We are 61 days out from the 2012 election and 144 days away from the start of the 2013 legislative session.

VP candidate Paul Ryan holds 3 fundraisers in Utah, tells attendees Barack Obama is moving America toward a “welfare state” [Tribune, Deseret News, ABC 4].

House Majority Whip Ronda Rudd Menlove will not run for a leadership post in the next Legislature [Utah Policy].

Sen. John Valentine says an agreement allowing bars and restaurants to offer drink specials subverts Utah’s liquor laws [Deseret News].

Mitt Romney names Mia Love to his campaign’s Black Leadership Council [Daily Herald].

Gubernatorial candidates Gary Herbert and Peter Cooke agree to three debates [Tribune].

Utah’s delegation at the Democratic National Convention say Michelle Obama’s address will help capture the female vote in swing states [ABC 4].

Rep. Jason Chaffetz is in Charlotte to provide a Republican counterpoint to the Democratic convention [Tribune, Deseret News].

Democratic candidates meet with voters in Draper [Deseret News, KSL].

The number of Utah high school students who smoke has dropped dramatically [Tribune].

A proposal to cut pollution in Utah is set for public comment next month [Tribune].