From Deseret News archives:

3rd District foes trade blows

Published: Sunday, May 4, 2008 12:30 a.m. MDT
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PROVO — With a week left in their bid to unseat six-term Utah Congressman Chris Cannon, Jason Chaffetz, David Leavitt and Joe Ferguson threw some haymakers at the incumbent during a debate Saturday in Provo.

Chaffetz even threw a couple of roundhouse rights at Sen. Orrin Hatch and Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., to the delight of most in the audience of more than 100 delegates to next weekend's state Republican convention.

Chaffetz, Leavitt and Ferguson said Utah and the state's 3rd Congressional District do get some benefit from Cannon's seniority in Congress, but all three said he'd made enough missteps that he should be replaced.

Listen to the debate — Leavitt

Story continues below
Listen to the debate — Ferguson

"Seniority does not necessarily equal influence," said Chaffetz, who then criticized Hatch for being unable to move Congress toward passing an immigration reform bill this year. Chaffetz said he was "terribly frustrated" when Hatch told the state Legislature in February that reform would have to wait another year. Hatch is in his 32nd year in the U.S. Senate.

"Why are we sending you back for Year 34 if you can't get this issue moving?" Chaffetz said.

Recent comments

wow we may finally be seeing where all that money from the candidates...

paid to be here? | May 7, 2008 at 7:09 a.m.

I agree 100% with rkps. Cannon is bright but does not explain things...

Wondering | May 6, 2008 at 4:52 p.m.

You know, when someone proclaims himself to be a Statesman it should...

Listen Up! | May 5, 2008 at 3:50 p.m.

Image

Jason Chaffetz speaks at a debate for 3rd Congressional District hopefuls. At left is David Leavitt; Rep. Chris Cannon is at right.

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