GOP candidates' latest idea: Raffle off guns. 10th Circuit hearing on Oklahoma case just as unclear. Utah's population expected to double by 2050.
Happy Friday. It used to be that if you donated to a political campaign, all you got were more requests for money. Now you might win a gun. GOP candidates are turning more and more to online gun sweepstakes to lure potential contributors and boost their support. What better way, of course, to tout your 2nd Amendment love and excite folks at the same time. [NYTimes]
Topping the news: The outcome of The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals hearing on Oklahoma's defense of its same-sex marriage ban is just as unclear as Utah's arguments. [Trib] [DNews] [KUER]
-> The Republican nominee for a seat on the Utah County Commission, who will likely win as no other parties are fielding a candidate, has had several bankruptcies. [Trib] [Herald]
-> Utah's population is expected to double by 2050. [Trib]
Tweet of the day: From @JennaBushHager: "Congratulations @ChelseaClinton! Welcome to the best club in the world. Mamahood is wonderful."
From @Bencjacobs: "So ready for a big think piece on what the grandchild means for Hillary '16"
Happy Birthday: On Sunday to former state Rep. Bill Wright.
In other news: The mystery of the Davis County Sheriff's missing M-16 is solved: It was in a deputy's safe for eight years. [Trib] [KUTV]
-> Paul Rolly discusses the fraudulent, anonymous attack letter sent to some Utah County Republican delegates and subsequent anonymous apology. [Trib]
-> Pat Bagley gives his take on the Utah payday loan industry. [Trib]
-> After making noise at a city council meeting, SLC tennis players are getting Coach Mike back. [Trib]
-> Gov. Gary Herbert named Thursday "Comic Con Heroes Day" at the Salt Lake Fan X opening press conference. [Trib] [DNews] [Herald] [Fox13] [ABC4] The convention isn't as large as the Outdoor Retailers expo but it's still a big deal for the state. [UtahPolicy]
-> Bryan Schott and Bob Bernick discuss this week in politics, including interesting results from county conventions and Herbert's alternative plan to Medicaid expansion. [UtahPolicy]
-> An an op-ed, Herbert touts Utah's free-market economy as the reason the state is doing so well. [DNews]
-> State Democratic Party Chairman Jim Dabakis and state Rep. Daniel McCay, R-Riverton, talk about police pension plans and other topics. [ABC4]
Nationally: VP Joe Biden's son Beau, who is the Delaware attorney general, will run for governor in 2016. [NewsJournal]
-> President Barack Obama said the Affordable Care Act is something Democrats should "forcefully defend and be proud of." [WaPost] [Fox13]
-> The tale of "Kissing Congressman" Rep. Vance McAllister is quite a soap opera. [WaPost]
-> Outside groups, such as super PACS, are turning to more positive campaign ads this year. [NYTimes]
-> Remember the Obama-Biden selfie? Now the Internet has put it through Photoshop and made some additions. [WaPost]
-> Michael Bloomberg is confident he's earned a spot in heaven by a long way. [WaPost]
Where are they?
Rep. Chris Stewart meets with Dixie State University President Stephen Nadauld, speaks at the Utah Government Finance Officers' Association and attends the Tooele County convention.
Gov. Gary Herbert takes a personal day.
SL Co. Mayor Ben McAdams participates in an Emergency Operations Center Earthquake Preparedness Exercise, talks to the press on the Mass Shelter Exercise and goes to a recognition event for a Granite School District teacher.
SLC Mayor Ralph Becker hits the Japanese American Community Leaders Luncheon.
President Barack Obama meets with Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, and later with the National Commander and Executive Director of the American Legion Dan Dellinger. He also presents the Commander-in-Chief Trophy to the United States Naval Academy football team.
Got a tip? A birthday, wedding or anniversary to announce? Email us at cornflakes@sltrib.com. If you haven't already, sign up for our weekday email and get this sent directly to your inbox. [Trib]
Thomas Burr and Topher Webb Twitter.com/thomaswburr and Twitter.com/topherjwebb