This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Five reasons the government could shutdown. Chaffetz says he won't run in 2018 — but leaves open chance for governor. Candidates scramble for new open seat.
Happy Thursday. The deadline to keep the federal government open is just about here, but a deal is far from done. With just five workdays left until government funding expires, members of Congress return next week to all the same sticking points that have made full-year funding so elusive and now threaten a government shutdown. Here are the five reasons to be worried about another government shutdown. [<a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2017/04/20/congress-shutdown-pentagon-obamacare-237373">Politico</a>]
<strong>Topping the news: </strong>In a shocking move,<strong> </strong>Rep. Jason Chaffetz said he would not seek re-election for any political office in 2018 — though he did leave open the possibility of a future public office bid, potentially for governor in three years. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5194339-155/chaffetz-wont-seek-re-election-leaves-option"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865678135/Chaffetz-announces-he-will-not-seek-re-election.html"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DNews</a>] [<a href="http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/utah-rep-jason-chaffetz-says-he-will-not-seek-re-election/694298181"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ABC4</a>] [<a href="http://fox13now.com/2017/04/19/rep-jason-chaffetz-says-he-will-not-seek-reelection/"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fox13</a>] [<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/rep-chaffetz-will-not-seek-reelection-says"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">KUTV</a>]
<p class="p1">-> Chaffetz's announcement spurred a scramble among potential candidates to fill the open seat in 2018 among "all the state lawmakers that live in the district, half the county commissioners and council members, some businesspeople and one gadfly in the name of Evan McMullin," joked longtime GOP consultant Dave Hansen. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5195577-155/chaffetzs-planned-departure-touches-off-mad"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://fox13now.com/2017/04/19/who-wants-to-run-for-chaffetzs-seat-who-wants-to-be-utah-governor/"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fox13</a>] [<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/with-chaffetz-out-who-will-run-for-the-3rd-congressional-district-seat"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">KUTV</a>]</p>
<p class="p1">-> As news of Chaffetz's return to the private sector spread, his Republican colleagues praised his work in Congress while Democrats hailed his imminent departure. [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865678162/GOP-praises-Chaffetz-Democrats-celebrate-his-impending-departure.html"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DNews</a>] [<a href="http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/reaction-coming-in-on-rep-chaffetz-announcement/694453027"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ABC4</a>] [<a href="http://fox13now.com/2017/04/19/reactions-to-rep-chaffetzs-announcement-to-not-seek-re-election-in-2018/"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fox13</a>]</p>
<p class="p1">-> Salt Lake City International Airport police told airlines its officers will not remove passengers because of things like overbooking problems or dress violations. "We keep the peace, but don't enforce company rules," said Airport Police Chief Craig Vargo. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5194813-155/salt-lake-city-international-airport-police"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Trib</a>]</p>
<strong>Tweets of the day: </strong>From <a class="ProfileHeaderCard-screennameLink u-linkComplex js-nav" href="https://twitter.com/HeerJeet"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@HeerJeet</a>: "Jason Chaffetz constituents yelled at him in town halls: "Do your job." Chaffetz's response? "I'm retiring.""
-> From <a class="ProfileHeaderCard-screennameLink u-linkComplex js-nav" href="https://twitter.com/exjon"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@exjon</a>: "My only problem with cable news is that it's too thoughtful and informative."
-> From <a class="ProfileHeaderCard-screennameLink u-linkComplex js-nav" href="https://twitter.com/mattcanham"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@mattcanham </a>: ".<a class="twitter-atreply pretty-link js-nav" href="https://twitter.com/jasoninthehouse"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@jasoninthehouse</a> has never been shy about his interest in running for governor, but what does he do about his Twitter handle?"
<strong>Happy Birthday: </strong>To former state Rep. Bill Wright and the National Press Club's Suzanne Struglinski Broadfield.
