LDS Democrats no longer outnumbered by LDS Republicans in U.S. Senate

For the first time in at least twenty years, among Mormons serving in the U.S. Senate, there are as many Democrats as Republicans:

Democrats:

• Harry Reid (Nevada)
• Tom Udall (New Mexico)
• Mark Udall (Colorado)

Republicans:

• Orrin Hatch (Utah)
• Robert Bennett (Utah)
• Mike Crapo (Idaho)

The Udall cousins were elected in 2008 and entered the Senate earlier this month.  Gordon Smith, the moderate Republican from Oregon, lost in his race against liberal Democrat, Jeff Merkley.

I'll try to post info on current LDS in the House of Reps.

Pres. Uchtdorf and Elder Ballard at Obama's Inauguration

“It is always an honor for the Church to be represented at the inauguration of a new president,” said President Thomas S. Monson. “We send our best wishes to President Obama and pray for the blessings of a loving Father in Heaven to be upon him and his administration.”

In this second photo, the Church leaders attend and participate in the National Prayer Service on Wed., Jan. 21, 2009.

Mormons in the Obama Administration

We are just starting to get word on the details of the incoming administration. Here are some members of the Obama Administration who are Latter-day Saints:

• Gordon Flake, advisor on Korea and East Asia
• Jon Huntsman, U.S. Ambassador to the People's Republic of CHINA

The top 10 most famous Mormons in 2008:

1. Mitt Romney
2. Harry Reid
3. David Archuleta
4. Glenn Beck
5. Aaron Eckhart
6. Thomas S. Monson
   
7. Orrin Hatch
8. Gordon Smith
9. Bob Bennett
10. David Neeleman

Romney's political future?

Some Mormons have expressed disappointment over John McCain's choice as running mate: Sarah Palin of Alaska.  Many Latter-day Saints were hoping that McCain would choose former Mass. governor Mitt Romney.  Romney's credentials are somewhat strong, and many speculate that he has a strong political future on the horizon.  

Now that Mitt won't be President of Vice-President (this time, at least), perhaps John McCain--if he wins in Nov. '08-- will recruit him for a cabinet-level position.  With Romney's solid "economic" experience, he could fill positions such as Sec. of Commerce or Sec. of Treasury in a Republican administration.  

Now we'll look to see if there is any room for Mormons in an Obama administration.  Stay tuned.

Get out and VOTE! Get involved!

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encourages Church members to be involved in government, public service, and to VOTE. Today is election day in 24 states in the U.S. The Church is politically neutral; it only encourages us Mormons to be active in our communities and vote for candidates we prefer.

Above is a picture of me in my car after I voted here in Los Angeles.


The following is taken from the Church's website:

The Church does:

• Encourage its members to play a role as responsible citizens in their communities, including becoming informed about issues and voting in elections.
• Expect its members to engage in the political process in an informed and civil manner, respecting the fact that members of the Church come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and may have differences of opinion in partisan political matters.
• Request candidates for office not to imply that their candidacy or platforms are endorsed by the Church.