Utah Democratic Party Creates Latter-Day Saints Caucus
In an effort to reach out to Utah’s largest religious group, the state’s Democratic Party has formed a new caucus for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The proposal for an LDS Caucus was strongly supported by Utah State Democratic Committee Chair Jim Dabakis, who is a member of the LDS church. News of the new official state caucus for Mormon members was announced last week.
“LDS individuals are compassionate, caring, and generous people and their values are very much in line with the values of the Democratic Party,” said Dabakis to The Christian Post on Tuesday. “As we reach out to our LDS friends and family members, we know that the Democratic Party's story and message will be effective.”
Dabakis thought the idea of an LDS Caucus for other states would be possible, but that it would be dependent on the populations of Mormons in other states.
“It might spread to places that have a high concentration of LDS people. An important part of the Democratic Party structure is its caucus system and it is important that Democratic candidates meet with and understand LDS positions and values,” said Dabakis.
While many Democrats in Utah celebrated the creation of the new caucus, others look upon the news with a level of concern.
Tom McClusky, senior vice president of FRC Action, a political affiliate to the Family Research Council, told CP that he could see LDS caucuses arising in other states as a means by Democrats to “assimilate” Mormons to their causes.
“I wouldn't be surprised if Democrats in other states form similar caucuses if for no other reason than to diffuse what the LDS church feels on many issues, especially those social in nature. The LDS Church tends to take positions that are counter to what the national Democratic Party supports,” remarked McClusky.
“Evangelicals should be concerned as one of their staunchest allies are being targeted for co-opting. In any state those who share the same values, regardless of religious affiliation, should work together – or the political parties will try to assimilate them for their own purposes.”
Before this new caucus was approved, the Utah State Democratic Party had 15 caucuses, representing groups like women, veterans, African-Americans, and labor.
The announcement of a proposal to create an LDS caucus came in late September and by Oct. 15, Utah State Democratic Committee approved it in a unanimous vote.
