June 22, 2000
A political showdown is underway in Utah's Second Congressional District.
The candidates in the Republican primary are a young, scrappy political newcomer Derek Smith, and the more experienced incumbent Merrill Cook.
Political Specialist Richard Piatt has more on the candidates in this Decision 2000 profile.
Rep. Merrill Cook/R- Utah: I'M NOT SURE BUT I THINK MY REPUBLICAN OPPONENT DOESN'T BELIEVE MEDICARE SHOULD COVER ... OR YOU DO? OH I'M SORRY. PLEASE, CLARIFY."
This is typical of what has become the tone of the race between Derek Smith and Merrill Cook.
At this 'Meet The Candidate Seminar,' Democrat Jim Matheson watched as the two went at it.
Ironically, Smith says Matheson is one reason he's running.
Derek Smith/R-Candidate For Congress: I WOULD NOT HAVE GOTTEN INTO THIS RACE IF I THOUGHT HE COULD BEAT THE DEMOCRAT IN THE FALL. IN FACT I'VE VOTED FOR HIM TWICE.
Although he's new to the process, Smith says he's becoming a stronger candidate. His agenda includes raising education standards, lowering taxes, doing more for small businesses.
He and Cook have been debating issues like Medicaid and Social Security at place after place. And each time, Cook brings up his record.
Rep. Merrill Cook/R-Utah: WE NEED SOMEONE WHO CAN TAKE THE DEBATE TAKE THE ISSUES AND TAKE A SOLID RECORD OF ACCOMPLISHMENT TO CAMPAIGN AGAINST JIM MATHESON THIS NOVEMBER.
The campaigning has bordered on nasty at times.
But both are working by whatever means they can to get their message out.
For Smith, that means appealing to a generation disenchanted with government.
Derek Smith/R-Candidate For Congress: MY COMMITMENT TO THEM IS TO GO TO WASHINGTON AND FIGHT FOR POLICIIES THAT WILL MAKE GOVERNMENT MORE RELEVANT TO THEM, HELP THEM IN THEIR DAILY LIVES.
Meantime, Cook is trying to hold on, spending money on ads, meeting people, rebuilding his reputation.
I AM ADMITTIDLY, COMING FROM BEHIND. BUT I THINK WE'RE CATCHING MOMENTUM NOW.
To see if public opinion has changed, KSL and the Deseret News will have results of a new poll.
Look for those results, this weekend.
The primary is Tuesday.
