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SALT LAKE CITY -- Democratic challenger Claudia Wright is turning the heat up on incumbent Congressman Jim Matheson.
With two weeks before the primary election, Wright plans to tie the BP Gulf oil spill into a statewide tour to win Democrats' primary votes.
"I believe his (Matheson's) silence on this issue is deafening," Wright said.
The ongoing mess in the Gulf of Mexico has a political dynamic -- lots of finger-pointing over what happened and about what to do next.
Wright says that as a ranking member of the Energy and Commerce committee, Matheson should guide future policy and safety standards.
She implies that campaign donations from big oil are a keeping that from happening.
"I do think that money corrupts," Wright said. "Money corrupts the political process. That's fundamental."
But Matheson says he's called for action months ago.
Rep. Jim Matheson: "The committee I'm on has had several hearings looking into this matter," he said. "So I just want to make it clear I've been on board with that issue from day one."
Wright is working to renew the energy that forced Matheson into a primary back in May.
But it remains to be seen if the "Matheson isn't Democrat enough" feeling from some delegates will translate into votes for Wright, or even boost voter turnout.
Matheson says the dust has settled now.
"There is a real change that's going on right now; that is that the more people have a chance to get familiar with my record, I think the more comfortable they are," he said.
Wright says voters are getting stirred up.
"I think people are beginning to think there is another way to get elected in the Second District other than being a conservative Republican," she said.
In the end, turnout is going to be key for the June 22 primary election. This time of year, it's tough to get people to think politics.
E-mail: rpiatt@ksl.com
