Brigham Young University (BYU) is situated in the heart of Utah County, a very red, dry, Mormon County. But the BYU Cougars wear blue uniforms.
(Ironically, the slightly more diverse Utah Utes, of the University of Utah, up in Salt Lake City (and County), wear red.)
And oh yes, the Utah County Democrats, under the chairmanship of a BYU political science professor, fielded a tremendous slate of candidates this year.
And yes, that same County Party organization kept pace with it's GOP counterpart in fundraising (at least through the last filing date, 9/2) here in 2008 in that same Utah County.
But the Salt Lake Tribune has reported more shocking news.
(more)
For first time, BYU Democrats on par with GOP club membership
Or, as the subtitle proclaims: "Donkey Rides in Provo!!!"
For the first time in memory, Brigham Young University is boasting as many College Democrats as College Republicans. About 1,200 students have signed up for each of the activist groups sponsored by the Political Science Department."
In September, the Democrats had 700 students, but within the first few weeks of classes, membership had nearly doubled at the private school owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Barack Obama is inspiring a lot of youth, and a lot [of the growth] has to do with the last eight years and people being vastly Hyrum Salmund, left, and Randal Serr, center, wait inside BYU's Wilkinson Center for students to stop by their College Democrats table. Serr, a senior in political science and president of the club, says Barack Obama's candidacy has boosted membership. (Scott Sommerdorf/The Salt Lake Tribune)disappointed," said Randal Serr, a senior in political science and president of the club.
HOLY SCHNI-KEES!
Did I say BYU is in one of the reddest, driest counties ever inhabited by either man or saint? Michael Moore's appearance at another Utah County school drew enormous protest crowds only outnumbered by those who gleefully gathered and congregated soon after to idolize Sean Hannity.
This is jaw dropping blue news.
Is it possible that some bears have stopped shitting in the woods?
Maybe some have.
Maybe indeed.
Clearly, stranger things have happened, because, not only are there Young Democrats at BYU, they are as numerous as the College Republicans!!!
Christ on a cracker!
Now, we are experiencing serious Blue-ishness in Salt Lake County and Summit County (Park City), but these Blue hues in Utah County are truly inspiring.
Also, contrary to popular belief, the LDS church membership is extremely divided over CA's Proposition 8.
And, Barack did win the primary here with nearly 60%.
But THIS, this is downright tectonic: Utah is unmistakably in motion!
And, thank God, it's not too late for you and/or people you know to help with these viable races (candidate info on ActBlue page):
6 Key Utah State Senate Races
Protect These 4 Utah State House Seats
8 UT State House Seat Pick-Up Opportunities
If you're tapped out (and I can understand if you are) nudge someone you know who isn't.
Utah, for the most part, is not a wealthy state, and the wealthy people here tend to be the stingiest. So your help would be incredibly useful!
Help turn Utah's State Legislature a bit bluer!