"Utah's senators, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and more than 100 local and national conservation and social justice organizations also have sent letters to the bureau during the ongoing public comment period, voicing their opposition.

In a letter to Pam Schuller of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's Salt Lake Field Office, the House members - Rob Bishop, Chris Cannon and Jim Matheson - encouraged the bureau to deny Private Fuel Storage's applications for right-of-way across public lands and for access to public lands for the construction of a train-to-truck transfer facility."

1. Accepted dough from Abramoff
2. Wife received a cut on all fundraising she did for hubby

"LDS public affairs specialist" Mark Severts last month emailed dozens of southern Nevada stake presidents, each of whom oversees several LDS congregations, encouraging a get-out-the-vote drive for members and saying that those interested should contact Ron and Judy Tobler, according to Jon Ralston, an independent Nevada journalist who formerly worked for the Las Vegas Sun.

That’s why it sparked concern among some when the email to local church leaders in Mormon-rich southern Nevada from Severts included a PowerPoint presentation suggested for use in Sunday worship sessions or a special event. Nevada is seen as swing state in the race between Republican Romney and Democratic President Barack Obama.

"You will note that this PowerPoint touches on both encouraging members to vote, as well as helping prepare them for difficult questions posed by their friends, work associates, neighbors, etc.," Severts wrote, according to Ralston, who first reported the message.

"Enclosed is a possible voting registration announcement that can be used or modified to meet your needs," Severts wrote. "You will note that it is formatted to be duplicated as a standard ward bulletin insert [front and back] that can be used to remind members of their responsibility and process to register to vote AND as a teaser for the type of responses to tough questions they can get answered from Mormonism 101."

Mark Severts's Overview:

Current - Director, Project Communications at NV Energy

Past: - President, Public Relations at Thomas Taber and Drazen, Corporate Communications Manager at Xcel Energy

Education - Brigham Young University

Mark Severts' Summary

A highly successful, multi-experienced communications professional who has excelled in both Fortune 500 corporate communications departments and the public relations agency world. Has a passion for developing and implementing external and internal communications strategies to achieve specific business and marketing successes.

Specialties - Crisis Communications; Media Relations; Issues Management; Project Siting; Environmental Issue Communications

Mark Severts' Experience

Director, Project Communications, NV Energy, Public Company; 1001-5000 employees; NVE; Utilities industry, April 2007 – Present (5 years 6 months)

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo apologized profusely Friday after pleading guilty to drunken driving. A judge outside Washington, D.C. ordered the Republican from Idaho to pay a $250 fine and take an alcohol safety class. Crapo will also lose his driver's license for a year.

Crapo was arrested two days before Christmas in Alexandria, Va. In statement after his court appearance, Crapo said politicians should be held to a higher standard.