Rep. Jim Matheson expected to win support at convention despite some frustrated Democrats

SALT LAKE CITY — While Democratic Rep. Jim Matheson's no vote on federal health care reform last winter riled liberals and created some havoc at the party's spring caucus meetings, he's expected to win enough support at Saturday's state convention to avoid a primary.

It's the first time the only Democrat in Utah's congressional delegation is facing an intra-party challenge, and he'll need 60 percent of the delegate votes to advance to the general election in November. But educator Claudia Wright, chosen to run against Matheson by a group of dissatisfied progressive Democrats, has said she believes she can force a primary or even win the nomination outright.

Matheson is seeking a sixth term as the representative from Utah's 2nd Congressional District. Republicans will select their nominee for the seat at their convention Saturday.

State delegate and Salt Lake County Council Chair Joe Hatch said time may be on Matheson's side.

"If the convention had happened when caucuses were held, I'd say he would have been in trouble," Hatch said. "Some of that energy has subsided, and passage of the second version of the bill, as watered down as it was, definitely helps."

Hatch said although Matheson's conservative bent and "Blue Dog" voting record is nothing new, the five-term congressmen has been slowly moving to the right side of the political spectrum. Although he was courted by Democratic President Barack Obama, Matheson rejected the Affordable Health Care for America Act last November and the amended health care reform bill that followed.

"Jim's position of slightly right of center as an elected official in Utah is a spot he's very comfortable with," Hatch said. "But, he's definitely drifted there from left of the divide."

Hatch said while Matheson's conservative voting record has played well with independents and right-leaning Democrats in his district, he's yet to take a strong stand on a vote that resonates with more liberal members.

Hatch withheld his endorsement of Matheson and describes himself as "neutral" on the candidates. Other Democratic office holders who have not endorsed Matheson include Senate Minority Whip Ross Romero, Rep. Jackie Biskupski and Rep. Christine Johnson, all of Salt Lake, and Salt Lake County Councilwoman Jenny Wilson.

Utah Democratic Party Chairman Wayne Holland said the anti-incumbent fervor that's become a forward movement within the GOP hasn't found supporters on the blue side of the aisle, a characteristic that should help Matheson.