John Henry Smith (pictured) campaigned in Utah Territory to convince the Latter-day Saints that it "was possible to be a good Mormon and a good Republican."
John Henry Smith (pictured) campaigned in Utah Territory to convince the Latter-day Saints that it "was possible to be a good Mormon and a good Republican."
In the year 2000, observers speak with concern about Utah being dominated by one political party. It's not the first time.
In the 1890s. . .as Utah neared statehood. . .national political leaders had the same complaint, with a twist.
Utah and its Mormon population were viewed as nearly 100-percent Democrat.
Because of the strong anti-polygamy stand of the Republican Party, very few members of the Mormon Church wanted to join the GOP.
Realizing a gesture of balance had to be made, Mormon Church leaders sent apostle John Henry Smith on the stump to convince Mormon congregations that it was possible to be a good Latter-day Saint, and a good Republican.
The membership drive was so effective that Republicans were soon competitive in Democrat-controlled Utah.
It's a page from our political history. . .in 2000 your vote will help write the next chapter.