"Even if I could" explain Matheson's popularity in GOP-voting district, said Bishop, "I wouldn't" — no doubt not wanting to give Utah Democrats a political formula for Democratic election victories.

Hinting at those polls, Matheson said he believes most 2nd District residents "are pretty comfortable with me."

"I'm not looking at polls," says state Rep. Christensen, R-Draper, who is challenging Matheson this year. "I'm looking at principles."

Like the other Republicans who have run against Matheson and lost since 2000, Christensen believes that if he can get the Republicans in the 2nd District — who outnumber the Democrats — to come home, he can unseat the incumbent. Yet Matheson leads Christensen 64-23 percent in the July Jones poll.

Matheson "strategically" votes with Republicans "on random occasions" just to make it look like he's an acceptable, middle-of-the-road representative, says Christensen. But on many other occasions, when it really matters, Matheson votes with the national Democrats, Christensen charges.

"Like the deficit reduction vote — Jim voted with the Democrats to kill a $60 billion reduction to the federal deficit." Republicans won by just two votes, notes Christensen, with Matheson "on the wrong side."

"I'm providing principled leadership. I'm not interested in labels" marking Matheson as a moderate or centrist or, even as a conservative Democrat, Christensen said.

"In the end, voters will say who is principled, effective and who is a leader who can make a difference" in the Republican-controlled House, said Christensen. "I will consistently pursue one direction."

Just shouting "Republican" or "conservative" in a congressional race used to be a big draw in Utah. Less so these days.

National polls show that most Americans don't like Congress and are leaning toward turning the Republicans out of power this November.

To rally their base, Congressional Republicans have adopted their American Values Agenda, and held a number of so-called "moral" votes to point out the differences between the two parties on some core conservative issues.

But that's not getting at Matheson, either.

Matheson has voted with the Republicans on their "agenda" issues, including votes to protect "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, against Internet gambling and for a U.S. constitutional amendment to confine marriage to a man and a woman only.

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E-mail: bbjr@desnews.com