Republicans are absolutely right to chide Matheson for his lack of support. Getting a fourth seat ought to be a top priority for everyone, and the Utah delegation must present a united front. Matheson ought to be working to get Democratic votes.

Frank can dream up all the wild conspiracy theories and convoluted political machinations he desires (see below). The truth is, this is clear-cut. It's a great opportunity for Utah, and Matheson is playing hooky.

Pignanelli: "Politics is far more complicated than physics," observed Albert Einstein. Even the largest brain of the 20th century would be befuddled by the cynical proposal LaVarr embraces. The repeated claim by congressional Republicans that national Democrats are preventing the creation of Utah's fourth congressional district is laughable for its sheer audacity. The GOP controls both legislative houses and the presidency. When they really want to pass legislation (i.e., deficit-plagued budgets), they do so.

Equally amusing are the accusations against Matheson that his support for the new district is lukewarm. The congressman is a strong advocate of additional representation for Utah. Any fear that Matheson has toward reconfiguring districts, whether real or perceived, is certainly justified. After the last reapportionment session, many Utah Republicans joined with their national counterparts, including the Wall Street Journal, to decry the hatchet job the Legislature performed on the 2nd Congressional District. Bill sponsor Congressman Tom Davis is also chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (the political mercenaries who funded last year's attack ads against Matheson). In 2001, Davis bragged that the new map of Utah's 2nd Congressional District was "a nice piece of artwork . . . and not drawn to help Matheson in any way. If we can find a decent candidate, we ought to be able to take this seat." Matheson would be a fool not to harbor concern about Davis' intentions.

The insincerity behind the Davis legislation is truly extraordinary. The wounded but still powerful House Majority Leader Tom Delay fervently believes that congressional representation for Washington, D.C., is contrary to the intent of the Founding Fathers. "No way!" is his response to inquiries regarding support of the Davis proposal. Washington politicos have expressed to me that Satan will be building snowmen before the U.S. Senate will allow federal representatives from the nation's capital. Senate Republicans know that any momentum on this matter will result in additional seats for the Democrats. The opposition by congressional leadership is only exceeded by the ambivalence of most Utahns and Americans regarding D.C. representation in Congress — they couldn't care less.