Chaffetz hires top 3 for his D.C. staff

Rep.-elect Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, has hired his top three staffers.

He announced he hired Justin Harding as his new chief of staff; Jennifer Scott as his district director in Utah; and Dell Smith as his deputy district director.

Harding has worked on Capitol Hill since 1999 and served in several staff positions for Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah — including four years as his legislative director. He is a graduate of Southern Utah University and Beaver High School.

Scott worked as a volunteer on Chaffetz's campaign for more than two years and is credited with organizing grass-roots efforts that helped him to defeat incumbent Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah.

Smith retired last year from the Utah National Guard, where he served as the state command sergeant major. He brings experience in veterans affairs and military and national security matters, which are issues that Chaffetz has said would be a focus of his service.

"I am excited to have a talented team with strong ties to Utah," Chaffetz said. "With our core team in place, we will be able to hit the ground running in January.

— Lee Davidson