Matheson running for House again in 2010

It's turning out to be a pretty good week politically for GOP Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert.

Wednesday afternoon one strong Democrat said he wouldn't run against Herbert for governor next year, while a strong Republican candidate may not, either.

Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, issued a statement Wednesday saying he'll run for re-election in 2010 in his 2nd Congressional District — not for governor or U.S. Senate.

Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce President Lane Beattie, meanwhile, was expected Thursday to announce what he'll be doing politically in 2010.

If Beattie announces he is not going to enter the GOP governor's fight next year, it could make way for his top chamber aide, Natalie Gochnour, to be seriously considered as Herbert's lieutenant governor pick when Herbert steps into the top job after Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. resigns to become U.S. ambassador to China.

Gochnour is one of four top choices now being considered by Herbert, his aides have confirmed. Herbert may announce that pick late next week.

Matheson's re-election decision clears the way for Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon, also a Democrat, to run for governor in 2010. Matheson would have had to give up his House seat to seek higher office. Corroon is in mid-term, and should he run and lose a governor's race, he would still be county mayor for two more years.

After hearing the announcement Wednesday, Utah Democratic Party Chairman Wayne Holland said that it does make Corroon the top choice for Utah Democrats in 2010, at least for now.

"There are some others that may surprise people," Holland said about potential gubernatorial candidates. "But the most excitement right now is for Peter Corroon."

Holland was not surprised by the announcement from Matheson, saying he expected something by the end of this month and that he always hoped Matheson would run for the House again. After all, Matheson has some strong committee assignments that benefit Utah, and his future prospects are not dimmed by opting out of a statewide race now.

"Jim is a viable candidate for a statewide office anytime he wants to run," Holland said.

While Holland expected the announcement this week, the popular Matheson, a conservative Democrat, has been coy about his 2010 plans — perhaps just to keep GOP Utah leaders on edge.

In fact, several weeks ago GOP state chairman Dave Hansen said he had a gut feeling that Matheson would run for governor or challenge Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah.