Josh Romney out, so Merrill Cook says he'll run against Matheson

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Former Republican U.S. Rep. Merrill Cook plans to take on Democratic incumbent Jim Matheson for Utah's 2nd Congressional District seat.

Cook announced his candidacy Sunday, one day after Republican Josh Romney, middle son of Mitt Romney, said he would not seek the seat this term.

Cook said low congressional approval ratings may kill the advantage for Matheson, a four-term incumbent.

"[Matheson] dances between both sides to make himself look acceptable to everybody, but . . . on the tax-illegal-immigration-Iraq issues, he doesn't really stand up for what people from St. George all the way up to Salt Lake County are standing for," Cook said Sunday.

Matheson was not immediately available for comment.

Cook represented the district from 1996 to 2000, defeating Democrats Rocky Anderson and Lily Eskelson. In 2000, he lost in the Republican primary to Derek Smith, whom Matheson later defeated.

In 2004, Cook ran, with no party affiliation, for Salt Lake County mayor and lost to Democrat Peter Corroon.

Cook rejoined the GOP to challenge 3rd District Rep. Chris Cannon in 2006 but was eliminated at the state Republican convention.

He conceded his checkered past with his own party may present challenges.

"I'm an independent-minded Republican," Cook said. "This may be the year when that's OK."

Cook lives in Salt Lake City and owns Lehi-based Cook Slurry Co., a mining explosives manufacturer.