Chris Cannon (R)
Congressman Chris Cannon was taken aback when he learned the outcome of the delegate vote at the Republican Party's state convention last month.
The freshman representative had already successfully dodged a Democratic challenge when the rival party failed to field a candidate. But now he had to contend with an upstart in his own party.
Cannon has a hard time putting his finger on the backlash against him other than to say a lot of Republicans aren't happy. Some constituents apparently want him to vote against everything that comes up. He said he won't do that, preferring to work with his peers and take small steps toward larger ends.
Cannon, 48, considers himself a consistent, effective conservative whose views represent those of the 3rd District.
Reducing the federal tax burden on working families is the main issue facing the district, he said.
Cannon takes credit for helping to balance the federal budget and reduce the deficit.
Southern Utah issues took up some of Cannon's time the past 18 months. Along with the rest of the state's congressional delegation, he worked to get to the bottom of the creation of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, an issue that helped propel him to office. Cannon sponsored a bill to expand Arches National Park and continues to fight a proposal to drain Lake Powell.
Cannon's first term in office hasn't been without an occasional personal controversy. A venture capitalist whose net worth is about $20 million, Cannon had tax and legal problems with some of the businesses he directs. There were also questions about whether Cannon's Mapleton home qualifies for farmland tax breaks.
In another matter, a former aide filed a sexual harassment complaint against a co-worker in Cannon's office. The congressman said he recently settled the matter without spending personal money or tax dollars.
Cannon, a former U.S. Department of Commerce attorney, commutes between Washington, D.C., and Utah, usually returning home on weekends. He said he has spent many nights sleeping in his congressional office to avoid the drive to his Virginia apartment. His wife, Claudia, gave birth to their eighth child earlier this year.
Jeremy Friedbaum (R)
Political unknown Jeremy Friedbaum pulled the shocker of the season when he surprisingly forced a primary election with Rep. Chris Cannon.
Other than his message about returning the nation to the intent of the founding fathers, no one really knew much about him. Now he has emerged as a "right of conservative" candidate, a strict constitutionalist and a self-described religious fanatic.
Friedbaum, a harp maker, decided to run in the 3rd District after an eight-hour car ride with Cannon in March.
Cannon's answers to his all-day quiz on the congressman's political stands proved disappointing, he said.
The Friedbaum campaign hasn't made much noise since that initial unexpected splash. He's running on less than $5,000. He doesn't believe in campaign signs or banners. He's isn't doing any advertising on television or radio.
Friedbaum said God worked a miracle in getting him to the primary election. He's anticipating another miracle to carry him to victory Tuesday.
Much of Friedbaum's political rhetoric is laced with religious references. The principles of the Constitution can only be appreciated by understanding the Christian faith that motivated the founding fathers, he said. Politically, Friedbaum said, he's closer to moral conservatives such as presidential candidate Alan Keyes and Eagle Forum founder Phyllis Schlafly.
He has been involved with, in addition to Eagle Forum, the John Birch Society and the Utah Republican Assembly.
Impeaching President Clinton, whom he describes as evil and corrupt, would be one of Friedbaum's major goals if elected to Congress. He abhors most-favored-nation trade status for China and recent international-trade accords. Friedbaum said he wouldn't be satisfied with anything less than the repeal of the 16th Amendment permitting the federal income tax.
Friedbaum, a New York City native, moved to Provo after joining the LDS Church 22 years ago. He holds a master's degree in English from Brigham Young University. He was in the computer business for six years before turning to harp making. Friedbaum and his wife, Robin, have three children.