Countdown: There are 80 days until the start of the 2014 Legislature, 361 days until the 2014 midterm elections and 788 days until the 2016 Iowa Caucuses.
- Attorney General John Swallow lashes out at the house investigation into his office, saying it’s becoming a “political crusade” to justify the cost [Tribune].
- Swallow also angrily denies allegations he deleted emails to cover up wrongdoing [Deseret News].
- A Provo company asks a judge to quash a subpoena from House investigators as part of the John Swallow probe, claiming it’s a “fishing expedition” [Deseret News].
- Swallow’s campaign coffers are growing, but the money may eventually go to pay his lawyers [Tribune].
- A new group launches with the aim of defending Utah’s caucus system against the “Count My Vote” citizen initiative [Tribune].
- Bob Bernick says lawmakers would be smart to pass a proposal to create a “dual track” system for candidates to get on the primary ballot in Utah, but they won’t [Utah Policy].
- Sen. Orrin Hatch votes in favor of a federal bill banning workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation while Sen. Mike Lee votes no [Tribune].
- The LDS Church reacts to a statement from Nevada Sen. Harry Reid who said the church is changing its views on gay rights [Deseret News].
- Sen. Steve Urquhart says he will again run a bill banning discrimination based on sexual orientation [St. George.com].
- Sen. Lyle Hillyard says Gov. Gary Herbert is going to have to lead out on any gas tax hike if it’s going to pass in 2014 [Standard-Examiner].
- Utah lawmakers consider ways to address the cost disparity in educating inmates in state and county prisons [Standard-Examiner].
- A new study says minority students in Utah are making big gains in reading scores [Tribune].
- Opponents of a medical incinerator in North Salt Lake claim the company has lied about its compliance with federal regulations [Standard-Examiner].
