Chris Cannon answers Deseret Morning News questionnaire

3rd Congressional District

Deseret Morning News

Republican incumbant Chris Cannon

1. What is the major issue facing Utah today, and how would you deal with it?

The most fundamental issue facing all Americans today is our safety and security in a very uncertain world. The war on terror, protecting our homeland and achieving success in our military efforts abroad must be our highest priorities. That said, however, I believe the greatest challenge facing Utah specifically is the question of how we will take greatest advantage of a changing economy full of opportunities. We have tremendous resources in our state — a talented and skilled work force, a great quality of life and many other advantages — and we must do a better job of using those assets to attract good-paying jobs and career opportunities for our young people.

2. Do you favor or oppose a U.S. constitutional amendment that would define marriage between a man and a woman? If yes, why? If no, why?

I do favor a constitutional amendment and have co-sponsored one. I doubt that society can exist without a firm, legal commitment to this basic institution, and it seems clear to me that non-elected federal judges are undermining those legal underpinnings and the popular consensus on this issue that has prevailed for hundreds of years. I don't take amending the Constitution lightly, but the courts, in effect, do it every day, and on this issue it is time to draw the line.

3. Do you favor or oppose allowing U.S. citizens to buy prescription drugs from other countries like Canada. If not, what can be done to quickly reduce the cost of prescription medicines in the United States?

Allowing re-importation of prescription drugs raises important questions of safety and reliability. In addition, it threatens our drug industry with the same problems that have eroded the drug industries of Canada and other countries. The prescription-drug benefit contained in last year's Medicare reform bill offers the possibility of real price relief using free-market principles, and I want to give that approach a chance to work before risking the safety of our prescription-drug supply. The recent failure of a Utah company with several branches and many paid-for but undelivered drugs is a small lesson on how hard it is to assure quality and delivery.