Chaffetz won't run again

Thank you!
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Representative in the United States House of Representatives. Serving is an honor and a privilege that I have never taken for granted.
After long consultation with my family and prayerful consideration, I have decided I will not be a candidate for any office in 2018.
Since late 2003 I have been fully engaged with politics as a campaign manager, a chief of staff, a candidate and as a Member of Congress. I have long advocated public service should be for a limited time and not a lifetime or full career. Many of you have heard me advocate, “Get in, serve, and get out.” After more than 1,500 nights away from my home, it is time. I may run again for public office, but not in 2018.
For those that would speculate otherwise, let me be clear that I have no ulterior motives. I am healthy. I am confident I would continue to be re-elected by large margins. I have the full support of Speaker Ryan to continue as Chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee. That said, I have made a personal decision to return to the private sector.
I am grateful for all of you in the current and previous 3rd Congressional District. I acknowledge the outstanding work of my dedicated staff. Together we have been a strong advocate for Utahns.
By announcing now, I hope to give prospective candidates time to lay the groundwork for a successful run. I have no doubt the 3rd Congressional District will be represented by a Republican. I trust you to find the best person to serve.
Thank you!
Jason Chaffetz

***********

OK

Floridatexan wrote:
Thank you!
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Representative in the United States House of Representatives. Serving is an honor and a privilege that I have never taken for granted.
After long consultation with my family and prayerful consideration, I have decided I will not be a candidate for any office in 2018.
Since late 2003 I have been fully engaged with politics as a campaign manager, a chief of staff, a candidate and as a Member of Congress. I have long advocated public service should be for a limited time and not a lifetime or full career. Many of you have heard me advocate, “Get in, serve, and get out.” After more than 1,500 nights away from my home, it is time. I may run again for public office, but not in 2018.
For those that would speculate otherwise, let me be clear that I have no ulterior motives. I am healthy. I am confident I would continue to be re-elected by large margins. I have the full support of Speaker Ryan to continue as Chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee. That said, I have made a personal decision to return to the private sector.
I am grateful for all of you in the current and previous 3rd Congressional District. I acknowledge the outstanding work of my dedicated staff. Together we have been a strong advocate for Utahns.
By announcing now, I hope to give prospective candidates time to lay the groundwork for a successful run. I have no doubt the 3rd Congressional District will be represented by a Republican. I trust you to find the best person to serve.
Thank you!
Jason Chaffetz

***********

OK

Fetz and BillO on the same day, not bad. Wonder why he stepped down.

Sal wrote:I'd like to think that as chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, he may have been tipped off to some truly explosive Trump scandal headed down the pike, and decided that he didn't want to be tainted by it one way or the other.

We'll likely never know about any of that, but in any event I say good riddance.

Sal wrote:I'd like to think that as chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, he may have been tipped off to some truly explosive Trump scandal headed down the pike, and decided that he didn't want to be tainted by it one way or the other.

Good point, I wouldn't be at all surprised if what you suggest is true.

And now Evan McMullin is being touted as a possible competitor for his seat. McMullin always struck me as an honorable guy. This midterm election is going to wonderful fun to watch.

RealLindaL wrote:

Sal wrote:I'd like to think that as chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, he may have been tipped off to some truly explosive Trump scandal headed down the pike, and decided that he didn't want to be tainted by it one way or the other.

We'll likely never know about any of that, but in any event I say good riddance.

When the going gets tough the tough get going...now where did I hear that before?

I hear they are hiring at Fox News.

http://wilderness.org/blog/update-public-rejects-bill-would-have-sold-3-million-acres-public-lands

This, I'm sure, is part of the reason.  The public, including his constituency, did not want to sell off public lands.  He indicated he's going back into the private sector.  But it's obvious from some of the comments that he was not popular, even in Utah.  Go figure...