Cannon-Jacob rivalry seen as GOP bellwether

Cannon says his position is conservative because it addresses the needs of businesses and provides pragmatic answers to complex questions about securing America's borders and registering illegal immigrants. With Utah's unemployment rate hovering at 3 percent to 4 percent, he said a loss of a large number of workers in low-paying, unattractive jobs could cripple some companies.

Many see this Utah Republican primary as a canary in the coal mine for fall Congressional elections in which immigration will be a key issue as Democrats attempt to regain 15 seats from Republican and retake control of the House of Representatives.

"Actually, there's no question that's true," Jacob said. "Right now, if I get elected a lot of people will realize a guest-worker program is unacceptable."

In fact, some are aiming at Cannon, including former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Bay Buchanan, hoping a primary loss by a conservative in a conservative district might scare other congressmen out of supporting guest-worker legislation pushed by President Bush, Newt Gingrich and conservative Christian leader Gary Bauer. Buchanan is the founding chairman of the Team America political action committee run by anti-immigration Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo.

"So how do we stop the Congress from folding under the enormous pressure and agreeing to some guest-worker provision? First I propose we try to defeat Congressman Chris Cannon, an open-border Republican from Utah," Buchanan said earlier this week. "Defeating Cannon will send shock waves through Congress. Every one of those lawmakers will understand the message — 'back down from your no-amnesty position and pay the price in November.' ... So that is the immediate plan — target Cannon."

Cannon maintains he is for strong border control. His radio ads stress that he has voted for stricter screening at entry points, increased border surveillance and more border patrol agents. He also would require all immigrants to carry a tamper-proof ID card or face deportation.

The two millionaires have poured money into the race. Until recent small donations began to come in after comments by Limbaugh and Hannity, Jacob had provided nearly all of his own campaign funds. Cannon added $100,000 of his own money on Tuesday and raised another $100,000 at a Washington, D.C, fund-raiser on Wednesday, his campaign manager, Nathan Rathbun, said.

Jacob said Friday his campaign has prepared TV ads but hasn't decided whether they'll be used.

"That's very expensive," he said. "We have them ready, but we'll see if we need them at the end or not."

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