In Joseph Smith’s day, virtually all of the members were what is now called Democrats. Near the time of statehood for Utah, Church leaders made a concerted effort to swing the members into the Republican fold. Apostles were given specific assignments to go to the various stakes, not just in Utah, but in Idaho, Wyoming, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico, to give quiet (and no so quiet) instructions to leaders to make the entire Mountain West Republican. Section headings include: (1) Church Was Initially Strongly Democratic; (2) Church and State Joined Together; (3) Increasing Church Involvement in Political Process; (4) Dividing into National Parties; (5) Church Leaders Clearly Intervened to Aid Republicans; (6) Problems Arise as Push for Republicans Continues; (7) Increased Political Entanglement Favoring Republicans; (8) Church Campaign to Elect Republicans Picks Up Speed; (9) Political Issues After Statehood; (10) Push for Republicans Continues in Early Twentieth Century. Size: 61 pages.
The full paper can be accessed here (available in Google Docs read only format)