It seems as though Representative Jim Matheson has ensured an intra-party fight at next years state Democratic convention with his promised no vote on HR 3962 – the front running heath care reform bill going before the House Saturday.

In the past, I have been understanding of Representative Matheson’s tenuous position as Representative of the Second Congressional District – after all, he is a moderate in a moderate district – and, for the most part, Democrats understand this fact when he is less than supportive of initiatives and bills that us lefties would like to see. Furthermore, many Dem’s respect his fiscal conservatism in the light of swelling budgets and shrinking pocket books, if only because it shows that we are not a “tax and spend” party.

But there are a few things Democrats expect, nay demand, he vote for if he is to call himself a Democrat in the first place; things such as environmental protection, education, smart growth, and, yes, heath care reform.

His no vote on health care will fundamentally place into doubt Matheson’s liberal ideals in the eyes of many convention goers while others (such as myself) will finally be pushed over the edge of supporting him and his moderate votes. This fact may just be enough to ensure that a contender could bump him out of office at convention. Furthermore, any candidate worth their grain of salt will be sure to remind convention goers of this Matheson’s past votes and could easily put into question his commitment to the party.

In many ways this was inevitable.  Matheson has crafted an image of a moderate that looks out for his constituents and proves that there are Democrats can win it Utah.  Many in the party (and you know who you are) tolerated this view during the Bush Administration if only because we knew that Matheson, for the most part, would not agree with the policies being pushed through Congress –  especially when compared to the alternatives John Swallow, LaVar Christensen, and Bill Dew, respectively provided on the ballot.

Now, however, Matheson is showing that he will not support a Democratic president with a very Democratic (note the big d) bill. In many ways he is now showing that he still does not agree with the policies of this administration either. With a Democratic majority in the nation, Utah Democrats will wonder if having a Democrat in name only is worth supporting over someone who might actually share the same beliefs and values – even if it means loosing the seat in the process. Don’t forget that, as Democrats in Utah, we very much have the “give them hell” attitude when it comes to taking on the Republicans, if only because we have to do so to stay sane. Utah Democrats, as a general rule, support who they believe in, not who will win – otherwise we would simply vote Republican and get it over with.

Of course, Matheson must have seen the writing on the wall long ago – especially with the fourth district just beyond the horizon. There is no way you can cut the districts that won’t produce at least two very conservative districts, one moderately conservative district, and one very liberal district. None of these districts are ideally suited to fit Matheson, and he has to know that he survives due to the echoes of the 2000 census; 2010 will not be so kind. This no vote may just be his swan song to the Democratic Party.

And so I will wait with bated breath to see what happens next.  His no vote could be the beginning of the end for the esteemed gentleman from Utah.