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

Tom Hanks issues apology to Mormon community

From this morning's Chicago Tribune:

Tom Hanks is rethinking his comments about Mormons who supported Proposition 8, People.com reported Thursday.

Last week he spoke out about the religious group's involvement in passing the California law, which bans same-sex marriage. Referring to the group's financial support of the law, Hanks said, "There are a lot of people who feel that is un-American, and I am one of them."

Kim Farah, speaking for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, told Fox News, "Expressing an opinion in a free and democratic society is as American as it gets."

Now Hanks says, "Everyone has a right to vote their conscience—nothing could be more American. ... No one should use 'un-American' lightly."

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

Mormons at the Inauguration of President Barack Obama

On Tuesday morning, thousands of American Latter-day Saints attended the Inauguration of America's 44th president, Barack Obama.  Among the millions in Washington for the events, many Mormons shared the moment of Obama's new administration.  Some prominent LDS in attendance:

• Senator Harry Reid, U.S. Senate Majority Leader (D-NV)
• Senator Robert Bennett (R-UT)
• Other LDS members of Congress, e.g. the Udall cousins (D-Nm, D-CO), Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), etc.
• Mayor Mufi Hannemann, mayor of Honolulu, Hawai'i
• David Archuleta, singer
• Dieter Uchtdorf, 2nd counselor in the LDS Church's First Presidency (not American citizen)
• Russell Ballard, member of the Church's Quorum of the 12 Apostles

Mufi Hannemann one of earliest supporters of Obama

President-elect (until 22 hours from now) Barack Obama received early support from the mayor of his hometown, Honolulu: Mayor Mufi Hannemann, an LDS Democrat who has served in several presidential administrations, including Carter, Clinton, and Reagan.

Mayor of Honolulu and Samoan heritage

As the first Samoan-American to graduate from Harvard University, Mayor Mufi Hannemann honors his Samoan heritage at an event in Hawai'i.  Mayor Hannemann is the second Mormon to serve as mayor of the city of Honolulu.  He has served as a high councilor in the Honolulu West Stake.  

He recently participated in a celebration honoring Samoan culture and heritage.  

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.

Taiwan's President praises contributions of LDS Church in Taiwan

Taiwan is very "dear" to my heart... so I was really pleased with this news:

President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) of Taiwan met yesterday with LDS Church leaders and members and praised the Church's contributions in terms of service, education, and community.  The Taipei Times covered the story here.  What an honor to have the president of Taiwan recognize the efforts of LDS missionaries, LDS service projects, and LDS history in the U.S., Asia, and abroad.

No Mormon PRESIDENT in 2008, but how about as Vice President???

On the Republican side of the presidential race, there are two prominent Mormon political leaders who are rumored to be on McCain's short list of VP potentials.

To the left above is Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. He is the current governor of Utah and has enjoyed one of the highest approval ratings among American governors this decade. He is a moderate Republican in favor of school vouchers.

On the right above is a guy we all recognize: W. Mitt Romney, ex-savior of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Also, he worked as governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Now, how about among Democrats? Are there any Mormons on Barack Obama's list of potential running mates? I don't think so. The most prominent LDS Democrat is Harry Reid.

Consul General of Bangladesh visits LDS Church HQ

Yesterday, the Consul General of Bangladesh visited the office of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City.  He was visiting on official diplomatic business from Los Angeles, where the Consulate is located.

Australian Mormon assists Aussie Prime Minister Rudd

An Australian Latter-day Saints helped Prime Minister Rudd during his much anticipated speech, in which he apologized formally for the Australian's government treatment of Aboriginese Australians.  

The Church in Australia has grown significantly.  There are five LDS temples in Australia.

NPR reports on opposing Mormon legislators in Arizona

Two LDS Arizona state congressmen were highlighted in a story yesterday on National Public Radio (NPR).   Above is Phoenix legislator, Bill Kopenickee.  NPR highlighted the disagreement between Mr. Kopenickee, and his colleague, Russell Pearce, of Mesa, Arizona.  

Both legislators are members of the same political party, but disagree starkly on the right approach to address immigration issues in Arizona.  Interesting story at NPR.org.

Tom Lantos remembered

"The entire memorial service was a gentle back and forth of Jewish and Mormon perspectives on remembering Lantos..."

Click here to read more about Congressman Lantos' memorial services.

Mitt Romney's son may enter politics in 2008

Governor Mitt Romney's son, Josh, may decide to run for Congress in Utah.  If he enters the race, he will challenge incumbent Jim Matheson to represent Utah's 2nd congressional district. (Utah only has 3 congressional districts.) We'll see if Josh Romney actually chooses to run against Jim Matheson... could turn out to be an interesting clash of two influential Mormon political families.  

*** Attention all readers:  Please send me interesting stories about Mormons you see online, in the news, etc. I would love to receive recommended articles and links. Also, please leave comments on the posts in this blog! :)

Will John McCain choose an LDS running mate (not Mitt)?

Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. of Utah has been a loyal John McCain backer since very early on. Huntsman, 47, hails from one of the country's most Republican states and he's a Mormon.  Rumors have circulated that Huntsman may be one of John McCain's picks for the V.P. position.  Huntsman is an attractive candidate because he is a semi-moderate conservative, and also due to his international experience and connections: he has two adopted daughters: one from China, and another from India; he has lots of international (and domestic) business experience, has served as U.S. Ambassador to Singapore, and is fluent in Mandarin Chinese.  Additionally he has loads of money, and has been considered one of the most popular governors in America. (At one point, rankings placed him as THE most popular governor in the country!)  Some Latter-day Saint Republicans have been left bitter and disappointed by the failure of Mitt Romney's campaign, so by choosing a Mormon, perhaps McCain could cozy up to LDS voters.

The LDS Church issues a statement on the passing of Tom Lantos

(Mormons enjoyed a close relationship with Congressman Tom Lantos.)

 The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a message of condolence this week, following the passing of Congressman Tom Lantos.

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expresses its sincere condolences to the family of Congressman Tom Lantos who passed away this morning after his fight with esophageal cancer. Representative Lantos was a remarkable public servant, and a beloved husband, father and grandfather.

“As a Member of the House of Representatives, and most recently as Chairman of the important House Foreign Affairs Committee, he was a leading force for political and religious freedom throughout the world. As a holocaust survivor, he exemplified great compassion for victims of political unrest and oppression.

“He opened many doors for humanitarian and disaster relief efforts, and leaves behind a legacy of family love and unity. We extend our deep sympathies and offer our prayers of comfort for his entire family.”

(Courtesy LDS Newsroom of the Church)

Anti-Mormon bias & Romney's campaign failure

Many in the Mormon blogosphere are complaining that it has been due to anti-LDS bias that Mitt Romney lost the GOP nomination.  This blog refrains from taking any political positions, but does wish to invite discussion on the topic.  Please leave comments about your feelings on the topic.

Thank you.

Tom Lantos passes away at age 80

This morning, a political hero of mine (although a little hawkish at times) passed away just outside Washington, DC. He was the only Holocaust survivor to serve in theUnited States Congress. He represented his constituents in Northern California very well for many years.

Representative Lantos defended democracy and human rights. He became a U.S. citizen and became a very active participant in his new home country.

He was born to Jewish parents in Budapest, and married a Mormon woman named Annette. I posted a short blurb about his daughter, Katrina, who was running for the U.S. Senate in New Hampshire. He remained a very close friend to the LDS community in California, DC, and elsewhere.

I wish to express my condolences to the Lantos family, their relatives, and friends.