President Trump says he backs a popular vote instead of the Electoral College. McAdams faces four challengers for the Dem nod in the 4th District. Top GOP congressman says Romney will boost Love’s chances.
Happy Friday. President Donald Trump lost the popular vote in the 2016 election to Hillary Clinton by 3 million votes. Nonetheless, Trump is now voicing support for doing away with the Electoral College for presidential elections in favor of a popular vote because the latter would be “much easier to win.” [Politico]
Topping the news: Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams may run against Rep. Love, but he’ll have to get past four other Democrats first. [Trib]
-> The head of the National Republican Congressional Committee says Mitt Romney’s Senate campaign will give Rep. Mia Love a boost towards re-election. [Trib]
-> Learn more about the Salt Lake City native that President Trump appointed to direct the Peace Corps. [Trib]
Tweets of the day: From @ddale8: “Trump tells Fox and Friends that he decided to do an interview with them because it’s Melania’s birthday. Asked what he got her, he pauses and says, ‘Maybe I didn’t get her so much. I got her a beautiful card.’”
-> From @aparnapkin: “It’s like someone ordered the news in bulk this week”
Happy Birthday: On Friday to state Rep. Don Ipson and to Gordon Larsen, Legislative Director for Rep. Chris Stewart. On Sunday to state Rep. Marc Roberts.
Behind the Headlines: Tribune reporters Lee Davidson and Kyle Goon as well as columnist Robert Gehrke join KCPW’s Roger McDonough to talk about the week’s top stories, including the fallout of the Utah GOP convention and the Utah Jazz’s showdown with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Each Friday at 9 a.m., stream “Behind the Headlines” online at kcpw.org or tune in to KCPW 88.3 FM or Utah Public Radio for the broadcast.
In other news: Gov. Gary Herbert held his monthly press conference and discussed the Republican Convention, legislative vetoes and medical marijuana. [Trib] [DNews]
-> Pat Bagley depicts the daily struggle for school-teachers. [Trib]
-> Michelle Quist breaks down the Utah GOP Convention. [Trib]
Nationally: The Senate confirmed former CIA Chief Mike Pompeo as the new secretary of state. [NYTimes]
-> A jury found Bill Cosby guilty of three counts of aggravated indecent assault. Cosby could face up to ten years in prison for each count. [Trib]
Got a tip? A birthday, wedding or anniversary to announce? Send us a note to cornflakes@sltrib.com.
-- Thomas Burr and Eric Baker