Merrill Cook is back in a political campaign, this time running for an office he hasn't sought before.
Speaking Tuesday from the office of his family business, Cook Associates Inc., Cook announced what has been expected for some time - that he will run for the 2nd Congressional District this year as a member of his Independent Party of Utah.Since he entered politics more than a decade ago, he has lost bids for school board, mayor, county commissioner and governor (twice). His sponsorship of a referendum to remove the sales tax on food also failed.
But he has gotten closer to victory with each run at public office. And this time the 47-year-old businessman said he will win.
"This is a district ripe for an independent candidate," he said.
He cited the growing popularity of his Independent Party and appears convinced his independence from the Republican and Democratic parties and their special interest groups will appeal to voters. "If I enter Congress free of party ties and free of special-interest obligations, I can always vote for the interests of all Utahns," he said. "I don't owe special interests or party bosses a thing."
Although he has lost, Cook has had an impact on past political races.
"Merrill Cook's impact is the single most controversial political dynamic in Utah," said Bud Scruggs, a former political consultant and an assistant professor of political science at Brigham Young University.
"Political campaigns are a learning experience, and Merrill Cook has learned a lot. His showing in the last election is evidence of that," Scruggs said.
In the 1992 gubernatorial campaign, Cook tied for first with Gov. Mike Leavitt in Salt Lake County, which constitutes the 2nd District.
A recent Deseret News/KSL poll showed Cook running 11 percentage points behind second-place Enid Greene Waldholtz, the Republican candidate, and 14 percentage points behind incumbent Democrat Rep. Karen Shepherd. But his entering the race took eight points from Shepherd and five points from Waldholtz, according to the poll.
Still, both Republican and Democratic party heads welcomed Cook into the race and downplayed his impact on their respective candidates.
"We're pleased Merrill understands the compelling need to change our representation in the 2nd District," state GOP Party chairman Bruce Hough said. "It could confuse the issue a little bit, but I see Merrill Cook running against Karen Shepherd."
Cook criticized Waldholtz for launching into a negative campaign already. But he did focus most of his comments Tuesday on Shepherd, accusing the first-term Democrat of breaking promises she made to voters, namely voting for a tax hike and for the North American Free Trade Agreement.
"Karen Shepherd has lost the trust of the people of Utah and should not be returned to Congress," Cook said, noting he will fight high taxes, reverse any negative impacts of NAFTA on local workers and "reign in the royal Congress" with term limitation and spending reforms.
Shepherd has also been among those fighting for political reforms in Congress.
State Democratic Party chairman Dave Jones said even with Cook in the race, Shepherd will appeal to at least a plurality and win a second term.
A positive side, Jones added, will be Cook's campaign spending. "Whenever Merrill Cook enters a race, it's good for the economy," he joked.
Cook, a successful and wealthy businessman who has personally financed his past campaigns, is soliciting $25 individual donations from supporters to "kick out the PACs supporting my opponents.
"We can kick out the special interests that own that seat."