This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Boston looks to Romney for Olympic advice. Poll: Utahns oppose tax hike for education. A look back at the Shurtleff-Swallow scandal.
Happy Monday. Mitt Romney is weighing another presidential run (see below for Romney 3.0 links), but in the meantime, Boston may be looking for his help as it gears up to bid on the 2024 summer Olympics. Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker says Romney is on the short list of advisers for the Boston bid because he ran the successful 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. "Clearly, this is a guy who knows a lot about this issue," Baker says. [http://www.bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_politics/2015/01/charlie_baker_to_lean_on_mitt_romney_for_olympic_advice" target="_blank">BostonHerald]
Topping the news: A majority of Utahns oppose raising taxes to help funnel more money to education in the state, a new poll shows. Some 54 percent "somewhat" or "strongly" oppose a hike while 43 percent favor it. [http://utahpolicy.com/index.php/features/today-at-utah-policy/4480-poll-utahns-oppose-tax-hike-to-pay-for-schools" target="_blank">UtahPolicy]
-> After two years, what did we learn from the scandal involving former AGs Mark Shurtleff and John Swallow? According to current Attorney General Sean Reyes: vigilance. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2040565-155/two-years-later-what-have-we" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Shurtleff, Swallow and a former two-time Olympic gold medalist are trying to duck subpoenas to testify at the trials of two brothers who were also allegedly involved in the scandal. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2040222-155/swallow-shurtleff-insist-they-wont-testify" target="_blank">Trib][http://fox13now.com/2015/01/10/shurtleff-swallow-fight-subpoenas-to-testify-in-fraud-case/" target="_blank">Fox13] Here's a list of 10 key players in the controversy: [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2040370-155/10-key-players-in-the-swallow-shurtleff" target="_blank">Trib]
-> This session of Congress will include sixteen Mormons, giving the LDS faith — and many other religions — more representation in Congress than their faith's percentage of the population in general. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2040007-155/washington-insight-mormons-hold-outsized-share" target="_blank">Trib]
Tweet of the day: From @https://twitter.com/utahdiatribe" target="_blank">utahdiatribe "Mitt Romney thinking about running for president again. Who's gonna tell Ann?"
From @https://twitter.com/ryanbeckwith" target="_blank">ryanbeckwith "Presidential elections are now like Star Wars sequels where you bring characters back just for fan service."
Tune in: Utah Division of Air Quality director Bryce Bird and Tribune environment reporter Brian Maffly join Jennifer Napier-Pearce to discuss a Salt Lake County ban on wood burning, a contemplated similar statewide ban and other air quality issues. Watch Trib Talk live at 12:15 p.m. MT on http://sltrib.com/" target="_blank">sltrib.com.
Opinion: Utah State University professor Bruce Bugbee says regulation of wood stoves is a better solution than an all-out ban. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/2036253-155/op-ed-clean-burning-stoves-minimize-health-risks" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Alpine Mayor Don Watkins is petitioning to prevent the development of once-protected land on the foot of the mountains in Utah County. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/2036342-155/op-ed-dont-put-utah-county-foothills" target="_blank">Trib]
-> SLC native and college student Katie Wilson says our culture has a double standard when it comes to religious satire, referencing "The Book of Mormon" musical. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/1966797-155/op-ed-why-is-book-of-mormon" target="_blank">Trib]
-> ACLU public policy advocate Anna Brower says cutting the prison population by reforming criminal sentences is a better idea than moving the prison. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/2036047-155/op-ed-changing-the-prison-more-important" target="_blank">Trib]
-> KUED General Manager James Morgues says the demand for wireless bandwidth will result in a significant cost to stations in the future and cause consumers to have to buy new receivers or television sets. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/2036104-155/op-ed-wireless-demand-squeezes-tv-viewers" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Sen. Jim Dabakis, D-Salt Lake City, says Utah needs to commit to spending an extra $300 to $400 million dollars a year on education, no matter the state of the economy. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/2036241-155/op-ed-no-more-lame-excuses-for" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Robert Schmidt, a wildlife biologist and associate professor at USU, says coyote hunters should be required to undergo training to know the difference between wolves and coyotes. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/2036354-155/op-ed-utah-hunters-must-know-a" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Deb Sawyer, president of the Gandhi Alliance for Peace, says we need to learn from Gandhi and use nonviolence to help the racial and religious suffering in America today. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/2036368-155/op-ed-what-would-gandhi-do-hed" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Becky Ivory, former child sexual abuse victim and president of Most Sacred Trust, discusses her organization's status and motives as a non-profit. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/2038775-155/op-ed-we-are-righting-wrongs-not" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Frank Pignanelli and LaVarr Webb discuss the recent Utah Policy survey that says most Utahns want Congress and President Obama to compromise to solve the nation's problems. They attribute the survey's results to "Utah exceptionalism" and Utahns' practical, hard-working nature. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865619353/Will-this-Congress-be-productive-or-dysfunctional.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> Former Sen. Bob Bennett says the Republican Party is on probation the next two years and will need to prove it can pass meaningful bills. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865619393/Republicans-are-on-party-probation.html" target="_blank">DNews]
