Why is this such a big deal, especially with the Gerrymandering that the state GOP did to try and unseat Matheson? I lived in the same neighborhood as Chaffetz from 1995-2000 and at that time we were in the 3rd district. We left the state briefly and returned to find ourselves suddenly in the 2nd district.

From what I understand, the state has already approved a plan to re-assign all of Utah county back to the 3rd district in 2010. If this is really such a big deal, perhaps next time the state could just take the neighborhood where Matheson lives and assign it to some other district.

Maybe at the same time would create a special "Idaho" zone around the homes of Orrin Hatch and Bob Bennett to disqualify them for the Senate.

This is a non-issue. Jason has been very honest about where he lives.

Jason meets all the legal and Constitutional requirements to be on the ballot. The Founders specifically excluded a district residency
requirement because of concerns about gerrymandering.

Jason lives in Alpine, which is 11,000 feet from the district boundary. He has lived in Utah County for 20 years.

Gerrymandering in 2001 removed 4 Utah County cities from the Third District and combined them with the less conservative communities of the Second District.

The legislature has officially approved only one map for a Fourth District at this time. It puts Alpine back in the Third District.

So what's the problem, Mr. Davidson? You answered your own question in the second paragraph of your article, so I guess you can quit digging now. I find it hard to believe that this situation has only happened twice in U.S. history, and both times in Maryland. Did you really check all 50 states, I wonder? But even if it has, big deal. It's not a requirement, so why make a mountain out of a molehill?

By the way, how long has it been since Sen. Orrin Hatch has actually "resided" in Utah? Try digging up the answer to that one -- he was using his parents' address in Midvale for his "home" address for years!

I wonder...
Is Chaffetz the first House member whose name ends in 'tz'? Now, that's not necessarily a requirement to run for Congress, but let's make an issue out of it anyways.

"By the way, how long has it been since Sen. Orrin Hatch has actually "resided" in Utah? Try digging up the answer to that one -- he was using his parents' address in Midvale for his "home" address for years! " -- I'm amazed Hatch doesn't run for Pennsylvania, as that's where he was born and raised.

Does less conservative mean Non Mormon, Minority, Poor, or all of the above. I have No Problems with keeping Zion, intact. As a matter of fact I think highly of the idea. Anything legal that will keep the Flaming Liberals In Check. The Utah Status quo the same and carry on the plan. Utah is different because it was meant to be different. It is very much the same in it Difference. The Church in part has thought us to be very active in local stuff. School Boards, Politics, in stead of sending out kids of to private school we make the Local School safe and accountable. Same for City, Council and Mayor. I am a huge fan of at large Representation. The smaller the population the better this idea works. Utah, extends into Idaho, Arizona, and Nevada (Los Vegas was a Mormon Settlement and the Church is still very strong there, and at the last time I check growing). Arizona down into Safford, and West to Mesa, Phoenix and the like. Lines can be moved that is what the people in charge do to stay in charge. In Utah the idea is to Stay In Charge.

Just how much time does the carpet bagger Orrin Hatch spend in his so called home state, I'd take Jason any day over over Orrin, Hmmm what a thought...

I love all these comments so far stated. (non story, arc, Chaffetz lives in Utah) And if I had my choice all incumbents would be voted out and maybe we could a congress that thinks of their country instead of their lobbyist friends or the big money that pays them off each election. Are you listening Hatch, Bennett. Good for Jason Chaffetz

I hope Jason wins, but it is an issue that needs to be addressed as I am sure the Democrats will make an issue of it in November.

Also, quit being so nasty about Orrin Hatch. He has been a resident of Utah for many years and has done a great job of representing us. He was a resident of Utah for seven years before he even ran the first time. He also has a lot of deep roots here. So stop it.

Oh My Gosh! Here we go again.

The issue isn't geography. The issue is representation of an entire state, Utah. The question is not, "Where does Jason Chaffetz live?" The question is, "Is Jason Chaffetz fully aware of the desires, values, ethics, wants and mostly, the "Needs" of the people; not only in Utah County, but of every precinct within every county and city contained in the 3rd congressional district." I truly believe HE IS. Jason Chaffetz will serve the state of Utah with honorable distinction.

