Deseret News | Chaffetz joins race, opens fire on Cannon

Reader comments
Chaffetz joins race, opens fire on Cannon

Craig | 12:46 a.m. Oct. 2, 2007

Hmmm, I used to question Cannon. Now with a Huntsman buddy attacking him, maybe I like Cannon.

Petty | 5:11 a.m. Oct. 2, 2007

The article sounds like he's been doing his homework on representing his area differently.
Then Earl and Craig jump right into petty personal jabs?

Mike | 7:23 a.m. Oct. 2, 2007

Jason and I used to spar over politics in the BYU student newspaper during the 1988 Presidential campaign. He for the democratic candidate and I for President Reagan. Glad to see he's converted.

Comments continue below

Penelope | 7:23 a.m. Oct. 2, 2007

Craig, I'm with you on that.

Thomas | 7:31 a.m. Oct. 2, 2007

Jason will need to tell us delegates how he converted from an outright liberal and mindlessly defending Michael Dukakis to being more conservative than Chris Cannon. Being Gov. Huntsman's chief of staff will also be a liability to those of us who value conservative principles.

Actually... | 8:11 a.m. Oct. 2, 2007

...I think it's Cannon who's going to have the harder time explaining himself and his record.

Mary | 8:23 a.m. Oct. 2, 2007

Wasn't Reagan a Democrat at one point?

Enter nameJazzbo | 8:30 a.m. Oct. 2, 2007

If Cannon would stop supporting amnesty for 20+ million illegal aliens then he wouldn't have to worry about challenges from the right wing or the left wing of his party. But that probably wouldn't dawn on someone who is as out of touch with his constituents as Cannon seems to be.

Bill | 8:45 a.m. Oct. 2, 2007

Cannon has not impressed me, particularly on illegal immigration issues. I support giving new, fresh Republicans a chance in Congress. Washington seems to jade them, make them take their constituents for granted. When in doubt, vote against the incumbent, so long as the alternative is a conservative.

I used to vote for the occasional democrat; Rocky Andersen's tenure has convinced me of the foolishness of that approach.

Mark | 8:51 a.m. Oct. 2, 2007

I think anyone (Democrat, extreme Conservative, Green Party candidate, Bart Simpson) would represent the area better than Cannon. It's time for change, for new blood, new ideas. He's not a communicator, he has no vision, and he is not a great policy maker or leader. His time is up.

John | 9:01 a.m. Oct. 2, 2007

I thought that the bulk of the delegates for 2008 aren't chosen until the caucuses in March.

Frank | 9:28 a.m. Oct. 2, 2007

Having done some work with Chris Cannon, I can tell you his public persona is vastly different then the man himself. He may be derided by some as having "no vision, and not being a great policy maker" but having worked with him, I can tell you that is NOT the case at all. Cannon actually is VERY respected in DC and has alot of clout for the 3rd District. (No, not pork clout, but clout).

His conservative credentials are impeccable (The guy had a 100 ACU rating last year) and yeah, on immigration, he goes off the reservation a bit, but let's face it, even Cannon knows nothing can get done till the border is sealed. He opposed the Senate deal, he voted for the fence, and he just voted to deny illegals federal housing assistance. I mean, so he wants to keep some of those people who are already here, here, I don't want some Dukakis loving Huntsman lackey representing me.

Cannon ain't perfect, but are any of us? Chaffetz CERTAINLY isn't.

swrl | 10:04 a.m. Oct. 2, 2007

We need Cris to deliver another impeachment speech against another Clinton.

Sam | 10:04 a.m. Oct. 2, 2007

An observation from a current State delegate in the 3rd district - there are a lot of "don't vote for Cannon" voices, but I haven't heard many "vote for Chaffetz" back room conversations. Chaffetz lacks the experience, money, and name recognition necessary to defeat Cannon. Let alone the baggage associated with why Huntsman let him go.

