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SALT LAKE CITY -- It's official: Democrats Jim Matheson and Claudia Wright will face off in a primary election for Utah's 2nd Congressional District seat.
Delegates at the Utah Democratic Party convention at the Salt Palace Saturday gave Matheson 55 percent of the vote, while Wright, a retired teacher who has never before run for office, received 45 percent.
Matheson needed at least 60 percent of the vote to avoid a primary race. He is Utah's lone Democrat in Congress and has never had to run in a primary before.
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"I'm Jim Matheson, Democrat," he said.
Matheson has been accused of not being Democratic enough -- often voting with Republicans. He says he's just representing the people in his district and would love to talk to those who think otherwise.
"I'm always happy to engage anybody, and quite frankly, politics brings out passion in people," he said. "I respect that."
His challenger, Claudia Wright, doesn't buy it.
"No, I do not believe he represents Utah Democrats well at all," she said.
During her speech, Wright tried to get the crowd fired up by comparing her priorities to what she thinks are Matheson's priorities.
"I am running for Congress because I believe the people come first. Not the lobbyists, not the big banks, not the private health care insurers, not the corporations," she said.
I am running for Congress because I believe the people come first. Not the lobbyists, not the big banks, not the private health care insurers, not the corporations.
–Claudia Wright
During Matheson's speech, he told delegates he understands their frustration.
"I've met with and spoken to many of you personally, and I get it. You're angry about some of my votes, but I'm a Democrat. I'm here to tell you I don't run from that label because it's in my blood," he said.
Meanwhile, with all the in-fighting happening with Utah Republicans and Tea Party activists, the Democrats feel they can really make an impact in Utah politics this year.
"We're people who bring different ideas which strengthen our party," said U.S. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.
I've met with and spoken to many of you personally, and I get it. You're angry about some of my votes, but I'm a Democrat. I'm here to tell you I don't run from that label because it's in my blood.
–Jim Matheson
Hoyer was the keynote speaker at the convention. He knows how hard it can be for a Democrat to win in Utah, but says this year Utah Democrats have a real chance because Utah Republicans are so divided.
"I think it weakens them and gives us an opportunity," Hoyer said. "We've got excellent candidates at all levels here."
Hoyer gave his endorsement to Matheson, but it wasn't enough to dispel anger over Matheson's "no" vote to President Obama's health care reforms.
At the GOP state convention Saturday, Republicans narrowly chose Morgan Philpot as the party's nominee to run for the 2nd District seat.
Philpot is a former state lawmaker and resigned his post as vice chairman of the state Republican Party earlier this year to focus on his congressional campaign.
E-mail: acabrero@ksl.com
