This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2004, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Beau Babka volunteered to man the Democratic Party's State Fair booth, tucked in the most remote northeast corner of the park. In the span of an hour, maybe two dozen people trickled by. A few stopped to make wisecracks.

"I have to shake the hand of a Democrat, because there aren't many of us left," says a middle-aged woman. Chimes another, "Nothing like living in a state where your vote doesn't count."

The sarcasm, however lighthearted, underscores Babka's burden as a Democrat running against a four-term Republican in Republican territory. But humor is lost on Babka, who is unflinchingly earnest and optimistic about his chances of beating Congressman Chris Cannon.

"There are more free-thinking, thinking voters in Utah than people realize," goes his campaign pitch. "This whole race is about potential. We're trying to do something extraordinary. And I believe it can be done, once people get beyond the label 'Democrat' and find I'm just a regular person: a police officer, dad, teacher and member of the community who just wants to make a difference."

Running as a Democrat is the least of Babka's obstacles.

At 41 years old, Babka's political experience is limited to having run a tight, but unsuccessful, race for Salt Lake County sheriff in 2002. Six weeks into this race, his campaign manager quit for a higher paying job.

And because he works on the taxpayers' dime, the South Salt Lake cop and adjunct community college professor must take great pains to avoid any appearance of using public resources to campaign.

That means answering media or constituent queries on his personal mobile phone during lunch or after work. It also involves leaving the squad car at his Draper home and spending long days behind the wheel of a neighbor's purple Mazda coupe - a squeeze for Babka's 6-foot-2-inch, 250-pound frame.

"Most mornings I'm doing honk and waves and most nights I'm speaking at some event," says the father of six. "It's always a juggle, making sure I meet my commitments at work, home and on the campaign trail."

But what others might consider a vulnerability, Babka considers his strength.

"If I run the risk of looking like the hardworking guy next door, so be it," he says. "When I talk to people, they don't want a Washington insider."

As if on cue, Rene Collettee approaches the booth and says, "I'm an avid Republican, but I don't like Chris Cannon." The 50-year-old Springville resident wants to know what Babka has to offer.

Babka is running on a "Utahns deserve better" platform.

He criticizes Utah's senior House member for "sitting idly by" while Utah has slipped to dead last nationally in per-pupil spending. And he harps on Republicans' "poor domestic track record."

Babka's name recognition in Salt Lake County - comprising the largest chunk of Utah's 3rd Congressional District - coupled with endorsements from police, firefighter and labor union organizations has helped him gain some ground in the polls.

"Nothing is a sure thing. Don't write us off yet," stresses Jeff Bell, Babka's spokesman.

Babka has been beating the odds most of his life.

Escaping a broken, lower-middle-class home - with divorced parents and an alcoholic father - Babka left California at age 17 to play football for the University of Hawaii.

Babka's father, a silver medalist in the discus at the Rome Olympics, had always encouraged sports. And though Babka thrived as a football player, he decided to quit Hawaii and returned home for some "soul searching."

Time and again he turned to football, playing for Delta State, the University of Arizona and a year on the practice squad of the Seattle Seahawks.

He married longtime girlfriend Kim, and after a falling-out with his business partner, moved to Utah, converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and worked in construction while attending the police academy.

"We moved into a converted chicken coop in Orem because it was the only place I could afford and that would take our sheepdog," he says. "Thus began our Utah odyssey."

Next stop: Washington D.C., hopes Babka, who says if elected he will listen to voters and build coalitions.

"This is about leadership built from the people," Babka says. "In two years, I would like to stand in front of my constituents and say, 'This is what I've accomplished,' and hear that my constituents are happy."

Babka on the issues

* Tax cuts: Supports proposed $32 billion tax relief package for small businesses and opposes making permanent the Bush administration's tax cuts "benefiting the rich and increasing the deficit."

* Education: Promises to do what Republicans have promised, but failed, to accomplish: fund No Child Left Behind and after-school programs.

* Abortion: Would preserve a woman's right to choose only in cases of incest, rape or when the mother's health or life is at risk.

* War in Iraq: Would approve budget increases to support troops, but believes the Bush administration needs an exit plan.

* Same-sex marriage: Sees it as a states' rights issue and would not support Bush's proposed constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.