Still, the negative ads seemed to help Swallow for a time to close the gap on Matheson. But Matheson said, with what was projected to be a big win, that he hopes the attack ads this year do not set a precedent for future elections.

"Given the partisan makeup of my district, it was going to narrow no matter what. I don't think it was because of the ads. I assume with my (expected) victory, there will be a rejection of that kind of politics. It should send a chilling message to anyone who lies or distorts the record of their opponent," Matheson said.

But Swallow said that ads "attacking the record" of Matheson were the only way to overcome a large lead Matheson had built. While Swallow spent his hard-to-raise money to fight through the GOP convention and primary, "Matheson was able with tremendous resources to put out ads that built up tremendous name recognition. It gave him a head start that was difficult to overcome."

Even if Swallow loses, he said he may run again. "You never say never," he said. "But we haven't talked about it. My family has sacrificed a lot in the last 2 1/2 years, and I want to make sure that my family is put first now."

In the Senate race, Bennett coasted to victory over former Utah Attorney General Paul Van Dam and will soon begin his third, six-year term (his father, Wallace, served four terms in the Senate from Utah).

"I am very gratified by the faith the people of Utah have put in me by electing me to another term in the Senate, and I am particularly pleased by the margin," Bennett said.

Even though the GOP will retain control of the Senate, Bennett and Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, (who did not face re-election this year) will have less power because of Republican term limits on chairmanships.

Rules will force Hatch to give up his chairmanship of the Judiciary Committee after serving the maximum allowed six years. Bennett will give up chairmanship of the Joint Economic Committee, which rotates between the House and Senate each Congress.

Bennett, however, will remain one of the GOP's top strategists as the party's chief deputy whip. He also expects to retain his chairmanship of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture. Hatch will be the second-ranking Republican in seniority on the Finance and Intelligence committees, and could chair Finance in two years when its chairman hits his term limit.

Cannon appeared headed to easy re-election to his fifth term against South Salt Lake policeman Beau Babka. That makes him the longest-serving representative ever in the 3rd District, which was created in 1982. (Former Rep. Howard Nielson, R-Utah, served four terms, and former Rep. Bill Orton, D-Utah, served three.)

"I look forward to serving the people of the 3rd District for another term. These are exciting times, and I will continue to push the issues important to my district," Cannon said.

Cannon endured a somewhat rocky campaign for a four-term incumbent but never appeared in any serious danger. He was forced into a primary in the spring, and groups upset with his sponsorship of immigration reform ran ads attacking him.

Bishop also appeared to easily win re-election against Logan City Council Chairman Steve Thompson in the heavily Republican 1st District.

"I have been honored to represent my district for the last two years. Now, I will take Utah's values back to D.C. for another term and work hard to represent the interests of my constituents," Bishop said. He has said a top priority will be helping to protect Hill Air Force Base in next year's base closure round.

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E-mail: lee@desnews.com