Cannon, Chaffetz similar — except on views the candidates have of each other

Ask U.S. Rep. Chris Cannon and his GOP challenger Jason Chaffetz what the two men have in common politically, and they will start talking about how they couldn't be more different from that other guy.

But in a 20-question survey given to the men by the Deseret News, stands taken by Cannon and Chaffetz are nearly the same.

Only when asked why one would be a better congressman than his opponent do the men really take on the other guy, each saying Utah Republicans should vote for him in the June 24 primary election.

Perhaps, since both Cannon, a six-term Republican seeking re-election this year, and Chaffetz, the former chief of staff of Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., describe themselves as staunch conservatives, their politics may not be that different, despite how they see each other personally.

The candidates' complete questionnaires can be viewed in the "related content" area above.

Asked what his greatest strength is, and what Cannon's greatest weakness is, Chaffetz said: "My greatest strength and my opponent's greatest weakness are the same — the ability to communicate."

Cannon himself said sometimes he doesn't articulate an answer as well as he would like. "Some of us are blessed with a silver tongue and others with a thirst for knowledge. I abhor sound bite politics; I will continue to engage on the issues in an in-depth and thorough manner."

But Chaffetz says Cannon is just plain out of touch and has been for some time. "Utahns deserve someone who can listen to them," said Chaffetz, "and then effectively articulate our perspective and values in Washington."

Cannon said: "I do not like talking about myself. I prefer to work toward a goal and ensure that all who contribute are given the credit they deserve."

Cannon said he really couldn't point out any weaknesses of Chaffetz. "Like the vast majority of us in the 3rd District, I do not know enough about him to presume to know his greatest weakness — or strength. I have a transparent record; my career and life have been examined and reported on for years, and I am a known quantity. That is not the case with my opponent, and I will leave it to the voters to judge."

Still, Cannon, brother of Deseret News editor Joe Cannon, took a few shots at Chaffetz around the edges.

For example, asked why he would make a better congressman than Chaffetz, Cannon wrote: "I have been a lifelong conservative."