<strong>In other news: </strong> Roll Call says all signs point toward Sen. Orrin Hatch running for re-election in 2018, since it appears he'd have an easy road to the Senate and has the support of President Donald Trump in the White House. [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865678138/Will-Hatch-run-Utah-is-in-suspense-says-political-news-site.html"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DNews</a>]
<p class="p1">-> Members of Utah's 1st Congressional District held a town hall meeting Tuesday night. Though Rep. Rob Bishop was not in attendance, a life-size cutout of the congressman did make an appearance. [<a href="http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/residents-hold-town-hall-without-congressman-bishop/694523626"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ABC4</a>]</p>
<p class="p1">-> Candidates competing to replace the current Utah Democratic Party chairman hope to capitalize on the popularity former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders found in Utah last year by moving the party more to the left. However, some believe such a move would risk Democrats becoming unpalatable to the state's largely conservative electorate. [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865678202/Bernie-Sanders-looming-large-in-race-to-lead-Utah-Democratic-Party.html"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DNews</a>]</p>
<p class="p1">-> A report released by the Utah Foundation shows Trump's coal-friendly policies may not be enough to reverse the trend of decreasing jobs in Utah's mining industry. [<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865678145/Report-Trump-policies-may-do-little-to-help-boost-Utah-coal-mining-jobs.html"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DNews</a>]</p>
<p class="p1">-> After University of Utah officials abruptly fired Mary Beckerle, the CEO of the Huntsman Cancer Institute, about 100 faculty and staff members marched to the university president's office and hand-delivered copies of an online petition to his staffers calling for her reinstatement. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5195430-155/rift-widens-over-huntsman-cancer-institute"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/protesters-deliver-petition-to-u-of-u-adminstrators-in-support-of-ousted-huntsman-institute-ceo/694652708"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ABC4</a>] [<a href="http://fox13now.com/2017/04/19/supporters-of-ousted-huntsman-cancer-institute-ceo-deliver-petition-to-u-of-u-administrators/"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fox13</a>] [<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/utah-professors-protest-cancer-researchers-sudden-firing"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">APviaKUTV</a>]</p>
<p class="p1">-> A Utah judge ruled for seven separate criminal cases to move forward against former Utah State University football star Torrey Green, who will stand trial for 11 felonies amid accusations he sexually assaulted seven women while he was a student at the school. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5191368-155/torrey-green-former-utah-state-football"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://fox13now.com/2017/04/19/former-usu-football-player-accused-of-rape-bound-over-for-trial/"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fox13</a>] [<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/judge-ex-utah-state-player-accused-of-rape-to-stand-trial"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">KUTV</a>]</p>
<p class="p1">-> A lawsuit claiming Salt Lake City code wasn't amended to authorize procedural changes alongside new electronic pay meters has reached the Utah Supreme Court, where three plaintiffs are seeking refunds of parking fees and parking violation fines paid by themselves and others that could involve millions of dollars. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5194718-155/fight-over-slc-parking-tickets-and"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Trib</a>]</p>
<p class="p1">-> Washington County Attorney Brock Belnap is weighing an investigation into Kane County special districts and County Commissioner Jim Matson, who audits released last week found received excessive payments he made to himself for his work on a service district. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5195154-155/washington-county-prosecutor-weighing-criminal-probe"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Trib</a>]</p>
<p class="p1">-> As part of an ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct by staff members at the Daggett County jail, two corrections officers have been fired and the jail commander has resigned. The Utah Department of Corrections moved 83 state inmates out of the jail in February soon after allegations of "inappropriate behavior" arose. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5196181-155/two-daggett-county-jail-guards-fired"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Trib</a>] [<a href="http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/daggett-county-corrections-officers-fired-as-result-of-misconduct-investigation/694614381"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DNews</a>] [<a href="http://fox13now.com/2017/04/19/two-officers-fired-commander-resigns-after-investigation-at-daggett-county-jail/"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fox13</a>] [<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/2-utah-jail-employees-fired-after-mistreatment-allegations"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">APviaKUTV</a>]</p>
-> Findings from the 2016 Airport Service Quality survey show Salt Lake International has higher-than-average marks compared to other airports globally and nationally but ranked low on terminal cleanliness, Wi-Fi service and overall ambiance of facilities. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5194991-155/slc-airport-earns-high-satisfaction-marks"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Trib</a>]
<p class="p1">-> The Salt Lake Chamber and United Way of Salt Lake awarded four Utah immigrants the American Dream award for their everyday contributions to the state. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5195616-155/immigrants-recognized-for-leadership-role-in"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Trib</a>]</p>
<p class="p1">-> Sen. Orrin Hatch called sex trafficking an "epidemic" and pledged to work to ensure federal funding for programs to combat the problem in the United States and around the globe. "I believe we have moral obligation to help those who have suffered through the evils of trafficking," Hatch said. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5196268-155/hatch-joins-founder-of-child-trafficking-rescue"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Trib</a>]</p>
