By Janae Willardson
Rep. Matheson''s competition in this year''s election comes from BYU alumnus John Swallow who has already garnered White House support.
Vice President Cheney was the keynote speaker at a campaign fundraising event held at the Little America hotel for Swallow, who earned a bachelor''s degree from BYU in 1987.
'I look forward in January to welcoming John into the House of Representatives,' Cheney said in his opening remarks.
Swallow, who also graduated from BYU''s J. Reuben Clark Law School in 1990, said the White House asked him if he wanted the vice president to come support his campaign.
'The White House is interested in this race,' Swallow said. 'The White House wants to keep the republican majority in the House.'
Swallow said Cheney''s appearance in Utah sends a message to residents that this race is very important to the White House.
'The White House is showing its support to my campaign by sending the vice president,' he said.
The vice president''s appearance was a good fundraiser for his campaign, Swallow said.
Swallow was elected to the Utah House of Representatives in 1996, where he is serving his third term.
In his race against Rep. Matheson, Swallow said he supports issues like homeland defense, strong military and returning power to the family.
'My number one issue is I want to get the federal government off our backs and let the state handle the state issues and let people live their lives the way they want to live their lives,' Swallow said.
He said his days at BYU were crucial in leading him to where he stands today.
'My wife and I loved our experience at BYU,' Swallow said.
He said he learned about public policy and ethical principles during his time at BYU.
Swallow said his interest in politics began at a young age and continued through college.
After finishing law school, Swallow served as judge pro tem for the 3rd District Court and as chairman of the Business Section of the Utah State Bar.
Swallow said he became involved in the state legislature because he desired to make Utah laws stronger.
'What really first got me interested was the desire to give back to the community and to make a real difference on issues that were important to my family and community,' he said.
Swallow said he and his family want to make a difference in Utah. He said it is important to him to keep his family involved in his campaign.
'My children are more important to me than my campaign,' he said.
Swallow said the political career is a positive influence for the family because it fills his children with the spirit of patriotism.
Swallow said he would advise students interested in politics to get involved making a difference in issues that are important to the community.
'Develop the ability to look at the problem from all sides,' he said.
Swallow said it is important to be involved, start building a network and develop a personal philosophy on government.
'Decide what the proper role of government is in our lives,' Swallow said.