This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Damian W. Kidd — a Republican and attorney living in American Fork — is considering running next year against Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, arguing the congressman cares more about himself than voters.

"Chaffetz isn't concerned about Utah; he's concerned about Chaffetz," Kidd said in a statement announcing that he is testing the waters for a candidacy next year. "Chaffetz is not serving us, but is instead tactically navigating a political path for his own advancement."

He charged that Chaffetz loves TV cameras and the spotlight too much. "He has either become intoxicated by power or has nothing going in the private sector — or both."

He also attacked Chaffetz for initially saying he wouldn't be able to look his daughter in the eye if he were to support Donald Trump, but later tweeted that he would vote for him.

"It was a shrewd, calculated move just prior to the big election meant to hedge his bet, the type of move that only a D.C. insider — a career politician — would want or need to do," he said.

In response to Kidd's criticism, Chaffetz said, "I think my work speaks for itself. I am proud of the work we are doing."

Kidd has never run for office previously. But he has a bachelor's degree in political science from Brigham Young University, and was an intern in Washington, D.C., for then-Rep. (and now Sen.) Mike Crapo, R-Idaho.

"I'm tired of being a spectator," he told the Tribune.

Kidd was raised in Blackfoot, Idaho, and has a law degree from the University of Idaho. He was a deputy prosecuting attorney for Bingham County, Idaho, before moving back to Utah to join the law firm of Driggs, Bills & Day.

Kidd has lived primarily in Utah County since 1996.

He is married to Jennifer Miller-Kidd, and they have three children ages two to 10.