-> The trial of one of the first members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be taken to court for polygamy in Canada continued yesterday with testimony from a historian who researches the group. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5194363-155/canadian-trial-explores-whether-polygamy-constitutes"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Trib</a>]
<p class="p1">-> After eight months of renovations, Salt Lake City will reopen a park in the Avenues with a new playground that includes new swings, slides, a climber and other features. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5196283-155/city-to-reopen-lindsey-gardens-playground"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Trib</a>]</p>
-> Pat Bagley imagines Chaffetz heading home after five terms in Congress … to a cot in Gov. Gary Herbert's office. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/5196240-155/bagley-cartoon-chaffetz-comes-home"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Trib</a>]
-> Robert Gehrke says Chaffetz's decision not to run in 2018 is likely a strategic move to reboot his brand in preparation for a 2020 gubernatorial race. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5195006-155/gehrke-with-chaffetzs-first-move-the"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Trib</a>]
-> Gehrke also argues that the 4th District judge who last week called a man he convicted of sex crimes "an extraordinary, good man" should either resign from the bench or be stripped from his position. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/5191488-155/gehrke-after-calling-sex-offender-a"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Trib</a>]
<strong>Nationally:</strong> As the Trump administration reviews U.S. policy toward Iran, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson concluded the country is sticking to the terms of the nuclear deal it made with former President Barack Obama. However, Tillerson later described the deal as a failure and accused Iran of working to destabilize the Middle East through its sponsorship of terrorist groups throughout the region. [<a href="http://thehill.com/policy/national-security/329634-tillerson-slams-iran-as-destabilizing-force-in-middle-east"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TheHill</a>] [<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/19/politics/tillerson-iran-deal/"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CNN</a>] [<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/19/world/middleeast/trump-administration-grudgingly-confirms-irans-compliance-with-nuclear-deal.html"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NYTimes</a>] [<a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/04/19/524701919/iran-sticks-to-nuclear-deal-but-u-s-says-it-will-review-sanctions"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NPR</a>]
<p class="p1">-> After Georgia Democrat Jon Ossoff's strong performance in a red district special election Tuesday, Democrats are now setting their eyes on a special election for Montana's House seat next month. Meanwhile, some GOP strategists say the Georgia results are a possible harbinger of tough times ahead in the wake of a groundswell of liberal activism. [<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/19/us/politics/montana-democrats-rob-quist.html"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NYTimes</a>] [<a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2017/04/19/georgia-republicans-handel-ossoff-237374"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Politico</a>] [<a href="http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/odds-shift-georgia-prepares-june-runoff/"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">PBSNews</a>] [<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/19/politics/progressives-response-georgia-special-election/"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CNN</a>]</p>
-> Top-rated cable news host Bill O'Reilly lost his primetime air yesterday when Fox News forced him out amid mounting public pressure after a series of sexual harassment allegations piled against him and an internal investigation turned up more accusations. [<a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/04/19/524736631/bill-oreilly-is-out-at-fox-news"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NPR</a>] [<a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39647434"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BBCNews</a>] [<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/19/business/media/bill-oreilly-fox-news-allegations.html"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NYTimes</a>] [<a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/fox-news-cuts-ties-bill-o-reilly-closing-latest-chapter-n748356"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NBCNews</a>]
<strong>Where are they?</strong>
<ul>
<li>Rep. Chris <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/RepChrisStewart"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Stewart</a> </strong>speaks with University of Utah Hinckley Institute students, with students at Viewmont High School and with constituents in his Salt Lake City office. Later, he participates in a service project with the Ronald McDonald Home and hosts a Service Academy Informational Night for junior high and high school students.</li>
<li>Rep. Mia <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/RepMiaLove"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Love</a> </strong>listens to legislative concerns from the Utah Association of Counties and meets with Utah's professional firefighters.</li>
<li>Gov. Gary <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/GovHerbert"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Herbert</a> </strong>talks to the media, takes photos with constituents and speaks at the Utah Municipal Power Agency conference in Midway, Utah.</li>
<li>Lt. Gov. Spencer <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/SpencerJCox"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cox</a> </strong>heads to the Cache Business Summit in Logan and then to the Victims of Crime Conference in Midway.</li>
<li>State Auditor John <strong><strong><a href="https://twitter.com/FrugalDougall"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dougall</a> </strong></strong>spends the day in his office, works on a research project, speaks with a legislator and tentatively plans to release an investigative report.</li>
</ul>
Got a tip? A birthday, wedding or anniversary to announce? Email us at <a href="mailto:cornflakes@sltrib.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">cornflakes@sltrib.com</a>. If you haven't already, sign up for our weekday email and get this sent directly to your inbox. [<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/pages/email"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Trib</a>]
— Thomas Burr and Taylor Stevens
<a title="Thomas Burr" href="https://twitter.com/thomaswburr"; target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Twitter.com/thomaswburr </a>and <a href="https://twitter.com/tstevens95">Twitter.com/tstevens95</a>