By Jed Ivie
Utah democrats may now see a light at the end of the tunnel. Democrat Scott M. Matheson, Jr., took the initial step Monday, July 7, toward a potential run for governor in next year”s election.
Shortly before 5 p.m., Matheson arrived at the lieutenant governor”s office to file the necessary papers to allow him to solicit political contributions.
“The state requires me to set up a personal campaign committee, which allows me to be able to raise and spend campaign finances,” Matheson said. “It”s not an official declaration of my candidacy, but it”s definitely a major step forward.”
If Matheson”s name sounds familiar, it”s because his brother, Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, is currently serving a second term in the U.S. House of Representatives and plans to run for a third term in next year”s election.
Jim Matheson issued a statement supporting his brother”s decision to run for governor.
“He will be a strong candidate, and I believe he would make an outstanding governor,” Jim Matheson said. “I look forward to having him on the ballot, and I think his candidacy will bring excitement and energy to Utah”s political year.”
Although Scott Matheson has filed for the fundraising committee, it does not mean he is certain to run in next year”s election.
Scott Matheson cannot officially declare his candidacy until March. However, filing for the right to raise election money is one of the first steps to readying his campaign.
There has not been a Democratic governor in Utah since Matheson”s father occupied the office. Scott M. Matheson, Sr., served as Utah”s governor from 1965 to 1977.
Scott Matheson, Jr., a Rhodes Scholar, graduated from Yale Law School, worked in a Washington law firm, served as U.S. Attorney for Utah and currently serves as dean of the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah. He also managed his father”s gubernatorial election campaigns.
Some Democrats expressed support for Scott Matheson”s possible candidacy.
“We”re very excited,” said Meg Holbrook, chairwoman of the Utah Democratic Party, “He”s bright, articulate and has a vision for Utah. Utah is ready for a change. Scott Matheson will represent mainstream Utah.”
