Anonymous | 1:52 a.m. June 25, 2008
Let's drop - for now and for good - the claim that Cannon lost because of the voters who stayed home.

He lost by over 9,000 votes, of 44,000 cast. If 14,000 more people had voted - bringing turnout to 2006 levels - 82% of them would've had to vote for Cannon for him to have won. I don't think even Vegas would give you odds on such a longshot.

What if everyone in the 3rd District had voted?

The polls leading up to the race showed Cannon leading by 44-40, meaning that 16% were undecided. In a year where voters are clearlty upset and the economy is tanking, the 16% undecided is not going to break for the incumbent.

What gets me though is Cannon's plane denial; his implication that the voters are just randomly angry and taking it out on anyone. They are not taking it out on anyone, Mr. Cannon. They are taking it out on the people responsible. What ever happened to "the buck stops here." And you have not been "released," Congressman - you have been EXCOMMUNICATED.
Mercutio | 1:55 a.m. June 25, 2008
---- "It was a 'pox on all your houses' attitude out there" among voters" ----

Yep - "pox on all your houses" and all that. That's why Rob Bishop was beaten horrbly in yesterday's primary. And Jim Matheson, too.

Oh, wait - they weren't.
Just the beginning | 3:59 a.m. June 25, 2008
Incumbants beware.

National Earmarks and out of control spending.

Local leaders not listening to the will of the people, slipping in vouchers, partying lavishly while their constituents infrastructures stagnate and prices inflate. Teachers are neither respected or paid well, leaving the state in droves, leaving the children in overcrowded classrooms without materials, parents or teachers paying for simple supplies.

A governor endorses McCain while the state is 90% behind another candidate.

The incumbents thought they were invincible.

It's not gas prices, Mr. Cannon. It is the refusal of our leaders to listen to and do the work of the people.I cannot wait until the election and see the turnover of incumbents.

Mr. Governaire, don't read the polls, count the votes before looking for your place in Utah, before you even start to think Washington.

You may represent me, but you will never be MY governaire. And that goes for ther rest of you who refuse to listen to us people.
Comments continue below
Good Bye Cannon | 4:25 a.m. June 25, 2008
I'd like to say good bye to all the incumbants who lost there jobs yesterday. Like BO says, (I can't believe I'm quoting BO) "it's time for some change" and that change needs to take place within the republican party.
jdegaston | 5:03 a.m. June 25, 2008
Low voter turnout? Why?

I agree with Jason. People are disgusted about many things: deficit spending (where is the balanced budget?), power grabs by Bush (signing statements, No Child Left Behind), loss of personal liberties (wire tapping, torture), a war that probably should never have been started, a struggling economy (why the big push by Bush for subprime loans?), etc.

Another possibility for not going to the polls: not much was on the ballot. In many areas of the State the only race was the Treasurer's race which was very confusing. With the Republican party firmly in the hands of a few families and with the "shenanigans" of too many automatic delegates, replacement delegates, discretionary delegates to stack the deck, plus "ballot box antics" such as not checking credentials and not allowing poll watchers, not many races make it out of convention. When the 70% level to avoid a primary was in effect, the public was able to vote more often, and perhaps the turnout might be higher if there were more races to vote on. And, why no primary races for Democrats if they are a viable party? The public will vote more if we let them.
Apathy | 5:49 a.m. June 25, 2008
There's really no excuse for voter apathy, but it's hard to get excited about going to the polls when you don't feel good about any of the candidates that are on the ballot.
Hoorah | 6:00 a.m. June 25, 2008
Out with all of the incumbents. We are sick of the direction we are being lead. I hope this is a national trend. We need new blood that will represent THE PEOPLE. Voters you have the control with your votes to control your own destiny, now go out and do it. Get rid of all of this GREED, GREED, GREED, and back to what made this country the very best in the world--good honest hard working people with some integrity.
Shawn | 6:19 a.m. June 25, 2008
I hope that every incumbent is swept out of the federal government. I am a strong conservative and believe both parties have failed the people. It�s time to flush the government fully and begin anew with representatives that remember why they are there and what their actual responsibilities are.
arc | 7:06 a.m. June 25, 2008
Cannon lost because:
1. He stopped listening, or at least writing back to citizens in the 3rd district.
2. He stopped voting for things he said he was for. His explanations, which have been terrible for 6 years, were finally brought to light.
3. His primary funding was from outside of Utah.
4. His staff was paid. Jason's were not. Can you say work equity?
5. He tried to focus on 3rd boundaries, which should not have been the issue. They were created by his own party and that didn't help.
6. People wanted a change.
7. Jason and his supporters worked harder.
8. 60% of state delegates voted for Jason. 60% of the district did to. That is not a coincidence.
arc | 7:17 a.m. June 25, 2008
There were move votes cast in Utah County. Jason got more votes than Cannon in Utah County. Cannon lost big in both counties.
Cats | 7:25 a.m. June 25, 2008
When Republicans acts like Democrats, they lose. That's what is happening nationwide. The Republicans lost their soul. As a committed Republican I am heartbroken about what is happening, but I know that we need a shock in order to get us back to our core principles. Those principles are the same as those held by the American people.

