Mike Pence in Mesa ....but first here's the story from
Coalition co-chaired by former Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch
The group is not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which maintains a neutral stance in matters of party politics.
The church does not endorse, promote or oppose political parties, candidates or platforms. It does encourage its members to play a role as responsible citizens in their communities, including becoming informed about issues and voting in elections.
A screenshot of the Latter-day Saints for Trump website shows members of the group’s advisory board. latterdaysaints.donaldjtrump.com
Members of the Latter-day Saints for Trump advisory board include Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes, who faces Democrat Greg Skordas in the November election, and Burgess Owens, who is challenging Democratic Rep. Ben McAdams in Utah’s 4th Congressional District. Trump has endorsed Reyes and Owens via Twitter.
According to the coalition, “Reelecting President Trump will ensure continued victories in school-choice reform, pro-life issues, judicial appointments and religious freedom. As citizens of this nation and members of the Latter-day Saints community we must be active and cannot be idle spectators in this important mission.”
The Trump campaign has had its eye on the Latter-day Saint vote.
Vice President Mike Pence mentioned plans to launch a “Latter-day Saints for Trump” coalition during a speech Tuesday in Mesa, Arizona, in what is becoming a battleground state. Pence and Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris are scheduled to debate at the University of Utah in October.
Samantha Zager, the Trump campaign’s deputy national press secretary, told the Arizona Republic that Trump has been a “staunch defender of religious communities.”
“President Trump’s victories on school choice, pro-life issues, judicial appointments and religious freedom have benefited the LDS community,” Zager said in a written statement, and the Latter-day Saint coalition is “dedicated to spreading the message of those successes.”
But another group of Latter-day Saints in Arizona denounced Trump in a
letter Tuesday, and called the coalition “out of bounds” for co-opting the church’s name to give the impression that Trump is supported by the church.
“For us, this election is not about parties and tribalism. It is about reclaiming our core values. President Trump is the antithesis of so much the Latter-day Saints community believes,” according to the letter signed by more than 200 people...
__________________________________________________________
Vice President Mike Pence is greeted by Ariz. Gov. Doug Ducey before speaking to supporters at a "Latter-day Saints for Trump" campaign event in Mesa, Ariz. August 11, 2020. It was his second stop in the battle ground state after visiting Tucson earlier in the day.
Michael Chow / The Arizona Republic
________________________________________________________________
Vice President Mike Pence signs a hat for a supporter at a "Latter-day Saints for Trump" campaign event in Mesa, Ariz. August 11, 2020. It was his second stop in the battle ground state after visiting Tucson earlier in the day.
Michael Chow / The Arizona Republic
_________________________________________________________________
READ MORE >
Click or Tap Here
Arizona's elections chief claims Trump is sabotaging mail-in voting
Aug 14, 2020
_______________________________________________________________
