisan fighting in this week's "simultaneous game."  Plus, Shakespeare! Bryan Schott and Mike Winder make you the smartest person in the room when you discuss politics. 

Mike and Bryan try to get a handle on a very busy week in order to make you the smartest person in the room when you talk politics. James Comey called President Trump a liar. The Gary Ott situation in Salt Lake County is heartbreaking, but both Republicans and Democrats might be playing political games behind the scenes.    A ballot initiative to boost school funding by raising taxes officially got underway this week. What are their prospects for success? There's also efforts afoot for possible ballot initiatives on redistricting, campaign finance reform, term limits and medical marijuana. Could Utah turn into California where governing is done by populist whim?   We continue our converstations with Republican candidates in Utah's 3rd Congressional District with former Rep. Chris Herrod and Rep. Brad Daw. Herrod says he agrees with President Trump's travel ban, while Daw is aiming to become the only software engineer elected to Congress.   Plus, we play the simultaneous game.

There are 21 candidates running to replace Rep. Jason Chaffetz, including 15 Republicans, 13 of whom will be at this month's convention.    Utah Republicans are struggling to pay the bills and want delegates (and the media) to help cover some of their shortfalls. Who will step up to fix the funding shortage?    Mike and Bryan talk with State Senators Margaret Dayton and Deidre Henderson, both of whom are vying to break out of the crowded pack of Republicans running in Utah's 3rd Congressional District.    Plus, we play the "simultaneous game."    Remember, you can reach us on Twitter: @BegtoDifferPod, Facebook: Beg to Differ, and email: BegtoDifferPod@gmail.com. Coming soon, our website: BegtoDifferPodcast.com

There are an astonishing number of Republican candidates in the race to succeed Jason Chaffetz. Mike Winder and Bryan Schott break down what they need to do to get to the primary election and beyond.    Jim Bennett is the candidate for Utah's 3rd Congressional District for the newly formed United Utah Party. Does Utah need a new political party? Jim joins Mike and Bryan to talk about why they do and why he's the man to run.    Newly elected Utah GOP Chairman Rob Anderson has a daunting task to dig the party out of a huge financial hole. Will he be able to do it?    Plus, Bryan and Mike play the "simultaneous game."   

Another tumultuous week in Utah politics for both Republicans and Democrats. Jason Chaffetz announces he's stepping down from Congress. Why? What's next for the congressman? Who is going to run to replace him in the House of Representatives? Who should set the rules for the special election to fill his seat?    What does the selection of Robert Mueller, former FBI director, as a special counsel investigating Russia mean? Will Donald Trump ever get a handle on this president thing? Also, is he smart enough to turn his presidency around?    Plus, we discuss the urgent need for tax reform on Utah's Capitol Hill and play the "simultaneous game."     

"Liberal media" representative Bryan Schott and "common sense conservative" Rep. Mike Winder chew on the firing of FBI Director James Comey. Why did President Donald Trump do it? Are liberals being hypocritical in their condemnation of the action? Will it have a chilling effect on the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election? Also, who might replace Comey? Utah Republicans get ready to select a new party chair. Plus, the latest on Rep. Jason Chaffetz's future in Congress and picking his replacement, whether the Utah Transit Authority will get more funding, and we finish with the "simultaneous game."

In our very first episode, Bryan Schott and Rep. Mike Winder offer a prognosis following the House vote on health care. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is coming to Utah to visit Bears Ears and Grand Staircase. Is either national monument in trouble? There may or may not (but likely will) be a special election coming up to replace republican Jason Chaffetz in Congress. Who should set the rules for that election? Will democrats be left out? Utah's schools are caught up in a teacher salary "arms race" to attract and retain teachers. The fallout from the University of Utah health care imbroglio results in a black eye for the Salt Lake Tribune, one of the state's biggest newspapers. Rep. Winder discusses his proposal to turn the Jordan River into a state park. Plus, we play a political "simultaneous game."