Democrats are a motley group of special interests--environmentalists, minorities, pro-abortion groups, gays rights groups, unions, socialists, and on and on. They do not represent the core values of the American people.

I'm afraid we're all just going to have to put our heads down and get through the next few years.
sob | 7:42 a.m. June 25, 2008
read it a weep cats.
arc | 7:46 a.m. June 25, 2008
Cats,
You forget that most Utah voters would not disagree with most of Bennion's stands, and he is a democrat. He is not to be trifled with.
Confused | 7:55 a.m. June 25, 2008
May offer a "REAL" reason for the voter turn out?
It is not because of Voter disgust with what is going on, rather it has to do with the Elections were closed to only those that have declared their party (Republican only.

So people like me who wants to vote but do not want to register as a republican or democrat, can't vote.


For those that thinks Jason Chaffetz is the "New" savior for congress, you will get a change from Cannon, but not in the positive way that you think.

He is a egomantic and looks out for no one else but himself, if you think I am wrong, talk to those that has actually worked with him while he was chief of staff.

AND NO, I AM NOT A CANNON FAN......
Anonymous | 7:58 a.m. June 25, 2008
This is a revolution. A revolution by the people sitting at home" and not voting. "A revolution by those who did vote," said Cannon

You are soooooo wrong! This was a revolution led by people who cared enough, were angry enough to get out and vote and NOT stay home. Quit making excuses. Your performance, or lack there of, cost you your job.
Moderate Republican | 8:12 a.m. June 25, 2008
With the defeat of Walker, along with Donnelson and Neuenschwander losing, I think this in an indication of Utah not wanting the ultra right in control. These three were strongly supported by the pro-voucher, ultra-right people. This is a loss for Curtis, Bramble, Clark, Shurtleff, etc. Maybe now we can start to get back some moderates views and leaders who truly represent the majority of the people, not just right wing who tend to dominate the caucus meetings. I predict Edwards will become a great voice for Utah's moderate Republicans.
Observer1 | 8:20 a.m. June 25, 2008
The Cannon got fired!!! YIPPEE!!! Jason Chaffetz won because of one thing, and one thing only: VOTERS ARE SICK AND TIRED OF THE SAME OLD THING!!! Now, we need the rest of the nation to follow suit and "throw the bums out"!

I could not be happier this morning knowing that Chris Cannon will no longer taking advantage of the good people of the 3rd district. He is so smug and arrogant about all this that it warmed my heart to see him go down to defeat last night.

Now there's only one problem left - The primary was easy for me, but now I have to decide whom to support in November.
New media victory | 8:54 a.m. June 25, 2008
The dead-tree media that has been pushing the theory that the candidate who spends more money (read "more newspaper advertisements") wins can't be happy about this outcome. Chaffetz raised less than $100K?

No wonder the DesNews is laying off people.
When... | 9:06 a.m. June 25, 2008
I didn't know there was an election... Seriously, someone should have at least mentioned it.

Clare | 9:07 a.m. June 25, 2008
I voted for Ellis mainly because of the nasty hate mail I received from Walker. It implied that Ellis had something to do with the amount of money put into the treasury (That is decided by the state representives.and other things that I believe were undesirabl.) No new taxes. How are we suppose to pay for our booming growth? We need A LOT of new schools. I don't want new taxes, but if it is necessary, it is necessary. He blew it with me and I told my husband to vote for Ellis. Ellis has done a good job. Shame on Walker for his negative pamphlets and good riddance.
mc3 | 9:13 a.m. June 25, 2008
Congrats to Chaffetz. However all you who voted for him will not get what you expect. With all the other ultra right incumbents who got thrown out of office, the worst of all of them (Chaffetz) got through. He is so very egotistical. Ask anyone who worked with him in the Governor's office. Why do you think he was asked to leave? Ask any in the office if they'd vote for him and the answer is a resounding NO! Hope you're all happy with the smuck you ended up with. Cannon wasn't perfect, but the lesser of two evils. And isn't that a sad commentary on the state of the Republican party. I forsee the state going more "blue" this year.
Quoting anon | 9:25 a.m. June 25, 2008
"And you have not been "released," Congressman - you have been EXCOMMUNICATED."