And some campaign strategist needs to figure out that the illegal immigration criticism of Cannon isn't going to unseat him. If it were he would have been voted out already. No, Cannon's strength of influence in DC is at the core of why the base supports him. Chaffetz isn't going to be able to present an attractive alternative.

Reality | 10:05 a.m. Oct. 2, 2007

Come on Frank. You must work FOR rather than with Chris Cannon if you're claiming Cannon is VERY respected inside the Beltway. From what I understand Cannon is viewed as a political hack with little real or percieved influence. Having followed Cannon's career for years my view is that he has transformed himself into a an establishment politician that lacks vision and is unwilling to stand up to the national republican establishment or the administration as they've moved away from fiscal responsibility and conservative principles.

Ironically the one issue he has shown some courage on is the immigration issue. But its hard to know if he's doing that out of political courage or blind allegiance to the Bush administration.

I'll vote for Chaffetz in a heartbeat over Cannon. I don't care who he voted for when he was a college student 20 years ago.

lifer | 10:24 a.m. Oct. 2, 2007

Frank,

I recall Cannon being derided at the time for being the most ineffectual and lightweight member of the House Impeachment Committee. I haven't seen anything since to dispel that notion.

Then again, the impeachment was itself such a sick and twisted comedy that maybe we should be thankful for his inability to think or speak clearly.

It would, however, be nice if someone explained to Cannon the merit underlying the bipartisan CHIP-S bill championed by occasionally thoughtful Republicans such as Hatch.

Reason | 10:40 a.m. Oct. 2, 2007

Chaffetz might be able to beat Cannon in a primary election, because most voters are reasonable individuals. The Rupublican convention is filled with unreasonable extremists and is not a good representation of voters as a whole. Chaffetz is most likely far too reasonable and intelligent of an individual to get enough of the crazy votes at the convention to make it to a primary.

Beltway Influence | 10:48 a.m. Oct. 2, 2007

Supporters of Cannon always seem to point to his influence in DC. How exactly does this myth get perpetuated? Cannon is not the ranking republican on any of his committees and has not been notably successful at passing his legislation.

From a national perspective he was part of a republican majority that failed to control spending, failed to reform medicare, failed to fix social security and failed our troops by pushing Bush to conduct the war in a responsible and competent manner.

I'm sure Cannon's a good person and a nice guy but I want a representative that will represent us with more energy and effectiveness as well as tackle the tough issues facing us. What exactly has Cannon done to deserve my vote?

randy herbert | 11:01 a.m. Oct. 2, 2007

hatch, cannon .. was does it matter , they all have been in gov't office way too long ... give others from the state of utah a chance at the pay raises, the perks, the benefits, the retirement system these guys have voted for themselves for decades .. lets spread the wealth around, new senators and congressmen each election .. give others in this state a shot at the retirement system you and i cant even dream about or dare to have, while at the same time these good upstanding men have cut, resticted, banned any kind of like retirement system for you and I ... and in the mean time these current gentleman have deemed your retirement to the gutter while they have nothing to worry about whenever they leave office ... oh how vain and foolish we the voters of this state really are .. while our gov't leaders continue to pad their pockets from our pockets because we voted for them each election to be fleeced by them no-less .. come on utah spread the wealth, give others in this state a shot at a retirement system you can never have

Chaffetz Not The Guy | 11:39 a.m. Oct. 2, 2007

Chaffetz is not the guy to replace Cannon. Chaffetz ran Dukakis' Utah presidential campaign back in the day. Tough to erase even if tied into Dukakis through family. Of course he claims he's a republican, he's a former nu skin pr guy, he knows the art of spin, would he get elected in Utah County as a demonicrat?
Cannon made a huge political blunder standing against the rule of law and for illegal immigration, but Chaffetz is not the answer. Don't be fooled.

Pam | 11:43 a.m. Oct. 2, 2007

I heard Chaffetz speak twice (before he was a candidate) and was extremely impressed both times. Well, let me rephrase that - I was blown away. He's a clear thinker, laser sharp in his assessment of issues, as well as an engaging personatity who will definately inject welcome energy into this race.

