Jana Riess: If all the stars align, Evan McMullin just might beat Utah Sen. Mike Lee

For a Republican incumbent to lose an election in one of the nation’s rubiest states is certainly a long shot, according to the rules of politics as usual. But it’s not politics as usual.

(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) From left, Sen. Mike Lee and independent challenger Evan McMullin participate in a debate ahead of the election for U.S. Senate at Utah Valley University, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2022.