Happy Wednesday! Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren were clearly the targets on stage at last night’s presidential debate with more moderate candidates taking aim at their liberal policy ideas. But both seemed to mostly hold their own while some lesser-known contenders were able to have a few breakout moments. Here’s a look at the winners and losers of the first part of the second round of debates. [WaPost]
-> The Democratic debate continues tonight with 10 other candidates taking the stage at 8 p.m. CNN is hosting and will air live the forum featuring former vice president Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris.
Topping the news: After Davis and Salt Lake county officials raised concerns about distributing medical marijuana, thus breaking federal law, state officials are seeking alternative routes. [Trib]
-> Rep. Chris Stewart said the “socialist” proposals being pushed by Democratic candidates would “bankrupt America” and “destroy it’s freedom.” [Trib] [DNews]
-> The Utah Transit Authority spent nearly half a million dollars on food for its employees at holiday gatherings, board meetings and other events. [Trib]
Tweets of the day: From @stepville: I’d like to see a debate moderated by a 4-year-old going through a ‘Why?’ phase.”
-> From @MEPfuller: “The one thing you can say about Marianne Williamson is that she is 100% the most qualified candidate on that stage to sell you healing crystals.”
-> From @AlexCKaufman: “Tim Ryan has strong ‘wood-paneled basement man cave’ energy.”
Happy Birthday: Former Utah GOP Chairman and Deseret News editor Joe Cannon.
Also in the news: Several of the Salt Lake City mayoral candidates have proposed plans to bring tech companies to Salt Lake City. [Trib] [DNews]
-> Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and Attorney Sim Gill unveiled a new program that would allow those with little criminal history who commit misdemeanors and some nonviolent felonies to avoid a court system by cooperating with a caseworker to address underlying issues. [Trib] [DNews]
-> The Russian government has banned a U.S.-based think tank previously headed by former Utah governor and current U.S. Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman, claiming the group is “undesirable.” [Trib]
-> The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is launching a mobile app that will help customers find a particular type of alcohol in any state-run liquor store. [FOX13]
Nationally: Ten candidates running to be the Democratic presidential nominee competed in the second presidential debate Tuesday evening. [NYTimes]
-> Members of the Trump administration are divided over a large tax cut for investors; opponents of the tax cut say it is a poor move before the 2020 election. [NYTimes]
-> Under a proposed rule by the Agricultural Department meant to tighten access to food stamps, more than 500,000 children would lose access to school lunches. [NYTimes]
-> A law signed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom would require presidential candidates to release their tax returns in order to qualify for the primary ballot. Trump’s campaign plans to fight it in court. [NPR]
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-- Thomas Burr and Alison Berg
Follow @sltribpolitics