News Highlights

Rep. Dave Ure's defeat in Senate District 26 could mean the death of a 2002 law Ure sponsored allowing undocumented students to pay in-state tuition if they have attended a Utah high school for at least three years and graduated (Deseret Morning News).

Anglers angry about proposed lodge at Little Hole on the Green River (Morning News).

Quote of the Day

“… the percentage of Utah's population enrolling in college is declining. That's an alarming trend that could affect the state's economic growth.”

-- Tribune editorial calling for more attention and money to be focused on immigrant children.

Founders’ Thoughts on Independence Day

"The Sun never shined on a cause of greater worth." —Thomas Paine (1776) … "I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not." —John Adams (1776) … "Our cause is noble; it is the cause of mankind!" —George Washington (1779) … "[T]he flames kindled on the 4 of July 1776, have spread over too much of the globe to be extinguished by the feeble engines of despotism; on the contrary, they will consume these engines and all who work them." —Thomas Jefferson (1821) … "It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more." —John Adams.  (Source: The Federalist Patriot)

Marriage of Talk Radio and Blogging

The conservative blogosphere has gotten a little more interesting with the revamping and relaunching of Townhall.com, whose promoters are hoping to surpass the liberal DailyKos.com in readership. The site also features an “Action Center,” providing tools for conservatives to engage in political activism. See Newsweek article describing the site.

Townhall.com attempts to merge talk radio with blogging and on-line activism. While conservatives have long ruled the talk radio airwaves, liberals have dominated blogging and on-line activism. Liberal bloggers like Markos Moulitsas have provided organizational and fundraising firepower for liberal politicians that conservatives have not been able to match.

But Townhall.com aims to change all of that by creating a group hub for talk show stars like Hugh Hewitt, Bill Bennett, and Michael Medved, who will promote the site on their radio shows, bringing millions of readers to Townhall.com. The site features their blogs, downloadable segments of their radio shows, and lots of conservative columnists. For Townhall's own description of the site, click here.

Blog Watch

National über-blogger Mickey Kaus disputes the conventional wisdom about Rep. Chris Cannon's 3rd District primary victory: "It's certainly tempting to describe a reversed-image, bookend-like parallelism between Cannon's primary victory and Brian Bilbray's victory in California's recent open seat election. And that seems to be the CW approach: a) The California race showed that the anti-GOP wave wasn't big enough to displace a veteran Republican in a Republican district. Utah showed the conservative anti-legalization wave wasn't big enough to displace a veteran Republican in a Republican district. b) California demonstrated that opposition to legalizing illegal immigration is a strong force. Utah demonstrated it's not that strong. c) The [Rep. James] Sensenbrenner 'enforcement-only' approach wins one (CA). The Bush 'comprehensive' approach wins the other (Utah). d) In both races, last-minute gaffes hurt the challengers, muddling the contrasting take-home lessons. But wait: there's a deeper lack of contrast. Bilbray ran on a platform of opposition to illegal immigration. Meanwhile, Cannon ... also ran on a platform of opposition to illegal immigration ... Cannon's victory is even harder to interpret as a rejection of the Sensenbrenner enforcement-only approach because Cannon's campaign featured a ringing endorsement from one James Sensenbrenner ... It's all eerily reminiscent of the welfare debate, in which anti-welfare candidates sincerely bashed welfare and pro-welfare candidates insincerely bashed welfare. We know how that turned out. This could be why House Republicans don't seem to be interpreting Cannon's win as a reason to abandon their enforcement-only position" (see also here, here, and here)... Centerville Citizen says: "I'm going to get a lot of flak for saying this, but I'm going to say it anyway. Amending the constitution in order to protect the flag, or to give Congress the power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag, is a bad idea. I'm glad that [Sen. Orrin] Hatch's amendment didn't get that one extra vote"... In response to this Trib op-ed, Reach Upward says: "I'm always amazed that the members of the environmentalism religion that most vociferously and evangelistically moralize about various selected behaviors are reluctant to actually demonstrate their faith to the most logical conclusion of their beliefs. If the human race is as immorally toxic to our globe as they claim, since they are among this toxic race, why don’t they remove themselves from this immoral existence? Ah, I thought so. They are pure. It's only the rest of us that are the infidels. And how is this not a religion?" (see also here)... Senate candidate Pete Ashdown says he's solicited donations to his campaign from "a number of consistent donors on the national level and the reaction [is] always the same, 'You're running against who?' with a laugh. This attitude needs to change inside the Democratic party. The races that make the most difference in winning are the races that are hardest won" (see also here)... The Utah Amicus reports: "On Saturday, July 29 Utah Democrats will be gathering at Washington Park in Parleys Canyon east of Salt Lake for a Democratic Family Reunion ... Democrats from all over Utah are invited to bring the whole family ... At the event we will launch a voter contact effort asking Democrats to contact 100 voters over the course of the 100 days following July 29th to help us build on the momentum we have already established this year"... Paul Rolly turns his skeptical eye on the Salt Lake Chamber's 2015 Transportation Alliance proposal... GetReligion says: "While this poll result may not be terribly surprising — American voters have expressed their uneasiness about voting for Mormons previously — that 37 percent is a huge number. It would be great to break that number down and learn a bit more about why so many voters are disinclined toward anonymous Mormons. Is it Mormons' belief in a multiple godhead? Is it their history with polygamy? Is it Orrin Hatch's music?" (see also here, here, and here).

