Political rookie Derek Smith upset embattled Rep. Merrill Cook in Utah's Republican primary Tuesday, handily beating the two-term incumbent.
With 94 percent of precincts reporting, Smith led Cook 59 percent to 41 percent.
"For an absolute political unknown to come out of nowhere and come from behind in just 12 weeks and win the Republican nomination says this is still the greatest country in the world," Smith said Tuesday night.
Cook had been stung by 18 months of news reports of staff allegations regarding his combustible temper, erratic behavior and staff mismanagement.
Cook becomes only the second incumbent to lose in a primary this year, and the first Republican. The other was nine-term Democratic Rep. Matthew Martinez of California.
Cook conceded defeat and vowed to return to politics. He blamed the state party and media coverage for his loss.
"You can't win when (state) party big shots won't stand up for you," he said. But, he added, "This guy's not finished yet."
Prominent members of the state party sought out an opponent who they felt could keep Democrat Jim Matheson from winning the seat.
Smith, a 35-year-old computer company co-founder, stepped into the race minutes before the filing deadline. He had no political experience, but spent $509,000 of his own money on the race.
When Cook won his elections in 1996 and 1998 Smith said he voted for Cook, but decided to run against the congressman because he believed Cook was damaged goods and couldn't beat Matheson.
Matheson, an energy consultant and the son of the late Gov. Scott Matheson, a Utah political hero and the last Democrat to hold the office.
Also Tuesday, Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt faced a conservative challenger for the GOP nomination. With 88 percent of precincts reporting, Leavitt led challenger Glen Davis 62 percent to 38 percent.
Polls taken five weeks ago showed Smith far ahead of Cook. But weeks of negative ads tightened the race to a statistical dead heat, according to one recent poll. Another showed Cook still trailing badly.
Both Cook, 54, and Smith, 35, are conservatives who oppose gun control and abortion rights.
Cook, a millionaire explosives manufacturer, ran a half-dozen unsuccessful campaigns for everything from school board to governor.
In 1988 he alienated state GOP leaders by spearheading a citizens initiative to repeal a Republican tax hike, and leaving the party to challenge a Republican governor. He returned to the party in 1996 and won his House seat.
Two years ago, Cook was banned from state GOP headquarters after a foul-mouthed tirade days before the November election. After winning his second term in 1998, Cook fired chief of staff Janet Jenson, who then accused him of delusional behavior.
"Merrill has taken up permanent residence in whacko land," Jenson wrote in an office e-mail. "If he asks you to fax his underwear to the speaker's office, please just do it."
Cook said the accusations were unfounded, though he acknowledged having a temper.
In April, a jury awarded Cook's 1996 campaign manager roughly $175,000 in unpaid campaign debt. When attorney fees and interest are factored in, it could cost Cook more than $600,000. Cook says he will appeal the decision.
Some voters casting ballots Tuesday said the reports steered them away from Cook.
"Merrill Cook's antics in office have been very unprofessional and the way he's handled his staff ... it cost him my vote," said Ron Wright.
Pollyanna Pixton said she also voted for Smith, but she did it while holding her nose.
"There's no good choices there," she said. ""Neither of these men are the quality of representatives we want in Congress."
But Mel Palfreyman said the stories of Cook's behavior have distorted the truth and overshadowed the congressman's accomplishments.
"I think a lot of people are beating up on Merrill Cook unfairly. His record speaks for itself," said Palfreyman. "If you were voting for charisma and style, I wouldn't vote for (Cook) either, but I have to vote on his record."