Chaffetz To Run For Congress

None by Eric Ray

(KCPW News) Jason Chaffetz, former Chief of Staff for Governor Jon Huntsman, has announced his intention to run for Congress in Utah's Third District. Chaffetz is going after the seat currently held by fellow Republican Chris Cannon.

"Republicans need to take care of their own house first," said Chaffetz. "Republicans have failed us. I want to help lead the charge to help change and move the Republican party back to those basic tenets of fiscal discipline, limited government, accountability and a strong national defense. They've failed us there. So I think Cannon is the right person to run against."

Chaffetz attacked Cannon's voting record on issues like No Child Left Behind and storing nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain. He also disagrees with Cannon's views on immigration.

Chaffetz says that after a period of "testing the waters," the time is right to declare his candidacy.

"Putting your flag in the ground first, I think, will attract a lot of people," Chaffetz says, "It would be disingenous for me to continue to 'test the waters.' I've been out there raising money and talking to delegates and I'm going to run. I think you score points with voters by being candid about that sooner rather than later."

Chaffetz says he has raised "tens of thousands" of dollars for his campaign although no contributions have yet been reported to the Federal Election Commission. He says the race will cost him $60,000 to $80,000, his campaign will be volunteer run with no paid staff.

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