“Basically the issue is Congressman Cannon: His effectiveness as a congressman is in question,” said Ben Demke, who is in charge of government relations for Jacob's companies.

Cannon, now in his fifth term, was forced into a Republican primary last year by former state legislator Matt Throckmorton, who enjoyed the backing of groups opposing illegal immigration, but was at an enormous financial disadvantage.

That may not be an issue for Jacob, who is a residential developer and part owner of Makau Corp., which designs professional training courses. Jacob is also a former Eagle Mountain City Councilman.

Jacob won't run on the immigration issue, as Throckmorton did, Demke said. But he believes Cannon should have been willing to debate Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo, a Republican anti-illegal immigration crusader, when Tancredo was in Cannon's district this week.

“At least have the decency to show up and express your opinion,” Demke said.

Cannon's chief of staff, Joe Hunter, declined to comment on Jacob's potential challenge.

Earlier this summer, Jacob and Cannon met to discuss Jacob's campaign plans, and a short time later Jacob had a similar meeting with Sen. Orrin Hatch, whom Jacob was also considering challenging.

Demke said Jacob met with Hatch again Wednesday for about a half hour to let the senator know he wouldn't be running against him. Another Republican, state Rep. Steve Urquhart, already has announced his challenge of Hatch.