The OR ownership had, several weeks ago, made the decision to leave when Patagonia and other manufacturers had told them that they would no longer participate in OR, if it remained in Utah. Those manufacturers pay six figure fees to participate in the shows. OR wasn't going to let that revenue stream disappear.

The Governor has known for two months that some participants were threatening to pull out, yet did nothing to assuage them of their fears. He never indicated that he would meet with the legislature leadership in hopes of working something out. OR interpreted his stance as indicating that he was lockstep in agreement with the legislature.

I think his office believed that they were bluffing. Last week, when Patagonia and Black Diamond announced their decision, the Governor realized that they weren't bluffing but by then it was already too late. He hadn't formulated a plan B, in case they weren't bluffing, and could not retreat from his stated position.

I don't have any problem with entities using their corporate clout to affect policy. It's done all the time. Many Utah politicians receive substantial campaign contributions from developers, miners and big-time ranchers in an effort to take or reclassify public lands for their own benefit. That's what you do when you have money and influence.

Its a shame.