So true! thanks for the laugh! Released indeed . . .
Truly Sad | 9:41 a.m. June 25, 2008
What a horrible shame Utah voters are. Sit home and complain, but don't get off their lazy butts and find out who is best and vote. They will deserve what they get, apathetic congressman who simply draw their pay and really do nothing for us.

My schools aren't any good, but I am not going to get off my lazy rear end and go vote for those people who will make policy, hire teachers and determine what happens in the schools, but OH HOW I WILL COMPLAIN AND GRIPE.
Phantom Cat | 9:52 a.m. June 25, 2008
Cannon has lied to voters for several years about illegal immigration. He tells his constituents he's against illegal immigration and then goes back to Congress and sponsors amnesty legislation. Voters finally have figured him out and ousted him! Victory is indeed sweet. Go Jason, Go!
No change | 9:57 a.m. June 25, 2008
It's naive to think anything is really going to change. Their platforms were nearly identical and Chaffetz has basically no power yet in the House anyway.
mc3 is correct | 10:04 a.m. June 25, 2008
As bad as Cannon was, Chaffetz is worse! If we must have Republicans in office can we at least have sensible ones instead of extremists?
Phil | 10:05 a.m. June 25, 2008
I am angry and wonder if anyone else is. I went to vote last night and was told I COULDN'T VOTE IN AN ELECTION MY TAXES PAID FOR because I wasn't registered as a Republican!!! I've been an independent all my life and never been turned away from an election before! although I usually vote Republican. This is the end for me. Whoever the Democrat is, he's got my vote. Who else is mad?
kwelke01 | 10:10 a.m. June 25, 2008
I find something that is really quite interesting about these comments. To me it sounds like these comments are saying that Mr Chaffetz is going to save Utah and make things better. Well it takes senority which he doesn't have. He will also have to vote for things that he disagrees with to further his political career. In listening to the debates woth cannon and chaffetz I do not believe that mr chaffetz really knows what he is up against in washington. Good luck to him because it will take more than him to accomplish his goals.
Utah County Republican | 10:18 a.m. June 25, 2008
I voted for Cannon because he seemed to want it more, and I personally have met him when he came to a classroom I was substituting. Obviously most voters disagreed with me. I cannot in good faith vote for Chaffetz with what I know about him, so I may have to look into the guy from the other party for once.

Thanks for your service Chris Cannon.
Brent Politico | 10:27 a.m. June 25, 2008
Jason may have thought he won because of core conservative values. He did not. It was totally all about gas prices and other failed energy policies for the American consumer. Everything was anti-incumbent. Now that we were unsuccessful with one incumbent, the rest of the Republicans had better start being more moderate and progressive in their thinking to resolve the high gas prices, credit and other economic problems that have been placed on us by the two Bushes, in order to make themselves, Cheney and their related-party Saudis richer.

This may be the first time in several decades that we are truly a two-party state.

Just about all of todays bloggers are correct, except about immigration. We need to live up to our American values of the words found on the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. If we increase the quotas allowed, people will do the right thing and won't have to be illegal.

Education needs to fixed. Fewer administrators, fewer districts) not splitting districts, more money going for more teachers and more classrooms. I am watching various scores on our schools website plummet each and every year, because of a laxadasical machine.
Beer Drinkin Bud | 10:48 a.m. June 25, 2008
The State delegates had it right at the convention. We don't need negative campaigns. We need inspiration! We need passion! We need common sense! We need cheaper gasoline!!! We need the Republican voters to come out in November and VOTE! Our party believes in the guidance that good morals provide, hard work, and equal opportunity to all that want to share in the American Dream. We DON"T want our efforts to be taxed away, or our money to be spent foolishly. We also believe in fiscal responsibility. That is why we seek change. Our current leadership has failed us. The Democrats seek change also. The Liberals have been correctly identified as recycled communist party believers from the 50's. So now they call themselves Progressives. Don't be fooled. Whose version of change do you want? One that empowers YOU to seek your fortune, or one that seeks to control you and your future for the benefit of them?
lee | 10:57 a.m. June 25, 2008
I you want more voters, there needs to be more contests to vote on. The Republican party should change their procedures and let the voters choose the candidates in all races!
Wilkey | 11:23 a.m. June 25, 2008
*** "To me it sounds like these comments are saying that Mr Chaffetz is going to save Utah and make things better. Well it takes senority which he doesn't have." ***

If seniority is all that matters then let's here in Utah just do away with elections and settle for lifetime appointments, then we'll really get some power in Washington, eh?

