Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
John Daley ReportingRep. Chris Cannon, (R) 3rd District: "John has just called me a liar, but I don't think he listened to what I said."
John Jacob, (R) Candidate for 3rd District: "I'd like the real Chris Cannon to stand up."
The contest heats up in what is likely Utah's most competitive Congressional race this election season. In Utah's 3rd Congressional District, a bruising primary battle is shaping up between two GOP rivals. One is a long-term incumbent, the other a wealthy developer who thinks he's found a winning issue.
A debate today got testy, particularly over illegal immigration. The race pits five-term incumbent Chris Cannon against challenger John Jacob, and the debate they're having is a reflection of the great divide within their own party on that defining issue.
Protests ignited the debate over illegal immigration, putting the President and GOP-dominated congress in a dicey position, trying to solve a complicated problem without alienating those conservatives who want get-tough border measures and deportation.
That tension is playing out in Utah's Third District race between incumbent Chris Cannon and his challenger.
Rep. Chris Cannon, (R) 3rd District: "The issue of immigration, being the first on this list, is one where I have a great and clear record."
John Jacob, (R) Candidate for 3rd District: "If you pull up Chris Cannon and Amnesty, you'll find about 250,000 hits."
The two are jousting on the airwaves as well.
Jacob Radio Ad: "If you want to come to the United States and be a citizen, you need to do it the right way and be legal. Even though 80% of the people want that, it doesn't happen in Washington. What if there was a man who thought the way you thought?"
Cannon Radio Ad: "Chris Cannon consistently ranked one of the most conservative members of congress, writing the new law to stop illegal immigration."
Jacob clearly senses an opening, suggesting Cannon favors amnesty because he backed things like legislation that allows states to decide whether to grant in-state tuition to children whose parents brought them here illegally.
John Jacob, (R) Candidate for 3rd District: "That's amnesty any way you want to look at it. You talk about your record and you vote for things, but you don't believe 'em and you don't do 'em."
Cannon takes issue with Jacob's characterization of his record, urging listeners to take a closer look.
Rep. Chris Cannon, (R) 3rd District: "John has just called me a liar, but I don't think he listened to what I said. There's no question about whether I'm a conservative or not. This issue tears conservatives apart and I am on a side of that issue. But it's a side most people are on when they think the issue through. We hope they'll be thoughtful and rational about that."
The pair also delved into No Child Left Behind and gun laws, but the fireworks were all about immigration.
In the last poll, two weeks ago, Cannon had a 48-28 lead, but 25% said they are undecided.
