The political dynamics of Utah's congressional districts

For the first time in history, Utah has candidates running in four different congressional districts. Most of the interest is in the wide-open contests for the GOP nominations in the 2nd and 4th districts, but some intrigue exists even in the 1st and 3rd. We look at some of the political dynamics.

4th District

Webb: This is the only district that will likely feature a lively and hard-fought general election battle. Thus, the contest among the four legitimate GOP contenders isn't just about who is the purest-of-the-pure conservative, but a big focus should also be on electability — who can defeat Democratic Rep. Jim Matheson.

The GOP contest includes two tea party candidates, Carl Wimmer and Stephen Sandstrom, and two more mainstream (but still conservative) candidates in Mia Love and Jay Cobb. Wimmer started very early and thought he had this nomination locked up. But solid competition has emerged.

So who can beat Matheson (who is leading in the polls at this early point, mostly on the strength of his name identification)? Conventional wisdom suggests that if Republicans nominate someone too far right, Matheson will more easily pick up independent and moderate Republican votes.

Wimmer and Sandstrom are seasoned legislative conservatives. Cobb, an attorney, is a mainstream conservative with congressional staff experience. Love is the most intriguing candidate of all. She is mayor of Saratoga Springs but is relatively young and inexperienced.

She is a solid campaigner and is very attractive at the national GOP level because she would be the first female Republican black member of Congress in history. She would bring in a gusher of national money against Matheson in the general election.

Pignanelli: "I will not deny that there are men in the district better qualified than I to go to Congress, but gentlemen, these men are not in the race." — Sam Rayburn