Michael Dukakis, by the way, is Chaffetz' uncle. It was while Chaffetz traveled with his uncle's campaign in the 1980s that he began to realize his fundamental differences with his family's Democrat ideaology. His core Conservatism comes across as thoughtful & considered, rather than a mindset.

Cannon is facing a real, substantive challenge this time. It's long overdue. I only hope Utah can switch off its standard 'auto-pilot' mode regarding its beloved incumbants, whoever they may be.

Cannon and Geneva | 11:45 a.m. Oct. 2, 2007

I would like to know more history and facts about Cannon's (and his brother Joe) involvement with Geneva Steel. It is my understanding that they accepted millions of $ in federal funds to modernize the operation and eventually be profitable. They after they got richer and Geneva still failed, they sold the modernized equipment to China! Where did the $ go when they liquidated Geneva?

As for Cannon's Immigration legislation--I attended a neighborhood meeting where Chris Cannon was speaking. I asked him questions about his proposed immigration legislation. I truly wanted to understand. Cannon glibly dismissed me and said that I didn't understand the issues. I asked him to explain the issues, but declined. I wasn't being confrontational, just inquisitive.

Chris Cannon really is out of touch with his constituents and I don't think he really wants to get in touch with us.

I also think it is ridiculous to have Joe as the editor of the newspaper.

Iron | 12:01 p.m. Oct. 2, 2007

Dear Beltway Influence:

Cannon has actually passed more legislation than any other Member of Congress from Utah by far. He has sponsoered and passed over 30 bills since being elected which is approximately 7 more than the next closest person.

Inquisitor | 12:55 p.m. Oct. 2, 2007

As a current state delegate in the 3rd District I've heard a lot of the above before. I've come to the realization that the only person that can represent me 100% would be myself. Obviously that's not going to happen so I have to look for someone that is the most compatible with my views. I don't always agree with Mr. Cannon, but in discussions with him during the last convention process I found him to be very informed and sincere. He's ranked consistently as one of the most conservative members of the house. And that's over five terms. I think that says something. I'm a conservative and so is Cannon. With all due respect to Mr. Chaffetz I have yet to see a compelling reason to vote for someone else...

L | 1:11 p.m. Oct. 2, 2007

Although I don't write congressmen's office very often, responses from Congressman Cannon's office don't compare to what I received from others. Maybe it his staff, but it ultimately reflects on him.

Yawn | 1:48 p.m. Oct. 2, 2007

I'm not voting for either one. Waiting for another Republican. Or conservative democrat.

Can we get more options? | 1:56 p.m. Oct. 2, 2007

I have had a similar experience to "Cannon and Geneva" when I attended a meeting at Provo's City Hall several years ago. I asked a question and was told that I didn't understand the issue. No answer to my question. I want to be REPRESENTED. Is Chaffetz the person to do it? From what I know of him, he is very good at putting on a PR front. He knows how to speak and appear well. But is he willing to state an opinion that he will stick with rather than trying to please everyone?

Don | 2:03 p.m. Oct. 2, 2007

Iron,

Since you are so well informed can you let us which bills Cannon has successfully sponsored over the last 3 years? I am curious to know what groundbreaking legislation Cannon has pushed through to deal with today's pressing issues.

Based on the non partisan group rankings (by Knowlegis) I'm looking at Cannon is the 249th most powerful representative...

I do however see that Cannon has voted against CHIP-S which would definitely have a positive impact for many families in our district. Apparently Cannon (along with Bush) believe that this would be a huge expansion of socialized medicine. Can anyone explain the reasoning for Cannon voting against a $35 billion bill to help children with no insurance while voting for a $535 billion bill to pay for prescription drugs for seniors who by and large already have health insurance? Wasn't this also an expansion of socialized medicine (i.e 10x more expensive?)

This is why Cannon needs to be voted out. He's has lost any perspective on what's best for the long term benefit of his constituents.

Chuck | 2:26 p.m. Oct. 2, 2007

Jason's mother at one time was married to Dukakis but later divorced the man.

