An attorney for Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, has sent KSL Radio a letter warning management that should radio talk show host Doug Wright announce that he's running for Matheson's seat next year, there could be legal trouble.

Wright, who hosts a weekday morning show, has been named by state GOP leaders as a contender to challenge Matheson, a Democrat who has won in the heavily Republican district despite state and national GOP efforts to unseat him.

No Republican has yet stepped forward to challenge Matheson, and considering how expensive and lengthy congressional races are now, some politicos say Republicans need to find a viable candidate soon. Wright has not declared his candidacy and has not filed any campaign information with the Federal Elections Commission. No candidate can formally file for federal office until a mid-March 2006 filing window.

KSL Radio news and program director Russ Hill said he and other managers at the station have talked to Wright about the issue several times.

If Wright becomes a "legal candidate" — by announcing his candidacy or raising $5,000 for his race — he will be off the air and KSL Radio will have fulfilled its obligations, Hill said.

"This is a huge decision for Doug. He's been a big part of this station for 30 years, and we are not going to push him into anything," Hill said.

In his letter, attorney Josh M. Reid, who is a son of U.S. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., warned that even if Wright just engages in "testing the waters" on a congressional run, that could in and of itself activate certain legal obligations by the station.

The Federal Elections Commission has strict rules prohibiting corporate donations to congressional campaigns, Reid said. But is giving a candidate — or even a potential candidate — hours each day to espouse his political opinions an in-kind campaign donation that violates the law? Reid asked.

In addition, federal law says that if a media outlet gives free or discounted time to one candidate, it must provide the same free time or discounts to all other candidates for that federal office. Will Matheson be given equal time — amounting to 15 hours each week? Reid asked.

Beyond legal requirements, Reid wrote, what ethical questions are raised by Wright's selections of who he interviews on his radio show and what issues he espouses?

While praising KSL Radio's media coverage and overall fairness, Reid said Wright could slant his radio show one way or another for months before declaring his candidacy, even refusing to invite Matheson on as a guest when federal and/or congressional issues are discussed.

"I am sure that KSL Radio does not wish to subject itself to public scrutiny and criticism as being seen as partisan and as an advocate for the political advancement of one of its employees," Reid wrote.

Matheson spokeswoman Alyson Heyrend said late Monday that the congressman had not yet heard back from KSL Radio about the Sept. 29 letter.

"We are way out of the election cycle," Hill said. "And Doug deserves time to make up his decision. He is thinking about it."

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