Retired U.S. Army Major General Peter Cooke was the Democratic Party nominee for governor of Utah in the 2012 election, but lost to the Republican incumbent, Gary Herbert. He says it was a surprise when church leaders asked him to be a mission president a few days ago. He doesn't yet know where he'll be assigned among the church's 350 missions worldwide, but he says his wife Heather and their four children are delighted with the opportunity to serve.
In his concession speech, Governor Mitt Romney prayed that the president will be successful in guiding the nation. Shortly after that, LDS Church leaders invited Americans - whatever their political persuasion - to pray for the President and the new Congress. Now LDS Democrats are calling for a day of prayer. Caucus chair Steve Olsen told KUER the prayers are directed at leaders on both sides of the aisle.
Dan Jones, President, Dan Jones & Associates Frank Pignanelli, Weekly Political Columnist for Deseret News LaVarr Webb, Publisher, Utah Policy Daily, Weekly Political Columnist for Deseret News Doug Foxley, Attorney-at-Law Partner Foxley and Pignanelli, Nationally Recognized Political Consultant
Take a look at some of the sights from the Utah Republican and Democratic election night HQ's. Let us know which ones are your favorites in the comments.
Republican Gary Herbert secured his second term in office last night, breezing past Democrat Peter Cooke by more than 36,000 votes.
Just before 11 pm, General Peter Cooke arrived unexpectedly at GOP headquarters to congratulate Governor Gary Herbert on his win. Cooke said he tried calling the governor first but he didn’t pick up. Cooke later returned to the Democratic headquarters to concede, saying Utahns need to continue fighting for education.
The process for which Utah elects members to the State Board of Education is shrouded in controversy. So much that two lawsuits have been filed against the state calling for an end to the method altogether. Some say it has manufactured a conservative group of education bosses that don’t represent the community. But those who support the system say candidates are better qualified for the job than ever and more willing to collaborate with state lawmakers to make tough choices.
Next week voters will choose the next chief law enforcement officer for the state of Utah. The Attorney General is part criminal prosecutor – part political adviser and the two candidates vying for the job have very different ideas on how to do it right.
Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon endorsed the Regional Park and Trails bond today during an open house at the Northwest Recreation center. If approved, The Regional Park and Trails bond, or Proposition #1, authorizes the county to issue a $47 million dollar bond. The money would be used to help finish the Jordan River Parkway Trail, Parley’s Trail, and build three new regional parks. Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon says the benefits of approving the proposition far outweigh the property tax increase.
Redistricting adds to the intrigue of Utah’s 68th district race, Lieutenant Governor candidates debate about the economy and education, and the 4th Congressional race breaks a Utah record.
It’s been 20 years since Merrill Nelson served one term in the Utah House of Representatives, but this year’s legislative redistricting has given him the opportunity to seek another. He’s a Republican who lives in Grantsville, and the new boundaries of District 68 divide Tooele County and extend all the way to Milford in Beaver County. Most of Juab County, including Eureka, is also now in District 68, and that’s where the Democratic candidate, Tom Nedreberg, comes from.
