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Caucuses may give big edge

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Mark | 3:19 a.m. March 25, 2008
"Chaffetz is counting on the fact that delegates historically have been less friendly to Cannon than the 3rd District voters who have handily elected him to six terms."

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Two years ago, for example, Cannon got 59% at the convention, and 59% in the primary.

The caucus system remains a great way to have the informed grassroots select a party's candidates, instead of backroom party bosses.
tongue in Cheek | 6:39 a.m. March 25, 2008
I liked how when I followed the links I still couldn't find where to attend the Republican caucuses in Utah county. No wonder our State seems so determined to vote like sheep! There is no other way.

I'd vote for Cannon if I got to vote for him. We need to end the caucus system for just a primary.
Who will Chaffetz support? | 6:44 a.m. March 25, 2008
Chaffetz may be caucusing at his school in Alpine but who is he going to vote for because he can't be a delegate in the 3rd district because he doesn't live in the 3rd district.

This really bothers me.
Comments continue below
Chuckles55 | 7:33 a.m. March 25, 2008
Too bad, but only a small handfull of people will attent the Democratic caucuses, if history has any bearing on what happens tonight. For several years, I have attended the Democratic caucuses and have usually been elected precinct chair, as well as county and state delegate because my wife and I were the only ones there. Recently, we have seen several of our neighbors attend, as well. I encourage all Democrats and Republicans to go and participate in your neighborhood caucuses. It's exciting, fun and extremely informative. Both the county and state conventions give you an opportunity to actually mold public policy and to select future representation. Get involved now, or don't complain later!
How is this fair? | 8:14 a.m. March 25, 2008
"Leavitt will be running his caucus as the precinct chairman in his OWN OFFICE in Nephi." Tell me how a candidate gets to run his own caucus meeting!? So much for a fair meeting down there in Nephi! I guess that's small town politics for you.
I am for Cannon! | 8:25 a.m. March 25, 2008
I look forward to caucusing for Chris Cannon tonight. He has the seniority and influence in Washington to actually help Utah. With Leavitt or Chaffetz the state goes backward 12 years and is not represented as much as it would be otherwise.

I am interested in the comment above, it's ironic that Chaffetz can't vote for himself because he lives in Matheson's district! If he is as strong a conservative as he claims to be why is he not running against the democrat in his own district?

IM | 8:38 a.m. March 25, 2008
I hope that Cannon folks get out there this evening. He's effective, he has seniority, and he's the MOST conservative Member of the House of Representative from Utah. Cannon has a 96% approval rating by the National Taxpayers Association, 100% from NRA, etc.

Leavitt is the Kum Ba Ya candidate that thinks sitting around holding hands and talking about God will solve problems. Sounds like Mike Huckabee.

Chaffetz doesn't live in the district and is NASTY.
re: I am for Cannon! | 8:46 a.m. March 25, 2008
Let me ask you a question. Name one thing Cannon has done for us as a consequence of his "seniority" and "influence" in Washington? He has done nothing for Utah. Nothing but misrepresent this state and line his pockets.

I'll admit the other alternatives aren't that awesome either. I am sick of seeing all the nepotism in Utah. Leavitt could be a good guy, but his family associations hurt him in my opinion.

It's time for real people to represent this state, both locally and in Washington. Say no to Cannon and to Leavitt. Chaffetz would be my vote by default if I lived in the district.
Joe C | 8:53 a.m. March 25, 2008
Matheson's area is so gerrymandered I wouldn't worry where Chaffetz lives.

As for Cannon, no one in Washington votes less. I prefer a candidate who votes, and is not as friendly with Jack Abramoff. Also i prefer a candidate who didn't make millions while driving his employee-owned steel mill into bankrupcy.
other re: I am for Cannon! | 8:52 a.m. March 25, 2008
Cannon was named Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law at the beginning of the 108th Congress in January of 2003. As chairman he oversees legislation involving bankruptcy reform, privacy, interstate compacts and tort reform.

