This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

The rise of the Obama Republicans. Mormon population picking up in Utah. State ties for third in voter turnout.

Happy Monday. The recent election brought a GOP wave and with it, a bunch of Republicans now serving Democratic-friendly districts. Welcome the rise of the Obama Republicans, new members of Congress who may have to defend ideas that aren't popular in the conservative wing of their party but are necessary to hold on to their seats. [http://www.politico.com/story/2014/11/the-obama-republicans-113221.html?hp=t2_r" target="_blank">Politico]

Topping the news: Findings from public records requested by the Salt Lake Tribune show that the Mormon population is picking up in Utah's most populated areas. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/1842825-155/mormon-populace-picks-up-the-pace">Trib]

-> According to a study by the National Priorities Project, Utah comes in last in federal aid per person. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/1883080-155/utah-last-in-federal-aid-per">Trib]

-> Utah tied for the third-lowest voter turnout during the midterm elections despite efforts to boost participation. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/1873023-155/utah-had-3rd-lowest-voter-turnout-among" target="_blank">Trib]

Tweet of the day: From https://twitter.com/StudioCityCat">@StudioCityCat: "The slogan for "60 Minutes" should be, 'Well, you've had a nice relaxing weekend - now let's get you back to angry and terrified.'"

Happy Birthday: To Kallie Clark and Robert Resendes.

Opinion section: Ross McCollin, longtime resident of South Salt Lake, describes what really happened to Houston pastors. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/1847586-155/op-ed-heres-what-really-happened-to">Trib]

-> Connor Boyack, president of Libertas Institute, believes police shootings need to be addressed in order to restore public trust. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/1877141-155/op-ed-police-shootings-must-be-addressed">Trib]

-> Joseph Burke, English teach for Weber School District in Ogden, considers using summative assessments to grade schools or teachers undermines morale and is destructive. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/1873418-155/op-ed-tests-shouldnt-be-used-to">Trib]

-> James M. Evans, chairman of the Utah Republican Party, explains how the GOP was able to gain three House seats in Salt Lake County that have long been controlled by Democrats. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/1873366-155/op-ed-heres-how-gop-gained-three">Trib]

-> Mace Brasher, a business owner in Tooele, believes an Internet sales tax would hurt many small businesses throughout the state. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/1873367-155/op-ed-internet-sales-tax-would-hurt">Trib]

-> Mary McGann, recently elected to the Grand County Council, discusses the changes made in the Grand County elections as being a vote for the future of Moab's economy. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/1877168-155/op-ed-grand-county-vote-reflects-turn">Trib]

-> Ingrid Griffee, executive director of Utah Moms for Clean Air, thinks Utah's family-friendly atmosphere is in jeopardy thanks to the state's legislatively-induced cloud. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/1873417-155/op-ed-rescue-utah-from-its-legislatively-induced">Trib]

-> Scott Dalgarno, pastor of Wasatch Presbyterian Church in Salt Lake City, believes clergymen who oppose gay marriage are ultimately turning people away from God. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/1873419-155/op-ed-clergy-opposing-gay-marriage-turn">Trib]

-> George Pyle discusses the biggest lie in Utah politics this year. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/1877035-155/pyle-the-biggest-lie-in-utah">Trib]

-> Paul Rolly describes the long history of GOP bosses' broken promises. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/1873064-155/rolly-gop-bosses-long-history-of">Trib]

-> Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb comment on various expressions of gratitude from politicos on Thanksgiving weekend. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865616674/Expressions-of-gratitude-from-politicos-on-Thanksgiving-weekend.html">DNews]

-> Former Sen. Bob Bennett says the departure of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel means a "circle the wagons" attitude will continue with the Obama administration. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865616725/What-the-departure-of-Defense-Secretary-Hagel-really-tells-us.html" target="_blank">DNews]

Weekend in review: In an excerpt from the Mia Love biography, Love discovers love and politics in Utah. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/1857519-155/mia-love-discovers-love-and-politics">Trib]

-> A land war is being waged on the shores of an idyllic Utah reservoir. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/1877039-155/on-shores-of-idyllic-utah-reservoir">Trib]

-> A romantic relationship between Salt Lake City Council members Erin Mendenhall and Kyle LaMalfa has raised concerns, despite the two stating the relationship has in no way resulted in the misuse of their offices. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/1876741-155/romantic-relationship-between-salt-lake-city">Trib]

-> Protestors rallied together to march down State Street on Saturday in Salt Lake City to protest against police brutality. [http://fox13now.com/2014/11/29/protesters-against-police-brutality-march-down-state-street/">Fox13]

-> United Nations negotiators are gathering in South America this week in an effort to halt climate change since many scientists believe that without a deal, the world will eventually become uninhabitable for humans. [http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/01/world/climate-talks.html">NYTimes]

-> Protestors in Hong Kong clashed with police after surrounding the city leader's office in an effort to gain control of the government's headquarters. [http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/01/world/asia/protesters-storm-hong-kong-leaders-office-as-movement-flags.html?_r=0">NYTimes][http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/hong-kong-protesters-face-off-with-police/2014/11/30/bd6f4936-789a-11e4-9721-80b3d95a28a9_story.html">WaPost]

Where are they?

  • Jason https://twitter.com/jasoninthehouse">Chaffetz attends an organizing meetings for the 114th Congress and votes in the evening.
  • Gary https://twitter.com/GovHerbert">Herbert holds 3rd District Judicial Court interviews.
  • President Barack https://twitter.com/BarackObama">Obama meets with members of his Cabinet to discuss federal programs and funding that provide equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies, young locals and national civil rights leaders and elected officials, community and faith leaders, along with law enforcement officials, to discuss how communities and law enforcement can work together to build trust to strengthen neighborhoods across the country.
  • Got a tip? A birthday, wedding or anniversary to announce? Email us at cornflakes@sltrib.com">cornflakes@sltrib.com. If you haven't already, sign up for our weekday email and get this sent directly to your inbox. [https://cornflakesdummy.wordpress.com/wp-admin/www.sltrib.com/pages/email">Trib]

    — Thomas Burr and Mallory Jesperson

    https://twitter.com/thomaswburr">Twitter.com/thomaswburr and http://twitter.com/JespersonM">Twitter.com/JespersonM