Christensen says he's running for Matheson's seat

State Rep. LaVar Christensen, R-Draper, made it official Wednesday: He's running against Democratic Rep. Jim Matheson in the 2nd Congressional District this year.

Two other Republicans — Joe Tucker of Alpine and Kris Lounsbury of Ivins — have announced against Matheson, but Christensen may have the best chance of giving the three-term incumbent a contest.

Christensen, who has already raised $185,000 for the race, putting in $150,000 of his own money, said he is too busy with his legislative work to make a big show of an announcement. That will come before he formally files his candidacy.

"I just want people to know of my decision," said Christensen as he passed out a press release to some of the reporters covering the 2006 Legislature.

"There is a bright dawn ahead for America," Christensen said in the release. "The Republican vision for our country draws inspiration from our past and offers the promise of a bright future for our children.

"Our nation is built on a solid foundation of wisdom and principles that have weathered every storm and spread freedom throughout the world. In Congress, I will work to preserve that heritage."

Said Matheson: "We won't know who my opponent is until after the (Republican) convention and the primary. Who runs against me has no effect on how I do my job. I am looking forward to talking about my record of accomplishment with Utahns this year."

Christensen, an attorney who also deals in land development, was first elected to the House in 2002. He quickly showed his conservative side, introducing several so-called "moral" bills, speaking often on legislation and quoting from the Founding Fathers and other well-known Americans.

This year Christensen is sponsoring 12 bills and resolutions, more than most House members.

He has long been an admirer of the late President Ronald Reagan, offering resolutions calling for naming different buildings or installations after the late president. His HJR13 in this session urges Congress to rename Hill Air Force Base the Reagan Hill Air Force Base.

To challenge Matheson, Christensen will have to give up his District 48 seat. Earlier this year, KSL Radio talk show host Doug Wright announced he wouldn't run against Matheson. GOP executive director Spencer Jenkins said he knows of no other GOP candidates who may enter the race before the mid-March candidate filing deadline. If that ends up to be the case, Christensen is the best financed and best known of the GOP pack.