Posted on 06/20/2006 5:12:17 AM PDT by NapkinUser
As the 3rd Congressional District race rolls into its last full week before next Tuesday's primary, immigration reform has even more intensely become the pivotal issue.
During a radio debate Monday on public radio station KCPW, tempers flared as Utah County businessman John Jacob and incumbent Chris Cannon tried to pin each other down on the subject.
"This [primary election] is a referendum on immigration," Jacob said.
On that, at least, the candidates agreed. Beyond that it was unclear exactly where the two men stand on the issue, especially following stories last week that Jacob had given money to an immigrant family.
The family was legally in the country, but Jacob acknowledges he helped the wife set up a company so he could funnel money to her though her visa prohibited her from working.
In his campaign, Jacob says the solution to illegal immigration is to deport undocumented immigrants and heavily fine and prosecute businesses that hire them. He would have undocumented workers leave the country and apply for re-entry behind those who have been waiting to legally immigrate.
Cannon argues Jacob is offering simplistic solutions to a problem that is complicated and nuanced. In general, Cannon said he would support fining undocumented workers and forcing them to leave the country briefly before they can apply for re-entrance.
Jacob said that up until recently, Cannon has consistently supported President Bush's pro-business approach to immigration that would include some kind of guest worker program and a "path to citizenship."
"You have been on the side with the president and you've rubber stamped what he has proposed," Jacob said. "Will the real Chris Cannon please stand up?"
Cannon, a five-term congressman, reminded voters of his government experience and, more pointedly, his seniority in the House. All that influence will be lost to Utah, he said, if voters elect Jacob.
"If I don't get reelected, immigration reform dies," Cannon warned.
Jacob said immigration reform requires new ideas in Washington. "If you want change and to solve the issue, elect me."
But Cannon said: "Electing him will create change. Things will change in a very bad way."
Jacob responded, "Everyone has to be a freshman at some point. You were a freshman, Chris. We need fresh ideas there. The country has lost trust in Congress."
We've seen you idea of immigration reform, Mr. Cannon.
http://teamamericapac.org/index.php?p=75
The case against Chris Cannon
Actions Speak Louder Than Words: Cannon's Voting Record
Cannon co-sponsored the DREAM Act which would give in state tuition for illegal immigrants
Cannon voted against the Sullivan Amendment to help aid local law enforcement
The Company You Keep: Cannon's Association with Radical Latino and Pro-Amnesty Groups
In 2002, Cannon won lawmaker of the year from the radical Mexican American Legal Defense Fund. During his acceptance speech, he tells the audiance "We love immigrants in Utah. And we don't oftentimes make the distinction between legal and illegal. In fact I think Utah was the first state in the country to legislate the ability to get a drivers license based on the matricula consular and of that I am proud." Click Here to see the Video
La Raza honors Cannon at their 2005 Capital Awards Dinner
Cannon speaks before the pro-amnesty American Immigration Lawyers Association (See Video)
Provo Daily Herald praises Cannon for proposing amnesty
The sooner, the better. Someone has got to kill Cannon-style immigration "reform (shamnesty) and drive a stake through its heart.
This shows the desperation in Cannon's campaign. The immigrants were students...it was legal for them to work. The leader of Jacobs Church asked him to "give" the students money, which they were too proud to accept.
Jacobs then went to an attorney, who helped set up the exchange of services and pay in a completely LEGAL way. You don't hear anything about charges against Jacobs now do you.
Cannon is scum to even attempt this smear!
I've talked with Cannon. He is the biggest closet RINO I have ever heard. He spoke of setting up private Social Security accounts for ILLEGALS, that they could take with them when they leave the country. He thought this was a good way to get a conservative foot in the back door of Social Security reform.
Yeah, that's what I want in my congressman....sneakiness.
Obviously the establishment is worried if they are sending Laura down and having the President endorse Cannon.
That gives hope. But beating an incumbent is tough, and we saw what they did with Toomey. Except on most issues Cannon has a more conservative record then Specter, so this is going to be tougher.
I've sent Jacobs money, I can only pray the constituents pay attention and realize the significance of this race and toss Cannon to the curb.
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