Leavitt Files to Challenge Cannon

Mar 13, 2008 by Jeff Robinson

(KCPW News) Today, former Juab County prosecutor David Leavitt officially filed to challenge 12-year incumbent Congressman Chris Cannon, hoping to represent Utah's third district. Leavitt says while Cannon has voted on many bills during his time in Washington, he hasn't been influential.

"I think there's a difference between a voter in Congress and being a person who influences Congress," said Leavitt. "Utah really does need to find someone who will influence the debate in Washington."

Leavitt believes Utah voters are ready for change, and he will offer a different perspective than Cannon.

The congressional candidate says his eight years as a prosecutor prepared him to make the kind of decisions he'd be in charge of as a congressman.

"Part of the thing you learn as a prosecutor is that you make very difficult decisions that affect people's lives in a very personal way," he said. "You have to make those decisions in ways that are not political, and you can't really give regard to the political consequences of your decision, and I think that that's just exactly what we need in Congress."

Leavitt says his ability to make tough calls is exemplified by his prosecution of polygamist Tom Green. The candidate raised more money than both of his opponents in the last half of 2007. He says it has come primarily from individuals, not businesses or special interests. Leavitt is the brother of former Governor Michael Leavitt.

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