The only reason Chafetz chose to run against Cannon in the Third district, is because he knew that he would not be able to defeat Matheson. He, Chafetz, would come across as a way too scary Fascist, which is what he is, if we're all being honest here. Rush Limbaugh spoke of this primary, he spoke of Cannon's nearly perfect conservative voting record 96%. Cannon was endorsed by President Bush, who is still widely popular in Utah. Mr. Chafetz, who worked closely with Gov. Hunstsman, did not receive the Guv's endorsement. In fact Chafetz has gone out and said the Gov is too liberal!

Chafetz is scary folks, as a lifelong Republican, who has not ever voted Democrat, Spencer Bennion is looking like the right choice. He's a conservative Democrat like Matheson, who the 2nd District likes. Many comments have mentioned gerrymandering so needless to say Matheson was elected by more than liberal SL County.

Those of us in the Third District have a duty to NOT vote for Chafetz, heck he won't even vote for himself, lets all take our cue from him. Jason, I'll vote for you if you vote for you.

God Bless America!

Jason, I will vote for you if you do. Deal? Go Spencer Bennion

I listened with great interest as Mr. Chaffetz lambasted Cannon's ineffectiveness...making promise after promise about changing Washington. The big issue is can he live up to his "political Pipe Dream."

The answer will be a very sad and dissapointing no. How can someone be so naive as to believe that "I will demand new energy sources," "I will insist on lower oil prices," and "I will change the way things are done in Washington!" and actually be able to do something about it.

I'll be watching the promises -vs- the actual accomplishment. That's the real issue.

So suprised? Typical of political hacks..bend the rules to fit them. SAME OLD! SAME OLD! I wonder what else is in store for the residents of his "none" district from this "bend the rule" flake?

As stated by others, this is a non-issue. What part of "legal and constitutional" do you not understand? Further, Jason Chaffetz live closer to me (my very house) than any previous representative of the 3rd Distrct. Further, it seems that every time I turn around "my district" changes because I live close to the current boundary. I have supported Jason for months -- for one SIMPLE reason -- his views parallel my views -- about fiscal responsibility -- about immigration -- about the core role of government -- about education. Where he lives is not my my top 10, or 20, or maybe 10,000. I guess residency is addressed when no other issue will do.

It may be legal, but I want someone to live in the district they represent. Perhaps at this time, residency requirements should be looked at.

I was glad to see Cannon go even though my tax dollars went to pay for a closed "club." Bennion Spencer will have my vote.

All that matters is that "R" after his name.

Too bad Davidson didn't do this article BEFORE the primary! It would have made a big difference for me!! Looks like opportunism and good old fashioned "carpetbagging" to me.

Well, if the choice comes down to someone from outside the district or a Democrat, what's a good Utah voter to do?

Straight ticket voters won't have to think about it too much (not that they ever do).

I listened last week as Ethan Millard, on KSL, sought to have us consider more seriously the insinuations of Wesley Clark about McCain's career as a naval aviator and whether that "qualified" him to be the president. Millard asked repeatedly (probably 20 times or more during the hour-long harangue), whether McCain was over-representing his qualifications for the presidency. Note clearly that McCain had not been making comments about his naval service (his executive experience was as a squadron commander, if memory serves) - it was Clark, pitching for Obama, who had brought it up, and Millard went even further than Clark in his demagoguery, using tactics of repetition and innuendo.

My point is that we, in this country, believe that the media have an important function in preparing voters for elections by their reportage. Like all jobs, there are fundamentals of performance which ought to be adhered to and standards which ought to be upheld. Millard failed and so does this reporter. These allegations are given a gloss of research to make them look like something important, but most of the comments indicate that readers don't buy it. And (in the words of Martha Stewart), that's a good thing.

"He was the first black..." Black what? Black haired?

I will be voting for Jason this fall, for the 5th time this year. (3 at convention, and 1 primary). I specifically asked him in person if he was going to move and why. He has lived in Utah co for 20 years, he likes his house, etc. Utah county has traditionally been in the 3rd district. He house will be back in the 3rd district, and he didn't want to move, and then move again. He is being legal and upfront about it.

I agree that Cannon made a big fuss at the last minute before the primary, and I didn't feel that was fair. The majority of voters voted for Jason anyway, and will again.

Not only will I be voting for My Spencer, as a life-long Republican, former member of the Republican Party State Central committee I will be actively exposing one of the biggest hucksters to come to Utah in quite some time. Chaffetz isn't pure evil, he just lies every chance he gets.

The best thing that can happen for the 3rd District now is that Spencer wins and then in 2010 we can have a real primary contest and have some of the best possible Republicans show up. When Chaffetz strippers in Australia become common knowledge I highly doubt even the right-wing will vote for him.