-- Compiled by Golden Webb

Washington Watch

Hatch Announces HUD Grants

Sen. Orrin Hatch announces "more than $6.5 million in community-building grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The grants will serve populations in Salt Lake County, Ogden, and Taylorsville" (see press release).

Bennett Secures $$$ for Projects

Editorial praises Republican Sens. Mitch McConnell, Bob Bennett, and Lincoln Chafee for voting against Hatch's proposed flag protection amendment (Washington Post); McConnell and Bennett, in line to become the Senate's top two ranking Republicans, likely to oppose any future flag amendment proposal, which "could pose a problem'' for amendment pushers (Cincinnati Post); Bennett secures $9.6 million for Utah Interior projects (see press release); Senate subcommittee approves Bennett's request for $82.8 million for Utah projects and blocks Private Fuel Storage's efforts to bring spent nuclear fuel to Skull Valley (see press release).

Cannon Win = Immigration Compromise?

Columnist Michael Barone says Rep. Chris Cannon's 3rd District victory makes it more likely that Congress will be able to craft compromise immigration reform legislation (Townhall); Cannon proposes a measure that "would take steps to reduce the time energy companies say they waste waiting for the government to act on permits to drill or mine for oil, gas and coal" (Associated Press).

CPPA Newsletter

The University of Utah's Center for Public Policy & Administration has posted its latest Policy Perspectives newsletter. This edition features articles on Latino political participation, the proposed Western Presidential Primary, and Utah's initiatives and referendum process. To read it, click here.

Goofy Headlines

(Compiled by James Taranto at OpinionJournal.com)

'And I'm Gonna Be High as a Kite by Then': "Crack Found in Shuttle Foam"-- Associated Press, July 3

Good News for Massachusetts' First Lady: "Lost Mitt Safe at Home"--Los Angeles Times, June 30

Now They Need Some Doors: "Leader: Katrina Recovery Hinges on Homes"--Dallas Morning News, July 3

What Would We Do Without Panelists?: "Violence Must End, Panelists Say"--Houston Chronicle, July 1

Everyone's a Critic: "Teen Critical After Shot by Cops"--Post-Tribune (Gary, Ind.), July 3

Utah in the National News

Editorial praises Utah for its private donor solution to last month's Medicaid dental impasse: "The easy preference of many of the political class would have been to commit more tax money to the Medicaid program. But Utah residents seem to have a better idea, and if donors come through, the nation just might see the first significant push-back against top-down, government-run welfare since the 1960s" (Wheeling News-Register).

In new national poll, thirty-seven percent of respondents say they would not vote for a Mormon presidential candidate -- numbers which "could be a threat to Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ... who is exploring a run for the GOP presidential nomination" (Los Angeles Times).

