Deseret News | Reader comments: Cannon-Chaffetz debate becomes heated

Reader comments
Cannon-Chaffetz debate becomes heated

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Travis | 12:22 a.m. June 14, 2008

Cannon is starting to feel the heat of this race. He knows that Chaffetz is getting at the heart of the issues that Cannon tries to skate around.

Listen to the debate and you will see a skating act that Michelle Kwan would be proud of.

3rd District Voter | 12:53 a.m. June 14, 2008

So Bernick quotes Cannon multiple times as he stated that Chaffetz is "misrepresenting" his record. Perhaps Bernick could actually do some independent research and indicate whether or not a distortion is actually happening.

I've heard that Cannon sometimes skips votes on certain issues, or will wait to see how the vote is headed before casting his vote with or against the majority so he can pad his record on issues like immigration. If this is really happening, it doesn't strike me as good leadership.

I've seen news stations and papers in other states actually have an impartial analysis of statements made during an election cycle by candidates and label them as being either true or false. Why can't the Dnews do the same thing?

Anonymous | 1:51 a.m. June 14, 2008

Bias?

What I want to know is why on every Cannon/Chaffetz article, the picture of Cannon is the first, default picture.

This paper is owned by the Mormon Church. It should not be used to further the political biases of the editor, Chris Cannon's brother.

Comments continue below

Commoner | 1:53 a.m. June 14, 2008

I am not a voter in third district, nor am I involved in eaither race, but I have had the opportunity to get to know both candidates personally over the years and I will tell you there is no debate, I would rather have Chris Cannon be my representative any day.

He may have a short fuse sometimes, and he is not silver tongued, but he has substance. Jason is nothing but a flatterer who will say whatever he has to to get elected, not so that he can actually accomplish anything once he is elected, but just so that he can be a congressman and have people kiss his ring.

The reality is that the real politicians in DC will eat Jason up and spit him out because they don't fall for shallow rhetoric like so many voters unfortunately do.

Its simple: If you want to get something done, buy a work horse, not a prancing show pony.

Anonymous | 1:54 a.m. June 14, 2008

Cannon lose his cool? Nuh-uh. Never. Unheard of.

And Cannon's record is itself a lie. He talks tough on immigration enforcement come election time but when it's safely behind him he makes no effort to push for enforcement.

Anonymous | 1:59 a.m. June 14, 2008

Congress is at a 26% approval rating, the lowest recorded level ever. But every idiot voter in the country thinks it's the fault of other people's representatives, while his is OK. Which is why Congress never gets better - because we keep sending the same bums back.

Let's send Chris Cannon's bum back to Mapleton.

Congress won't do the right thing until they know the voters are willing to fire them. How many people at your workplace would do a good job if they knew they could never get fired?

StalkingBramble Blogger | 2:02 a.m. June 14, 2008

Go Jason!

Mike Ridgway

Impartial | 2:14 a.m. June 14, 2008

I'm not in the third district and not involved with either campaign. But I have gotten to know both candidates personally over the years, and its simple.

If you want to get something done, buy a work horse, not a prancing show pony.

Disgrace | 3:43 a.m. June 14, 2008

Chris Cannon is a complete liar!! I've corresponded with his office many times. His staff is very defensive & and even combative about his position on many important issues.

Cannon used to advocate strongly for illegal immigrants now he denies it. He's an absolute liar!! He's a disgrace to conservative leadership!

Utah County Voter | 3:59 a.m. June 14, 2008

I hope we can finally get a new voice to represent the 3rd District. It seems that Cannon may be finishing his last term back in Washington...

Lets give Chaffetz a chance. He seems to understand a lot of the frustration that us citizens are feeling from not being heard from by our elected officials.

Bosoxnut | 4:15 a.m. June 14, 2008

While I'm fairly well convinced that Cannon is not the answer, I can say definitively that Chaffetz, who is a snake-oil selling charlatan, is not. Vote for the lesser of two evils: Cannon

IM | 6:01 a.m. June 14, 2008

CHaffetz does this all the time.

I was at the debate when Chaffetz accused Cannon of getting an earmark for a private business in West Jordan and then holding a fundriser there. This is simply untrue.

CHaffetz also said that Cannon "has missed too many votes since he's been on Congress." Yet when you look at the votes that he's missed, about 90 percent are missed b/c of his daughter's illness, mental breakdown, and eventual death! Jason should apologize for even bringing that stuff up. Is THAT the kind of Congressman we want? Jason should be ashamed.

