But the conventional wisdom doesn't necessarily work here. Scott is not as well known and has the tougher opponent in Huntsman. Jim has a couple of terms under his belt, has worked very hard to develop relationships in his new district, and is a proven campaigner and grassroots organizer.

Is it possible both will win? Yes, but not likely. Jim has a better shot than Scott, although polls have showed Scott within reasonable striking distance. I don't believe either will drag the other down. Together, they do energize the Democratic base, providing the best chance in many years for Democrats to make a real comeback in Utah politics.

Pignanelli: Any political dynasty worth its salt offers the electorate at least one candidate every generation. The Kennedys, Rockefellers, Bushes, etc., have fulfilled this requirement and maintain their iconic status. However, ambitious members from these families ventured into other states to prevent fund-raising and media competition between siblings and cousins. Utah's leading political family — the Mathesons — is unique in providing two brothers as candidates on the same ballot in high profile races.

Over a year ago, political pundits deliberated various theories regarding the impact of the "brothers dynamic." Democrats speculated the siblings, with a subtle coordinated effort, could leapfrog over each other utilizing media events. The attention on each candidate would help the other in establishing a positive image. Some Republican spectators predicted the brothers would be lumped together by voters in a GOP presidential tidal wave, and regardless of individual effort, jointly sink on Election Day.

The third alternative — family relationship is meaningless — is becoming reality. Pre-eminent pollster Dan Jones has not discerned the "brothers dynamic" in surveying the gubernatorial or congressional races. He qualifies his conclusion that things may change after Labor Day, depending upon events and political advertisements.

A friend and client who follows Utah politics from an adjoining state recently analyzed both Matheson operations with, "Are these guys really related?" Congressman Matheson never closed his campaign office in 2002, and with John Swallow breathing down his neck, has relentlessly campaigned since then. The result is most Utahns know of Jim Matheson and his congressional policies. Scott Matheson, on the other hand, is not defined in the minds of Utah voters. The gubernatorial candidate has been working hard this summer, but his activities have been under the media radar. Thus, according to Dan Jones, the public knows little about him.