I don't think he has done too well with the bankruptcy reform.
Del A Get | 8:59 a.m. March 25, 2008
I am going to caucus for Cannon too. Leavitt is a joke and an empty suit and Chaffetz is Duke Cunningham waiting to happen. The guy has no backbone and wouldn't know what he believes. You can't be a Dukakis guy and the leader of the college Dems then change your stripes. Sorry Jason.

Cannon is easy to reach, he listens (even we don't agree all the time) and he is one of the few impeachment managers left. He took on Hillary as a freshman member of Congress and I respect that. He is a solid conservative vote and he is gonna take over a committee this time around. Hopefully one where he can bring down gas prices and let us start building our own energy supply.

I also like Cannon because him being there and winning this will stick it to Leavitt and Huntsman. Go Chris Go!
Defer to the Constitution | 8:55 a.m. March 25, 2008
Could someone show where in the Constitution it says that a candidate must live in the district? I thought the Founders had tried to protect people from gerrymandering by only requiring that they be a resident of the state in which they run.

I've always thought it was ridiculous that the Third District has a hole in it. If you live in Lehi, everyone north of you and everyone south of you is in the Third District! But they are this little hole that was gerrymandered into Matheson's district by a Republican legislature. It makes no sense.

I don't know if Chaffetz is the guy, but I think maybe one reason we're in trouble in this country is because we're more concerned about where a candidate sleeps at night than what the candidate would do if elected.
MadMax | 9:05 a.m. March 25, 2008
Why the focus on the "R" candidates? Are there not candidates with "D" behind their names engaged in seeking this office? It is terrible when even the media, who should be unbiased, lack balance when no mention of the opposition candidates is made in a news story about a political process. Oh well, we are after all a one party state. Perhaps that is the real solutin to our political problems - make Utah a 2 party state. Vote for dems for a change.
Jeff | 9:02 a.m. March 25, 2008
From the things I've read, Leavitt is starting to sound alot like John Jacob. If he doesn't end up winning, at least he can blame the devil. Chaffetz is only running on the fact that he's not Cannon. I haven't heard anything positive come out of his mouth, which won't win any election in Utah County. Whether you like Cannon or not, we know he's a strong conservative (with a 96% ACU rating... the highest in Congress) and that his seniority is a benefit to the state. Others have made comments about him not doing much. Look at the number of bills he's been able to pass compared to Matheson or Bishop. It takes a long time to really move up in Congress. Voting for either Leavitt or Chaffetz just means that it will be another 10 years until our district have any influence in Washington.
re: "How is this fair" | 9:04 a.m. March 25, 2008
The real question is: how is it not fair? Leavitt has every right to be a precinct chair even if he is a candidate. Where is the rule against that? Also, do you really think Leavitt would be able to run the caucus in his office without approval from the Republican Party? This is hardly a secret, especially since it's printed in the newspaper. Sorry, but there's no scandal or inequity here.
Brutus | 9:22 a.m. March 25, 2008
David Leavitt has my vote. He has the courage to stand up, deliver a difficult message (much more than simply a Kum-ba-ya message, as was alluded to earlier in this forum), and tell people exactly what is wrong with our country. I respect Rep. Cannon and thank him for his service over the past 12 years. But I believe the time has come for someone new to enter Congress and have a chance to influence the body. Leavitt has experience, stamina, and the ability to listen. All I've heard from the other candidate are hateful words for Rep. Cannon and no real ideas about leading our country. Thank you, Rep. Cannon for your service. But it's time for someone new, and that person is David Leavitt.
Oh Please | 9:38 a.m. March 25, 2008
Chaffetz has no principles except making sure Chaffetz gets ahead. He was a college Demo, then a shill for the MLMs, now he's a carpetbagger running to be "more conservative than thou." Cannon failed in business (just look at the giant Geneva scrap yard), so he heads for Washington to do nothing useful. Don't know Leavitt, but if he's like Mike, he's just another BushCheney lapdog. Where do the Republicans get these candidates? Where are people of principle AND competence?
re: re: "How is this fair" | 9:32 a.m. March 25, 2008
The comment didn't say it wasn't legal. Just not fair. I'm sure the Party knew about it and that's exactly the point. I also think its inappropriate to be the candidate running his own meeting. Leavitt should step aside simply for the appearence of it. Besides the other candidates will hardly have the same amount of signs and literature available as Leavitt does in HIS OWN OFFICE. It seems the 'good ole' boys are rallying around their guy down there in Nephi. Small town politics - whatcha gonna do right?
When oh when... | 9:39 a.m. March 25, 2008
When will we stop judging people because of their family? Would you like to be judged by the successes/mistakes of your family members? For goodness sake, let's allow David Leavitt to be his own man. Let's stop judging him because of his brother Mike. That is nothing less than judgmental and bigoted.
wow | 9:48 a.m. March 25, 2008
Clearly Cannon is the only candidate with integrity
re: wow | 10:07 a.m. March 25, 2008
I think you meant "the only candidate with strong ties to felon and former lobbyist Jack Abramoff."

