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Chris Cannon Faces GOP Primary Challenge

By Robert Stacy McCain on 6.5.08 @ 11:23PM

Two years ago, Rep. Chris Cannon (R-Utah) was challenged in the Republican primary by John Jacob, who harshly criticized Cannon's pro-amnesty stance on immigration. Cannon won 56-44%, but this year faces another challenger, Jason Chaffetz, who nearly ousted Cannon at last month's state GOP convention, and forced the incumbent into a June 24 primary. A poll two weeks ago showed the contest is a dead heat.

Bay Buchanan's Team America PAC has called Cannon "one of our top targets," and Thursday she sent out a fund-raising e-mail over her signature:

The race in Utah is heating up and our man, Jason Chaffetz, is closing in on one of La Raza's favorite congressman, Chris Cannon. You remember the Cannon-he's famous for saying that in Utah, "We don't often times make the distinction between legal and illegal [immigrants]"
Two weeks ago, when in Utah for my son's wedding, I made a point of having lunch with Jason and his wife. I wanted to be certain he was the kind of candidate who deserved the endorsement of Team America and your support as well.
I am excited to tell you he is all that and more. . . . Jason is exactly what we need in Washington. . . .
But he needs our help if he is to beat Cannon. The establishment, ethnic lobbyists, and corporate buddies are once again pouring money into Cannon's coffers. They know he is a solid vote for their amnesty and guest worker bills. They will do all they can to keep Cannon in Congress -- and Jason out.

Cannon reportedly has burned through more than $400,000 so far in the campaign -- outspending Chaffetz about 7-to-1 -- but had only $43,000 cash on hand as of April 20.

topics:
Immigration