Two Utah political heavyweights eyeing key races

The last time congressional and legislative boundaries were redrawn after the 2000 Census, Matheson's district was described as one of the most gerrymandered in the nation because it stretched down the state to include as many Republicans as possible.

Utah's other two congressmen, GOP Reps. Rob Bishop and Jason Chaffetz, are both being talked about as candidates for governor or the Senate, although neither has announced their plans for 2012.

There are also a number of Republicans, including several lawmakers such as Rep. Carl Wimmer of Herriman and Rep. Dave Clark of Santa Clara, who appear to be preparing for a congressional run.

Both Matheson and Shurtleff aren't in a hurry to declare their intentions. Matheson said he'll announce what office he'll seek by the end of the year while Shurtleff said he'll state his intentions by Sept. 1, to be fair to any candidates interested in running for attorney general.

Jones said Matheson and Shurtleff would be formidable candidates in any race but it's too soon to predict what will happen Election Day.

"There's always surprises," Jones said. "You've got a whole year to go."

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