Jason is also wrong that Cannon has voted for the biggest budget in America's history - go look up the votes and you'll see that he voted AGAINST the budget.

UTAH Bill | 7:27 a.m. June 14, 2008

Cannon has taken Republicans for granted. It's not enough anymore to call yourself a Republican. We expect our leaders to walk the walk. It's time to replace him with someone who has the fire and energy to get things done.

Cannon is a corrupt scumbag | 7:48 a.m. June 14, 2008

It's not like the outcome of this Primary will matter since neither Cannon or Chaffetz will win in November. Can anyone say Bennion Spencer? For once we will have a Congressman who knows what they are doing and who will represent the people of Utah.

Now, if it isn't going to be Bennion Spencer I would rather have it be Chaffetz since Cannon is a corrupt, dishonest and crooked scumbag and it's time for him and corrupt Orrin Hatch are kicked out on their "you know what's."

Rob Bishop, Bob Bennett and Jim Matheson are doing a good job but I still wouldn't mind if Morgan Bowen were to defeat Rob Bishop but he still hasn't given reason to care either way what they do in the 1st District.

John | 7:51 a.m. June 14, 2008

Vote Cannon out!
It's politicians like Cannon that are destroying this country.
Cannon, Bennett, Hatch, Clinton, Boxer, Pelosi, Kennedy, Bryd, etc., all have nice fat pensions and health benefits waiting for them, the sooner these career hacks are gone the better off we'll all be.
How can it be we allow these morons to waste billions every year and they blame hard working Americans for the problems and "crisis" they created themselves.
Wake up you Sheep!! If we keep allowing these nitwits to play normal Americans against each other this great country is certain to continue it's rapid decline. The hacks don't care if your an Republican or Democrat, they just your money first and formost. Once they have that they could care less whats leftover to pay your mortgage, energy bils, food, rotten schools, health insurance, savings, retirement etc,.
Wake up people!!!!
Keep it up Chaffetz!!

Tough Call | 7:55 a.m. June 14, 2008

I've listened to both candidates, this is a tough call. Cannon is right that it takes years to get a congressman effective in Washington and that Chaffetz is great at talk but has never accomplished anything of substance as a "businessman"...that he is keeping on the offensive about records but has nothing in his past to prove that he can make any subsutanive change in Washington--who ever does?

But Chaffetz is right that Congress has amassed debt beyond belief and under their watch (not the President's) price of oil has gone nuts.

I'm still undecided.

Go Chaffetz | 8:04 a.m. June 14, 2008

I'm not sure how to find the info, but I am going to look for it. It has been my feeling for a long time that Mr. Cannon talks out of both sides of his mouth regarding immigration and that he plays games with his votes on immigration matters. When I find out, I'll try and post it here.

Of course, not sure that will happen as the trail I found between tamaflu vaccine, its ineffectiveness, and that Rumsfeld benefited as a large stockholder in the company that made it as a former company officer, never saw the light of day here.

Casey | 8:04 a.m. June 14, 2008

Cannon get way too flustered way too easily, it happens all the time and everywhere.

Cannon voting record shows what he is. Cannon says one thing to win a primary and votes to gain favor in congress. His record is all that matters in how he will vote in the future.

I hope Jason is given a chance in congress.

Simple | 8:10 a.m. June 14, 2008

Google "chris cannon voting record" and quite a few sites pop up with information on his voting record for many topics. Depending on your point of view, you can find confirmation or vindication of your opinion on how he has served.

He's My Brother | 8:11 a.m. June 14, 2008

The DNews can't be unbiased in this because of who their editor is.

Vote Cannon out!!!!!!!! | 8:14 a.m. June 14, 2008

Cannon likes to dance around the facts and he doesnt give straught answers. Just like our Congress in Washington, they say one thing and go behind our backs to do another. Cannon is Pro-illegal immigration and we all know it. Not going to fly in Utah.

Another 3rd district voter | 8:21 a.m. June 14, 2008

Interesting debate last night. I thought both candidates did well. I was particularly impressed with Chaffetz's ability to pinpoint specific bills, dates, and times that Cannon did and did not vote and candidly explained how Cannon manipulates his voting record. Cannon is in trouble this time and I think he finally knows it. I think the heated exchange afterwards was a combination of Cannon's realization that its gonna be close and the passion and fire for conservative principles that Chaffetz brings to the table. June 24th will be fun to watch.

re 3rd District Voter | 8:22 a.m. June 14, 2008

"I've seen news stations and papers in other states actually have an impartial analysis of statements made during an election cycle by candidates and label them as being either true or false. Why can't the Dnews do the same thing?"

