Chaffetz won't seek re-election in 2018, opening the door for McMullin

Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), the head of the House Governmental Oversight Committee who has attracted heat from his constituents for refusing to initiate an investigation of President Trump's ethics, conflicts of interest, and ties to Russia, has announced that he will not seek re-election.

The powerful Republican has not ruled out a run for Utah governor or for the U.S. Senate in 2020 but says that he will not be a candidate "for any office" in 2018.

The move opens the way for a rumored race for Chaffetz's seat by former CIA clandestine officer, House GOP policy director, and 2016 independent presidential candidate Evan McMullin, who has emerged as the leader of the conservative opposition to President Trump.