This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Democrats bracing for a Trump GOP ticket. Zogby says the Grand Old Party is dead. SLC debate canceled.

Happy Thursday. With Hillary Clinton inching closer to the Democratic nomination, some liberals are now focusing on the general election and the idea that Donald Trump will be the GOP nominee. And they're bracing for the fight. Ad campaigns are in the works. There are calls for massive voter mobilizations and screeds from leading donors circulating within liberal circles. Major labor groups are organizing their members on the ground in swing states. [<a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2016/03/democrats-donald-trump-alarm-220910"; target="_blank">Politico</a>]

-> Meanwhile, veteran pollster John Zogby says the Republican Party died on Tuesday night. [<a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/johnzogby/2016/03/16/rest-in-peace-to-the-republican-party/?utm_campaign=Forbes&utm_source=FBPAGE&utm_medium=social&utm_channel=Opinion&linkId=22336864#50d643916fe3"; target="_blank">Forbes</a>]

<strong>Topping the news:</strong> Salt Lake City's highly-anticipated GOP presidential debate, which was to be hosted by Fox News, was canceled yesterday morning [<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/debate-cancellation-major-blow-to-utah-in-political-world"; target="_blank">KUTV</a>] [<a href="http://fox13now.com/2016/03/16/gop-presidential-primary-debate-scheduled-for-next-week-has-been-canceled/"; target="_blank">Fox13</a>] [<a href="http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/gop-debate-in-slc-cancelled-officials-say"; target="_blank">ABC4</a>] after both Donald Trump [<a href="http://fox13now.com/2016/03/16/trump-i-wont-be-there-for-fox-news-debate-in-salt-lake-city/"; target="_blank">Fox13</a>] [<a href="http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/trump-says-he-wont-be-attending-slc-gop-debate"; target="_blank">ABC4</a>] and John Kasich [<a href="http://fox13now.com/2016/03/16/kasich-will-not-attend-debate-without-trump-strategist-says/"; target="_blank">Fox13</a>] said they would not be attending. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3669839-155/debate-scrapped-after-donald-trump-says"; target="_blank">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865650178/Trump-wont-participate-in-SLC-debate-giving-speech-instead.html"; target="_blank">DNews</a>] [<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/gop-debate-cancelled-after-trump-and-kasich-back-out-venue-officials-say"; target="_blank">KUTV</a>] Without the debate, some are questioning Utah's relevance in national politics. [<a href="http://fox13now.com/2016/03/16/after-slc-debate-canceled-and-republican-field-narrows-is-utah-politically-relevant/"; target="_blank">Fox13</a>]

-> Kasich [<a href="http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/john-kasichs-campaign-trail-stops-in-utah-friday"; target="_blank">ABC4</a>] and Cruz as well as Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders are planning visits to Utah this weekend. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3672207-155/caucus-2016-bernie-sanders-coming-friday"; target="_blank">Trib</a>]

-> Those hoping to participate in the Republican caucus Tuesday can register by midnight tonight. [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865650230/Theres-still-time-to-register-for-the-GOP-presidential-caucus.html"; target="_blank">DNews</a>]

-> President Barack Obama noted Utah's Sen. Orrin Hatch called his new Supreme Court choice a "consensus nominee" in 2010; Hatch says he likes Merrick Garland but the timing is bad. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3670228-155/white-house-notes-hatch-called-supreme"; target="_blank">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865650183/Hatch-Lee-still-intend-to-hold-up-Supreme-Court-nominee-confirmation.html"; target="_blank">DNews</a>] [<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/utahs-senators-vow-to-fight-supreme-court-nominee"; target="_blank">KUTV</a>] [<a href="http://fox13now.com/2016/03/16/senators-hatch-and-lee-in-spotlight-for-opposing-president-obamas-scotus-nominee/"; target="_blank">Fox13</a>] [<a href="http://www.good4utah.com/news/despite-previous-support-of-judge-merrick-garland-sen-hatch-vows-to-block-nomination"; target="_blank">ABC4</a>] [<a href="http://kuer.org/post/utah-senators-stand-ground-no-hearings-supreme-court-nominee"; target="_blank">KUER</a>]

<strong>Tweets of the day: </strong>From <a href="https://twitter.com/FrankConniff">@FrankConniff</a>: "There was a time when we Irish would have been the ethnic group Trump wanted to deport, but give him credit, he's a modern American bigot."

From <a class="ProfileCard-screennameLink u-linkComplex js-nav" href="https://twitter.com/DanaHoule">@<span class="u-linkComplex-target">DanaHoule</span></a>: "Sanders people realizing maybe a party nomination w proportional allocation of pledged delegates not the most effective form of revolution"

From <a class="ProfileCard-screennameLink u-linkComplex js-nav" href="https://twitter.com/BillSimmons">@<span class="u-linkComplex-target">BillSimmons</span></a>: "John Kasich needs to throw a 1-3-1 defense at Trump."

<strong>Happy Birthday: </strong>To The Dallas Morning News' Carl Luebsdorf.