For those that go after the gerrymandering, once again we have the Chaffetz crowd playing the Democratic party attack lines. The Deseret News did a survey and roughly 2/3 wanted all three Congressional Districts to represent SLCounty and include both urban and rural. That was a complete change from two that represented SLCounty, and only two representing urban/rural. 2/3 of Utah agreed with Congressman Jim Hansen that all three should represent both SLCounty and urban/rural. How would you divide it?

Chaffetz (if he wins) and Matheson are going to vote almost identical: Conservative Democrat.

1. Focus on issues. Chaffetz meets the legal requirements, so, focus on issues. I doubt Bennion Spencer differs much from Chaffetz on issues despite the lunatic rantings from some who post here.

2. Orin Hatch lives in Utah. He lives at Zion's Summit in downtown SLC. I see him there often, so, get over the carpetbagger nonsense. But, it is time for him to step aside and give someone else a chance. I love term limits... but only those the electorate imposes, not dictatorial term limits.

John, there are currently two members whose names end in "tz": Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) from Florida's 20th District; and Allyson Schwartz (D) from Pennsylvania's 13th District. But Mr. Chaffetz would be the only Republican whose name ends in "tz", which clearly shows his true colors: I think that the voters have demonstrated an obvious bias there. Consider Enid Greene Waldholtz, who was so distraught over the negative atmosphere surrounding the use of a name ending in "tz" that she quit after one term in Utah's 2nd District and actually changed her name back. The result was actually a ten-year period where nobody with a "tz" ending was elected from EITHER party. In fact, just having a "tz" anywhere in your name seems to be enough of a problem: Mike Fitzpatrick (R) from Pennsylvania's 8th District only lasted one term; and Peter Fitzgerald (R), a senator from Illinois, suffered the same fate. If I were you, I would vote for Jim Noorlander from the Constitution Party; there are a lot of names in Congress that end in "er". Also, he lives in the 3rd District.

Candidates who respect their constituents are willing to tell us what their agenda is. Chaffetz was willing to be very specific about his policy preferences. That said, you and I both know he can't implement every policy preference he has - no one could. It's unfair to expect that of anyone.

If we insist on holding people accountable for implementing every single position they take, then candidates will stop telling us what they actually think. They will make very generic and carefully-worded statements that mean nothing - ala David Leavitt. And we'll know nothing about what they would actually do if elected.

Chaffetz has been very straightforward, both about his political views and his not living in the district. I respect that and I'll vote for him because of it.

For all you "Republicans" who think Matheson is so great--please take a word of advice from someone who has spent a lot of years in Washington. I don't care how conservative you think Matheson is. He plays on the Democrat team. That's the way it works. You are either on the Republican team or the Democrat team.

Why don't you ask him who he is going to vote for when they elect a speaker. I promise you he will vote for Nancy Pelosi. He will vote they way they tell him to vote and then they will release him to cast a few votes that will help him retain his seat in Utah. That's the way it works. Bill Orton had a lot of people fooled for long time, too.

If you like Big Government, higher taxes, gay marriage, partial-birth abortion and liberal activist judges on the Supreme Court, vote for Jim Matheson and other "Conservative" Democrats like him.

I know the Republicans have screwed up, but don't throw out the baby with the bathwater. Our country is at stake. Go Jason!

CHaffetz is a panderer and looking to be a Congressman - not looking to do what's right.

Blame the Republican Legislature for gerrymandering. Why would only a tiny strip of ultra-conservative Utah County be included in the more liberal 2nd District? I wonder?

WHen I moved there (less than 10 years ago), I WAS in the third district. THen, I was gerry-mandered right out of it and had to vote for someone who did not represent me, but rather Salt Lake county.
I considered myself a Utah county resident in every way. We worked and paid taxes in Utah county. We shopped and ate out and watched movies in Utah county. Our children went to Utah county schools, in the same school district that still oversees the schools they attend while I now live in the 3rd congressional district. Jason lives in Utah county and more than that, he espouses - and lives - values that are important to me. Thank goodness we finally have a candidate who is willing to walk the walk of a fiscal conservative, of the proper and limited role of government, of the rule of law. Living just outside the line (that WILL change again) just doesn't matter to me or thousands of other voters, as evidenced by the outcome two weeks ago. In fact, I'm surprised the Des News keeps bringing it up. Must be a slow news day.

