Dozens enter races in Utah

As predicted, the 2004 elections will field the largest, most varied slate of candidates in Utah since 1992, with dozens of state, congressional and legislative candidates jumping in just before Wednesday night's candidate filing deadline.

Nine Republicans are running for governor, including incumbent Gov. Olene Walker. University of Utah law school dean Scott Matheson Jr. is the only Democrat in that race.

This year, there are only three Republicans challenging 2nd Congressional District Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah. In 2002, 12 Republicans filed against Jim Matheson, Scott's younger brother.

And Wednesday Beau Babka filed as a Democrat to run against 3rd District Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, who is also being challenged by fellow Republicans Matt Throckmorton and Greg Hawkins. Babka, a South Salt Lake police captain, challenged GOP Salt Lake County Sheriff Aaron Kennard several years ago.

"This is the first time in a dozen years we have candidates for every federal office, every statewide office and every state Senate race," said Democratic Party chairman Donald Dunn.

Fielding candidates is one thing, but can they win?

"It is definitely hard when you are the minority party. You have to work harder and smarter," Dunn said.

Chris Bleak, executive director of the Republican Party, was pleased and confident in the GOP's slate of candidates, even if there were roughly a dozen GOP incumbents being challenged within the party for the Republican nomination. That could set the stage for some ugly convention and primary battles.

"Anyone is free to file, and we will support the nominees, whoever they are," he said.

In Utah's 1st Congressional District, Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, seeking his first re-election, is being challenged by Logan City Council Chairman Steve Thompson, a Democrat.

Cache County resident Brian Watkins also filed as a Democrat late Wednesday. Watkins, 29, said he has not run for office before but has volunteered on a number of northern Utah Democratic campaigns.

And former Utah Attorney General Paul Van Dam, a Democrat, will challenge two-term incumbent U.S. Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah.

Cody Judy, who served prison time for threatening a leader of the LDS Church during a Brigham Young University convocation, has also filed in the Senate race as a Democrat.