How to Sound Smart About Utah Politics – July 7, 2014

The lawyers challenging Utah’s ban on same-sex marriage take over fundraising efforts. Hive transit pass sales below expectations. Turmoil inside the Davis County GOP.

 

Countdown:

  • 120 days until the 2014 midterm elections
  • 203 days to the opening day of the 2015 legislature
  • 484 days until the 2015 elections
  • 560 days to the 2016 Iowa Caucuses (tentative)
  • 855 days until the 2016 presidential election

Monday’s top news stories:

  • The lawyers for three couples who are challenging Utah’s ban on same-sex marriage are joining fundraising efforts to pay for their lawsuit [Tribune].
  • Utah may not be hit as hard as other states if the federal Highway Trust Fund runs out of money [Tribune].
  • The number of Salt Lake City residents who purchased the new Hive transit passes is far below what officials were hoping for [Tribune].
  • Some Davis County Republicans are trying to oust the county party chair [Tribune].
  • LDS Church officials say the number of missionaries will rise a bit more, then drop slightly [Tribune].
  • Low voter turnout is prompting state officials to investigate whether to switch to vote by mail statewide [ABC 4].
  • A new study says light rail lines can significantly reduce traffic growth [Tribune].
  • Utah is last in the country in supporting family caregivers [Tribune].

On this day in history:

  • 1846 – California was annexed to the United States.
  • 1898 – The United States annexed Hawaii.
  • 1930 – Construction began on the Boulder Dam.
  • 1981 – President Ronald Reagan nominated Sandra Day O’Connor to become the first female justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.
  • 1987 – Lt. Col. Oliver North began his public testimony at the Iran-Contra hearings.