Matthew James Salmon (born January 21, 1958) is a former Congressional Representative from Arizona. In 2002 he lost to Janet Napolitano in a highly competitive Arizona governor's race.

Early Years 1958-1981

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, he graduated from Mesa High School in Mesa, Ariz in 1976. He latter went on to attend Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona in 1981. In 1986 he graduated with a M.P.A. from Brigham Young University. In the following years he went on become a telecommunications executive; community affairs manager.

Business Career 1987-1991

After working in the telecommunications industry and after having gained experience working as a community affairs manager he decided in 1991.

Political Career in Arizona 1991-1995

Which he served as a member of the Arizona state senate, from 1991-1995. From 1993-1995 he was the assistant majority leader.

Career in the U.S. House of Representatives 1995-2001

In 1995 he was elected as a Republican to the One Hundred Fourth and to the two succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1995-January 3, 2001), he was not a candidate for reelection to the One Hundred Seventh Congress in 2000. He was instrumental obtaining the January 29, 2000 release of Song Yongyi from Chinese authorities.

Election of 2002-Present

He was unsuccessful candidate for Governor of Arizona in 2002. Since his defeat in 2002 it has been rumored that he will be the next state chairman of the Republican party of Arizona.

References

• 2002 Arizona Governor's Race
• Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• SEPT. 16, 2002 Southwestern Political Report MacNeil/Lehrer Productions
• Salmon holds vision for Arizona's GOP Ex-congressman eyes chairman seat' Arizona Republic November 28, 2004
• Ex-Rep. Salmon in '06 race Will he run against Flake? By Chip Scutari The Arizona Republic Sept. 23, 2004
• Academic freed by China flies home January 29, 2000 BBC News World Service

Quotes

• "Janet has dodged debates. Where does she stand on the issues? Most of the time she's on the fence." In reference to then canidate Janet Napolitano

• "We need to focus on the needs of Arizona," Salmon said. " We need seasoned people. We need experienced voices in Congress." In refernce to term limits hurting a potiential run for the U.S House of Representatives

See Also

• Janet Napolitano
• Governors of Arizona