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[Legislative Ethics] The House Ethics Committee today dismissed all six counts of bribery-related allegations against Rep. Greg Hughes, R-Draper, but bitch-slapped him in writing for his sloppy conduct.

More news on the vote to come. Meanwhile, go here for a story behind the story.

Meanwhile, the real loser in the process was you, the taxpaying constituent/voter.

Why? Because no one in the media could get inside the super-secret, closed hearings to actually cover, first-hand, the story. Reporters had to take what crumbs they could get during the seven days of testimony based on witnesses' and attorneys' spins on the action inside the meeting room.

That's bad for democracy. It's up to you on Nov. 4 whether you'll elect a Legislature that cares about doing your business in the open. (Holly Mullen)

Gary & Me

[Petty Politicians] In the spirit of filmmaker Michael Moore's Roger & Me, came a spoofy report earlier today by KSL radio's Tom Callan. Utah Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert kept avoiding Callan, who was trying to land a comment from the LG about his decision not to investigate a bribery allegation in the Republican state treasurer race.

When Herbert saw Callan coming his way, he deftly walked the other way--several times--at the state Capitol. Callan tried to dig up Herbert's public daily schedule, but had trouble getting it.

So he did what any reporter worth his/her salt would do: He reported it.

Pretty hilarious stuff. Now, KSL is reporting that Herbert finally talked to Callan. As you might expect, the public official--whom you pay with your tax dollars to avoid press scrutiny--gave Callan a little scold for his tenacious behavior. (Holly Mullen)