This year, our recommendation is the same. And it's not quite so tepid.

As before, Cannon wins points for his seniority and, as before, has drawn a Democratic opponent who has many attractive characteristics but little in the way of relevant experience. But, as before, the four-term congressman is still not enough of a House powerhouse to have much in the way of legislative achievements to his credit.

What knocks Cannon up a few notches in our estimation are some political stands he has taken that, while yet to result in new laws, suggest a level of independence and thoughtfulness that Congress, and the Republican Party, could use more of.

The primary issue that comes to mind when Cannon is mentioned is immigration. That's primary as in most important, and primary as in intraparty election, where Cannon recently fought off a challenge from a rival who accused him of all manner of sell-outs to illegal aliens.

But Cannon's stand on immigration is downright enlightened compared to the impossible dreams of closing our borders to the millions of human beings who come here in search of hard work and a little dignity.

Cannon's proposed AgJOBS bill would face the economic reality of American industry, particularly agriculture, that needs willing workers and the desperate workers who cross the border illegally to take those jobs.

His proposal is not amnesty. It would make a small stab at doing what Cannon correctly says must be done: Bring the flow of alien workers as much as possible out of the shadows and into the light, where it can be measured and monitored for the few terrorists, criminals and traffickers who are the real threats to our national security.

Cannon also has shown some insight into the overreaching of the anti-terror USA Patriot Act, which he thinks needs a thorough review before being renewed. And he has problems with his own president's signature legislation, the No Child Left Behind Act, which he correctly says imposes too many requirements with too little funding.

We wish Cannon would be just as skeptical of his party's obsession with trickle-down tax cuts. But you can't have everything.

The Democrat in the race is South Salt Lake City Police Capt. Beau Babka. He styles himself, correctly, as a regular person who wants to serve his community. The Tribune gladly supported Babka's bid for Salt Lake County sheriff two years ago, and would do so again given the chance.

But this job description more closely matches the qualities Chris Cannon brings to the table. He wins our vote, this time with a little more relish.