WASHINGTON — President Bush is endorsing Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, for re-election — even though two other reputable Republicans are challenging him.
That's a bit of a surprise, because presidents normally wait until after party primaries or conventions select a nominee before campaigning for fellow party members.
But Cannon, who had a primary two years ago, is again facing competition in convention from state Rep. Matt Throckmorton, R-Springville, and conservative radio talk show host Tom Draschil, whom Cannon defeated in his first run for office.
Cannon's campaign released Wednesday a letter from Bush addressed to delegates to the Utah Republican Convention, which is scheduled for Saturday in Sandy.
"I want you to know I strongly support Congressman Chris Cannon. He is an important member of our Republican team that is working hard on behalf of the American people," Bush wrote.
The president praised Cannon's support for the administration's agenda and wrote, "It is important Chris wins. The Congress needs his experienced leadership, and I need his continued support in the Congress."
Cannon issued a statement saying he was happy to have Bush's endorsement and vowing that as a congressman he would continue to follow the president's lead.
Scott Simpson, the director of Utah Republican Party, said a presidential endorsement this early in the campaign is unusual for Utah — but it's often seen in other parts of the country. The president needs to start lining up support from members of Congress as soon as he can, Simpson said.
Such an early drive to show support from Bush could signal that Cannon is worried about a poor showing at the convention, Throckmorton said, who said he will use the letter to show Cannon "is more interested in Washington's agenda that what is good for Utah."