Hatch and Bennett have long shots at chairing other committees next year — if more senior Republicans suffer unexpected defeats (and Republicans still manage to retain the Senate majority).

For example, Bennett is the second-ranking Republican behind current Chairman Richard Shelby, R-Ala., on the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, but Shelby is easily expected to win re-election (as is Bennett in Utah).

Hatch is the second-ranking Republican on two committees: Finance and Intelligence. Intelligence Committee Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., does not face election this year (nor does Hatch). Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, is expected to easily win his race for re-election.

As term limits taketh away, so may they give. Hatch notes Grassley will have to give up his Finance Committee chairmanship because of limits in two years — and Hatch expects to take it then. "There's no question I'm in line for it," he says. It is powerful because it controls taxes and how to raise money for everyone's programs.

Meanwhile, Hatch and Bennett will likely chair subcommittees if they choose. But they are generally of little importance in the Senate with one big exception: on the Appropriations Committee. Subcommittees there take a key role in dividing the budget pie. Bennett has chaired its Agriculture Subcommittee this Congress and will likely chair it or another subcommittee in the next Congress — giving him real power.

Hatch says he is not concerned about losing his chairmanship. "I've always been able to pass a lot of legislation whether I am chairman or not," he says. And looking on the bright side, he adds, "This just means I'll have fewer administrative duties."

And fewer headlines, fewer opportunities to meet with Senate leaders and less ability to set the agenda. But time and limits on others may change that back for him, too, if he is patient.

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Deseret Morning News Washington correspondent Lee Davidson can be reached by e-mail at lee@desnews.com