The only power we have as voters is the power that comes every two years. If you keep re-electing the same old schmoes then our congressmen won't respect us, like a wife who threatens to leave her abusive husband but never does.

The power from yesterday's defeat of Cannon is echoing all across the country this morning. I doubt there is a single congressman who hasn't heard. It's a far greater consequence for Utah and the nation than yet another congressman with a dozen years of seniority under his belt. It tells them we're paying attention, and we aren't happy with what's going on.
cbm | 11:27 a.m. June 25, 2008
To CATS and others - PLEASE stop labeling Democrats as this and that and imply they don't have "moral values" as you do. Can't Utahns see that there can be more than one way to fix our problems. Not every Democrat promotes abortion or same-sex marriage. As a " moral" Democrat, I believe our Constitution is there to protect even the weakest of any of us. It's for all of us, and entitles us to what our conscious directs. Please have a little more respect for one another. The constitution does.
Mills Levan | 12:14 p.m. June 25, 2008
You're correct, cbm. There's too much name calling, too much labeling, too many idealogues, not nearly enough statesmen. "Democrat" is not a four letter word any more than "Republican" is akin to sainthood. All have warts, all have strengths. Hopefully, Chaffetz will assume a statesman's position and restore at least a trace of dignity to the process.
Try that guy with a (D) | 12:33 p.m. June 25, 2008
Well, well, 3rd District Utah...

Congratulations. In a year where being seen as extreme right wing is the political kiss of death, you elected a candidate who is considered even more right wing than Cannon was. (I didn't think that was possible.) So let's just see how effective Chaffetz will be in Congress in this current national political climate.

Oh, yeah, BTW, Chaffetz isn't our Congressman yet. I urge you to look closely at Bennion Spencer. That (D) that will be by his name on the ballot isn't going to hurt you after all... Try it, you might like it.


Change.. | 12:32 p.m. June 25, 2008
Change can be a good thing, but change for change sake is not a great idea. That is what scares me about Obama.. and that is what scares me about Chaffetz. Their main platform is CHANGE, but they offer very little in the way of concrete fixes, so it's really a crap shoot. Yes, we want the right kind of change and I'm not sorry to see Cannon go, but this wave of "change without knowing what you're changing to" is bound to end in disaster.
Anonymous | 12:37 p.m. June 25, 2008
*** "I went to vote last night and was told I COULDN'T VOTE IN AN ELECTION MY TAXES PAID FOR because I wasn't registered as a Republican!!!" ***

I'm upset, too. I went to vote for my friend for the assistant hsitorian of the East Lake Junior Key Club but found that I couldn't vote because I'm not a member. How awful!

RE: Moderate Republican | 1:05 p.m. June 25, 2008
"With the defeat of Walker, along with Donnelson and Neuenschwander losing, I think this in an indication of Utah not wanting the ultra right in control."

I agree 100%. All the other GOP ultras out there (like Chaffetz) need to beware that the GOP have lost their soul and the Utah Democrats seem ready to make a good change. Huntsman, Shurtleff, Curtis, Chaffetz and the other GOP loonies should be careful of the Utah Democrats running for office. Don't be surprised if you lose your seat too.

As just two examples, Peter Corroon and Jim Matheson seem to be doing an excellent job looking out for the citizens..and their democrats! At least someone is...

BTW: As an Independent American, I should have been able to vote yesterday without declaring an allegiance to the GOP. That in and of itself solidified my vote this year for the Ds this November, at least in Utah. When the Grand Old Party (emphasize old) gets back to its values, I'll reconsider.
Jimmy | 1:17 p.m. June 25, 2008
Should have helped get oil prices in line sooner Chris then more of us would have been able to afford to vote.
To the people who couldn't Vote | 1:42 p.m. June 25, 2008
Please learn how Utah State Republican Primaries run before you complain.


JEEZ. This ISN'T common knowledge?



Anonymous | 2:00 p.m. June 25, 2008
To those griping about Republican primary rules - don't.

