Shurtleff endorses Swallow's candidacy

GOP Attorney General Mark Shurtleff has endorsed the candidacy of Republican 2nd Congressional District candidate John Swallow.

The move, unusual because sitting Republicans don't usually endorse a candidate before a party nominee is picked, counters Swallow GOP opponent Tim Bridgewater's endorsement two weeks ago by Utah House Speaker Marty Stephens, R-Farr West.

Swallow and Bridgewater face each other in the June 22 primary. The winner faces two-term incumbent Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah.

Bridgewater and Swallow also faced off in the 2002 2nd District Republican primary, Swallow winning a narrow victory. But then Swallow, in turn, lost a squeaker of an election to Matheson.

"John was not only a very effective legislator who was respected by colleagues and grasped the intricacies of complex legislation. He also had the courage to tackle the tough issues and build consensus," said Shurtleff. "I live in the 2nd District (Stephens does not), and I want John representing me in Congress."

"Last election, John came so close. He's truly our best shot to defeat Matheson," Shurtleff said in a press release. "He is exactly what Utah needs in the nation's capital."

"Winning this seat is not just about being the right person. It's also having the best organization, the best team, real name identification and solid experience. No question—John has all that," Shurtleff said.

Swallow said that internal campaign polling shows him leading Bridgewater by 30 percentage points.

But a May 10 poll conducted by the Deseret Morning News and KSL-TV by Dan Jones & Associates shows a 19-point lead by Swallow, with 38 percent of 2nd District voters undecided.