Mark | 3:46 p.m. Oct. 2, 2007

John, you're right, delegates will be chosen in March, but many current ones will run and be elected again--at least that must be Chaffetz' expectation

Iron | 3:54 p.m. Oct. 2, 2007

Okay...
-A land exchange for people in Sevier County so development could take place
-Another similar exchange in Beaver County
-Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act
-Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Boundary Revision Act
-Provo River Project Transfer Act
-To amend section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act to improve the process for verifying an immigrant's eligibility for employment
-Born-Alive Infants Protection Act of 2002
-Central Utah Project Completion Act
-Ivanpah Valley Airport Public Lands Transfer Act
-Duchesne City Water Rights Conveyance Act
-Judicial Disclosure Responsibility Act
-Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005

This is just to name a few.

Also, I imagine that Chris voted against it b/c it depends on people that smoke. That's not a smart way to implement a program especially when we are quitting at a high rate. Then what is the state supposed to do? You don't want a program that's another unfunded mandate.

JS | 4:23 p.m. Oct. 2, 2007

Looks like he brings to pork home to the third district. Wait a minute, I was in the third district in Taylorsville until moving recently. I am conservative in principles, but that man does not represent third district citizens in Salt Lake. Our representative was gerrymandered away by the republican party. By the way, he does have a price. It's the 50,000 dollar campaign contribution he received from immigration attorneys that wanted him to include a provision in the law that illegals or immigrants would be required to retain said attorneys in order to move towards employement or citizenship. Thank goodness Matheson represents my district now.

Confused | 5:31 p.m. Oct. 2, 2007

Mike, (from 7:23 am) Didn't Bush run in 1988? I'm pretty sure President Reagan wasn't on the ballot. So before you make wild false claims about who you debated in 1988, at least get your story straight. I was 11 years old then, and even I know Reagan ran in 1980 and 84. Bush (41) won in 88; Clinton 92 and 96 and Bush (43) in 2000 and 2004. Now that you have your history lesson, you can make up random lies about your days at BYU and sound all smart to your kids.

Kimball | 5:32 p.m. Oct. 2, 2007

Looks to me like Cannon legislative record is the equivalent of BYU scheduling a bunch of D-2 schools to improve its football record... looks good in terms of number of bills passed but is lacking in substance and overall impact. Although I'm sure those in Duchesne, Sevier and Ivanpah(?) were grateful.

Don | 5:49 p.m. Oct. 2, 2007

Thanks Iron. I'm still not convinced of Cannon's influence in DC but it looks like he has been effective in getting pet projects passed for some of his constituents here. I have to admit I was unaware that Cannon was the driving force behind Ivanpah Valley Airport Public Lands Transfer Act.

I am however confused at your justification on his CHIP vote. I see it as a positive that they are actually linking the program to specific funding. That's more then can be said for the Prescription Drug plan Cannon voted for. Also smoking rates are declining but not fast enough to materially affect funding for decades.

Additionally your reasoning on why Cannon voted against it is erroneous. Just to set the record straight Cannon hasn't had any qualms voting for underfunded state mandates in past. Anyone remember "No Child Left Behind"?

San Diego | 8:14 p.m. Oct. 2, 2007

Who is this Chris Cannon you keep referring to. No one outside of Utah has ever heard of him.

Out With Cannon | 9:01 a.m. Oct. 3, 2007

Cannon is a hypocrite. We need new representation that is capable of independent thinking and fresh ideas.

Kick it! | 10:30 p.m. Oct. 3, 2007

Go Jason Go!

Truth | 1:52 p.m. Oct. 6, 2007

Iron,

You point out that Cannon has passed seven (7) more pieces of legislation than the "next closest person" from Utah. That may be true, but what you fail to recognize is that Cannon was elected in 1996 and the "next closest person" from Utah was elected in 2000.

So are you saying that in 11 years, Cannon has passed just 7 more pieces of legislation than Matheson has in 7?

He got a 4 year head-start, bud!

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