It could be the opening chords of Hatch’s Senate swan song as he finally nears the end of his 42-year tenure. But I think it’s more likely to be the kickoff of his 2018 re-election bid.
Hatch has set himself up well for yet another run, playing what I call the “Of Mice and Men” strategy to perfection. Remember, the John Steinbeck novel, where the much stronger Lenny acts as the physical protector for the weaker George?
The senator’s atrocious poll numbers, where three out of four voters want him to retire, make him vulnerable to a challenge, especially within his party.