The DNews can't do the same because Joe Cannon (Chris' Brother) is the Editor of the Paper. There would be no impartial statements allowed as they would completely destroy what is left of his brother.

Anonymous | 8:22 a.m. June 14, 2008

What's really sad is that Utah is going to be stuck with one of these two on the ticket.

Where, oh where, is a respectable candidate?

Saw the Debate | 8:45 a.m. June 14, 2008

I actually thought that Chaffetz was the one skirting the issues. He comes across a bit thin on the issues to me. I saw the debate last night and I thought the reporter who spoke before the debate started (from Provo I think) had it right. Cannon isn't the best spoken guy but he knows and understands the details. Chaffetz seems like he's trying to sell me something. I don't trust him.

Mills Levan | 8:49 a.m. June 14, 2008

Chaffetz's main point is a solid one. Congress continues to make a mess of everything from fiscal policy to energy policy, and Cannon, though the proverbial "nice guy", has failed to make a difference. Yes, making laws and policies is a complicated process as Cannon says. But that strikes me as an excuse for his lack of effectiveness. It definitely is time to bring Chris home and give someone else (Chaffetz or even the Democrat) a chance.

Putz | 8:55 a.m. June 14, 2008

Jason Chaffetz is a putz. Im a state employee and I saw how he treated people when he was Huntsman's chief of staff. He will also say anything to get elected. He would make a terrible congressman. Don't buy into his garbage rhetoric.

He will say anything | 9:03 a.m. June 14, 2008

Chaffetz has proven he will say anything to get people mad. And according, to these comments they are. The only problem is that Chaffetz doesn't care about the facts.

Cannon has been a leader on the Hill with oil shale development for years and now Chaffetz is calling it a PR stunt. Sounds desperate to me.

If Chaffetz is so worried about conservative values, why not run against a democrat? Especially since that Democrat is in his own district! Chaffetz is a say anything to get elected political opportunist.

lynne | 9:13 a.m. June 14, 2008

Look at Cannon's voting record. We don't want him back!

My experience | 9:17 a.m. June 14, 2008

When I wrote to Cannon's office regarding a bill I was interested in to express my position and hope for his support, I received back basically an attack on my intelligence with reasons why Cannon's position was superior and that I ought to leave governing to those who "understand the issues." Talk about making a constituent feel represented.

Phantom Panther | 9:21 a.m. June 14, 2008

Chris Cannon has been caught many times speaking out of both sides of his mouth on the illegal immigration issue. I can testify of this. I've listened carefully to his answers over the years. He says he's against illegal immigration but is known throughout the anti-illegal immigration movement as a chief promoter of amnesty for illegal immigrants. A few months ago the Salt Lake Tribune even published an article showing how Cannon speaks out of both sides of his mouth on this issue. No, I'm not voting for him ever again. If Chaffetz doesn't beat him in the primary, I'll vote 3rd party or vote Democrat if the Dems run a conservative Democrat. Deport Chris "amnesty" Cannon back to Mapleton!

DS | 9:25 a.m. June 14, 2008

Seems Chaffetz is using a page out of the Cannon campaign playbook - misstate your opponents positions and accomplishments, use tangential personal attacks. It worked for Cannon against Orton, it may work for Chaffetz. What I'd appreciate is a candidate who will actually listen to the concerns of the people they represent then actually represent them. Cynically, I believe that's too much to even hope for.

Prancing Show Pony | 9:29 a.m. June 14, 2008

Jason did this at BYU as their kicker back in the day. He would remove his helmet immediately after every kick. It was so blatant, I was embarrassed by it. Don't believe me, watch any game where he kicked. Cannon should use this in his campaign strategy. Jason was a narcissistic individual then. leopards rarely change their stripes.

Chuckles55 | 9:38 a.m. June 14, 2008

It's about time the public see the dim-witted Republican candidates in the 3rd congressional district for what they really are - shallow and pandering. It will be refreshing to see them actually challenged by by a democratic candidate with substance and candor during the general election.

BBKing | 9:46 a.m. June 14, 2008

I can COMPLETELY understand Cannon losing his cool.

Jason Chaffetz and his supporters will say anything, and I mean ANYTHING to win.

