ALT LAKE CITY - Utah Republicans cast their ballots for the other guy, what's-his-name.
It apparently mattered little yesterday who the political newcomer, Derek Smith, was. It mattered who he wasn't, and he wasn't Representative Merrill Cook, a Republican congressman with a history of mercurial behavior.
Cook lost the GOP nomination for a third term yesterday, becoming the second Capitol Hill incumbent to have been defeated this election season.
''It was a clear decision. Cook lacks integrity, he's been erratic, and he hasn't been able to get anything done,'' said Pollyanna Pixton, who voted for Smith.
Cook was dogged by allegations of a volatile temper and erratic, even delusional, behavior. The congressman admitted to having a temper but scoffed at questions about his mental health.
With six seats needed to change hands to swing control of the House, every member of the House leadership backed Cook. But prominent Utah Republicans feared losing the seat and began a not-so-subtle search for a replacement.
Smith, a 35-year-old Internet entrepreneur, stepped forward five minutes before the deadline and led Cook by 31 points in a poll at one point.
Smith conceded that part of his support had come from the anti-Cook vote but said voters also liked his message of flatter taxes and an end to federal education mandates. Spending about $600,000 of his own money, mostly in TV and radio ads, didn't hurt either.
He will face Jim Matheson, a Democrat, in the general election.
