This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated.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.

Utah politicians are salivating after Rep. Jason Chaffetz announced he would not be seeking re-election in 2018 and may even step down early.

For such a vacancy, Utah law provides that "the governor shall issue a proclamation calling an election to fill the vacancy." What kind of "election?"

It's difficult here to choose who to scrutinize first:

1. The Legislature

The Legislature has asked the governor to call a special legislative session to "clarify" election law. House Speaker Greg Hughes, who might run to fill this vacancy, wants to change the law to match the process for filling Senate vacancies, where the state central committee sends three candidates to the governor and he appoints one. This would be convenient for Hughes, and other legislators vying for the spot, because he would only need to campaign to a very small group of Republican activists instead of voters at large.

Ignoring the fact that this method is not even an "election," it reeks of political opportunism. The supermajority of Republicans in the Utah Legislature see that an office may soon be vacant and they quickly change the law to ensure that a Republican will remain in the office?

The Legislature keeps insisting it wants more participation from Utah voters. Prove it.

2. The governor

To his credit, Herbert has questioned whether a special session will help certain legislators game the system and gain an undue advantage in any upcoming election. But a little more clarity would have been helpful.

The governor supports calling a special election, which mirrors a regular election — party conventions with the signature-gathering route, a primary and a general. It seems that it is important to the governor to follow the same process for filling vacancies, even where such election could be quite costly. The governor is essentially saying to the Legislature: You created the process, let's follow it.

3. Rep. Chaffetz

And finally, Chaffetz. Was his announcement that he might not finish his term an overnight decision? Not likely. So he withheld information during the first announcement. Why? Did he want a second round of media attention? Another chance to take off his helmet and whip his beautiful hair?

If Chaffetz does not fulfill his current term and decides instead to take some other high-paying gig, he will dishonor his service and the people of Utah.

Chaffetz is currently resting from foot surgery and we wish him a speedy recovery. But we elected him to a two-year job and we expect him to swallow his medicine.