By Bremen Leak
SALT LAKE CITY — The Matheson family has a lot to talk about at the dinner table tonight.
Scott M. Matheson Jr. conceded the gubernatorial race to John Huntsman Jr., while incumbent Jim Matheson (118,796, 54 percent) defeated challenger John Swallow (95,606, 44 percent) for a seat in the House of Representatives. As polls closed throughout the country, brothers Scott and Jim Matheson joined fellow democrats in celebration of nationwide victories last night.
“The good news about the results tonight is that honesty and integrity won,” said Jim Matheson, whose third term in the 2nd Congressional district hails a huge victory for the Utah Democratic Party. The sons of popular Utah governor Scott Matheson, Jim and Scott share an almost celebrity status with Huntsman, whose father ranks among the most successful businessmen in America.
In his concession speech at the downtown Marriott Hotel, Matheson congratulated Huntsman on a campaign relatively free of mud slinging. Though Matheson said he “fought the good fight,” carrying most of Salt Lake County, Huntsman carried the majority in the largely republican state.
“I”ve come to know him during this election as a quality person from a great family and as a friend,” Matheson said of his opponent. “I wish him well as he takes on the massive responsibilities of this challenging job.”
Matheson, the former US Attorney for Utah, had hoped to win the election with his education reform plan, while Huntsman, a trade official in Washington, focused on immediate economic growth. Despite well-composed plans from both candidates, Huntsman”s $3.3 million campaign purse nearly doubled that of Matheson, who ran unopposed in his party”s primary election.
“There will be other battles to fight and other campaigns to run,” Matheson said, “and I will be with you every step of the way.”
Winning his third term, Jim Matheson said his brother took on a tough race. “He conducted himself with the integrity and dignity that I knew he would do. We should be proud of him and I know that his service to the state will continue for many years to come.”
Meanwhile, the congressman plans to bring a balance to the two-party system in Utah, reaching out to democrats, republicans and independent party members.
“This country has been divided for too long,” Jim said. “Now is the time to bring this country back together.”
