Chaffetz was connected by marriage to Michael Dukakis, the 1988 Democratic presidential nominee. Chaffetz's father was married to Kitty Dukakis (Michael's wife) before they divorced and the elder Chaffetz married Chaffitz's mother. Chaffetz, then a place kicker for the BYU football team, campaigned for Michael Dukakis in Utah in 1988. Chaffetz later become a Republican, idolized Ronald Reagan and converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well.

Cannon said: "I live in the 3rd District and understand our issues and concerns." Chaffetz lives in Alpine, Utah County. The 2001 GOP-controlled Legislature, to put more Republicans in the 2nd District held by Democratic Rep. Jim Matheson, carved out the northeast corner of Utah County (long the traditional home of the 3rd District) and put it into the 2nd District.

Chaffetz lives two miles outside of the 3rd District line. Under the U.S. Constitution, a U.S. House member need only live in the state he represents; he doesn't have to live in his district. Chaffetz points out that he lived in the 3rd District before 2001 and under a four-district plan adopted by the Legislature recently, he will live in the 3rd District again after the 2010 Census and redistricting in 2011.

Chaffetz said of Cannon: "I intend to spend my political capital on the issues that matter most to Utah. I am passionate, tenacious and driven by principle. Mr. Cannon has squandered his opportunities on issues Utahns don't care about and he hasn't been able to address the ones we do care about. ... I will always make listening to constituents a priority for myself and my staff."

Here are some of the men's responses to the newspaper's questionnaire:

• Federal deficit and the economy: Both men want balanced federal budgets and to pay down the deficit. Chaffetz favors "proactively addressing" entitlement programs (like Social Security and Medicare) to help balance the budget, along with across-the-board spending cuts and cutting ineffective federal programs.

Cannon wants the balanced budget amendment and giving the president the line item veto. Chaffetz says: "I unequivocally oppose the abusive use of (budget) earmarks. I will not ask for an earmark until this process is changed."

Cannon says Congress should be able to use spending earmarks, but the current system must be reformed so that every earmark requested is attached to the congressman asking for it, any financial benefit to the congressman made public and each earmark should be voted up or down by the whole bodies.

Both men promise they won't vote for any tax hike over the next two years.