Integrity is hard to quantify, ties with felons is easy to quantify.
re: lots of stuff | 10:16 a.m. March 25, 2008
If Leavitts name was anything other than that he would be the clear front runner in my mind. But Utah is run by a few elite famiiles and it has got to stop. I will never vote for daddy's little boy candidate. It's dangerous to turn our democracy to just a few elite families. I think the BoM is record enough for that...

Cannon is a nice guy it seems. But I cannot vote for him because his willful perpetuation of illegal immigration. People are making millions off the backs of these people. He panders to their vote, but if he really cared about them he would make it easy for them to get here legally.

Just because one has seniority means virtually nothing if they still are playing the same old boy politics and bringing about no substantial change. Washington needs change, no not 'Barack" change though. Our party is sinking, the captain is unaware, it is up to we the people to save the ship. Now what are you going to do about it?
Erik | 10:20 a.m. March 25, 2008
Cannon has established a good track record as having represented the conservative third district well, and has done an impressive amount of work in passing bills so far.
Mark | 10:28 a.m. March 25, 2008
Since Republicans are in the minority, I doubt Rep. Cannon is chair of anything now.

Constitutionally, if you are a resident of the state you can run for any congressional office. My preference though is that a candidate lives in the same district he/she is running in. Hearing that Chaffetz lives in the 2nd district makes me wonder why he doesn't run against Matheson. As a conservative R, doesn't he believe that Cannon is a better conservative than Matheson?
Dorothy | 10:33 a.m. March 25, 2008
Could we have some democratic caucus information? Why is this so slanted?
A real candidate, please? | 10:38 a.m. March 25, 2008
It is time for a real option around here. Cannon is a bit of a Bush yes man, and I disagree with him often on politics. He is, however, generally a good guy, honest and fairly representative of the communities values. A vote for Chris Cannon is a status quo vote, but the alternative is an "it couldn't possibly get worse" desperation vote. I would ask where is the good alternative? I would like to see a real candidate in District 3 for a change, not just "non-Cannon" and token extremists and no-name democrats.
Run Your Own Meeting? | 11:19 a.m. March 25, 2008
For those concerned about a candidate running their own caucus meeting, I invite you to look at who holds the legislative chair position and the precinct chair position in your own neighborhood. You might be surprised to find how many of them are either candidates and/or currently elected officials. It turns out there's a small number of people willing to give their time to get involved. Be one of them! Go to your meeting tonight.
To Cannon Supporters: | 11:23 a.m. March 25, 2008
What has he done to be a good guy?
Why has he done that has shown honesty?
When you say he is conservative, which issues are you talking about?
(e.g. financial conservatism, environmental conservatism, etc...)
Do you feel that his religious affiliation means he is conservative?

