Cannon raises another $75,000

Special interests have flooded Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, with $75,000 in cash during the past week for his primary election against GOP challenger Jason Chaffetz — coming as Cannon's campaign was nearly broke and owed $132,500 to vendors.

That late money includes donations that may bring negative political baggage, such as $2,500 from the National Beer Wholesalers Association to nondrinker, LDS Church member Cannon. Some may show helpful endorsements, such as $5,000 from a political action committee formed by Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah.

"We've said all along that we would have enough money to run this campaign," said Ryan Frandsen, Cannon's campaign manager. "And no special (donation) pitches are being made. It is a serious challenge" by Chaffetz, Frandsen said.

Cannon may end up after Tuesday's primary with bills due but not a great deal of money. Cannon should be able to take care of that debt, Frandsen added.

As of Thursday, Cannon reported $75,000 in donations received after he had filed his pre-primary financial report with the Federal Election Commission a week ago. That's nearly as much as Chaffetz has raised in his total primary campaign — from the mid-May state GOP convention to the June 24 election.

Federal law requires reporting any late donations of $1,000 or more to the FEC within 48 hours of receipt after that pre-election report has been filed. Chaffetz has raised only $8,000 in late-money contributions, his 48-hour reports show.

Cannon's pre-primary report also showed a bit of a cash squeeze, which the new donations relieve.

Cannon pre-primary disclosure showed only $9,259 in cash on hand — but $132,500 in unpaid bills to vendors, including $88,000 for printing, $17,000 for advertising and $15,000 for polling. Cannon, a millionaire, also reported owing another $138,000 in personal loans to himself from his 2006 campaign.

Campaigns don't have to report new debt from the pre-primary report to election day, but Frandsen said since most entities — like a radio station or printer — require political campaigns to pay upfront for services, "we're not incurring much debt" now.

The $75,000 in late money amounts to about 10 percent of the nearly $728,000 that he has now reported raising this two-year election cycle.