<strong>Happy Anniversary: </strong>To Rep. Chris Stewart and his wife, Evie.

<strong>Tune in:</strong> Gov. Gary Herbert joins Jennifer Napier-Pearce to talk bills, vetoes and election year politics. Watch Trib Talk live at 12:15 p.m. MT on <a href="http://sltrib.com"; target="_blank">sltrib.com</a>.<strong>

</strong>

<strong>In other news: </strong>Rep. Chris Stewart will face off against Democrat Charlene Albarran this fall. [<a href="http://kuer.org/post/charlene-albarran-rep-chris-stewart-file-utahs-2nd-congressional-district"; target="_blank">KUER</a>]

-> The changes in staff made by SLC Mayor Jackie Biskupski will cost taxpayers $1 million in severance and benefits packages. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3670769-155/taxpayers-will-fork-out-1-million"; target="_blank">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/taxpayers-set-to-pay-1-million-for-city-hall-departures"; target="_blank">ABC4</a>]

-> Applicants vying for $50 million allotted to SL Co.'s Zoo, Arts and Parks projects this year are making presentations before a board over the next couple months. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3672536-155/salt-lake-county-board-begins-review"; target="_blank">Trib</a>]

-> The judge overseeing the Jeremy Johnson trial denied a defense expert and two others the chance to testify in court yesterday. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3670444-155/judge-says-defense-expert-cant-testify"; target="_blank">Trib</a>]

-> A woman in Utah has accused a federal judge of sexually assaulting her more than 35 years ago. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3670154-155/utah-woman-sues-prosecutor-now"; target="_blank">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865650235/Salt-Lake-woman-accuses-federal-judge-of-raping-her-as-a-teenager.html"; target="_blank">DNews</a>] [<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/federal-judge-retires-on-same-day-utah-woman-files-sexual-abuse-lawsuit"; target="_blank">KUTV</a>] [<a href="http://fox13now.com/2016/03/16/utahn-says-judge-raped-her-while-prosecuting-1981-murder-trial-in-which-she-was-key-witness/"; target="_blank">Fox13</a>]

->  Federal prosecutors are hoping a judge will cancel a hearing where Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy would ask for freedom pending trial. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3673062-155/prosecutors-to-judge-call-off-bundy"; target="_blank">APviaTrib</a>] [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765684971/Prosecutors-want-US-judge-in-Vegas-to-call-off-Bundy-hearing.html"; target="_blank">APviaDNews</a>]

-> Salt Lake County is working on a plan to meet the public demand for off-leash dog parks. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3671819-155/salt-lake-county-still-working-on"; target="_blank">Trib</a>]

-> Draper is considering outlawing dogs in Corner Canyon since levels of coliform have risen to an unhealthy level in the watershed area. [<a href="http://fox13now.com/2016/03/16/draper-considers-dog-restrictions-as-excrement-contaminates-watershed-in-corner-canyon/"; target="_blank">Fox13</a>]

-> Colorado wants the EPA to help get Utah's pollution problem under control. [<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/colorado-calling-on-epa-to-fix-utah-pollution"; target="_blank">KUTV</a>]

-> A "slight price decrease" for Rocky Mountain Power customers in Utah doesn't mean customers' electricity rates will go down, according to consumer advocates. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3670779-155/cheaper-power-bill-utah-consumer-advocates"; target="_blank">Trib</a>]

-> Utah State University hopes to attract ambitious entrepreneurs with its new $50 million business building. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3670345-155/usu-aims-to-attract-entrepreneurs-with"; target="_blank">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865650234/USU-business-students-get-new-space-for-learning.html"; target="_blank">DNews</a>]

-> Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman will speak at USU's commencement this spring. [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865650196/Former-Gov-Huntsman-to-speak-at-USU-commencement.html"; target="_blank">DNews</a>]

-> Researchers at the U. have solved a medical mystery thanks to a genetics study. [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865650217/Genetic-sleuths-solve-a-medical-mystery-in-breakthrough-study.html"; target="_blank">DNews</a>]

-> The Campaign for Accountability has filed a complaint against state Rep. Ken Ivory alleging he misused state resources and lied to investigators. [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865650200/Group-asks-Attorney-General-to-investigate-Ivory.html"; target="_blank">DNews</a>] [<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/group-asks-attorney-general-to-investigate-utah-lawmaker-ken-ivory"; target="_blank">KUTV</a>]

-> Morgan County was ranked No. 1 for quality of life and life expectancy, according to a new study. [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865650232/Morgan-tops-county-health-rankings-for-7th-straight-year.html"; target="_blank">DNews</a>]

-> SL Co. has released data comparing state health statistics to those throughout the country. [<a href="http://fox13now.com/2016/03/16/salt-lake-county-leaders-hope-new-health-data-will-help-them-better-serve-residents-needs/"; target="_blank">Fox13</a>] [<a href="http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/national-report-ranks-utahs-health-county-by-county"; target="_blank">ABC4</a>]

