April 27, 2000

Rep. Merrill Cook/(R) Utah: "WE'RE NOT CONCERNED ABOUT POLLS THAT LOOK BAD. WHAT WOULD YOU EXPECT WITH ALL THE BLOOD-LETTING AND SMEARING THAT'S GOING ON?"

It's probably a good thing that Congressman Merrill Cook isn't concerned about polls, because our brand new KSL-Deseret News poll shows he's anything but a sure thing to win re-election in Utah's second district. He blames his Republican rivals for his sagging support.

Political Specialist Richard Piatt has details on the poll's findings.

The results of this poll not only have Congressman Cook worried, but Republican leaders, too. They indicate Democrat Jim Matheson is not only a worthy challenger, but a threat to their Second District seat.

Congressman Merrill Cook is doing what Congressmen do this week, attending ribbon-cuttings and the like. But behind the scenes he's fighting to keep his job.

A recent Dan Jones poll of 401 Second District voters shows that outright support for Cook trails support for challenger Jeff Wright. The poll shows Wright winning if the Republican Primary were today.

Support for Cook is further weakened by another GOP challenger, Derek Smith.

But the real sign of Cook's eroding support is the large number of undecided Republicans at this point-- 45%.

Cook blames his challengers for splitting the Republican party.

Rep. Cook: "I WOULD BE UP CLOSER IF WE DIDN'T HAVE THIS DIVISIVE CONTEST GOING ON WITHIN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY."

But there may be more than Republican divisivness at work. The poll also shows Democrat Jim Matheson to be a clear winner in head to head races against all Republicans, including Cook-- 45% to 21%.

Jeff Wright would also loose, according to the poll, with 23% of the support to Matheson's 41%.

Republican Derek Smith would also loose to Matheson if the election were today, according to the poll.

Matheson aknowledges Congressman Cook's personal problems could be an advantage to Democrats. But he says he prefers a campaign on a higher level.

Jim Matheson/(D) Candidate for Congress: "I THINK THAT I CAN REPRESENT THIS STATE VERY WELL, AND I THINK THAT'S WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT ABOUT THIS CAMPAIGN. I WANT PEOPLE TO GET TO KNOW ME, AND KNOW MY APPROACH."

Cook has more than our poll to worry about. Fellow Congressman Chris Cannon is publically saying it would be better if Cook didn't get the nomination at the state convention in a couple weeks.

This is clearly the race to watch this fall.