On various illegal immigration-restriction Web sites, Cannon's face is alternately seen in a circle with a line drawn through it or with a target laid over it. Other restrictionists have used a cartoon clown in place of his face, or a donkey, implying he's liberal on immigration.

Only in the emotional arena of the illegal immigration debate could President Bush and Cannon be labeled liberals. Cannon's voting record repeatedly ranks among the most conservative in Congress, but because he is to the left of some cantankerous groups on immigration, he has been a lightning rod since Bush announced his bid for immigration reform in 2004.

Bush proposed, and Cannon has supported, a guest-worker program that would allow some illegal aliens working in the United States to remain for a period of time, six to 12 years in various proposals, and for some of those to possibly earn the right to apply for permanent residence.

That irks many who believe it would reward people for a crime.

"Some see a real moral value in making them go home before they can reapply," Cannon said.

He said he does not believe in amnesty, saying his plan is not like the 1986 amnesty. Instead, with improved technology, borders would be tightened, the immigration system revamped and guest workers would be invited to continue contributing to the American economy.

Cannon's opponent in the June 27 primary, John Jacob, has called for sending illegals home with the promise they could use a Disneyland-style FastPass to return. Cannon said his own plan isn't an amnesty, but if it is, sending illegal aliens home with the promise of a return is the same.

Cannon has denounced the U.S. Senate bill that includes a path-to-citizenship provision. But he, like Bush, has indicated that he'd be willing to require illegal immigrants in a guest-worker program to return to their native country at some point before having the possibility of seeking permanent residence.

Cannon, like Bush, wants comprehensive reform now.

"This is one of the great issues of our time," Cannon said. "I hope we handle it well."

He also believes his stand is the most conservative, because it would protect America's economy and businesses. Illegal immigrants pay billions of dollars in taxes and pour tens of billions into the Social Security fund, covering Social Security costs for thousands of Americans.

Groups against any guest-worker program are calling on supporters to attack Cannon, hoping that by knocking off one conservative, they would send a message to the White House and Congress. Cannon agreed that losing next week's primary would make comprehensive reform too hot in an election year.

"The result would be bad for America," he said.