Many of us have been concerned about Jim Matheson's chances of holding Utah's second congressional district house seat. He is the only Democratic member of Utah's delegation, and he narrowly won reelection in 2002 following redistricting. A new poll from the Deseret Morning News gives us some cause for optimism. Right now, Jim is soundly defeating all three prospective Republican opponents.
Matheson vs. John Swallow
57% - 29%
Matheson vs. Tim Bridgewater
62% - 22%
Matheson vs. David Wilde
62% - 20%
This is a poll of 222 Utah residents. March 17-20. MOE is 7 percent
http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,595051363,00.html
It seems like Jim has also positioned himself well in his redrawn district.
Two years ago, the Republican majority redefined Matheson's 2nd District, adding to it large chunks of conservative rural Utah, including St. George, and taking away more liberal parts of Salt Lake County. It was clearly a move to dilute Matheson's urban appeal and make the then-first-term congressman vulnerable.
It almost worked. Matheson's margin of victory was less than 1 percent and was among the closest congressional races anywhere in the country.
Since that time, Matheson has been working hard in rural Utah, where he was badly beaten by Swallow two years ago. He's facilitated a new rail spur outside of Cedar City, secured funding for airport improvements in St. George, among other projects the locals feel strongly about.
The efforts there are paying off. In head to head contests, Matheson and Swallow are dead even in rural Utah with 41 percent. When matched with Bridgewater, Matheson wins by a 50 to 29 percent margin. And Matheson beats Wilde by a 51 to 24 percent margin.