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SALT LAKE CITY -- It may seem like the Utah political world is in the midst of the summer doldrums, but there are major races for U.S. Senate, Congress and Utah governor waiting in the wings.
The question is, when will those races heat up?
Because of the nature of the races for these top positions, some wonder if the Republican state convention and primary were the highlight.
The candidates taking the incumbents on certainly don't think so.
At the Provo Freedom Festival Grand Parade, it was a celebration of America's independence. Republican Senate candidate Mike Lee was one of those walking along the parade route.
But for the crowds, it was fun and sun on their minds -- not politics.
Even after all the summer fun is done, some question how high interest will be. The Republican convention and primary battle captured a lot of attention. Now the dust has settled.
The main statewide races that remain all have a statistical frontrunner. For governor, Republican incumbent Gary Herbert is in good position to survive a challenge from Democrat Peter Corroon. Democrat congressman Jim Matheson has a lot of money and momentum against Republican Morgan Philpot. And for U.S. Senate, Republican Mike Lee is considered a powerhouse against Democrat Sam Granato.
The Hinckley Institute's Kirk Jowers voiced what a lot of political insiders are thinking this year: He says those races are "in the can."
"Unless you have some kind of a scandal or issue that is a total game changer, but if everything stays the same, there aren't a lot of great races right now," he said.
But the candidates are fighting that image. Peter Corroon was also at Provo's parade.
"It's not offensive, but it makes me want to double my efforts and work that much harder to show that Peter Corroon and Sheryl Allen are really the ones who are going to represent the citizens of Utah," he said.
Granato is also fighting the image that the challenge against Mike Lee is a foregone conclusion.
"I say 'Hooey,' is what I've got to tell you," Granato said. "I fully plan to be the next United States Senator."
We were unable to connect with Morgan Philpot Monday but in the past, he too has expressed strong feelings that his chances are good against congressman Matheson.
Likewise, it would be a mistake for the frontrunners to take anything for granted.
E-mail: rpiatt@ksl.com