The reason Democrats don't mind having open primaries in Utah is because they never have primaries anyway. Their candidates just get annointed by the establishment and no one gets a say.
randy | 2:08 p.m. June 25, 2008
the word/vote is out .. the incumbent out .. the challenger in ....
hatch, bennett, bishop out .. challengers in
what isnt working has to be changed ... they have all been in way too long (as hatch told moss decades ago) might i add and have done way too little ....
incumbents out .. challengers in
To Anonymous | 2:09 p.m. June 25, 2008
If you Republicans want to have a closed primary, then why don't you PAY FOR IT? My TAXES PAID FOR YOUR PRIVATE PARTY. Conservative values, my foot.
Re: Anonymous (12:37 p.m.) | 2:28 p.m. June 25, 2008
"I'm upset, too. I went to vote for my friend for the assistant hsitorian of the East Lake Junior Key Club but found that I couldn't vote because I'm not a member. How awful!"

There's a big difference between being able to vote in a Club's election that you aren't a member of and which your tax money doesn't pay for and being able to vote in an election that your tax money pays for. If you don't understand the difference there is some thing wrong with you.

I would have no problem with my taxes paying for an open Republican Primary nor would I expect to vote in closed primaries if my tax dollars didn't pay for them.

So here are your choices:

1) hold an open primary where you can use our tax dollars to pay for it; or,

2) hold a closed primary that you pay for from your own members donations;

Shame on you people! It's hypocrisy. They don't want to pay for universal health care because it benefits individuals but they have no problem using tax money to pay for closed primaries benefiting individuals.

It's time that we vote against the hypocrites!!!
Skeletons | 3:43 p.m. June 25, 2008
Wow, we have set the bar quite low... Mr. Chaffetz cannot hold a job, so he runs for congress and wins. Anybody wonder why we have so many problems in this country?
Question for Skeletons | 4:21 p.m. June 25, 2008
Skeletons,

Can you please provide more information about your statement that "Mr. Chaffetz cannot hold a job..."

I would like to know what your sources are so that I can make an informed decision rather I will vote for Jason Chaffetz in November. Any explanation would be appreciated.
so what | 4:56 p.m. June 25, 2008
The Republicans are now turning on each other, over a seat that had little power and will have even less power and influence with a rookie GOP politician. If Utah wants to havwe a voice in the future of this country, we need more Democratic representation in Washington. Even our Senators are becoming more irrelevant. And with the way the Bush Adminstration has violated the law and the Constituion, Utahns should be flocking to the Democratic Party. But they won't.
Question for Chaffetz | 5:26 p.m. June 25, 2008
I have several questions for Jason Chaffetz and hope that someone here will be able to answer them:

1) Who will help you develop your budget?
2) How many staff members will you have?
3) How many District Offices will you have?
4) How many staff will you allocate to the District?
5) What staff positions will you have?
6) Have you chosen a Chief of Staff yet?
7) If yes, who is your Chief of Staff?
8) How much will you pay your Chief of Staff?
9) Will you maintain at least one office in Provo?

I have many other questions but I want him to answer these questions first. If anyone has any information about Chaffetz position on these issues I would love to hear your answers. Thanks in advance for answers.
little spender | 5:25 p.m. June 25, 2008
For someone who wanted to limit spending, Walker sure spent a pile on mailers (the content of which convinced me to vote for Ellis).

I appreciate the job Chris Cannon did. Especially as a "House Manager." Thanks!

Democrats didn't have an election because they made their choices in the Convention. They're equally entitled to money for a primary.

You can't vote if you're not registered by Party because of cross-over voting. If you don't think that would be a problem, just reread the above comments.

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.

Image

Congressman Chris Cannon of the 3rd Congressional District studies election results at a computer.

Advertisement
previousnext

Latest comments

2.5 million would have gotten this guys attention. This fine is like a days...

When LDS members or leaders use the word "revelation", it means precisely no...

RSL heads to MLS title game

. . . sure don't seem to be very witty.

I actually remember hearing about the Pirate Radio boat back when it...

Will state consider gay rights law?

Gays are happy, but this will not be sufficient. They will use this to...

Search : "World's Smallest Political Quiz" on any web browser. Take...

Dear Gross, Feeding babies is what breasts are for.

Sorry I hurt your feelings re:anon at 5:04. I actually had a sentence or two...

Letters: Founders not extremists

The founding fathers are NOT CONSERVATIVES by todays definitions either. ...

Letters: Founders not extremists

Let's go back to the original Presidential Election model. whoever receives...

Advertisements
Advertisement