Some Republican senators are grumbling over Trump, RNC backing Roy Moore. Stewart seeks to create a sixth national park in Utah. Bill Clinton says he’s ‘mystified’ over Staircase, Bears Ears cuts.
Happy Wednesday. Senate Republicans are still trying to keep their distance from Roy Moore, creating a fresh break with President Donald Trump and the Republican National Committee, which have re-embraced Moore less than a week before a key special Senate election despite accusations of child molestation against the Alabama Republican. But there’s a clear sense of resignation among GOP senators who have tried to block Moore from winning the race. [Politico]
Topping the news: After President Donald Trump shrunk the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments, Reps. Chris Stewart and John Curtis unveiled individual plans to handle the remaining pieces of the monuments including the proposal to create a new national park. [Trib] [ABC4] [DNews] [Fox13]
-> Former President Bill Clinton said he’s “mystified and heartbroken” over the cuts to Utah’s monuments and denounces Trump’s move. [Trib]
Tweets of the day:From @samstein: “Amazing. Jeff Flake goes further than any Republican to help elect Doug Jones and people are like, ‘only $100?!?!’”
-> From @morninggloria: “I will wife the first reporter who asks a Republican if they’d support a hypothetical Harvey Weinstein candidacy if he promised to caucus with them”
-> From @pourmecoffee: “Rubio: Trump is too erratic to be given nuclear codes. He’s winning? Okay, it’s cool now. All aces. McConnell: Moore’s behavior is too serious to remain in the race. He’ll win? All good then. Tip-top.”
Happy Birthday: To Rep. Mia Love.
In other news: The Salt Lake City Council will rework proposed accessory dwellings rules after the Disability Law Center raised concerns. [Trib] [DNews]
-> Salt Lake City added an additional 50 police officers to its force, a move expected to result in increased property taxes next year. [Trib] [DNews] [KUTV]
-> A $17.6 million Salt Lake City affordable housing plan was approved on Tuesday, which could be used to develop 700 homes. [Trib] [Fox13]
-> Steve Bannon criticized Sen. John Flake and Mitt Romney during a speech on Tuesday night. [Fox13] [KUTV]
-> Rep. Mia Love, a co-sponsor of the Recognizing America’s Children act, requested Speaker Paul Ryan give attention to a solution for DACA recipients. [Trib] [DNews] [Fox13]
-> Pat Bagley offers his take on how Native Americans have been ignored during the debate over monuments. [Trib]
-> Robert Gehrke provides commentary on Trump’s move to reduce Utah’s national monuments. [Trib]
Nationally: President Donald Trump is expected to formally recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel during an announcement today. [NYTImes]
-> It appears the deciding vote in the case regarding a wedding cake for a same-sex couple will be cast by Justice Anthony M. Kennedy. The other Supreme Court justices seem to fall where expected. [WaPost]
-> Democrat lawmakers are requesting legislation to protect special counsel Robert Mueller be pushed forward. [Politico]
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— Thomas Burr and Karenna Meredith Twitter.com/thomaswburr and Twitter.com/meredithkarenna
Follow @sltribpolitics