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GOP pollster says Republicans can win with message on climate change
In February, Rep. John Curtis gathered roughly 20 lawmakers to discuss the best way to approach climate change from a conservative standpoint.
During that meeting, Republican pollster Greg Stimple showed the group data suggesting pro-climate messages could help the GOP recapture control of the House in 2022.
E&E News reported Stimple told the group 69% of Republican voters use the terms “climate change” and “global warming” when asked to describe what is happening to the environment.
“I don’t think Republicans are right now in the position of losing an election on the environment, but I do think Republicans are right now in a position to win an election on the environment if they address it and talk about it,” Strimple said.
There is a growing sense that the GOP needs to compete in districts where the Trump base is not solid enough to win elections.
Stimple has said polling has shown Republican candidates can make significant inroads with voters by addressing climate challenges.
The report says Republicans see political opportunity in embracing a position that’s “less extreme” than the Green New Deal proposed by Democrats.
E&E News reports Utah freshman Rep. Blake Moore was also part of the meeting.
Here’s what you need to know for Wednesday morning
Local news
Utah Republicans embrace more “red meat” issues, which excites their base voters and pushes the state to the right politically. [Tribune]
A new PAC is aiming to elect more Republican women to office in Utah. Gov. Spencer Cox endorsed the group while using the Utah Capitol as a backdrop, which blurred the line between his official duties and partisan politics. [Tribune]
After talks with Republicans on an infrastructure package collapse, President Joe Biden turns to a bi-partisan group that includes Sen. Mitt Romney on a funding plan. [Tribune]
Sens. Mike Lee and Mitt Romney came down on opposite sides of a bill to invest in domestic technology research to counter China’s increasing influence in that sector. [Tribune]
Sen. Mitt Romney wants to know why Microsoft’s search engine censored photos of the “tank man” from the Tiananmen Square protest. [Tribune]
The Utah Jazz won game 1 of their second-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers 112-109. Game two is Thursday. [Tribune]
National news
Some of the wealthiest people in America either paid few or no federal income taxes. Jeff Bezos paid no federal income taxes in 2007 and 2011. Elon Musk paid no federal income taxes in 2018. [Pro Publica] The Biden administration is investigating how those tax documents were leaked. [CNN]
Last week it was reported former President Donald Trump believed he would be reinstated as president in August. A new poll shows about 30% of Republican voters also believe Trump will return to the White House this summer. [Politico]
The Biden Justice Department said in a court filing it would “vigorously” defend a religious exemption from federal civil-rights law that allows religious schools to discriminate against LBGTQ+ students. [WaPo]
The number of job openings in the U.S. jumped by nearly one million in April, a new record high. [Reuters]
Chipotle hiked prices on its menu by 4% in response to higher wages. [CNBC]
A Houston hospital suspended 178 workers who refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19. [WaPo]
National Geographic announced it would recognize a fifth ocean on maps and globes. The Southern Ocean surrounds Antarctica and comprises the southern parts of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. [National Geographic]
Wednesday’s Utah news roundup
Utah
LDS Conference Center to reopen June 14, and other Temple Square attractions will follow. [Tribune]
Movie buff chains himself to Utah Theater in last-ditch bid to save it from demolition. [Tribune]
20 mph is fast enough. Group wants that to be Salt Lake City’s default speed limit. [Tribune]
Tattoo studio partners with local animal organization in fundraiser. [Tribune]
The hot new attraction at DABC stores? Cold beer. [FOX13]
Salt Lake City Int’l Airport among most costly to depart. [FOX13]
Malouf Foundation opening facility for human trafficking survivors in Utah. [KUTV]
New Weber County library is no sure thing, but officials are studying the idea. [Standard Examiner]
COVID-19
Almost 5,000 more Utahns are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. [Tribune]
Rep. Blake Moore added to list of co-sponsors for bill to help COVID-19 long haulers. [KUTV]
Politics
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox answers 6 questions about why he supports LGBTQ+ Pride. [DNews]
Utah governor bans fireworks on state lands, orders more watering cutbacks amid severe drought. [DNews]
Local Government
Orem officials select central water tank location. [Daily Herald]
Here are Utah County’s municipal election candidates for mayor, city council. [Daily Herald]
Mayoral races shaping up in 8 Weber County cities as filing period ends. [Standard Examiner]
Park City ballot, one of the most eclectic in years, finalized. [Park Record]
Education
Here’s what the COVID-19 pandemic taught Utah’s teacher of the year. [Tribune]
University of Utah names new managing director in response to FOX 13 investigation. [FOX13]
Parents protest after Alpine District’s decision to move special education program. [KSL]
Environment
Wanna do a little sprinkler shaming? Here’s how you can report water wasters. [FOX13]
Utah County Commission declares state of emergency over drought. [Daily Herald]
On the Opinion Pages
George Pyle: Utah Gov. Cox catches heat for passing the cosmic buck. [Tribune]
Cash Mendenhall: Free speech beyond the schoolhouse gate. [Tribune]
🎂 You say it’s your birthday?!!
Many happy returns to U.S. House Legislative Director Jessica Martinez and Dave Gessel, VP of government relations and legal affairs for the Utah Hospital Association.
Got a birthday you’d like us to recognize in this space? Send us an email.
— Tribune reporter Connor Sanders contributed to this report.
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