Article notes Utah Sen. Ed Mayne's efforts to raise the Utah minimum wage each year, and quotes Sen. Dan Eastman on why the Utah Legislature's Workforce Services Committee rejected Mayne's 2006 bill: "We felt it would cause some problems in the job market, eliminate some jobs for entry level kids. We did not think that it's necessarily a state's responsibility to set the minimum wage" (San Francisco Chronicle).

Article looks at controversy sorrounding the Army's chemical weapons disposal facility in Tooele (Washington Post).

Newt Gingrich cites the Central Utah Multi-Specialty Clinic for its successful application of health information technology (Hospital News).

Article profiles Vernal, Utah couple who have found prosperity in the oil boom sweeping across the Rocky Mountain West (Denver Post).

New Hampshire officials to follow Utah's lead by involving the public in transportation planning (Concord Monitor).

Local Headlines

Deseret Morning News

- Plan angers anglers

- Ure's defeat may mean end of tuition law

- Provo art trumps sport

- What next? Seismic evaluation of schools

- Schools on study list

- Kearns district rescinds tax boost

- Editorial: Audit all elections

Standard-Examiner

- Editorial: Wafting death and disease

Salt Lake Tribune

- It'll be a bumpy summer on Utah roads

- Rolly: Governor staying mum on job slots

- Eskelsen still sings for school reform

- Editorial: Diplomas and degrees: Fewer college students is a bad sign for Utah

Tuesday, July 4

Salt Lake Tribune

- Vote process frustrates many Mexicans in Utah

- Bush rebounds on spate of good news

- Jordan teachers bailing out

- Democrat known as a man who always took the high road

- Medicaid? Proof of citizenship required

- OK to wave flag, but wear it?

- Draper plots course for its historic center

- Utah Olympic Park's hype sticks well after the Games

- Fuel-efficient cars are a hot Utah commodity

- Utah business growing at healthy rate

- Utah numbers encouraging: Construction, manufacturing sectors outperform U.S.

- Editorial: Boundary disputes: Put reapportionment in hands of a bipartisan commission

St. George Spectrum

- Op-ed: We ought to champion Port 15

- Editorial: Voters failed the teachers

- Editorial: Pass the federal shield law

Davis County Clipper

- Special session need questioned by Davis legislators

- Clearfield rail stop win-win, official says

- Business real estate market bright

Daily Herald

- Energy bill offsets oil, gas companies

- Op-ed: Provo acted responsibly in road fight

KCPW

- Election Analysis: Summit County determines victory in House District 25

- Millions to be spent on H.S. tutors

Deseret Morning News

- Utah economy humming

- Am. Fork is biggest 'American'