-> Some disabled veterans will get into Utah state parks free, thanks to new legislation.[<a href="http://kutv.com/news/get-gephardt/many-disabled-veterans-will-soon-get-free-access-to-utah-state-parks"; target="_blank">KUTV</a>]

-> Pat Bagley gives his take on what it would be like to let Donald Trump nominate a new Supreme Court Justice. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3672554-155/bagley-cartoon-the-trump-court"; target="_blank">Trib</a>]

<strong>Nationally:</strong> Obama's Supreme Court pick, Merrick Garland, is further right than some Democrats want, but Republicans are still refusing to give him a hearing. [<a href="http://www.vox.com/2016/3/16/11250654/vox-sentences-merrick-garland-supreme-court"; target="_blank">Vox</a>] [<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/03/16/what-picking-a-white-male-moderate-harvard-grad-for-the-supreme-court-says-about-obamas-legacy/"; target="_blank">WaPost</a>] [<a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2016/03/obama-safe-supreme-court-pick-merrick-garland-220878#ixzz436xCB07d"; target="_blank">Politico</a>] [<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/analysis-president-obamas-supreme-court-nomination-means-2016/story?id=37701942"; target="_blank">ABC</a>] Oklahoma Sen. Jim Inhofe said it wouldn't matter if Obama nominated George W. Bush. [<a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/273337-inhofe-on-scotus-it-doesnt-matter-if-obama-would-nominate"; target="_blank">TheHill</a>] But other Senate Republicans say they'll give Garland a chance. [<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/17/us/politics/supreme-court-merrick-garland-senate.html?ref=politics&_r=0"; target="_blank">NYTimes</a>]

-> Meanwhile, Michelle Obama released a new song with Missy Elliott, Kelly Clarkson and Zendaya, meant to inspire and empower girls. [<a href="http://nymag.com/thecut/2016/03/michelle-obama-drops-fire-new-track.html?mid=twitter_nymag"; target="_blank">NYMag</a>] [<a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/michelle-obama-enlists-missy-elliott-zendaya-for-new-song-20160315"; target="_blank">RollingStone</a>] [<a href="http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-michelle-obama-sxsw-song-snap-story.html"; target="_blank">LATimes</a>]

-> After Marco Rubio's suspension of his presidential bid, Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz is focusing on John Kasich. [<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/17/us/politics/with-marco-rubio-out-ted-cruz-confronts-a-new-foe-in-john-kasich.html?ref=politics"; target="_blank">NYTimes</a>]

-> Republican front-runner Donald Trump created an ad of Democrat Hillary Clinton barking like a dog. [<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/16/politics/donald-trump-instagram-putin-clinton/index.html"; target="_blank">CNN</a>] [<a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/273233-trump-ad-clinton-not-tough-enough-to-face-putin-isis"; target="_blank">TheHill</a>]

-> A member of the RNC says political parties — not the public — will choose their presidential nominee. [<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/03/16/rnc-member-political-parties-choose-their-nominee-not-the-general-public/"; target="_blank">WaPost</a>]

<strong>Where are they?</strong>

<ul>

<li>Rep. Jason <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/jasoninthehouse"; target="_blank">Chaffetz</a></strong> chairs a second Oversight hearing on the Flint Water Crisis and returns to Utah.</li>

<li>Rep. Chris <a href="https://twitter.com/RepChrisStewart"; target="_blank"><strong>Stewart</strong></a> listens to a House Intelligence Committee briefing and an Interior Appropriations Hearing. He also sits down with the Utah Community Health Association and the Five County Associations of Governments. Later he holds meetings with the Utah Tourism Association and the Utah Federation of Republican Woman.</li>

<li>Rep. Mia <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMiaLove"; target="_blank"><strong>Love</strong></a> attends meetings with the Association of Utah Community Health and constituents. She also votes.</li>

<li>Gov. Gary <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/GovHerbert"; target="_blank">Herbert</a></strong> participates in a legislative bill review, Trib Talk, a Boards and Commissions meeting, a Scouting for Food event, a meeting with Attorney General Sean Reyes and a tele-town Hall meeting.</li>

<li>Lt. Gov. Spencer <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/SpencerJCox"; target="_blank">Cox</a></strong> hears a legislative bill review, meets with United Way of Salt Lake Young Leaders and heads to a Boards and Commissions meeting and a meeting on Intergenerational Poverty. He also gives a monthly update to Gov. Gary Herbert and AG Sean Reyes.</li>

<li>State Auditor John <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/FrugalDougall"; target="_blank">Dougall</a></strong> hits meetings with Attorney General Sean Reyes and the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. He also goes to part of the National Association of State Comptrollers conference in SLC.</li>

<li>President Barack <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama"; target="_blank">Obama</a></strong> receives his daily briefing and speaks on a conference call with stakeholders to thank them for their work in support of Chief Judge Merrick Garland's confirmation process.</li>

</ul>

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— Thomas Burr and Mariah Noble

<a title="Thomas Burr" href="https://twitter.com/thomaswburr"; target="_blank">Twitter.com/thomaswburr</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/mnoblenews"; target="_blank">Twitter.com/mnoblenews</a>