Cannon throws hat in ring for a 6th term

PROVO — Congressman Chris Cannon announced Thursday he's seeking another tour of duty in the political battlefields on Capitol Hill.

Cannon, R-Utah, who has handily won five races for the seat in the 3rd District, kicked off his campaign for the Republican nomination with a large rally and buffet at the Historical Utah County Courthouse in downtown Provo.

Cannon, who lives in Mapleton with his wife, Claudia, and his children, mentioned three main reasons for sounding the re-election war cry: keeping the government out of public lands, out of innovation and out of Internet and telecommunications.

"I want other technologies to emerge," Cannon said, "and that can't happen if we allow monopolies or if the government is too involved."

Cannon also got his first endorsement. Provo Mayor Lewis Billings introduced Cannon at the rally and called him the most effective person the district could send to Washington.

"So much of what happens in the halls of Congress happens because of seniority, time spent in Congress," said Billings.

Cannon, one of the Republican congressmen who oversaw President Clinton's impeachment trial, said he will run "as long as my influence rises" — a refrain he sounded during the 2004 election.

"I'm not the only person who can vote the way I vote. Almost any Republican could vote the way I vote," he said. "But Congress isn't just about voting. Congress is promoting ideas that make the world a better place."

Also on Thursday, Cannon estimated that intra-party opponent John Jacob might spend as much as $3 million of his own money to win the GOP nomination.

The incumbent, estimated to be worth millions, asked supporters to send contributions as small as $1 through his Internet site, www.chriscannon.com.

He called the new contribution method — using what he called "cool new technology" — a way to minimize the influence of people like lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who has pleaded guilty to conspiracy, tax evasion and mail fraud.

Abramoff donated $2,000 to Cannon's campaign — a donation Cannon said he returned. He called Abramoff a friend but also an "equal-opportunity perverter" who sought influence from Republicans and Democrats alike.

Jacob, who made campaign appearances in Utah Valley on Thursday, essentially agreed and said he didn't believe Cannon was influenced by Abramoff's money.