Millionaire real estate developer John D. Jacob, a Republican, officially announced his candidacy for Utah's 3rd Congressional District on Monday, proclaiming he will fight to protect the American family, build a strong economy and strengthen national security.

"I appreciate the service Congressman Cannon has given," Jacob said in a prepared statement. "Yet at this time we need a strong, more aggressive representative watching out for our families in this district and in our country."

He says he has nothing against Cannon; rather he has always wanted to run for public office and decided this is the right time.

"I look and see a lot of attorneys who are politicians and I would like to see a lot more business people who are politicians."

Jacob, who is a former Eagle Mountain City councilman, may not be the only inter-party challenge Cannon faces during the 2006 election. Cannon's campaign treasurer Curt Bramble, who is also a state senator from Provo, said Monday that he is still thinking about entering the race. He plans to decide by the end of the year, though he said Jacob's move to enter the race will not impact his own decision.

"For my wife and I, we haven't made a decision yet," said Bramble, "and we don't feel any pressure to make that decision immediately."

Bramble said he maintains a friendship with Cannon and has offered campaign advice.

"Chris has done some pretty good things in Congress, yet there seems to be some undercurrent," he said. "Between now and filing season, Congressman Cannon could very easily shore up his base."

Cannon's Chief of Staff Joe Hunter said he expected intra-party competition. "We always seem to have one," he said.

Last year, Cannon was forced into a primary by former state legislator Matt Throckmorton, who ran on an anti-illegal immigration platform.

Jacob will have easier access to campaign dollars than Throckmorton did. On top of his real estate developments, Jacob is part owner of Makau Corp., which designs professional training courses.

A large war chest or not, Hunter said Cannon will not underestimate Jacob or any other challenger: "We take all candidates seriously and as always look forward to a vigorous campaign."

mcanham@sltrib.com