I would like to make an informed decision, and to do that I would like more specific information about why you support him and believe in him.
In Utah County | 11:23 a.m. March 25, 2008
Cannon has missed more votes in Washington than most of congress. Only 30 some odd reps missed more votes than Cannon. He doesn't listen to my concerns. I don't know who thinks he is all mr wonderful... I think he smells really bad... like dead fish and company after 3 days. Time for someone new. I personally will vote for Chaffetz because I don't think Leavitt will be as concerned for Utahns but think this whole political system has gone to pot. God Bless America.. She needs it!
The real candidate | 11:19 a.m. March 25, 2008
I heard Leavitt on the radio the other day and I think he's right: almost anybody in the 3rd District can go to Washington and cast their vote like Cannon. What we need is someone to lead/influence. Whatever "seniority" Cannon thought he had went out the window when the Democrats took over the House. We need someone new. I'll be caucusing for Leavitt tonight.
re: Del A Get | 11:29 a.m. March 25, 2008
If you think that Cannon is going to take down gas prices, and invest in getting another energy supply you are up in the night. Learn what republican philosophy believes. That is one problem with many Utah Republicans. They don't know what they or their party believes in. They just know they don't like abortion and gay marriage.
For republicans that truly know why they believe in what they believe in, then I have respect. But their are far too many sheep within the walls of our state.
Yay, Utah County | 11:37 a.m. March 25, 2008
Cannon -- can I sell you a million tons of Geneva Scrap?
Chaffetz -- can I sell you some skin lotion at outrageous prices, Sucker?
Leavit -- can I sell you some sick fish?
What a great County! What amazing Candidates!
The votes | 11:50 a.m. March 25, 2008
After going to a Chaffetz meeting I asked the Cannon campaign about the votes he has missed. They showed me that there were times he did miss votes like when his wife had a baby a number of years ago, and again when his daughter was dying of cancer! I was nearly physically sick when I heard that - that Jason would attack someone with a half truth (Cannon did miss the votes) when it was such a personal family tragedy. What father wouldn't be home during those times!? My respect for Chris as a person actually increased when I heard that and now my respect for Jason is virtually zero. I simply don't trust him anymore.
Go Leavitt! | 11:58 a.m. March 25, 2008
Go David Leavitt! You can do it!
re: The votes | 12:00 p.m. March 25, 2008
There are a lot of things Chaffetz says that are "half-truth" and simply sick.
Re: The votes | 12:09 p.m. March 25, 2008
It is true that Cannon has missed some votes for his daughter's cancer. The fact is he has a job. Most working people can least afford to be at home when there is significant illness in the family, so they can keep their insurance. What has Rep. Cannon done to help with health care treatment so other parents can be with their children when they have cancer or some other disease? As far as I can tell he hasn't learned anything from his daughter's long struggle (except to find a job with good insurance and a lot of paid leave.)
super delegate | 12:07 p.m. March 25, 2008
I have meet with Rep cannon in his Washington Dc office 3 times and all I heard was how screwed up the system is and placed all the blame onto the Senators. I just wanted to grab him by the ears and tell him YOU ARE THE SYSTEM FIX IT!! As far as senority and power When will we the voting public get it through our heads that until we limit the terms of all politicians to 8 years so no one has supremacy and no one is all powerful and most of all no one hits the point that they feel they can do what ever they want for their own personal gain. That my friends is politics and what has given the term a black eye in todays world. Gov Huntsman once said if you can not do it in 8 years you will not do it. Vote for the person that wants to get in and get it done and get out. No lifetime carrer wanta be.
Help! | 12:52 p.m. March 25, 2008
Somebody help me choose. I like Republican emphasis on self-reliance and initiative. I also like Democratic emphasis on peace, helping others, and improving education and health care. I need to know which meeting to go to tonight...
Don't be fooled by this action | 1:01 p.m. March 25, 2008
This is not a vote, They are abtriging your voteing rights covered by the Constitution
You people need to learn more about the Constitution
It is still good, The Government is trying to cover it up

Try George W. Bush
He is a criminal
Re: Re: The votes | 12:57 p.m. March 25, 2008
"As far as I can tell he hasn't learned anything from his daughter's long struggle (except to find a job with good insurance and a lot of paid leave.)" That is disgusting - it sounds just like Jason! Are you on his staff? That comment is appalling!
Combat Veteran | 1:14 p.m. March 25, 2008
When I was in Iraq in early 2003 on indefinite orders (no clue on how long we would be there) we got a letter from Bishop, Matheson, Hatch and Bennett saying they were going to help us find out how long we would be deployed.

Cannon's signature was nowhere to be found.

Senators and Represenatives worked together. Democrats and Republicans worked together.

Chris Cannon did nothing.
Re: Re: Re: The votes | 1:22 p.m. March 25, 2008
I am not sure who Jason is.

