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OREM, Utah (AP) -- Utah Republican Rep. Chris Cannon and 3rd Congressional District challenger John Jacob clashed over the issue of immigration during their first public debate.
"You've not been effective," Jacob said, adding that during Cannon's five terms in Congress the number of illegal immigrants in the U.S. has risen from 5 million to at least 12 million.
Cannon, R-Utah, countered that he's helped double funding for border security and worked on appropriations bills that would have added some 2,000 to the ranks of border agents, although President Bush failed to support that effort.
The pair debated for 70 minutes before a crowd of about 100 at Utah Valley State College Saturday. A second debate is planned for June 19 at the Salt Lake City Library at 8:30 p.m.
Cannon and Jacob will square off in a June 27 primary that could determine who will represent the district in Congress.
The 3rd Congressional District includes the west Salt Lake County, most of Utah County, eastern Juab County and Sanpete, Sevier, Millard and Beaver counties.
Cannon and Jacob seem to agree on some immigration issues. Both say they want secure borders and stand for the rule of law.
But Cannon said any plan to deport 12 million undocumented workers is unrealistic and would burden businesses.
Jacob favors the return of illegal immigrants to their native countries and wants to control borders through increased funding for enforcement and technology.
Cannon challenged Jacob to provide a detailed immigration reform plan.
"What would you do? Make a proposal so we can discuss that," Cannon said.
Jacob, an Eagle Mountain businessman, also said raising wages in Utah would put teens, citizens from other states and legal immigrants into the jobs currently held by undocumented workers.
Cannon stopped short of calling Jacob a racist, but said much of the immigration debate is driven by xenophobia.
"There are a lot of people who are angry and fearful, and that's not the best of America. . . . I don't think xenophobia is a Republican virtue," he said.
Jacob appealed to voters disgruntled with Cannon, Congress or both.
"If you want a change, vote for me," Jacob said. "If you want things to stay the same, vote for Chris."
Cannon said that over the past decade he's earned positions of influence in Congress that help Utah. He's served as chairman of the Western Caucus and on the House Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law.
"The real issue is who will be more effective," he said.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
