Webb: Let's get one thing out on the table: Jim Matheson is a nice guy. He really is. A nice guy, yes. There, I've said it three times.

Trouble is, this election isn't just about being a nice guy, or even a capable guy. This election is much bigger than Jim Matheson or John Swallow. This election, right here in the little old 2nd Congressional District, is really about the future of the country. It is about whether the agenda of John Kerry is carried forward or the agenda of George Bush.

And as is obvious, there's a gigantic gulf between those agendas. If the Democrats take control of the House, as is their plan,

the Kerry-Democratic agenda will be propelled forward no matter who wins the presidential race. In his second term, Bush would be stymied by a Democratic House, and if Kerry wins and enjoys a Democratic House, the Republicans will be politically feeble.

As one of the few battleground congressional districts in the county, the outcome of the 2nd District race could have enormous national ramifications. That's why Democrats across the country are pouring money into Matheson's coffers.

Despite the national implications of the race, Utah voters will rightly make their choice based upon the quality, experience and capabilities of the candidates. While Matheson has served the district for a couple of terms now, and has worked hard to develop relationships and serve constituents, Utahns would be better served with Swallow in office.

Swallow has the experience and qualifications to be a very fine congressman. What's more, as a member of the majority party he will be in a better position to win votes and support Utah needs and priorities both with the Congress and the administration.

While polls have shown Matheson comfortably ahead, I expect the race to tighten considerably in the closing weeks as Bush supporters come to understand what's at stake. Swallow's task is really quite simple. He must identify who is going to vote for George Bush and Jon Huntsman Jr., and get them to stay on the Republican side of the ballot and vote for him.

He doesn't need Democratic votes. All he needs are Republican and Republican-leaning votes. He needs Republicans to stay home. That's easier said than done, because Salt Lake County east-bench Republicans are notoriously fickle and willing to vote for Democrats.

But this time Swallow is spending a lot more time among those Republicans, not taking them for granted.

Swallow properly has no desire to run negative ads about Matheson, but he will talk about policy differences and the national ramifications of the race. Utah voters ought to be wary of independent national groups will might get involved in the Utah campaign. Any independent group that runs negative ads will only hurt the candidate they are purporting to help.