Cannon is forced into primary battle in the 3rd District

Bob Bernick Jr. and Jerry D. Spangler
Deseret News

May 09, 2004

Cannon said he was disappointed to face another primary — his second in four re-elections. "A lot of money has come into this race from out of state — all over the misinterpreted phrase 'amnesty,' " Cannon said after it was announced that he fell just short of 60 percent and would face Throckmorton, who campaigned against Cannon's stands on immigration.

Now more will come in the primary, he added. "We'll raise the money we need to get our message out."

But this primary will be tougher than the one he faced in 1998, when an unknown and under-funded Republican running from Cannon's right forced the incumbent into a primary.

"My opponent then had no money. (Throckmorton) will see a lot of money and (benefit) from the distortion" of Cannon's stands on immigration policy, Cannon said. "That was the only issue (Throckmorton) and these outside groups that support him talked about."
Throckmorton said his primary election budget is $350,000, of which only $150,000 will be cash. The rest will be in-kind donations from individuals and organizations, he said.

"I don't have a lot of money to throw around," he said. "It's been an uphill battle to get this far."

Throckmorton said he will focus on immigration reform and opposition to No Child Left Behind — the same two issues he used to get into the primary. But he will also add the outsourcing of American jobs and the growing federal debt to the debate.

BACK

What I bring to the table