Were Your Ancestors Democrats?
From All About Mormons:
During most of the 19th century, Utah was polarized along local rather than national party lines. Two local parties dominated the political scene: the “Mormon People’s Party” and the “Gentile Liberal Party.” When Mormons did think in terms of national politics, they were almost universally Democrat, as the Republicans opposed Utah statehood. Brigham Young was a life-long Democrat.
In order to gain the senate’s approval for statehood, Utah was required to “normalize its political allegiances.” The Church disbanded the Mormon People’s Party but feared that a mass Mormon migration to the Democratic Party would displease Republican senators. Church leaders sent Apostle John Henry Smith to visit LDS congregations. It was possible to be a faithful Mormon and a Republican, he explained to the amazement of many LDS faithful. In 1893, the Church even asked some specific families to become Republicans, a move that would be unimaginable today.
Largely because of this Church effort, Republicans and Democrats were both well-represented around the turn of the century. The Democrats had some impressive victories; in the first presidential election after Utah statehood in 1896, Democrats earned eighty percent of the presidential vote for William Jennings Bryan and elected many of their own to state, local, and national offices. Democrats also had great successes in the 1910s, in the 1930s with the rise of Franklin D. Roosevelt, and in 1964 with the Lyndon B. Johnson landslide. The Democratic stance on social issues such as caring for the poor was seamlessly compatible with LDS teachings. It was a great time to be a Mormon Democrat. (emphasis added)
During the 1970s and 1980s, the Democratic Party started to adopt some moral positions that conflicted with LDS teachings, leading many Mormon Democrats to switch to the Republican Party. This switch was likely accelerated by the example of LDS apostle Ezra Taft Benson, Secretary of Agriculture under President Eisenhower. Elder Benson was very politically active and, terrified of the looming threat of Communism, often reacted uber-conservatively to its perceived growth. His personal political example, though not necessarily representative of the politically-neutral Church, doubtlessly influenced many members.
During most of the 19th century, Utah was polarized along local rather than national party lines. Two local parties dominated the political scene: the “Mormon People’s Party” and the “Gentile Liberal Party.” When Mormons did think in terms of national politics, they were almost universally Democrat, as the Republicans opposed Utah statehood. Brigham Young was a life-long Democrat.
In order to gain the senate’s approval for statehood, Utah was required to “normalize its political allegiances.” The Church disbanded the Mormon People’s Party but feared that a mass Mormon migration to the Democratic Party would displease Republican senators. Church leaders sent Apostle John Henry Smith to visit LDS congregations. It was possible to be a faithful Mormon and a Republican, he explained to the amazement of many LDS faithful. In 1893, the Church even asked some specific families to become Republicans, a move that would be unimaginable today.
Largely because of this Church effort, Republicans and Democrats were both well-represented around the turn of the century. The Democrats had some impressive victories; in the first presidential election after Utah statehood in 1896, Democrats earned eighty percent of the presidential vote for William Jennings Bryan and elected many of their own to state, local, and national offices. Democrats also had great successes in the 1910s, in the 1930s with the rise of Franklin D. Roosevelt, and in 1964 with the Lyndon B. Johnson landslide. The Democratic stance on social issues such as caring for the poor was seamlessly compatible with LDS teachings. It was a great time to be a Mormon Democrat. (emphasis added)
During the 1970s and 1980s, the Democratic Party started to adopt some moral positions that conflicted with LDS teachings, leading many Mormon Democrats to switch to the Republican Party. This switch was likely accelerated by the example of LDS apostle Ezra Taft Benson, Secretary of Agriculture under President Eisenhower. Elder Benson was very politically active and, terrified of the looming threat of Communism, often reacted uber-conservatively to its perceived growth. His personal political example, though not necessarily representative of the politically-neutral Church, doubtlessly influenced many members.
Know Thy Roots.
Harry Reid (left) with LDS President Thomas S. Monson (center) reviewing President Obama's genealogy.
Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, also a Mormon, once said, "I am a Democrat because I'm a Mormon, not in spite of it." I hope my Mormon friends can understand that I am a Democrat because I am a Mormon. Other prominent Mormon Democrats, among others, include the late James E. Faust, a former member of the First Presidency, and the late Hugh Nibley, a well-respected and often sited Mormon scholar and historian. These are men who I deeply respect and admire, and I am certain that my conservative Mormons friends would agree.
A Jewish Democratic Governor of Utah?
