Scott Matheson Jr. biography

Age: 51

Spouse: Robyn Matheson

Children: Heather, 21; Briggs, 18

Education : bachelor's degree, economics, Stanford University; master's degree and Rhodes Scholar, modern history, Oxford University; law degree, Yale University.

Professional experience: Legislative assistant for Rep. Wayne Owens; associate at Williams & Connolly (Washington, D.C., law firm); deputy Salt Lake County attorney; visiting associate professor at JFK School at Harvard University; U.S. attorney for Utah; dean and professor of law at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law.

Political experience: Campaign manager for Matheson for governor in 1976 and 1980, active in other campaigns.

Quote on why he's the best person for the job: Without a first-rate education system our economy will never reach its potential. That's why, as governor, education — from pre-school to adult education — will always be my highest priority.