With Hatch-Chaffetz showdown averted, what's next?

It was fourth down and an inch to go in Congressman Jason Chaffetz's expected decision to challenge Sen. Orrin Hatch. But Chaffetz, the placekicker, punted. We discuss the ramifications.

Chaffetz was talking and acting like he would challenge Hatch. Why did he back off?

Webb: The Hatch-as-mafia-assassin strategy worked. Hatch and campaign manager Dave Hansen talked tough, said they would spend $2 million (or whatever was necessary), contest every delegate all across the state, and eliminate (as in vote them out, not murder) those who don't support Hatch. And they hauled in bags full of money in Utah and Washington, D.C., leaving pennies behind for Chaffetz.

Chaffetz knew he was very popular with current delegates, but he couldn't match Hatch's army of grassroots workers, or even come close to Hatch's fundraising prowess. As he said, a Hatch/Chaffetz battle would have been bloody and divisive. Much better to opt for the security of his House seat. And, as he also noted, he has a pretty darn good job currently, with the opportunity to move up in leadership and be a factor in the House. Chaffetz is Utah's most effective member of Congress with communications and social media.

Pignanelli: "Age considers; youth ventures." — Rabindranath Tagore

In an obnoxious manner, I hereby remind readers that in prior columns I opined Chaffetz would not challenge Hatch — his House gig is too good. (Being right is a rare moment for me so please allow the gloat.) The Congressman's pronouncement is significant. Hatch v. Chaffetz would have been a clash of the Titans and changed Utah politics for a generation. But the mere judgment not to run speaks volumes. Chaffetz — with all his popularity and deep support — viewed Hatch as formidable. Moreover, the decision is an underscoring of the opportunities that remain available to Chaffetz from GOP House Leadership. Chaffetz can continue to say and do things in the House that he would never be able to do in the U.S. Senate.

Does Hatch now have an easy path to re-election? And what's next for Chaffetz?

Pignanelli: In 2009, after Attorney General Mark Shurtleff announced he was withdrawing his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, the Bennett campaign relaxed too early — providing opportunities for Mike Lee and Tim Bridgewater (the rest is history). The Bennett campaign continues to be a "learning opportunity" for Hatch, and therefore he will continue delegate outreach until the convention.