Reader comments
Chaffetz planning attack on Cannon's votes

NY | 5:34 a.m. March 4, 2008

Chaffetz was not merely a "salesman" he was a snakeoil salesman who perpetrated a clever scam on unsuspecting folks down in Austrailia. This demonstrates either his lack of ethics or his lack of basic economic knowlege. Either one is a disqualifier for me. As much as I would like to see someone other than (loose) Cannon in office Chaffetz has too much baggage for my stomach.

Nochaffage | 6:00 a.m. March 4, 2008

Jason Chaffetz is a terrible manager. I worked for him and was not impressed. He is manipulative, secretive and threatened by competent people. He would be a terrible Congressman. Granted, Chris Cannon isn't great, but Chaffetz would be a lot worse.

Larry T. | 6:51 a.m. March 4, 2008

The other campaigns mst be getting nervous sending their Chafetz bashers out. I was at a meeting with him and he's a far better choice than anyone out there. Jason actually gets what it means to be a conservative Republican.

Comments continue below

Hunt | 7:39 a.m. March 4, 2008

You mean Jason "Dukakis" Chaffetz gets what it means to be a conservative Republican? The was a left winger, then he went to work for the Governor, got fired (yes, he was fired, or politely asked to leave), then he becomes a rabid right winger? Sounds like whoever is signing his paychecks gets Jason's allegiance. We have enough of those in Washington. Sorry Jason, putyour helmet back on and go away.

Phil | 7:56 a.m. March 4, 2008

When did Chafetz become a Republican? He was a Democrat at BYU--and very active in politics. Maybe he's like a lot of our politicians--they're just politicians and find it easier to win being a Republican (think Huntsman, etc.).

Concerned | 7:56 a.m. March 4, 2008

Out with the incumbents and if the replacement doesn't measure up in his or her elected term out with them. This good ole boy politics is going to change even here in good old Happy Valley Utah. Watch and see. These crooked cronies have had their day. It's OVER.

V.W. | 8:21 a.m. March 4, 2008

Leavitt by far has better experience. What has Jason done to deserve being in Congress? All I see is someone who really wants the position. I think Leavitt would go back to serve, not to become famous.

Eric L. | 8:21 a.m. March 4, 2008

Many of the unkind statements made about Jason are made by people who have known him. I find it interesting to note that nobody is willing to use their real name when bashing him. Anonymity is king on the web. Especially when it is used to bash an acquaintance.

Shame on those who don't have what it takes to say to his face what they would anonymously post on the web.

Unspotted | 8:41 a.m. March 4, 2008

These people launching personal attacks based on supposed personal knowledge, but not leaving their names, have no credibility. We should be able to verify their stories, and they're making sure we can't. Why?

As for Leavitt, it seems to me that the bulk of his experience lies in prosecuting polygamists.

Even if none of these guys are stellar, I still strongly urge voters to always go to their mass meetings, vote against anyone who wants to be a delegate just because they work for someone's campaign, and instead pick normal neighbors (such as yourself) to be a convention delegate. Then go to the convention and vote for underdogs. Deprive the incumbents of the 60% delegate vote they need to avoid an election. In a democracy, in which people died for freedom, it's unconscionable that the parties try to keep the voters as a whole from having a say. An election in November in which there's only one name on the ballot, isn't a say. That's Soviet-style politics. Again, subvert the convention. Go, and vote for the underdog. Force a primary election so the people as a whole can choose!

HiJynx | 9:32 a.m. March 4, 2008

Having met 3 of the four candidates several times (in various settings) and having asked them what are the tough questions for me -- I would vote for Jason Chaffetz. Cannon has been an ineffective representative. Jason is truly conservative in his beliefs. David Leavitt is a nice person, but less knowledgable about the broad spectrum of issues.

db | 9:35 a.m. March 4, 2008

I hope Connon wins by a landslide ! Anyone that could help get Clinton impeached is a winner to me.
Why don't any of you look at what he has done for Utah.

