Forget Fox News. Christian TV is becoming the go-to Trump fawning network. Why Romney has a good shot in the primary. And a look at the guy taking Romney on.
Happy Tuesday. While President Donald Trump may be a huge fan of Fox News and its fawning, there’s another reliable source of pro-Trump news that’s earned his fancy. As Christian networks have become more comfortable with politics, the Trump administration has turned them into a new pipeline for its message. [Politico]
Topping the news: Mitt Romney came in second at Saturday’s State Republican Convention, but his chances in the primary election are much brighter. [Trib]
-> Get to know state Rep. Mike Kennedy, R-Alpine, who will be facing Romney in the June 26 Republican primary. [Trib] [DNews]
Tweets of the day: From @thistallawkgirl: “I can only assume that Rand Paul is trending because he raised serious concerns about something, but then ended up voting for it anyway.”
-> From @BenWinslow: “To my national media peeps reporting on our political races right now: We are ‘Utahns.’ Not ‘Utahans’ or even ‘Utahanians.’ Also, if you decide to visit, try our fry sauce.”
In other news: Gov. Gary Herbert will speak about suicide prevention and mental health today. [ABC4]
-> The battle between state Rep. Ray Ward, R-Bountiful, and challenger Phill Wright in the state House District 19 race mirrors the divide between moderates and conservatives in Utah’s Republican Party. [Trib]
-> Utah lawmakers passed a transportation bill this year that allows counties to enact a sales tax hike, but Salt Lake County leaders may allow cities to decide. [DNews]
-> The Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum near Blanding was once on the brink of closing its doors. But attendance and interest in the American Indian artifacts it houses have increased with the national attention the nearby Bears Ears National Monument is receiving. [Trib]
-> A judge dismissed a Utah Muslim leader’s lawsuit, ruling the man’s constitutional rights were not violated if he was put on the government terror watch list and had difficulties traveling. [Trib]
-> North Ogden Mayor Brent Taylor posted an online update about his deployment to Afghanistan in which he said “things are going great.” [Fox13]
-> Pat Bagley illustrates where Romney and the delegates who voted against him at Saturday’s convention land on the conservative scale. [Trib]
Nationally: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted Monday to approve CIA Director Mike Pompeo’s confirmation to be secretary of state. [NYTimes]
-> President Emmanuel Macron of France arrived at the White House Monday, intent on persuading President Donald Trump to continue the nuclear deal with Iran. Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany will arrive Friday to share the same message. [NYTimes]
-> Former president George H.W. Bush was hospitalized Sunday morning for a blood infection after attending his wife’s funeral on Saturday. The 93-year-old appears to be recovering, according to a spokesman. [WaPost]
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— Thomas Burr and Madalyn Gunnell
Follow @sltribpolitics