Incumbent Cannon, Challenger Chaffetz Debate Solutions to Economic Woes
Jason Chaffetz and Chris Cannon debated last night and among the points they argued were economic policies that are in the forefront as the credit, oil and stock markets are so much in the headlines.
For my money, Chaffetz was the clear winner. To me, Chris Cannon represents the “go along to get along” approach to politics that has ruled the roost in Washington for too long.
~~John Cronin~~
http://www.sltrib.com/News/ci_9558767
By: Robert Gehrke
With gas passing $4 a gallon, the housing market sputtering and national jobless numbers spiking, the uncertain economy has become a pivotal issue of the 3rd Congressional District battle between Rep. Chris Cannon and challenger Jason Chaffetz.
“I think it ranks as one of the top issues because the economy affects everybody,” said Heather Tucker, of West Jordan, whose husband works from home because his company downsized. “People are having to cut back on their businesses and their expenses and the prices of gas and food, that affects us personally.”
The article has some quotes on Jason Chaffetz’ positions on several key issues. As you can see, Mr. Caffetz is very conservative and, in my opinion, courageous, because a couple of his stands are controversial, even among Republicans.
Jason Chaffetz
* Vows not to request any earmarks: “The merits of these projects have got to stand on their own.”
* Wants to cap federal non-defense spending at 1 percent below inflation.
* Says that, according to government evaluations, 28 percent of federal programs are not serving their purposes and their funding should be targeted: “Republicans have lost the mantle of fiscal discipline. We’re going to have to lead out on the hard ones, not just the easy ones. That’s called leadership, and we lack it now in Washington.”
* Supports eliminating the federal Department of Education, although some aid to college students could be continued.
* Supports extending the Bush tax cuts
* Opposes federal aid to homeowners: “Markets need to adjust, and although it’s painful, it’s a healthy and necessary part of a market-driven economy. It’s not the role of government to go in and bail everybody out.”
* Opposed Bush’s economic stimulus plan: “[It was] government redistribution of wealth, Cannon voted for it, I opposed it. It was wrong.”