Weekend in Review: Utah Gov. Gary Herbert said Friday although it will be a good long-term investment, he is "concerned" about President Barack Obama's plan to offer free community college to students. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2039864-155/utahs-governor-is-concerned-about-obamas" target="_blank">Trib] Other politicians also question the lack of details of the proposal, which is estimated to cost $60 billion over the next 10 years with substantially more money paid by the states. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865619288/Obama-wants-to-see-2-free-years-of-community-college.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> A panel of economists presented Utah's annual economic report to Herbert at the Utah Economic Review, citing high prospects for 2015. The governor said he has never been more optimistic about the state's future. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2039736-155/guv-touts-utahs-economy-as-envy" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865619278/Gov-Herberts-take-on-Utahs-economic-outlook-for-2015-Whats-not-to-like.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> New bike lanes is one focus of this year's revised transportation plans for Salt Lake as bicycles become an increasingly popular means of transportation in the state. One proposal is for a potential bike lane running parallel to Interstate from Provo to Ogden. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2038803-155/new-bike-paths-key-in-long-range" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Beau Babka, a former police officer and candidate for Congress and SL Co. sheriff, is trying to rebuild his life after his conviction for misuse of public funds. Down, but not out, he says he will do what he can to take care of his family. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865619376/I-have-no-regrets-Beau-Babka-reflects-on-4-year-law-enforcement-suspension.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> A new group, Utahns for Responsible Burning, is petitioning against Utah's proposed winter-long ban on wood burning stoves. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865619342/List-of-public-hearings-on-proposed-wood-burning-ban.html" target="_blank">DNews] Utah's division of air quality has scheduled seven public hearings throughout January to hear public opinion on the proposal. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865619342/List-of-public-hearings-on-proposed-wood-burning-ban.html" target="_blank">DNews] In the meantime, authorities say as the they are more likely to err on the side of caution and call more mandatory no-burn days as the inversion sets in. [http://www.sltrib.com/home/2036460-155/scientists-judgment-calls-may-lead-to" target="_blank">Trib]
-> After the apparent accidental shooting of a wolf in Beaver last month, Utah still insists its coyote bounty program does not conflict with the Endangered Species Act protecting wolves. However, North Caroline was recently forced to change its coyote bounty program after too many endangered wolves were accidentally shot in place of coyotes. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2040470-155/utah-insists-wolf-coyote-confusion-wont-be?page=1">Trib]
-> A new lawsuit claims that Saratoga Springs Mayor Jim Miller was involved in fabricating paperwork to sell a bad lot while he worked as a loan officer for the Bank of American Fork. Miller denied the allegations and said he would offer no further comment until the lawsuit was resolved. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2027660-155/lawsuit-claims-saratoga-springs-mayor-involved?page=1" target="_blank">Trib]
-> The honorary French consul to Utah and other members of the community met at the state Capitol on Saturday to show support to their home country after the recent terrorist attack against a newspaper in Paris. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2039859-155/french-supporters-rally-at-utah-capitol" target="_blank">Trib]
-> State Sen. Mark Madsen is one who doesn't see a problem with moving the prison to Eagle Mountain, the city he represents. Some believe it's because he has connections with Eagle Mountain Properties, a potential developer of the prison site, although he denies he ever officially worked for them. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2035207-155/aloof-senator-at-odds-with-his" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Managers of some of Utah's famous national parks are considering raising admission costs. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2040113-155/arches-and-canyonlands-national-park-fees" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Hundreds gathered to honor Box Elder County Sheriff Joseph Lynn Yeates on Saturday after he passed away from a heart attack. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865619346/Hundreds-pay-tribute-to-one-of-a-kind-Box-Elder-County-sheriff.html" target="_blank">DNews]
Nationally: To the great surprise of the entire country, Mitt Romney is considering running for president in 2016 after all. He broke the news Friday to a group of Republican donors in New York, suggesting they go "tell your friends." [http://www.sltrib.com/home/2040329-155/romney-tells-donors-he-may-run" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.wsj.com/articles/romney-tells-donors-he-is-considering-2016-white-house-bid-1420839312?mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTTopStories" target="_blank">WSJ] [http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2015/01/09/romney-tells-donors-he-is-considering-2016-campaign/" target="_blank">WaPost] [http://www.bostonglobe.com/news/politics/2015/01/09/mitt-romney-tells-former-campaign-donors-considering-third-run-for-president-say-sources/SVrFSx9RuKatxwrOzJ7P2J/story.html" target="_blank">BostonGlobe] [http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/09/politics/romney-tells-donors-considering-2016-bid/index.html" target="_blank">CNN] [http://www.politico.com/story/2015/01/mitt-romney-considers-2016-presidential-campaign-114132.html" target="_blank">Politico] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765665917/Romney-tells-donors-hes-considering-another-presidential-run.html" target="_blank">DNews] In light of Romney's announcement, here's a list of 10 candidates in the current field who might end up as the GOP's nominee. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/with-romney-and-bush-in-the-picture-gops-2016-field-gets-tricky-and-more-interesting/2015/01/11/d4369014-99a8-11e4-bcfb-059ec7a93ddc_story.html?tid=hpModule_f8335a3c-868c-11e2-9d71-f0feafdd1394&hpid=z11" target="_blank">WaPost]