I'm going to reach out on a limb and guess that most Utah Mormons have never heard of Simon Bamberger and, in general, do not know the political history of the state. Indeed, the political views, attitudes, and climate were much different in Utah than it is today. Simon Bamberger was the fourth governor of the state of Utah and one of the most productive. He served as Utah governor from 1917 to 1921 and was a progressive Democrat. What's more remarkable was that he was Jewish. He was the second Jewish governor elected in the United States. The first? Idaho-- another Mormon-dominated western state.
I point to this moment in Utah political history as a personal source of pride. My social political values are centered around inclusion and diversity. I find it encouraging that Utahns once elected a progressive, non-Mormon governor, and were once more liberal in their views.
From the Jewish Virtual Library:
His Mormon friends noted Bamberger’s civic mindedness and urged him to run for governor. Despite being a Democrat, Bamberger’s policies paralleled those of Teddy Roosevelt and the Progressives. He insisted that the legislature balance the state budget, create a public utilities commission to regulate the price of electricity and gas and banned gifts by utility companies to public officials. He passed a modified line-item budget veto; created a state department of public health; instituted water conservation; and advocated for a lengthened school year, workers’ compensation, the rights of unions and the non-partisan election of judges. Bamberger, a teetotaler, supported prohibition. He saw most of his platform voted into law.
I point to this moment in Utah political history as a personal source of pride. My social political values are centered around inclusion and diversity. I find it encouraging that Utahns once elected a progressive, non-Mormon governor, and were once more liberal in their views.
From the Jewish Virtual Library:
His Mormon friends noted Bamberger’s civic mindedness and urged him to run for governor. Despite being a Democrat, Bamberger’s policies paralleled those of Teddy Roosevelt and the Progressives. He insisted that the legislature balance the state budget, create a public utilities commission to regulate the price of electricity and gas and banned gifts by utility companies to public officials. He passed a modified line-item budget veto; created a state department of public health; instituted water conservation; and advocated for a lengthened school year, workers’ compensation, the rights of unions and the non-partisan election of judges. Bamberger, a teetotaler, supported prohibition. He saw most of his platform voted into law.
Where Have All The Moderate Republicans Gone?
I admit that I am a fan of former Republican Utah governor, Jon Huntsman. He was a fantastic governor who lead steady economic growth in the midst of a recession and held approval ratings over 80%. He was the only Republican presidential candidate who seemed to be intelligent, moderate, and balanced. Furthermore, he was the one Republican candidate who had the potential to break though the partisan gridlock.
Of the GOP candidate debates he said, "I was totally embarrassed -- completely embarrassed by the lack of seriousness, the lack of focus on the issues that really matter to the American people -- issues about reviving our economy and addressing joblessness were given short shrift."
In recent years I have become disenchanted with Evangelical "christian" dominance of the Republican party. Many of these christian sects teach their congregations that Mormons are not christians, or even openly mock Mormons in their sermons. There is nothing more offensive to a Mormon than to label him as "non-christian." This is an invective and utterly false description of how I view myself and my faith. Over the past few decades the Republican party has slowly coalesced with the exclusive, divisive, and pompous culture of some of the so-called mainstream christian. The values I embrace are diversity, inclusion, and equality. Why would I want to associate myself with a group that refuses to categorize me for what I actually am-- a christian?
This is part of the reason why I am a progressive. Why are we not all working together to improve the lives of others regardless of what they look like, where they're from, or what they believe? These are true christian values.
Of the GOP candidate debates he said, "I was totally embarrassed -- completely embarrassed by the lack of seriousness, the lack of focus on the issues that really matter to the American people -- issues about reviving our economy and addressing joblessness were given short shrift."
In recent years I have become disenchanted with Evangelical "christian" dominance of the Republican party. Many of these christian sects teach their congregations that Mormons are not christians, or even openly mock Mormons in their sermons. There is nothing more offensive to a Mormon than to label him as "non-christian." This is an invective and utterly false description of how I view myself and my faith. Over the past few decades the Republican party has slowly coalesced with the exclusive, divisive, and pompous culture of some of the so-called mainstream christian. The values I embrace are diversity, inclusion, and equality. Why would I want to associate myself with a group that refuses to categorize me for what I actually am-- a christian?
This is part of the reason why I am a progressive. Why are we not all working together to improve the lives of others regardless of what they look like, where they're from, or what they believe? These are true christian values.