Right here on this paper I have watched people lose their cool with the Chaffetz people. They LIE and their lies get bolder when you know they're lying.

Take immigration.

For two years now we have listened to Chaffetz tell us how Cannon supports amnesty.

During the convention it reaches the boiling point where Chaffetz is telling delegates that he supports some sort of tent facility for illegals. From there his supporters call it internment camps, detention facilities, a few refered to it as concentration camps, whatever.

That whole vision is great for the right-wing wacko delegate.

Primary voters don't buy it.

So suddenly Chaffetz supports a guest worker visa for 20 million illegal aliens: AMNESTY. He says that illegals will only get a short-time to apply and when pointed out it would take over a decade to hand out 20million visas, he is now saying his visa/amnesty would take 7-10 years to issue.

A COMPLETE FLIP-FLOP.

His lies are maddening! Con-man! And his voters ACT like he has been saying this all along. PATHETIC!!!

Vote Cannon!

Democrat | 9:47 a.m. June 14, 2008

Wow IM you better hope Cannon does not stop fast while walking..you will have a face full.

DParkCity | 9:48 a.m. June 14, 2008

Vote for the work horse.
I worked for Chris many years ago and believe me, if you wish, he is a man who only thinks of others and works for them. His ideas, knowledge of issues, and important matters facing us and our children are far beyond the average voter's comprehension. He will talk to anyone...anytime. He is not a proud man, not a selfish man. His whole life is based on making the present and future better for all of us.
Remember, "talk is cheap" we can see this example with B. Hussein Obama.
My father always reminded me..."an empty wagon makes a lot of noise."

Carol P. Warnick | 9:54 a.m. June 14, 2008

If you have followed what Cannon has done you would know that Chaffetz is "grasping at straws" trying to undercut Cannon. Cannon has fought strongly for immigration from the very first. As voters it's our responsibility to seek out the facts and not just digest what is being fed to us by Chaffetz. Your vote is critical for Utah. Research the facts if you want to vote responsibly.

Is Chaffetz Moving? | 10:01 a.m. June 14, 2008

Could someone be the Mayor of Provo and live in Richfield? NO!

I don't think its right that the 2nd District (Salt Lake City) should get two Representatives and the 3rd District gets none! Chaffetz doesn't live in the District! I still can't believe it.

Time4Change | 10:03 a.m. June 14, 2008

Oh please. For an incumbent who claims to be so proud of his record- Cannon sure doesn't want to talk about it. He makes claims and never backs them up. He says he's been 'advocating for oil shale for years'. Prove it. He can't.

He says his earmarks are transparent yet when Chaffetz asked him to name one, he wouldn't. He says Chaffetz distorts his record but when asked to give a specific- he can't. The list goes on and on.

I hope this election cycle Utahns in the 3rd District will finally look at what a candidate DOES instead of just what they say.

My big issue is fiscal responsibility in congress. I wish that had been discussed more last night. Cannon's mismanagement of his own campaign financing is a clear indicator of how he feels about fiscal responsibility. Oh, he claims to be all about it but he's clearly not that concerned about how he spends other people's money- nor where the money came from so long as he can get his hands on as much as possible.

To Commoner: | 10:11 a.m. June 14, 2008

You are exactly right. I do not know Cannon, and I realize many out there seem to think that anything is better than Cannon, but believe me, the answer is NOT Chaffetz. I have know him personally for years, and it took many of those years for me to realize his true nature. He is a highly dishonest, self serving leech, who truly is the show pony you described. Look at the Governors recent "non-endorsement". He said he would endorse whomever is the republican candidate, but he markedly refused to say anything positive about Jason. I bet that is because he, too, knows who Jason really is. If you want fluff in a punitive, dishonest form, Jason is your man!

JBL | 10:12 a.m. June 14, 2008

Cannon should be mad. Chaffetz claims to want to bring conservative values to Washington but chooses to run against a conservative republican outside his district instead of the liberal democrat in his own district!

Chaffetz is just a political opportunist, another say anything to get elected politician.

I will take Cannon's record over Chaffetz' rhetoric any day.

ARF | 10:22 a.m. June 14, 2008

I think Chris Cannon does a really good job of explaining in his blog what he means when he says that Chaffetz misrepresents his record. I think you should all read this before you call Cannon corrupt and a liar--which he is not. He's a good man. You can find the article to which I am referring on Chris Cannon's website, and then click on Blog, and then click on the link in his May 28 blog. Read that before you shoot your mouth off on what kind of guy Cannon is.