-> Nebraska's Supreme Court threw out a case Friday that posed a major roadblock to the Keystone XL oil pipeline. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765665876/Nebraska-high-court-tosses-suit-over-Keystone-pipeline-route.html" target="_blank">AP] [http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-nebraska-keystone-pipeline-20150109-story.html#page=1" target="_blank">LATimes] House Republicans again passed the bill authorizing the pipeline on Friday, although he has already threatened veto. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765665964/Republicans-court-ship-oil-pipeline-decision-back-to-Obama.html" target="_blank">AP] [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/jan/11/keystone-xl-pipeline-pressure-mounts-on-obama-as-n/" target="_blank">WaTimes] [http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2015/01/09/376085863/nebraska-supreme-court-clears-way-for-keystone-xl-pipeline" target="_blank">NPR] [http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-keystone-pipeline-react-20150109-story.html" target="_blank">LATimes]
-> More than a million people, including 44 heads of state, locked arms and marched down a boulevard in Paris on Sunday afternoon in defiance of the recent terror attack. [http://www.wsj.com/articles/paris-displays-defiance-in-huge-rally-1420973912?mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTTopStories" target="_blank">WSJ] [http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/hundreds-of-thousands-are-expected-to-march-in-paris-solidarity-rally/2015/01/11/3befc7e2-996e-11e4-927a-4fa2638cd1b0_story.html?hpid=z1" target="_blank">WaPost] [http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2015/01/11/parrs-rally-against-terror/21588151/" target="_blank">USAToday] [http://abcnews.go.com/International/marchers-world-leaders-gather-paris-cry-freedom-rally/story?id=28144762" target="_blank">ABC] A companion march organized by the French Embassy took place in Washington just blocks from the White house, but Obama was nowhere to be found. [http://www.politico.com/story/2015/01/obama-charlie-hebdo-events-no-show-114166.html?hp=t2_r" target="_blank">Politico]
-> Sen. Harry Reid says he is recovering from last week's accident with his home exercise equipment that broke several ribs and facial bones and caused him to lose the vision in his right eye. He still plans to run for re-election in 2016 [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765665900/Reid-optimistic-of-recovery-despite-lost-eyesight.html" target="_blank">AP] [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/01/10/reid-might-lose-eyesight-after-exercise-injury-but-touts-workout-routine-as/" target="_blank">FOX]
-> Obama's distant personality may have more to do with his disconnect with Congress than his party affiliation. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2045777-155/deciphering-obamas-chemistry-with-congress-or" target="_blank">AP]
-> House Speaker John Boehner surprised many by jumping on an extremely conservative immigration bill with the die-hard right-winged Republicans who tried to vote him out of office. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2042551-155/boehners-embrace-of-gop-rebels-nudges" target="_blank">AP] But the plan, which would block Obama's new policy of preventing the deportations of millions of immigrants, might be a little too extreme to earn the support of key Democrats in the Senate. [http://www.politico.com/story/2015/01/house-gops-immigration-push-faces-split-with-senate-114140.html?hp=c2_3" target="_blank">Politico]
-> A growing number of House Democrats wants to follow their Republican counterparts and instigate term limits for party committee leaders to give younger lawmakers more opportunities for decision-making. [http://www.politico.com/story/2015/01/more-house-dems-want-to-limit-time-at-the-top-114143.html" target="_blank">Politico]
-> A recent—and somewhat controversial— trend is emerging in the campaign world as campaigners use social media and other methods to target teenagers who will be 18 by Election Day in 2016. [http://www.politico.com/story/2015/01/young-voters-campaigns-114141.html?hp=c3_3" target="_blank">Politio]
-> Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., used the loss of NFL Dallas Cowboys to the Green Bay Packers as a chance to take a swipe at possible 2016 opponent Chris Christie, who has an unusual love for the Texas team and its owner. [http://www.politico.com/story/2015/01/paul-ryan-chris-christie-cowboys-packers-114164.html?hp=r4_3" target="_blank">Politico] [http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/01/packers-fan-paul-ryan-trolls-chris-christie-after-cowboys-playoff-loss" target="_blank">USAToday] [http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2015/01/11/packers-fan-paul-ryan-has-a-message-for-cowboys-fan-chris-christie/" target="_blank">WaPost]
-> Lawmakers are discussing using the country's current low gas prices as an opportunity to raise the federal gas tax, which hasn't been raised since 1993. Funds would help eliminate the deficit in the federal Highway Trust Fund. [http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2015/01/11/tenn-sen-corker-calls-for-federal-gas-tax-hike/21617973/" target="_blank">USAToday] [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/01/11/gas-tax-infrastructure-funding-puts-some-daylight-between-gop-house-senate/" target="_blank">FOX]
Where are they?
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— Thomas Burr and Erica Palmer
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