Former state legislator and Republican Party vice chairman Morgan Philpot said Tuesday he will beat back the federal government's long arm and offer a fiscally conservative alternative to Democratic Rep. Jim Matheson.

"Isn't it time to elect a congressman who will work hard to fight the encroachment of the federal government into every aspect of our daily life?" Philpot asked a group of supporters gathered at the Capitol as he announced his bid. "We can't afford the status quo in Washington. We can no longer afford Jim Matheson."

Philpot tied Matheson, a five-term Democrat, to Nancy Pelosi and castigated him for his votes for the economic stimulus package and the Cash-For-Clunkers car exchange program.

Philpot said the Obama administration and Democratic Congress, rather than pushing the brakes on spending, seem insistent on driving the nation over a cliff.

"I pledge to you that I will do everything within my power to change the course of Congress and say, 'No more,'" he said.

Neil Walter, a small-business owner from southern Utah, has said he plans to seek the GOP nomination, as well. And Democrats disgruntled with Matheson's moderate voting record have enlisted University of Utah professor John Weis to challenge Matheson for his party's nomination.

Matheson has won the once-Republican 2nd District by larger and larger margins in each election, trouncing his little-known GOP opponent by 28 points in the previous election.

Philpot said that, this election, he expects to be able to tap into feelings of voter antipathy toward Washington.

"There is a great level of discontent," he said. "There is frustration. There is even anger. People feel different now than they did even a year ago, and I think that's what is going to turn the tide."

Matheson's spokeswoman, Alyson Heyrend, said the congressman looks forward to a spirited race.

"Congressman Matheson is very proud of his public record and his service and he looks forward to running an aggressive, winning campaign," said Heyrend. "He always looks forward to being able to put his ideas before the Utah electorate and debate the issues."

Matheson reported $1.2 million in his campaign account in his financial disclosure filed this week.

Philpot entered the 2nd District congressional race briefly in 2000, but dropped out and was later appointed to fill a vacant Utah House seat. He served two terms, then left the House to attend Ave Maria School of Law.

Last year, he was elected by Republican delegates to the post of vice chairman of the state party, a position he resigned last month in preparation for his campaign. He is the general counsel for Reagan Outdoor Advertising, a billboard company.