The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has started running campaign advertisements on TV promoting Matheson’s pro-business and pro-economic-development stance. According to published reports, the U.S. chamber has spent about $150,000 on the ads supporting the representative for most of Southern and Eastern Utah.
And many Postal Service customers received this week a glossy four-page flier explaining Matheson’s stance on illegal immigration. The goal is to show how Matheson is fighting to stop illegal immigration — a topic that is sure to be a major issue as the race heats up in Utah and in congressional campaigns across the United States.
The Republican challenger, LaVar Christensen, in reference to the TV ads, has been quoted as saying that Matheson is courting endorsements to show himself as being conservative when he is not.
Matheson’s camp, however, is quick to say that he had no knowledge that the U.S. chamber was putting together the ad campaign because of rules that prohibit candidates from coordinating with special interest groups.
Is Matheson a conservative? On some issues yes. On some issues no. It’s simplistic to make blanket statements about his leanings. And it’s possible that Christensen’s full thoughts weren’t shared in the published reports because in face-to-face conversations, he has been complimentary of Matheson on some issues.
Some pundits have already conceded the 2nd District to Matheson — quite a change for this mostly Republican district.
But with three months to go, anything can happen.
Fasten your seat belts. It could be a wild ride.