Webb: Despite his win, Chris Cannon has done nothing to show he's not extremely vulnerable to an intra-party challenge. And his vulnerability stems not from the immigration issue but from years of constituent neglect and poor communications. His negatives are the highest in the congressional delegation. He dodged a bullet this time, thanks to a bumbling, under-financed (Cannon will double or triple Jacob's spending) and inexperienced opponent, but count on a Curt Bramble or a Jason Chaffetz to run a much smarter campaign against him in two years.

Pignanelli: Technically, Cannon should be bulletproof: ideologically compatible with his district, proud family heritage, rising star in the nation's capital, no personal mistakes. Yet, it is now an annual GOP tradition that he faces a tough primary. Unlike his colleagues (especially Jim Matheson) Cannon refuses to raise money and sponsor/attend the "grip and grin" events year-round. Unless he reforms, he will face a more experienced John Jacob or possibly Bramble (who cannot be pigeonholed into one issue).

Make sure the homeboys/girls get to the polls.

Pignanelli: Rep. David Ure spent much time and effort to persuade Uintah and Duchesne county voters that he was an OK guy, although he lived and ranched in the Wasatch/Summit area. While this was a smart move, his neighbors failed to vote. In 2004, Wasatch/Summit accounted for 40 percent of the total vote of this district. Last week, these counties accounted for less than 20 percent — the difference in the election outcome.

Webb: It's tough to overcome geography in rural Utah. Better be sure you have a geographic base of support before jumping into a race.

Go "Oprah" early with any potential problems and destroy any perception of potential personal benefit from public office.

Pignanelli: By not revealing past financial setbacks upfront, Mark Jacobs (challenger to Rep. Sheryl Allen) lost his supporters and doomed his candidacy. Voters are willing to excuse politicians who come clean early with personal difficulties. Yet, they are not so forgiving of officials who appear to benefit from public service, which haunted Rep. Jim Ferrin. With his financial experience, Ferrin was an asset in the House but could not shake the perception (regardless of veracity) that certain legislation he sponsored helped his business. His opponent, Stephen Sandstrom, handled the outing of his own business issues with greater effect and won.