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Show TheSaltLake Tribune UTAH Saturday, June 5, 1999 Enjoys That Job — GOP from buckling undertension between the mainstream and the vocalright wing. And a Few Others @ Continued from A-i do with teaching Advanced Place- Utah Republican Assembly I'm not fearful of those While hepoints to his 25-year career as an educator as the work that defines him, healsois a for- mer Utah House speaker who now serves as Republican Party boss and paid corporate lobbyist His 10 clients include someof thestate's most powerful andcon speaker — arguably the second most powerfulelected job in state government — Bishop continued to sputter up Capitol Hill in trade- mark clunkercars. He recalls maneuvering his 1974 Vega between rowsoflate- tendit is a conflict of interest for model Cadillacs, Lincolns and him to lobby for hire while lead- Mercedeses in the legislative to give up any of his jobs. In fact, he hopes to be re-elected chairman today at the annual state Republican Convention. placed the Vega with a 1980 Chev- ing the GOP,Bishopis not about Despite a challenge from Liber- tarian-turned-Republican Gerard Arthus, Bishopis expected to win a second two-year term with the backing of top elected officials Gov. Mike Leavitt plans to sup- port Bishop even though he objects to the party leader's lobbying practice. “T wish he wasn’t lobbying There is an awkwardness about that, but that’s something he’s chosen to do,” said Leavitt Utah Democratic Chairwoman publican counterpart as a grab very moderate in other things says parking lot. He eventually re- ette diesel, and finally moved up to the 1988 Geo Metro hecurrently drives. “Cars are not important to me,” says Bishop, adding he also owns an Astro van, symbolof his membership in Utah's big-family mainstream. Whenit comestopolitics, Bish- opis an unabashed conservative — regardless of the impression that might be made byhis longish hair and nonconformist style. A one-time leader in the Legislature’s so-called “Cowboy Caucus,” he helped found the West- byholding a summermeeting in Despite the controversyit gen- ogy. But he has apologized for a subsequent comment declaring the complaints and referred to the religious edifice as the Holbrook In more than a dozen debates with him during the past two years, Holbrook says Bishop has impressed heras a formidablefoe “Lo- that the difference between African Americans and guns is that Lastyear. he touchedoff an avalancheofoutraged letters to the the formerhave legs. It was a dumb thing to say.” Bishop says. Heclaims his error editor when hecriticized educa- tion officials and business owners was in answering “the dumbest question I was ever asked ly concealed weapons. Bishop brooksays. Healso bit his lip after a 1994 quote madein an interview called them bigots in the moldof segregationist Southern gover nors in the 1960s who denied with The including the Tribune — deserib It's that same mind-set you would deal with in a racial issue that you see here.” he said al the 1 Hol Associated Press and published in several newspapers blacks entryinto public schools cal puzzle, and he’s smart enough “It’s just an emotional reac. tion. and there's no basis for it who exclude residents with legal- “The minute you think he’s tremely conservative, he's al not to reveal whereheis.” During 16 yearsin the Legisla- Even though some people con- says. “It probably fits.” — bright, seasonedandwithale thally dry sense of humor “He's a veryinteresting politi- ture and even while serving as ed U.S. English, which has pushed for English-only legislation. gan Civic Center.” The lifelong Republican has lived his own advice — turning up. or evenreliable transportation affiliate, the Utah Shooting Sports Council: and the hazardous-waste company Envirocare of Utah. He also formerly represent- “I have been described as a rebel for the status quo.” Bishop groups.” says Bishop. “I've always said the world is run by those whoshow up. Soif you care about what happens, show up. without regard to convenience — troversial political players Utah's National Rifle Association erated. Bishop standsby the anal- bagofcontradictions welcoming armtoultraconservative organizations, including the ties. the Logan Tabernacle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. Bishop shrugged off bate about gun rights, abortion But Bishop defends that decision, and continues to extend a hasa lotof extracurricular activi- rights advocacy group. Bishop also has worked closely on some issues with the Utah Eagle FoTum, a moral-watchdog organiza- Meghan Holbrook views her Re- andClinton's impeachment ing it after school The BrighamCity father of five time. muttered that the event bruised the GOP image with peevish de- menthistory? After a pause, he acknowledges it is “more enjoyment than anything else, which is why we're do- state-church separatists in 1994 tion Bishop came under criticism last year for moving the annual convention to the conservative heartland of Utah County. Some ° AS ern States Coalition, a states- office. He's a moron Bishopsayshe sent Shelledyan apologynote Yet Bishop contends since becoming GOPchairmanin 1997 he has been subdued “As chairman, no one cares about my philosophy.” he says The party chairman is pretty well muzzled Longtime colleague Kevin Howard, whocontracts with Bish op to lobby for Utah Retirement Systems, scoffs at such a claim Hesonmy payroll, and I can't muzzlehim,” says Howard It's not his style — just like he doesn't wear socks and wears ing 7ribune Editor James E. Shel jeans on Capitol Hill,” shole who ever set foot in my see is what you get ledy as “the most arrogant as. observes. Howard “With Rob. what you den GOP Chairman Still, Leavitt and others praise Bishop's abilityto bridge partydivisions and keep the dominant As House speaker. Bishopin- troduced “sweater day” Fridays and wasnot shy about delivering wisecracks from his podium. As lobbyist for the National Ri: fle Association’s stateaffiliate, he fights for unfettered gun rights. But he doesn’t owna gun and never has. “I just feel uncomfortable around them,” he explains As a high-school teacher, Bishop has eschewed the powerful Utah Education Association and oncetried to abolish the elected state Board of Education. And as a veteran politician who If you can’t sleep, you owe it to yourself fo experience real solutions for comfort in your bedroom. Choosefrom the bestselection of adjustable beds and air beds, support mattresses andstat systems that are custom adjusted tofit your body shape from names you cantrust. 3344 So. 1300 E. 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