Deseret News candidate questionnaire: U.S. Rep. Chris Cannon

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Jun 22, 2008

19 -- Why would you make a better congressman than your Republican opponent?

"There are many reasons why I would make a better Congressman than my Republican opponent.

"1. I have been a lifelong conservative Working to elect Republicans, working under President Reagan in the Interior Department, defeating an incumbent Democrat in my first election, and working to impeach President Bill Clinton as a House manager. Washington changes people, as we have seen too often. Thus, it is important to act consistently and on a solid foundation of principle. I have a long history of conservative and principled action.

"2. I have built solid relationships with my colleagues The House is a body that doesn't take well to absolutists. The founders intended for Congress to be give and take, much as the Constitutional convention was give and take. Building relationships with other members and being willing to work with them to achieve our goals is vital to Utah. As a small state, our ability to influence policy is not as robust as some others, but I have spent my career working to achieve our conservative principles without ever letting perfect be the enemy of the good.

"3. I have in-depth knowledge of the issues The American people are tired of the talking heads and talking points. I may not always express myself as clearly as I would like, but some of us are blessed with a silver tongue and others with a thirst for knowledge. I abhor sound bite politics and will continue to engage on the issues in an in-depth and thorough manner. Understanding such issues as immigration reform, tax policy, and the war in Iraq cannot be condensed into talking points. That goes for Democrats and Republicans. The American people are smarter than that.

"4. I live in the 3rd District and understand our issues and concerns."

20 -- What is your greatest strength in being a congressman, what is your GOP opponent's greatest weakness?

"My greatest strength as a Congressman is living by the old adage, "It is amazing how much people get done if they do not worry about who gets the credit." Filling out surveys like this is difficult for me. I do not like talking about myself. I prefer to work toward a goal and ensure that all who contribute are given the credit they deserve. My faith teaches me that and my Utah roots do as well. In Congress, there are too many who want credit first, progress second. If we all sought progress first, and credit last, we would go far.

"As far as my opponent's greatest weakness, like the vast majority of us in the Third District, I do not know enough about him to presume to know his greatest weakness or strength. I have a transparent record, my career and life have been examined and reported on for years, and I am a known quantity. That is not the case with my opponent, and I will leave it to the voters to judge."