Cynthia | 10:23 a.m. June 14, 2008

My post disappeared? I'll assume some sort of glitch on my end.

Cannon is well known for throwing out some statement and expecting everyone to believe it just because he said it. No verification. When someone DOES look for verification and figures out that he's is indeed talking out of both sides of his mouth- he gets mad and stomps off. Cannon is a 'bulldog' until another dog barks back and then he immediately backs down with his tail between his legs.

When Cannon challenged Chaffetz to name specific incidences where his voting record was inconsistent, Chaffetz could rattle off any number of examples. When Chaffetz challenged Cannon about the alledged 'distortions', about naming earmarks Cannon claims are transparent yet, mysteriously, publically unavailable, Cannon had nothing to say.

Cannon is all bluster. As soon as you get beyond the surface and start getting to the heart of the issues, he's got nothing. You'd think after spending hundreds of thousands of dollars polling, he'd be able to figure it out, Then again, I guess he has since he's voted contrary to his constituents, he's now trying to rewrite history with unsubstantiated statements he hopes no one will look into.

Chuck | 10:26 a.m. June 14, 2008

I just can't understand why Jason doesn't run in his OWN district (2nd). We have a solid conservative in the 3rd district. We have a democrat in the 2nd. Why not run there, IF he's really concerned about congress, etc. Or does he just want to get to congress for himself?

geoffhiker | 10:28 a.m. June 14, 2008

Chaffetz's argues gas prices would have plummetted if we had been doing the oil shale to gas thing. Chaffetz's argument would be true if we didn't live in a world economy. New oil produced here ends up on the world market. Unless we discover something as big as the Saudi oil fields, it's not going to make a significant difference in the price of gas. Even then, the price of gas might still stay high since we've allowed too many mergers in the oil industry, thwarting real price competition.
They both should be talking about clean alternatives to oil that don't end up on the world market. A 1500 acre solar thermal heating project in the Mojave Desert has been supplying power to 230,000 homes for over 20 years. Mirrors focus sunlight on containers of oil, heating them to 700 degrees. The hot oil heats steam to produce electricity on demand, even at night. If we covered a 25x25 square mile area with these projects we could supply power to 61 million homes, or a fleet of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Cannon and Chaffetz should look to the future instead of keeping us bent over a barrel.

Cynthia | 10:27 a.m. June 14, 2008

One more thing. Since we've been through Cannon primaries before, I'm just waiting for some big gossip article to come out with outrageous, unsubstantiated claims against Chaffetz. I'm sure it will hit right before the voting is to take place thus assuring that Chaffetz will be unable to respond. No doubt the Des. News will help with that.

This happens with every person who challenges Cannon. I hope Utahns won't fall for it this time. It's a guarantee that something like that will go down.

Show Pony | 10:35 a.m. June 14, 2008

Transcript from Governor Huntsman's monthly news conference:

ROBERT GEHRKE, SALT LAKE TRIBUNE: Your former chief of staff is trying to run for congress against Chris Cannon in June. Have you taken sides in that contest?

GOVERNOR HUNTSMAN: No, and I'm not going to take sides. I wish them both the best.

ROBERT GEHREK, SALT LAKE TRIBUNE: Do you think he'd be a good congressman?

GOVERNOR HUNTSMAN: I'll support whomever comes out of that primary. I don't live in that district. The last I looked, he didn't either.

Not exactly a rousing review of Chaffetz. Think and ponder, people. The Governor knows him well, and couldn't even show a little support. I know Chaffetz puts on a good show, but it is all show. And for his own glory. I loved the ring kissing comment. So true.

RockOn | 10:45 a.m. June 14, 2008

Not thrilled with JC, but why re-elect CC?

In fact we, the stupid voters, ought to impose term limits... not by law, but by voting ALL of the current crop out of office.

CC has strengths and deficiencies but his main deficiency is he's already had his turn. 12 years is too much. We need a citizen congress not a professional one.

Time for a change. Let JC saber rattle in DC and stir them up. CC goes along way too much. And if JC doesn't cause a storm back there, let's replace him 2 years from now.

Throw them all out.

Joke | 10:52 a.m. June 14, 2008

I worked on Capitol Hill in Washington for zears. Chaffety would be raw meat there. His glib saz=anzthing rhetoric would sink him in a nanosecond.

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