As I was standing on the parade route in Provo on the 4th of July Representative Chris Cannon came by in a car with his wife. I started applauding. This is the way I show respect for those in authority. A few families down in the crowd a young man with several small children began to boo at the top of his lungs. When I looked over I noticed that he wasn't looking at Representative Cannon but rather trying to stare me down. It was very interesting to say the least. We owe our elected representatives our respect whether or not we agree or disagree with them. They are good men and women who are willing to stand up and be accounted for. We do our children a grave disservice when we as adults choose to heckle our leaders. Without showing respect for the office we as a society lose much of our personal dignity. As for Mr. Chaffetz... He was nowhere to be seen in the parade or in the crowd which he wants to represent. It is too bad that he does not respect the citizenry of Utah County enough to show up on the 4th of July.

Sorry, I'm for Spencer Bennion is Dist. 3. I've had enough of the GOP. Besides, look at Corroon and Matheson and what positive things they have done. I'm giving Utah Democrats a chance this year. Out with the Grand Ole' Party (GOP) and in with the workers and the doers, the Democrats.

It seems to me that Jason Chaffetz seeks to solidify his political career with this election as a lifelong peddler of unrealistic and harmful policies, legislation, and practices. He is an energetic young man who has a strong potential for great harm.

I think he seeks the third district seat because it's winnable, and he wants that elite power of being a congressman, along with all the benefits that come with that position. No way could be beat Jim Matheson. It appears that to Chaffetz, it's all about winning. It should be all about caring for us as a nation, our current challenges, and our future.

I want someone who is concerned about the issues facing this country. Cannon wasn't that person, and neither is Chaffetz.

It's been a long time since our revered elder statesmen Senators Orrin Hatch and Bob Bennett lived in Utah. They still do a great job of representing Utah's elevated moral values.

Why would anyone be concerned about Chaffetz merely living in another Congressional district?

Read James Madison's discussion in Federalist Paper #52, paragraph three. Go Jason.

get the feeling that a lot of these comments were written by the same person?

I attended the West Jordan parade on the Fourth of July and saw Chaffetz running and zigzagging along the parade route shaking hands with as many people as possible.

Provo is NOT the center of the universe. There are over 100,000 people up here in West Jordan and we'd like to see our future congressman too. I know you folks in Provo are used to having Cannon pander to your every whim while ignoring Salt Lake County, but you'll have to get used to sharing your Congressman now. We have chosen someone who recognizes the district is more than just Provo.

I don't think Jason really believed he would knock off Cannon. Otherwise, he would have done what serious contenders do--move to the district or, at least, rent an apartment in the district. The results were a surprise to him as well. Now, he's in a tough situation because he's already invented his rationale for not moving to the district and he doesn't want to be labeled as a flip-flopper in a political environment where that has become the worst charge possible. However, Cannon was really arrogant and out of touch with the voters in the 3rd District and the Democrat who is running is really lacking in anything that would qualify him as a serious candidate (as have all the Democrats who have run since Orton was defeated). I'm voting for Chaffetz in November! I look for him to quietly establish his residency in the district after he wins this year.

oh oh, I didn't go to the Provo parade either. (Maybe he was there and you didn't see him? I don't really know). Be best if I don't vote because of that. Oh, the shame of it all.....now here's a real issue (parades) we can sink our teeth into. Put 'er in there with the district residency crapola.

I think Chaffetz is an extremist and an opportunist who will not faithfully represent regular families in Utah: he will end up representing corporations. As a Democrat, I sure hope that Chaffetz's living outside the 3rd district becomes an issue for him.

But I know this is not a real issue, because Alpine used to be in the 3rd before it was gerrymandered into the 2nd district in a failed attempt to weaken Democrat Matheson.

His name is BENNION SPENCER

Rep. Robert "B-1 Bob" Dornan owned a house inside his district in Garden Grove, CA, but never lived in it. It was rented out to tenants. He was gerrymandered out of a seat in Los Angeles County in 1982 and lost for reelection. He then moved to Garden Grove and won election in the 1984 Reagan landslide.

He maintained a large estate outside Washington DC, not the shared DC crash pad used by other members of Congress with legitimate homes in their districts. Of course, very wealthy members of Congress have a fully maintained home on both ends, but Dornan did not. When he was in town, he stayed at a hotel or at the homes of his grown children, in Orange County but outside of his district.

