Washington • The controversial nomination of a Utahn known for his anti-illegal immigrant positions is no longer pending in the U.S. Senate as a new session started this week and President Donald Trump would have to nominate him again.
Ronald Mortensen, who was Trump’s pick to head the State Department’s bureau over refugee and migration issues, came under fire immediately last May – including from Utah Gov. Gary Herbert and the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce – claiming his ties to an association labeled a hate group and his anti-immigrant rhetoric disqualifies him.