Monson said by encompassing Utah's full amendment, the statement's "measurable effect would be on folks on the fence. This will get them off the fence."

Senate Majority Whip John Valentine, R-Orem, who supports Amendment 3, acknowledged the similarities to the pari-mutuel betting amendment. So does House Speaker Marty Stephens, R-Farr West. However both declined to speculate on what the church's statement could mean to Amendment 3.

Valentine said it is appropriate for the LDS Church to make the new statement, which he said appears as a backhanded endorsement of the amendment.

The timing of the statement, two weeks before the vote, is "extremely important for the debate on the amendment," Valentine said. The church "has consistently made statements on moral issues — like the family, alcohol, tobacco and pari-mutuel betting. This new statement is consistent with that concern about moral issues."

Stephens said most Utahns he's talked to "have already made up their minds" on Amendment 3. And the church's statement likely won't change that.

"I support Amendment 3. And so I welcome (the church's) general comments on this issue."

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Contributing: Bob Bernick Jr.

E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com