Chaffetz considers taking on Matheson

Republican Jason Chaffetz, the governor's chief of staff, said Friday he is considering challenging Democratic Rep. Jim Matheson in the 2nd Congressional District.

Chaffetz, who managed GOP Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s successful gubernatorial campaign against Matheson's brother, Scott, said he will make up his mind about running by early September.

"It's important for the party to unite behind one person and avoid the bloody battle that happened the last few times," Chaffetz said. "I don't know that I'm the right person or even the best person, but I'm interested enough to be considering it."

So is state Rep. LaVar Christensen, R-Sandy. Christensen, though, said he's not in any hurry to decide whether to run. "I feel like I have the resources to jump-start that race on a different time line," he said. "I think it's a very winnable seat."

Christensen said he'll make his decision based on where he believes he could do the most good. But he said as a member of the Utah congressional delegation — which is Republican except for Matheson — he could "blend in and add and it would be a net gain for the district."

The pair's acknowledgement that they are looking at the race is as close as any Republican has come to taking on Matheson, who managed to win a third term in the largely GOP district in 2004 despite a well-financed opponent.

At least one other Republican, Salt Lake County Sheriff Aaron Kennard, has expressed interest in the race, GOP state chairman Joe Cannon said. All three potential candidates "have a pretty interesting story," he said.

Chaffetz is "a pretty attractive package. I think he's well-spoken," Cannon said, praising the campaign Chaffetz ran for Huntsman. Still, the party leader said, Chaffetz should expect a challenge from within the party.

Republican John Swallow ran against Matheson in 2002 and 2004. In both campaigns, Swallow faced a tough primary fight against Tim Bridgewater. Both Swallow and Bridgewater have told party leaders they're not running this time.

The 2nd District has long been targeted by Republicans. Last year, national GOP groups reportedly poured more than $1 million into the race, spending nearly $700,000 just on anti-Matheson TV and radio spots.

Despite the attention the race received from the national party, Matheson won by 15 percentage points. Many pointed to the negative TV ads and fliers circulated on behalf of Swallow as a factor.

Chaffetz said that if he gets in the race, he won't run that kind of campaign.