Delegates "are looking for a change because they feel that some issues — such as immigration or No Child Left Behind — have been mishandled," said Cook, who served in the 2nd Congressional District from 1997 to 2001. "But they also want proven experience in Congress. With me, they get the best of both worlds."

One of the glaring differences between the three candidates is the kind of money being spent, or in Cook's case, not spent. All three men are millionaires and have either promised to spend a lot of their own money, if needed, or have done so in the past.

Jacob is well on his way to spending $1 million of his own money on the race — should he advance Saturday — as he said he would months ago. Cannon and Cook have shown before that they are willing to spend millions of their own dollars on their races, although neither has done so in this race so far.

New Federal Election Commission reports show Jacob, who made his money in developing water and land, has already given his campaign $245,000.

Jacob is basically self-funding his race; all but $8,112 of his $253,112 comes from the candidate. Jacob has spent $246,500 on the race up to the convention. He has $6,500 in cash but clearly can write checks himself if he gets into a primary.

Cook, meanwhile, is not spending much on the convention race.

Cook, who has spent more than $3 million on his own races and causes over the years, has given his campaign just $5,000. Other Cook family members have contributed, also. And the anti-illegal immigrant PAC, Team America, gave Cook $5,000, for a total raised of only $27,035, Federal Election Commission reports show.

Meanwhile, Cannon, who historically doesn't raise nor spend much money on his re-elections, has gone all out this year. He's raised more than $462,000 and spent $465,000 since his 2004 re-election.

Should Cannon be forced into a six-week primary battle with either Cook or Jacob, the incumbent has only $27,737 in cash to start that primary campaign. Cannon has loaned his campaign about $18,000, records show.

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E-mail: jloftin@desnews.com, bbjr@desnews.com