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SALT LAKE CITY -- Primary elections taking place Tuesday will shape the political races for Congress and the U.S. Senate.
Democrats have a primary in the 2nd Congressional District, and Republicans will vote for their candidate to replace U.S. Sen. Bob Bennett.
While the candidates are furiously campaigning, Bennett has the luxury of observing now. He says the low interest -- reflected in polls and early voting turnout -- is telling.
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Outgoing Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, says his replacement likely will have a tough time getting anything done as a newcomer in Washington.Bennett has moved on from his dramatic defeat at the Republican state convention. Sitting for an interview about Tuesday's primary, Bennett says people are still telling him they wish he were running. He says the convention left many mainstream Republicans disinterested in the primary.
"I think that there are a lot of Republicans who feel alienated from it because they feel disenfranchised with the convention result," Bennett said.
Whatever the primary turnout is, the candidates know it can be a game-decider.
Tim Bridgewater, one of the two Republican challengers running for Bennett's seat, said he's optimistic as he campaigned on the streets in Draper Monday.
"Well if everybody that honks for us votes for us tomorrow, then we'll win overwhelmingly," he said. "But it feels good. It's a great opportunity to run and serve the state. I hope to win tomorrow."
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GOP Senate candidates campaign to distinguish themselves from the pack
Since ousting Sen. Bob Bennett from office, Tim Bridgewater and Mike Lee have been trying to differentiate themselves on the issues. Each candidate has a different approach to taking advantage of what the state has to offer.At meetings, on the radio and on the streets, Republican Senate contender Mike Lee says people are engaged and ready to vote.
"I haven't found it hard at all to get people excited about this election," he said. "People all across America and all across Utah [say] their tax burden is too high, that debt is out of control."
Democrat challenger Claudia Wright says she's "cautiously optimistic" about beating incumbent Congressman Jim Matheson. She's worked hard to get voters motivated.
"With lower voter turnout I think anything is possible," Wright said. "I think it's who can energize people and get them to the polls."
Matheson toured the Chevron pipeline, among other things, Monday. Leading in the polls, Matheson says the primary challenge was an opportunity to connect.
"I like to interact with voters, and this primary has been a good experience for me because it's given me another opportunity to do that," he said.
Primary voting starts at 7 a.m. Tuesday and ends at 8 p.m. KSL will have the latest updates as they are available.
E-mail: rpiatt@ksl.com