More than anyother congressman!

William Hyatt | 9:42 a.m. March 4, 2008

This is my real name and I'm for Jason Chaffetz. I've talked to both Leavitt and Chaffetz and found Leavitt to be full of generalities about families being good with no specifics. After talking to Leavitt for an hour I still don't know where he stands on major issues.

Chaffetz has explained in detail what he supports and what he proposes to do. When he is elected it will be easy to see if he does what he says or not.

my two cents | 9:56 a.m. March 4, 2008

anyone but "open borders" Cannon. Come to hink of it, "Cannon" doesn't sound that different than "Kennedy".

Seen It 1st Hand | 10:24 a.m. March 4, 2008

Cannon is a joke of a congressman who has ZERO respect from the House leadership. I have seen it first hand. He will NEVER be given a leadership position, and if it wasn't for the fact that he lives in a bassackwards district...he wouldn't be a Congressman. He is a bumbling conspiracy theorist, with little or no grasp on reality, and yet maintains a condescending attitude toward those that elect him. He believes his name and money will keep his job, despite his ethical and professional lapses, and up till now-he's been right.

Dogboy | 10:45 a.m. March 4, 2008

I live in the 3rd district and will only vote for someone who lives in the 3rd district, sorry Mr. Chaffetz (2 District).

Leonidas | 11:43 a.m. March 4, 2008

Not one of the comments has addressed the most important issue of all: where the candidates stand on the Constitution. That is far more important to the future freedom and prosperity of the nation (you and I) than party politics. From my experience, Leavitt cares the least about constitutionality, and Joe Ferguson is a Constitutional scholar, who has fought for many good causes, in support of original intent and the survival of the republic (as opposed to democracy, which America is NOT). Joe gets my vote (and I AM a delegate).

William Bennett | 12:37 p.m. March 4, 2008

To the person who believes that our convention-system is akin to a Soviet-based system obviously has no idea what he is talking about. Our government is a democratic republic, meaning that we democratically elect people that can spend time making the decisions we don't have time to make. In a convention-type election, delegates get the chance to meet one-on-one with candidates and can really learn how they feel on certain issues. They take the time to become informed and make an informed decision. In a primary election, usually the person with the most money wins because they can run the most ads. The convention process allows us to transcend the money game and focus on the real issues. As a regular voter, I don't have time to meet with all the candidates, so I go to my neighborhood caucus and elect a person who will take that time and make an informed decision. Whether or not they are currently working on a campaign shouldn't matter. They still are my neighbor, regardless of who's campaign they support. If I agree with what they say, I'll elect them. Utah's system is unique and effective!

Former State Employee (over 40) | 1:56 p.m. March 4, 2008

Chaffetz is the guy who cruelly bungled the sacking of scores of state employees in the first days of the Huntsman administration. Firing them was actually a pretty good idea for the most part, it's just that he didn't see any need to treat them as human beings. He also advised --others were present -- that Huntsman fire any state employee over 40. Do we really want to be represented by someone who not only treats others poorly, but also is stupid enough to advocate, before witnesses -- illegal behavior? He could have cost the state a lot of money defending him in the age-discrimination lawsuit that he deserved but, luckily for him, was never forthcoming. (Sadly, after being was forced out of state government, I had to take a job in the private sector at 25% more pay and double the paid vacation days. And good luck in YOUR future, Mr. Chaffetz!)

My 2 cents | 1:53 p.m. March 4, 2008

The system is democratic, but I also understand people's problems with it. There are many systems in the U.S. that aren't democratic (i.e. the fact that the Supreme Court justices--a minority--can take down a Congressional act--a majority elected body). But these systems are important in the U.S.

Needless to say the caucus system in Utah is important because you have State Delegates that can vote for a candidate that knows the issues. Jason Chaffetz knows the issues and takes a position on the issues. Leavitt doesn't know the issues; he speaks in generalities. I personally don't know about Ferguson . Cannon has proved that he doesn't care about issues. While Cannon supporters argue that he misses about the same amount of votes as his colleagues, this is not true. He is continually in the bottom 20% on the amount of votes cast each session. We need a representative that represents.