- Sevier sheriff wins GOP primary, demotes 'unsupportive' officers

Please submit calendar items to Daily@UtahPolicy.com

- July 5: Special Districts Subcommittee of the Political Subdivisions Interim Committee, 9 a.m., room W125.
- July 5: Gov. Huntsman Major Economic Development Announcement, 9 a.m., New Pleasant Grove Interchange Exit, East side of Freeway.
- July 5: Midday Metro at 10 a.m. on KCPW 88.3 FM features a conversation with Freedom From Fallout panelist Jason Groenewold, director of Heal Utah; plus panelists from this week’s Science in Society public dialogue talk about how fires start, spread and are fought; and Dean Howes, CEO of Real Salt Lake, will be in-studio to answer your questions about public financing for a private soccer stadium. Email or call 801-355-TALK to participate.
- July 5: RadioWest on KUER FM 90: "Future Hype," 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Despite the technological advances of the last 20 years, former Microsoft programmer Bob Seidensticker is convinced that the PC and the Internet are no more important than any major invention of the past. In his book "Future Hype: The Myths of Technology Change," Seidensticker explores the high and often hidden costs of technology.
- July 5: USTAR Board Meeting with Gov. Huntsman, 2 p.m., Governor's Board Room.
- July 5: Lt. Gov. Herbert to host Mayor Olaf Raschke and staff of Meissen, Germany at the Utah State Capitol Complex, 4 p.m., Salt Lake City.
- July 6: Administrative Rules Review Committee, 9 a.m., room W135.
- July 6: Pete Ashdown to speak at Anti-Hunger Action Committee Barbecue/Candidate Forum, 6 to 8 p.m., Liberty Park, Salt Lake City.
- July 6: Davis County Democrats Planning Committee, 7 p.m., Davis County Courthouse, Commission Chambers, 28 East State Street, Farmington. Anita Mortimer, candidate for Utah Senate, District # 21 will speak on Utah issues.  All Davis Democrats are urged to attend.  The general public is also invited.
- July 7: Closing the Achievement Gap for Hispanic Youth presentation by Barbara Lovejoy, Director of the nonprofit Generación Floreciente, 12:00-1:30, Lamb's Café, 169 S. Main, Salt Lake.  For more information or to register contact Barbara at 801-466-1117 or bclovejoy@msn.com.
- July 7: Desert Greens Party of Utah Summer Recycling and Utah Food Bank Campaign, 5:30 to 9 p.m., 2144 South Highland Drive, Sugarhouse. For more information see www.gput.org/events.shtml.
- July 8: Cache Democrats monthly breakfast meeting, 8 a.m., Cabin Fever Cafe, 180 W 1200 S, Logan.
- July 8: Meet Bob Brister, Green Party Candidate for Utah's Second Congressional District at the Downtown Farmers' Market, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Look for the striped canopy in the non-profit area with banners Green Party of Utah, Brister for Congress, U.S. Out of Iraq.
- July 13: Pete Ashdown to speak at Utah Valley Exchange Club, 7:30 a.m., Mimi's Cafe, 304 East University Parkway, Orem.
- July 13: Water Issues Task Force, 9 a.m., Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District.
- July 14: Desert Greens Party of Utah Summer Recycling and Utah Food Bank Campaign, 5:30 to 9 p.m., 2144 South Highland Drive, Sugarhouse. For more information see www.gput.org/events.shtml.
- July 15: Green Party Honk 'n' Wave for Peace "U.S. Out of Iraq, Now," featuring Bob Brister, Green Candidate for Utah's 2nd Congressional District, 9 to 10 a.m., NW corner, intersection of 700 E and 2100 S, Salt Lake City. For more information see www.bristerforcongress.org.
- July 17: Retirement and Independent Entities Interim Committee, 9 a.m., room W135.
- July 18: Utah House Republican Caucus Annual Bowler's Ball Fundraiser, meet and greet at 6 p.m., bowling at 7 p.m., Shepherd’s All Star Lanes, 1776 W. 7800 South, West Jordan. Prizes for best team score and best dressed bowling team. Four-team sponsorship is $1,250; individual tickets, $400. RSVP to Mary Blase by July 12 at 801-318-6307 or bowling@alexanders.com.
- July 19: Political Subdivisions Interim Committee, 2 p.m., room W025.
- July 21: Desert Greens Party of Utah Summer Recycling and Utah Food Bank Campaign, 5:30 to 9 p.m., 2144 South Highland Drive, Sugarhouse. For more information see www.gput.org/events.shtml.
- July 22: Pete Ashdown speaking at 7 Year Anniversary Show at Kilby Court, 7 p.m., 741 S. Kilby Court (330 West). $5 cover charge. Visit www.kilbycourt.com for more information.
- July 26: Utah International Trade Commission, 2 p.m., room W110.
- July 28: Desert Greens Party of Utah Summer Recycling and Utah Food Bank Campaign, 5:30 to 9 p.m., 2144 South Highland Drive, Sugarhouse. For more information see www.gput.org/events.shtml.
- July 29: Utah Democratic Family Reunion, 12 p.m., Washington Park (located just east of the Mountain Dell Golf Course). Democrats from all over Utah are invited to bring the whole family to this event where there will be games, food and an opportunity to get to know one another better.
- Aug 3: G.O.Pen Golf Tournament, 1 p.m. registration, Thanksgiving Point, Lehi. Followed by the annual GOP Summer BBQ at 6 p.m. with Gov. Jon Huntsman. For more info contact Abby Balfour at 801-533-9777 or abby@UTGOP.org.
- Aug 4: Water Issues Task Force, 9 a.m., room W135.

- See the entire calendar

Elected Officials Birthday List

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