I was disgusted today upon reading the Salt Lake Tribune’s endorsement of Bennion Spencer for Congressman in Utah’s 3rd Congressional District. Most of us believe newspapers are supposed to reflect integrity in its journalistic point of view, or um, I mean actually telling the truth. Their endorsement is nothing short of distored truths (and lies). Let me provide some examples:

• The editorial board wrongly states, “The fuel that has driven the Chaffetz campaign, and brought him a stunning 18-point victory over six-term Republican Rep. Chris Cannon in the primary election, is illegal immigration.” They could not be further from the truth. The reason Chaffetz ousted Representative Chris Cannon is a simple fact… Jason listens. That is THE reason I voted for Chaffetz at the Utah Republican Convention.
• The editorical board distorts the facts saying, “[Chaffetz] would incarcerate undocumented immigrants in tent cities while they await deportation.” Chaffetz is in support of “the construction of western regional federal prisons to house criminal aliens who have been apprehended and convicted in state criminal justice systems.” Title 8 Section 1325 clearly states illegal alien entry in the United States is a federal crime and punishable by criminal fines and imprisonment for up to six months. This is not merely a misdemeanor crime like Spencer tries to imply.
• The editorial board lies stating Chaffetz’ top priority is “party reform.” Chaffetz’ website clearly lists “fiscal discipline” is his first priority. The last time I checked fiscal responsibility is a function of Congress, not individual political parties. Yes, Chaffetz believes the Republican Party needs a house cleaning, but it is not his top priority.
• The editorial board states “[Spencer] rightly believes nuclear power is too expensive and requires too much water.” Nuclear is a clean alternative — Heck, even the French got that one right! What planet do they live on?
• The editorial board states Spencer does not support drilling in ANWR. Actually, he did finally bend to supporting drilling in ANWR, after Chaffetz’ showed him the way. That is, unless Spencer changed his mind again.
• The edtiorial board states “Spencer backed the $700 billion federal bailout plan for failing financial institutions.” Utahn’s are overwhelmingly against this plan in Congress. This further demonstrates Spencer does NOT represent most of Utahns point of view.
• The editorial board states “Spencer believes the government should crack down on businesses that knowingly hire illegal workers.” How is it that businesses are supposed to fix the government’s problem? The government is the entity that failed us in immigration, NOT the businesses. The way to fix the problem is to help businesses by fixing legal immigration!
• The editorial board states Spencer is a “collaborative problem-solver.” This is code-phrase for compromising weak-stick. Utah does not need someone who will go to compromise our values away, but rather someone who will stick to our opinions at all costs!
• The editorial board correctly states, “Chaffetz vows he will be ‘pounding on lecterns’ when he gets to Washington.” Would we not expect this level of leadership from our Representative? I do not want someone who is going to roll over at the first sign of opposition.

It is more clear than ever that Jason Chaffetz is the one for Utah. He will closely represent my opinions and values.