The shutdown showed one thing: Congress is broken. Romney would trounce Wilson in the Senate race. Trump seeks new venue for monument lawsuits.
Happy Wednesday. Blame Democrats. Blame Republicans. The real point is that Congress is broken. If the three-day shutdown is any indication, politics in Washington are getting to a breaking point. At least that’s one way to look at it. [Politico]
Topping the news: If Mitt Romney were to run, he’d easily defeat Democrat Jenny Wilson for the Senate, a new Tribune-Hinckley Institute poll shows. [Trib]
-> The Trump administration is seeking to change court venues for the lawsuits over the Bears Ears/Grand Staircase reductions. And a new poll shows half of Utahns support the president’s shrinking of the protections there. [Trib]
-> State Rep. Justin Fawson is proposing a bill that would make any personal political communications undertaken with state resources a matter of public record. [Trib]
Tweets of the day: From @HayesBrown: “What if … and hear me out here. What if nobody is good at politics.”
-> From @JoePWilliams31: “Lawmakers are taking a victory lap for keeping the government open — the most basic aspect of their job.”
-> From @byrdinator: “the fun part is that we get to do this all over again in three weeks! I wonder if anyone will beat their top score”
Happy Birthday: To House Majority Assistant Whip John Knotwell.
In other news: Nearly 70 Utah state employees have filed workplace abuse claims since July 2015. Of these complaints, seven have led to various forms of discipline for bosses and co-workers. [Trib]
-> A bill passed through the House with unanimous, bipartisan support that would allow the state’s poorest to claim a tax credit worth up to $600. [Trib]
-> Rep. Chris Stewart, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, said he is examining what he believes to be widespread politicization in the FBI and CIA. [Trib] [DNews]
-> A proposed bill seeks to allow mothers to breastfeed in any public location. Utah is only one of two states to not have such legislation. [Trib]
-> Lawmakers are now just waiting on a House vote for a bill that makes it easier for individuals to obtain a restraining order against those with whom they have or had a relationship. [DNews]
-> Lawmakers have proposed a bill that would allow the attorney general to offer them legal advice without interference from the governor. An additional constitutional amendment would also allow the Legislature to call itself into a special session — something lawmakers were unable to do before last year’s special election. [Trib]
-> Public officials are working on the Wasatch Choice 2050 vision, a plan meant to resolve many of Utah’s current issues like poor air quality, traffic congestion and a lack of affordable housing. [Trib] [DNews] [ABC4]
-> An Idaho lawmaker has installed a security camera in his office to avoid any accusations of sexual misconduct. [Trib]
-> The Sutherland Institute announced its vice president, Rick Larsen, will serve as its new president after Boyd Matheson’s departure. [Trib] [DNews]
-> Pat Bagley depicts Republican efforts to protect kids. [Trib]
-> Paul Rolly promises that the Legislature will still provide plenty of comedy even if Utah’s “porn czar” position is finally removed. [Trib]
Nationally: Two students died and 12 more were wounded after a 15-year-old opened fire at a Kentucky high school. The suspected shooter is in custody and will be tried for murder. [NYTimes] [WaPost]
-> According to new information, Jeff Sessions and James Comey were questioned as part of the special counsel investigation into President Donald Trump’s possible ties with Russia. [NYTimes] [WaPost]
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— Thomas Burr and Eric Baker
Twitter.com/thomaswburr and Twitter.com/ebaker44
Follow @sltribpolitics