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Randall Jeppesen reportingThe battle between Chris Cannon and John Jacob for the third district Republican primary is intensifying. Some are now alleging Jacob has hired illegal immigrants in the past. He says the allegations are absolutely false.
Now, Democrats are reacting. Many don't think highly of the bickering.
Several attacks ads in the third district race aren't coming from the candidates, but rather from activists or political groups focusing on immigration. Does that help the democratic challenger?
"If it gets any dirtier than it is now, it just might hurt," says Utah Democratic Party communications director Jeff Bell.
Bell says the Cannon and Jacob immigration fight has overshadowed other important issues. He says that's bad for everyone -- even, in some ways, their candidate, Christian Burridge
"We're not keeping quiet. It's just when you have two guys spending as much on advertising as Cannon and Jacob, you can't get a word in edgewise," says Bell.
Bell says Utah voters don't like negative campaigns so outside influences can hurt they candidate they're trying to help.
