That year Democratic President Bill Clinton, seeking re-election himself and playing to the national environmental base, created a huge national monument in the middle of Orton's vast district without telling Orton or any other Utah official.

And Orton was challenged by millionaire Republican Chris Cannon, who poured his own money into his race. GOP voters returned to their party — and goodbye, Orton.

Matheson could still be strongly challenged by a Cannon-like Republican — rich, well-connected and with a good Utah name.

But so far the Utah Republican Party hasn't flushed out such a person.

Unlike state Democrats — who have become adept at clearing the decks in high-profile races so there is no serious convention or primary challenges for their No. 1 candidate — Republicans usually have messy intra-party fights.

In fact, Matheson got into office after Republicans kicked out then-incumbent 2nd District Rep. Merrill Cook in a 2000 GOP primary.

Salt Lake County Councilman David Wilde, a 2004 GOP candidate in the 2nd District, was critical of the negative campaigning that took place that year in the intra-party GOP race. This year Wilde is running for Murray mayor, not for Congress.

No doubt Republicans will have one or more people run against Matheson. The majority party in recent history always has fielded a candidate in a major race.

But it also appears that Republicans have a hard-earned respect for Matheson — dozens no longer think he is easy pickings.

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Deseret Morning News political editor Bob Bernick Jr. may be reached by e-mail at bbjr@desnews.com