WASHINGTON — Republican John Swallow — who narrowly lost last year to Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah — is seeking support from national GOP leaders for a possible rematch.
He said after meetings in Washington that those GOP leaders see Matheson as among the most vulnerable Democrats nationally because of their close race last year, and say "the race is as high as their No. 2 priority" to beat a Democratic incumbent.
Of course, the national party does not endorse specific GOP candidates until the state party chooses a nominee through the convention and primary process.
But Swallow said Rep. Thomas Reynolds, R-N.Y., chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), asked him to come to Washington. "He wanted to know what my plans are," as the party plots strategy and priorities.
"You never know for sure whether you will run until you file," he said. "But I certainly am trying to pull things together, am talking to people, and am exploring my options with diligence."
Some Utah Republicans have blamed the NRCC, in part, for Swallow's loss last year. It was slow to give Swallow support, even though the 2nd District is heavily Republican, because of worries he was not strong enough after his finances were drained by winning the nomination from a record field of 11 Republicans.
Utah Republicans have complained that lack of support prevented Swallow from organizing well early, and from attracting money from political action committees that look to the NRCC to identify top-priority races.
"They (the NRCC) recognize the race was very close, and recognize that if it had gotten in earlier it might have been a different result," Swallow said.
He added that NRCC leaders said next year may bring fewer open seats and vulnerable Democrats than last year, so they may be able to give more support in the Utah 2nd District race.
"A strong Republican can win that race — especially because next year George Bush will be on the ballot and we will have a governor's race, so more Republicans will be voting," Swallow said.
It is still unclear how many Republicans may seek the nomination, and even Matheson is considering running for governor instead of re-election to the House. The filing deadline is not until March 2004.
Some top Republicans say Tim Bridgewater, who lost the primary to Swallow, will likely run again. Others say Mike Dunn, a former staffer to former Rep. Jim Hansen, R-Utah, is also looking at the race, and that Utah House Majority Leader Greg Curtis, R-Sandy, might also consider running.
Swallow said that for planning purposes, "I will assume the toughest field and toughest conditions possible, and then if it is less than that, great."
He said if Republicans seriously want Matheson's seat, they might look to narrowing the field "so we don't waste our resources running against each other."
He said he has been raising money. "It is somewhat easier than last time," he said, because he was the nominee in a close race. He adds, "I was able to raise $1 million last time.
"If I run, I will run to win," he said. Swallow added that even though he lost last year, "it was a great experience for me and my family" — and he would look forward to campaigning again.
Contributing: Bob Bernick Jr.
E-mail: lee@desnews.com