I do know that I have had to work when I wanted to be at home with sick family members. I do know I had to work for several years while I waited to be able to get an operation I needed (related to cancer) so I could use insurance. I would have cost too much without insurance.

While I am sad for Mr Cannon's daughter, she is not the first, nor will she be the last who will get cancer. I am sure she got the best treatment possible. I am glad Mr Cannon could spend time with her.

Why is it not important to Mr Cannon to help others in the same situation he was in? That's my issue. As I said, I am not sure who Jason is.
Health Care | 1:52 p.m. March 25, 2008
Paying a health care premium is not the same as self insurance. If you self-insure you have to have a very clean bill of heath. Nobody insurer would admit a self-insure patient with cancer.
WatchDog | 2:05 p.m. March 25, 2008
Hey, Super Delegate!

Have you asked Cannon why he chose to keep the $77,000 that he charged the tribes to assist by voting for tribal gambling?

Or why HE didn't go to jail, along with Abhramhoff? How he managed to avoid that is beyond me!

Or, why MALDEF thinks so highly of him? They even gave him an award for his support of illegal immigration!
Dear Mark | 2:29 p.m. March 25, 2008
The majority party generally gives a few meaningless chairmanships to the minority party. One where there is generally not a lot of action.
I am interested in who votes and how often they vote. If a congressman claims he isn't voting because he is chairing a committee or on a fact finding mission he needs to reassess his scheduling. I need to find out for sure what Cannon's voting record is then make my decision, not based on allusions, whether true or not, from other bloggers.

If only the voter could really understand their power. Nixon disgraced himself, but the race between him and Kennedy would have different if one more person in each precinct throughout the nation had voted for Nixon he would have won. That is how powerful our vote is.

If more people became involved and voted we would have more representatives and senators paying attention to their constituents.

When only 30-40% of voters turning out the other 60-70% have said they don't care. If you don't care then vote for a minor candidate who you are sure won't win, but it sure gives a powerful message to the majority party. School board elections are worse.
Just a Guy | 3:31 p.m. March 25, 2008
All these Cannon stooges need to stop lying!! Cannon is not the most Conservative member of Congress! That is a flagrant lie! I would encourage everyone to look it up for themselves instead of listening to all the Cannon Kool-aid drinkers! What else are they lying about? I'll take anyone over Cannon.
Utah Republican | 3:59 p.m. March 25, 2008
It is the duty of every right thinking Utah Republican to attend the Republican caucuses. We cannot, and should not let the left leaning, socialistic, probably even pinko Democratic party ever gain control of the right thinking state of Utah. We need to keep in power those right thinking Republican state senators and representatives who have supported George W. Bush in his successful policies both domestic and abroad. I would also remind those right thinking Republicans that it is their duty to vote for John McCain, who promises 4 more years, preferably 8 years, of those same successful Bush policies....world peace, great economy, admiration from all countries. If lucky, all right thinking Utah Republicans may see McCain choose Jeb Bush as his running mate. Grooming Jeb to become president in 2016 for another 8 years at which time Jenna Bush will be ready to step in and continue the great policies of her father. Thank you.
lost in DC | 4:28 p.m. March 25, 2008
We had a flier delivered to our home announcing the time and place for the neighborhood GOP caucus. We saw nothing from the other major party. No one I talked to in the neighborhood knew where it was. Maybe there is no other party in parts of Salt Lake County.
V.W. | 6:02 p.m. March 25, 2008
I know David Leavitt has worked very hard thus far, and not for himself. In him, I see someone who really wants to serve and who doesn't want the power or the career. Go David!
Re: Jo C | 10:50 p.m. March 25, 2008
I hate hearing people bash on Cannon for missing votes! While he has been in office he has had one daugher born and another pass away from cancer. He should miss votes for family these type of family emergencies! He has also missed a few minor votes because he was busy being the Chairman of the Judiciary committee on Administrative law. Both reasons are fine with me.

For Chaffetz to attack Cannon for missing votes despite his family loyalties and loyalties to his chairmanship is pure gutter-politics and reflects Chaffetz' desperation and blind political ambition!

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