He kept his voter registration at the house in Garden Grove, which probably could have been legally challenged since he did not sleep there in 12 years as a Congressman. California allows permanent absentee voting, and once you sign up for this status, the absent voter ballots arrive automatically at your alternate address and you never have to come near your purported address. California doesn't require illness or absence for absentee ballots.

*** "By the way, how long has it been since Sen. Orrin Hatch has actually "resided" in Utah? Try digging up the answer to that one -- he was using his parents' address in Midvale for his "home" address for years!" ***

I know for a fact that Hatch's home in Utah is a condo in Salt Lake City. I wonder which of Orrin's homes is larger and/or more valuable - that might tell us where his heart really lies.

I have a suspicion that when Orrin retires he will be like so many ex-congressmen who don't return to the state/district they so professed to love.

*** "Chafetz is scary folks, as a lifelong Republican, who has not ever voted Democrat, Spencer Bennion is looking like the right choice. He's a conservative Democrat like Matheson, who the 2nd District likes." ***

Yes, I can tell you've really read up on "Spencer Bennion. You know so much that you don't even know that his name is Bennion Spencer - firstname: Bennion, surname: Spencer.

I love all the people here who claim to support and know all sorts of things about their great Democratic guy "Spencer Bennion" when apparently they don't even know that his last name is "Spencer," not "Bennion."

This article is a set-up, folks.

Joe Cannon owns this paper. He did all he could to get his brother another win in the primary. He didn't deliver. So, now he's setting up the state to help Jason's democrat challenger in the general.

I don't get it. Didn't Chris sue Joe for millions--and win? And Joe is still helping Chris? Politics is not for the faint of heart. This is sick.

This is a non-issue, just like it was in the primary. It didn't help to defeat Jason then and you're walkin' on sunshine if you think it's going to help a democrat win in the UC.

You can't blame Chaffetz for running in the 3rd rather than the 2nd District:

1) Because Alpine was, and soon will again be, in the 3rd District.

2) Alpine is in Utah County, and is culturally and politically most connected to that county.

3) Chaffetz's home is actually closer to the 3rd District's population center than Provo or Mapleton (where Cannon lives). About half the 3rd District's population lives in Salt Lake County. This could still be the case if Utah gets a 4th seat in 2012, because Salt Lake County will have to be split, with 200-400 thousand voters going into a second district (assuming gerrymandering is kept to a minimum).

4) Chaffetz had to run a campaign with minimal finances and knew it. Given a choice between 2 people he'd like to knock off, which is easier: the guy you can eliminate in convention or primary, or the guy you have to outspend over the airwaves in November?

It was a perfectly rational, well-thought decision. Don' we want politicians who are rational and who think things through?

I think it's amazing that there is no residency requirement. This means you can go for any race you think you have the best chance to win (such as during massive "oust the incumbent" times). It's just plain wrong and unethical even if legal.

This is a set-up? You're a mess. This is a legit story because it's historic. Stop looking for black choppers when there are none.

I can't speak for Bennett, but I can say that Hatch flies home more than just about any other US Senator to represent and listen to the people of Utah. I've seen him countless times flying home from DC. (I make the DC-SLC trip almost as much.)

It took 2 years, and him about to loose in the primary for Chris Cannon to write me back. Chris used to be really good about responding to comments about bills. He gave up doing that. Senator Hatch has a bigger area, and yet he still cares. Yes, I agree it was good to have a change in the 3rd District, and I agree that the democrats have put up someone good. I am glad for the choice. I have met, listened to and spoke to Jason personally several times. I have written him comments, and he has repsonded back.

Jason lives 20 miles closer to me than Chris Cannon. I have appreciated all the work Mr. Cannon has done, but sometimes we need a change. Jason is the change. It is sad the number of people that didn't get the candidate that they wanted, that are sore about it. I wouldn't have been upset if Leavitt had won, but I feel that we got the better representative running.

This article is about where Jason lives. I live in SL County, and I need someone that will represent me, even though I live in the 3rd district. Jason will.

How does a guy who wants to deport all the illegal aliens win an election in a district he doesn't live in?

If he is going to do that, why doesn't he run for President of Mexico and clean that place up so all the Mexicans don't have to emigrate?

Anyone else | 10:11 a.m. July 6, 2008
get the feeling that a lot of these comments were written by the same person?

Heh. It's Utah. More than that, Utah County. Sameness rules.

Besides, the comments on every article, especially the political ones, all go the same way. Read one comment thread, you've basically read 'em all.