County clerks are already sending ballots for the June 23 congressional and state legislative primary elections. We explore the issues percolating and their effect on voters’ decisions.
The Department of War (or Defense, as Frank prefers) altered religious categories for armed service members. They listed The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints separately, and not under the category “Christian.” A correction was issued Monday morning. Could this insult have any effect on elections?
Cowley: Hegseth recently quoted a scripture at the Pentagon worship service, demonstrating his devotion to Christianity. The only problem is that the scripture is from the R-rated movie “Pulp Fiction,” not the actual Bible, or at least any version of the Bible accepted by Christian faiths. So, forgive me if I don’t give him much credence as a gospel or Christian scholar.
Putting this insult aside, members of the Church of Jesus Christ have historically embraced being a “peculiar people.” They approach criticism of the faith with grace rather than animosity. This may not impact politics, but the discussions sparked by this omission have created a welcome opportunity for members to share the church’s beliefs with a wide audience. Thanks, Brother Hegseth, for the national attention.
Though we may be meek in our responses, we have the luxury of our modern-day nonmember Porter Rockwell (aka: Frank Pignanelli), who serves as a vehement defender of the faith. I appreciate his passionate response to Hegseth’s insult.
Pignanelli: “We must never remain silent in the face of bigotry. We must teach tolerance and denounce racism, antisemitism and all ethnic or religious bigotry wherever they exist as unacceptable evils.” — Ronald Reagan
I am not as forgiving as Renae. I was raised by devout Catholic Italian-Irish parents who taught us that Utah was the greatest place to live because members of the dominant religion were exemplary Christians. The nuns who educated me echoed similar sentiments.
This belief was consistently confirmed throughout my life. I married a member of the Church of Jesus Christ and possessed a deep affection for Utah’s legacy. Sadly, I also witnessed and learned of discrimination and outright prejudice by other faiths against church members throughout the country. Indeed, Church members were not even allowed into the National Prayer Breakfast until 1989.
The most recent action by the Pentagon was an act of bigotry. Only after swift action by Utah’s congressional delegation were corrections made. However, public apologies are nonexistent.
Voters must express fury and demand that candidates and officeholders publicly express indignation and direct it toward the highest levels of government. All of our officials, regardless of their religious preference, must respond. How their actions are perceived should affect elections.
President Donald Trump has endorsed congressional candidates Blake Moore, Celeste Maloy and Mike Kennedy (who does not have a primary). A recent Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll reveals that 48% of Utahns approve of the president’s performance (although 75% of Republicans still like him). Will there be a Trump effect in these primaries?
Cowley: Trump’s endorsements this cycle have been the golden ticket for most of his preferred candidates nationwide. In normal circumstances, candidates would trade their firstborn for an endorsement from a sitting president. However, Utah has the lowest Trump approval of any red state, making his endorsements here meaningful but less potent.
If any of these Republican primaries were actually competitive, Trump’s endorsement could be the deciding factor, but all are shaping up to be blowouts. The predictable outcomes of these races, even before he bestowed his approval, won’t stop Trump from taking credit for their victories.
Pignanelli: Although Utahns have a complicated relationship with Trump, he will have some influence in the congressional elections.
The candidate who benefits most from Trump’s persona is Democrat Ben McAdams. He voted to impeach Trump when serving in Congress. Broadcasting this action far and wide is a valuable shield against more extreme opponents and their claims that McAdams is too moderate. Trump will be a factor in the Democratic primary.
Incumbents Maloy and Moore are facing challenges from the right, and a Trump endorsement helps solidify support among the many Republicans who approve of the president.
Yet, because of this complicated relationship and Trump’s limited popularity, use of the president’s name by local candidates will be nominal in the general election.
Political activists are discerning several issues that are creating opportunities for challengers against incumbents that rarely exist. This includes allegations of corruption, concerns with data centers, and lack of transparency and accountability. What will be their effect in legislative primaries?
Cowley: Utah voters from any party demand integrity in their elected officials. Moral flaws and lack of character, real or perceived, will play a significant role in determining the outcome of several Republican primaries. It is up to voters to sift through these allegations to determine which claims are substantiated and which are fake mudslinging. I predict several incumbents will lose due to recent scandals.
Pignanelli: In today’s political environment, voters are increasingly asked to ignore offensive personal conduct memorialized in a digital footprint before the declaration of a candidacy. This new dynamic will also affect some election outcomes.