“We support incumbents,” Rep. Tom Reynolds of New York told reporters during a wide-ranging briefing. "The committee will help Chris Cannon with whatever aspect he may ask us to be helpful.”

Cook, who served from 1997 until 2000, when he was knocked from Congress during a state Republican Convention, announced this week he will run against Cannon, his old nemesis, for the GOP nomination this year.

In 2000, Cannon backed Republican newcomer Derek Smith against Cook in the 2nd Congressional District. Smith won the nomination but lost the election to Democrat Jim Matheson.

Cannon also faces Republican John Jacob of Eagle Mountain.

Cook says he expected the NRCC - which has poured millions into attempts to defeat Matheson in the last three elections - to back Cannon because that's its policy.

The group supported Cook in 1998 and 2000.

“I would not have expected anything differently,” Cook said. “And I have to respect Tom Reynolds for that. . . . I got into this knowing that would be the case.”

Whether the NRCC's support equals money to back Cannon is unclear, but the Republican committee usually reserves its budget to boost vulnerable GOP members and challenge Democrats in swing districts.

Cannon had $97,039 in his campaign bank account as of the end of last year.