We'll soon see a Democratic governor of UTAH!

[rpf113]

UTAH for godsakes people! The MORMON state! Possibly the most conservative state in the nation.

Both my Republican Grandmother and her Republican friends all say they will vote for Mattheson Jr. because his father was such a good politician.

<snip>
Utah County Demos rally behind Scott Matheson
By Leigh Dethman
Deseret Morning News

OREM — It's been the same old story for years — Republicans in every statewide office. But Utah Democrats believe that could all change if Scott Matheson Jr. is elected as governor in 2004.
"The governor's office is critical to us," said Nancy Jane Woodside, vice chairwoman of the state Democratic Party, at the Utah County Democrats patriotic dinner on Thursday. "It's the key to getting us good candidates on board and getting elected all across the state."
Matheson, dean of the University of Utah law school, will test the political waters for the first time in his gubernatorial bid.
His father, Scott M. Matheson, was Utah's most recent Democratic governor, serving from 1977 to 1985. Name recognition could bolster Matheson's chances to win the governorship.
This is the first time in 15 years the Democrats have even had a real chance at the governors seat, Matheson said.
"In this one election, if we can succeed, we will fundamentally transform state government," Matheson said. "It will be a new beginning in the governor's office."

<snip>

His brother also happens to be the Rep. from Salt Lake City and believe it or not SLC is a bastion of Liberalism in a desert of conservatism and we can count on his bro to mobilize the vote. SLC also has a very popular Democratic mayor, Rocky Anderson, who will help get out the vote.

This is exciting for the whole country!

[Doomsayer13]

1. ah, it's about time

in a state so dominated by Republican politics, it's nice to see a contentious race. Who will his opponent be?

[mndemocrat_29]

2. The race will probably go to Ambassador Jon Huntsman, Jr.

Unless Gov. Walker decides to run (then the primary could become competitive).

On a different note, if Sen. Hatch retires in 2006, does anyone think that Rep. Jim Matheson would be able to win his seat? I know that it's Utah, but every once and a while a Democrat wins in a really Republican state (Ben Nelson in Nebraska, hopefully Tony Knowles in Alaska).

[nator311]

4. doubt it

he already has trouble keeping his house seat. Also, the last time Utah sent a democrat to the United States Senate was back in 1970.

[davidinalameda]

3. link please!

thanks!

[David__77]

5. He needs to hold the house seat.

That's more important to the country I think. With the gerrymander, could another Democrat win his seat? I'm not at all sure about that. Matheson almost lost last time. The next redistricting will surely result in a safe Democratic seat, but that's a long, long way off.

[Doomsayer13]

6. wrong Matheson

This Scott Matheson Jr., he is the brother of House Rep. Jim Matheson

[GOPBasher]

7. A real Dem or a DINO?

I find it hard to believe that a real Dem can win Utah. Is this person pro-choice? Pro-affermative action? Pro-environment? Pro-education? Pro-Health Care? Pro-labor? If he's good on even half of the issues, that would be awesome for Utah!

[Sean Reynolds]

8. It's too hard to say.

I've been told Scott is more liberal than his brother, Jim.

Here's some key votes Jim has made:

Voted NO on constitutional amendment prohibiting flag desecration. (Jun 2003)
Voted NO on Constitutional amendment prohibiting Flag Desecration. (Jul 2001)

More funding and stricter sentencing for hate crimes. (Apr 2001)

Voted YES on allowing school prayer during the War on Terror. (Nov 2001) - WTF
Voted YES on requiring states to test students. (May 2001)

Member of the "Blue Dog" Coalition of conservative Democrats. (Nov 2000)
Member of Democratic Leadership Council. (Nov 2000)
New Democrat: "Third Way" instead of left-right debate. (Nov 2000)

Fuckin' DINO

Jim Matheson is a Moderate Libertarian Conservative. Click here for explanation

I WON'T vote for him again next year.

[Doomsayer13]

9. Beggers can't be choosers

In Utah, the fact that he has a D next to his name is almost good enough