From the House Race Hotline for Tuesday, May 6,2008

UTAH 03 (R/PROVO -- CANNON)

Party Is Thicker Than Blood?

Tue. May 6, 2008


Pres. Bush "is backing" Rep. Chris Cannon (R), "taking sides in a competitive race that features" the brother of HHS Sec. Mike Leavitt. Bush, in a letter to GOP delegates dated 5/2: "It is important that Chris wins. Now more than ever, we need experienced, strong and principled leaders in Congress. We need him to continue his work in the House of Representatives."

Ex-Juab Co. prosecutor David Leavitt (R) called the letter "standard protocol." But he said the "timing" of the endorsement "is interesting," as it comes "right before" the 5/10 Convo, where Cannon needs to get 60% of the delegates to avoid a primary. Leavitt: "What is significant is the timing of it. Last cycle he waited until the primary. This cycle he's doing it in the convention." Gov. Huntsman ex-CoS Jason Chaffetz (R): "Mr. Cannon carried his water on immigration and No child Left Behind. They tend to protect their own."

If Cannon does "end up in a primary battle," he could "get a second helping" of support when Bush visits UT for fundraisers on 5/28-29 (Burr, Salt Lake Tribune, 5/6).