Reader comments
Chaffetz says he's working 'nearly around the clock'

arc | 12:36 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008

Way to go Jason!
I wish you the best. If we are smart, we will provide you with our opinions - directly.

Mom to Many | 5:07 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008

One of the things I have always admired about Jason is what a work horse he is. It's no surprise that he didn't take any time "off", but just got right to work. He'll do a great job for us in DC.

Bob in line | 5:16 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008

I take this quote from this article:

"But that's the plan for now. It may change later."

This should be his motto in life. He hasn't served a day in Congress and he has already changed many positions. And when he changes he doesn't have the honesty to come clean but pulls a Bill Clinton and lies like a rug. And his lies are more bold when he knows you know he's lying.

Take his tents for all illegals to offering them an amnesty visa called "Pathway to deportation."

He will fit in perfectly with the Washington scene. Give him just a few weeks and he will be voting to gut the Constitution, increase spending, pork barrell politics, etc. He is a con man.

Comments continue below

Way to Go! | 7:21 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008

We certainly elected the right man. I want a workhorse out there fighting for our interests. The Democrats may be in charge, but someone has to be the check and the balance.

I feel really good about Chaffetz. I've heard him speak several times - both early in the campaign and more recently. His positions have been completely consistent throughout. He's careful with his resources (and ours). He works like crazy. He has built a huge volunteer and support base. He stuck to his guns on campaign spending.

The only reason to dislike him is if you disagree with his principles - because he'll be extremely effective at advocating them. Sorry big spenders - he'll never be your guy. Thank goodness.

arc | 7:35 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008

bob in line,
Jason didn't change his position on immigration. Will the ending bill exactly match Jason's plan, I can hope.

If you look at Obama's webpage on his plan for fixing immigration, look at Jason Chaffetz' webpage on his plan, and look at the webpage for the democrat opponent of Jason, and what Bennion's page looks like at Project Vote Smart, you would know. Particularly notice that Obama still has the English, Pay a fine, and get in line - on his page that Bennion dropped.

That put Bennion more liberal on this issue, at least in writing, than Obama.

arc | 8:01 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008

Bob in line:
I said that jason hadn't changed his views on this, and that Bennion had, and had become more liberal on this issue, in writing, than Obama. Here are some quotes to back that up. The point is, to fix immigration you have to make legal immigration work, and also fix it so there is no advantage to come here illegally. Almost every one agrees on that point.

Obama:
Obama and Biden support a system that allows undocumented immigrants who are in good standing to pay a fine, learn English, and go to the
back of the line for the opportunity to become citizens.

Bennion's current:
3. Bring undocumented immigrants out of the shadows and put those who are in good standing on a pathway to citizenship so that they can contribute to society by paying their fair share of taxes.

Bennion's original
"Bring undocumented immigrants out of the shadows and permit those who are in good standing to pay a fine, learn English, and get in line to become legal US citizens. "

Jane | 8:37 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008

Congratulations, Jason! It's great to see him so ready to get to work.

Phantom Cat | 9:27 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008

Glad to see Chaffetz replacing Cannon. Cannon was a tireless worker for the illegal immigration lobby. Thank goodness he'll no longer be representing the 3rd District. Hopefully, Chaffetz will keep his word and vote to crack down on the illegal immigrant lobby. If not, we'll need to vote him out in a few years. His constituents will be watching.

rude awakening coming | 10:58 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008

Jason is well intentioned, but he's in for a rude awakening in Washington. As a freshman congressman in the minority of the House of Representatives, he'll soon discover the meaning of the words impotent, marginalized, and ignored. Unlike the Senate, where the minority party actually has some influence (unless one party gets 3/5 majority), the House is a simple majority for everything and the minority doesn't get to do much. Jason has big plans for implementing various things -- immigration reform, English as the national language, etc -- but none of that will see the light of day unless the majority party wants it. Sad but true!

C.W. | 12:09 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008

Good Luck Congressman Chaffetz. You'll need all the "luck" you can get dealing with that majority in Congress.
Our Republican party will be in bad need of rebuilding in order to have a viable candidate in 2012!
By the way, and for what its worth, Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin seems to be not only a leader in the party, but he has a VERY viable health plan.

Worth looking at!

Stewart | 12:33 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008

To Rude Awakening Coming,

You are exactly right in that the minority party has little influence in the House. That is why now was the time to toss out Cannon and start over. Cannon's seniority was meaningless. When, if ever, the republicans re-take the House, Chaffetz will have seniority, and will be a true conservative without the backing of the illegal alien crowd and their lobbyists.

Chaffetz said, "If I do this job right, I will spend a little time in Washington and the rest of my time working in my district." What a novel idea. Cannon was seldom in the district. Perhaps we will even be able to find Chaffetz in some of the local offices meeting with constituents.

Jim | 2:10 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008

I think Jason is confused about the job he's just been hired to do. We're sending him to Washington to represent our values on a national stage. How is he going to do that if he's not in Washington?

I like the idea of him "working in [the] district," but we have state reps and senators who do that for us here in the state. What we need is a voice in Washington to make sure that we are represented there.

Consituent in the 3rd District | 5:44 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008

Chaffetz is clearly the choice of the 3rd District. Washington will bring lots of challenges, but I'm convinced Jason is up to the task.

I look forward to learning more about Jason's plan for staying connected with his constituents. This is a priority to many of us.

Finally, there is hope for real representation for the 3rd District!

arc | 6:03 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008

Jim,
I like the idea he would be living in Utah. He is representing Utah, not DC. I am not sure it is wise to have a bed in his office however. The fact he mentioned it leads me to believe he thinks people will be nice and not use this to smear him without cause. We will see.

arc | 10:24 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008

I had the chance to listen to Jason Chaffetz tonight. I am proud to have voted for this great man. I have all the faith in the world that he will do great, partly because he is smart enough to have great supporters, and he is willing to listen.

Good job Jason. Great campaign Jennifer.

Just think, by commuting, you can eat at Five Guys Burgers and Fries in DC during the week, and since they have them now in SL County, there is one 16.5 miles from your home now.

arc | 10:38 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008

That said, I like a commute under 40 feet.
If he also pull that off a few days a week, good for him.

Deanie | 7:29 a.m. Nov. 8, 2008

Jason Chaffetz is exactly who we need representing us in DC right now. Finally, someone who promotes constitutional principles, has intelligence, integrity, a hard work ethic, eloquence, listens to his constituents and has the courage to stick to his guns no matter what- all in one package. Pretty cool. God speed Jason!

Can't Win For Losing | 10:33 a.m. Nov. 8, 2008

Gotta love it - Cannon was a cad for spending all his time in DC and now Chaffetz is getting flack for wanting to spend MORE TIME in the district with his constituents? Some people are just NEVER happy...

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