Cannon, Burridge disagree on war, taxes, party politics

On the hot-button moral issues, the candidates for Utah's 3rd Congressional District seat generally agree.

But according to a candidate survey conducted by the Deseret Morning News, when it comes to war, taxes and party politics, the two are about as different as, say, an elephant and a donkey.

Both Republican incumbent Chris Cannon and Democratic challenger Christian Burridge support the death penalty, both support traditional marriage and both oppose abortion.

Deseret Morning News graphicCandidate Q & A: Chris CannonRequires Adobe Acrobat.

Both support stem cell research, though Cannon adds the caveat that it must not "destroy life in the process." He adds the same condition for supporting the cloning of human cells, which Burridge said he opposes.

Asked what they view to be the two major issues facing the United States and the 3rd District in particular, the differences come into view. Cannon identified the war on terror, and immigration, which he said requires "real reform that secures the border without destroying our economy in the process."

Burridge, on the other hand, said ethics reform in Congress is the most important issue, particularly when it comes to monitoring the connection between legislators and lobbyists. He also tabbed education, calling the No Child Left Behind Act "another massive unfunded federal mandate" that harms the education of Utah students.

Deseret Morning News graphicCandidate Q & A: Christian BurridgeRequires Adobe Acrobat.

Asked for his position on taxes, Cannon said he would support making the current tax cuts permanent and would not vote to raise taxes. He credited the tax cuts for energizing the economy through disasters such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.

"I contend that the tax cuts have helped keep our economy moving forward," Cannon wrote, "and making the tax cuts permanent will only propel the economy because businesses will be able to operate and project their expansions in a stable economy."

Burridge, however, said he would favor repealing the tax cuts and raising the taxes on the wealthy and businesses but would not support any tax increases on the middle class.

"I oppose making tax cuts for multimillionaires permanent," Burridge wrote. "We are in a time of war and in a time of record high deficit spending. I oppose leaving our debts to our children and grandchildren. We should pay as we go."

Asked what he viewed as the major difference between himself and his opponent, Burridge pointed at Cannon's record of voting with party leadership 97 percent of the time, saying he would be an independent voice for Utah.

Cannon noted his record and his experience and seniority in the House. He particularly pointed out his role in issues regarding telecommunications and immigration.

The complete surveys and the candidates' responses are available online at Legislative Candidate surveys.

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E-mail: jtwitchell@desnews.com