As for now, I am with Chaffetz!

Leavitt! Leavitt! | 2:41 p.m. March 4, 2008

David Leavitt wins my vote. He knows what life is about. He's been through much more than Chaffetz. Cannon's worked hard but needs to go now. Joe Ferguson's nice but a little extreme.

Stewart | 4:48 p.m. March 4, 2008

A definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. So, I suppose electing the same person over and over and expecting a different result would be a definition of voter insanity. Cannon, Matheson, Bennett and Hatch are all on the side of illegal aliens, amnesty, and cheap labor employers, but if we want different results with issues such as illegal immigration we need to clean our own backyard here in Utah, starting with Cannon and Matheson in 2008

As for Mr. Chaffetz running the campaign on less than $100,000 and Cannon and Jacob spending millions don't forget that four years ago Throckmorton almost beat Cannon at convention while spending less than $40,000. Leavitt and Cannon can go at it with millions of dollars and nothing will change, but perhaps one rich guy for another rich guy. The 3rd Congressional District doesn't seem to be for sale.

RE: Former State Employee (over | 11:33 p.m. March 4, 2008

Sour Grapes! Get over it. You're doing better so you owe Mr Chaffetz a huge favor.

Bill Gordon | 3:35 p.m. March 5, 2008

Chaffetz has quite the ego and I dont see any justification for it; very unimpressive overall! His many past mistakes -- especially those during his brief time in State Govt, should come back to haunt him and hopefully serve him a big piece of humble pie. Let's all reject this dude quickly and not play into his manipulative games!

Patriotic Grandma | 8:15 p.m. March 10, 2008

After hearing all of the candidates at various meetings, Jason Chaffetz is the one I feel would best represent me and my family. I wanted to like David Leavitt but he doesn't have answers for the issues that I care about. Cannon has proved to me over and over again that he doesn't care about what is important to me. I am a delegate and plan on running again. My vote is going to Mr. Chaffetz.

Dell Smith | 12:51 p.m. March 11, 2008

I have met and studied all the candidates and their positions. Jason Chaffetz is the only person who really represents the views of the conservatives. I do not hesitate in giving you my real name and to mention that I spent 36 years in the military. Mr Chaffetz knows the military issues and will actually show up to vote for military issues. It's disappointing to see those working for Mr Cannon or Mr Leavitt write in and leave their talking points or negative opinions. Get on board and let's get new blood in Washington and that should be Jason Chaffetz.

Eric Schulzke | 11:28 p.m. May 3, 2008

I've been embarrassed for years to be represented in Congress by someone who represents our state so poorly. Chris Cannon may be a decent human being. I don't know. But I do know he cannot think on his feet and has no idea why he is there. Leavitt is clearly a nice guy, but look at his literature: no idea why he is running. Chaffetz, by contrast, has a passion and focus and intensity that would do the state proud, and help to rebuild the party at 10 years of back-scratching, pork-dishing malaise that cost of the House in 2006.

Jesse Fisher | 9:18 p.m. May 16, 2008

Three points:

(1). The Chaffetz-doesn't-live-in-the-district argument is lame. He lives in Alpine, which is in Utah County. Utah County is the most populous county in the district. He's spent quite a bit of time here. The next time the boundaries are gerrymandered, he'll be back in District Three.

(2). Cannon has been losing support among the delegates for years. In 2004, he got 58% of the delegate vote. In 2006, he dropped to 49%, this year he only got 41%. At this rate, he'll get WHACKED in 2010 with only 34%.

(3). Chaffetz has the fire-in-the-belly we need to make the hard choices (like firing MORE parasitic bureaucrats). Watch his convention speech on YouTube. The guy knows what needs to be done and has the courage to make it happen. Notice the frequent and enthusiastic applause he receives and compare it to the fluffy feel-good speeches given by his opponents.

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