A new JMC Analytics poll in Utah found Evan McMullin (I) would defeat Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) in a head-to-head match up, 33% to 29%, with an unnamed Democrat at 11% and 27% either undecided or for someone else.
Hatch Says He’ll Run Again
Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) told KUTV that he plans to seek re-election in 2018.
But he added he could change his mind, “If my wife gets sick, or I get sick, or something like that.”
Romney Exploring a Senate Bid from Utah
The Alantic: “According to six sources familiar with the situation, Romney has spent recent weeks actively discussing a potential 2018 Senate bid with a range of high-level Republicans in both Utah and Washington, and has privately signaled a growing interest in the idea. Romney, though, has made clear he would not pursue the seat without Hatch’s blessing.”
Hatch Would Retire If Romney Agreed to Run
Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) told National Journal that he would consider retiring if Mitt Romney ran to replace him.
Said Hatch: “I’ve expressed interest to him. I can see why he might not want to do it, but I can also see why if he did it, it would be a great thing for America.”
Hatch Will Run Again for Re-Election
Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) told CNN he “is planning to run for re-election next year, abandoning his plans to quit the chamber after four decades of service.”
“The Utah Republican — who promised in 2012 that his current term would be his last — said he has changed his mind at this time, partially because he’s been getting encouragement from President Donald Trump and top Republicans to run again.”
Hatch Very Vulnerable in Utah
A new Salt Lake Tribune poll in Utah shows Jon Huntsman (R) would beat Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) in a GOP Senate primary, 62% to 21%.
Key finding: 78% of voters survey say Hatch should “definitely not” or “probably not” run for re-election in 2018.
Huntsman Mulls Senate Bid In Utah
Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman (R) told Bloomberg that he’s weighing a run for the U.S. Senate in 2018, depending in part on whether fellow Republican Orrin Hatch decides to seek an eighth term.
Said Huntsman: “I’ve always said that I’ve got one more run left in our bones. And I don’t know what that will be. But I love this country.”
Former Romney Aides Split Over Mike Lee
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) “has hired consulting firm America Rising, led by Mitt Romney’s former campaign manager Matt Rhoades, to offer advice and research on potential 2016 opponents. That might result in a Romney confidant investigating the background of another Romney confidant,” the Salt Lake Tribune reports.
“Alex Dunn, who worked on Romney’s campaigns and on his gubernatorial staff in Massachusetts, is considering a run against Lee, spurred on by Spencer Zwick, Romney’s former finance director, and Josh Romney, one of Mitt Romney’s five sons.”
Romney Son Interested in Elected Office
Josh Romney, son of 2012 GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney, told the Deseret News that he won’t challenge Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) in next year’s U.S. Senate race but said he’d like to see another Republican run against the first-term senator.
He also confirmed he’s interested in running for office someday.
Said Romney: “Politics is in my blood, unfortunately. It’s something I’ve seen and I’ve loved. I’m not sure what I’d do, or what capacity I’d run in, but I’m definitely looking to it.”
Lee Holds Lead in Possible Utah Match Up
A new Dan Jones and Associates poll finds Sen. Mike Lee (R) leading Jim Matheson (D) in a U.S. Senate match up by six points, 48% to 42%.
Huntsman Won’t Run for Senate
Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. (R) said he won’t challenge fellow Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) next year, the Deseret News reports.
Said Huntsman: “I don’t rule out another run, but not against Mike. We don’t always agree (who does) but he’s very capable.”
Lee May Face Establishment Primary Challenge
“Tea party favorite Mike Lee roiled the GOP establishment four years ago when he knocked off a sitting senator on his way to the Republican Senate nomination in Utah. Now, the establishment might strike back,” Politico reports.
“As the 43-year-old Lee plots his 2016 reelection bid, he is courting business leaders under the radar, hoping to head off a primary challenge backed by business leaders and other establishment figures in his home state, like billionaire Jon Huntsman Sr., an influential bank CEO and a former Utah GOP party chairman.”
☑️ SmartCharge New York pays you for charging your electric vehicle at off-peak times. Use this link and you'll get $25 to join.
☑️ Scott's Cheap Flights is the best way to take more vacations. Save up to 90% on airline tickets!
