Hatch’s path to reelection gets easier

By Cameron Joseph - 11/01/11 05:00 AM ET

Sen. Orrin Hatch’s (R-Utah) path to reelection seems to be growing easier by the day.

Just months ago Hatch faced the probability of a tough primary challenge from Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) and the possibility of a rough general election against Rep. Jim Matheson (D-Utah).

But Matheson announced last week he will not run for the Senate, which was a blow to Democratic recruitment efforts, as he was likely the only member of their party in the heavily Republican state who could’ve beaten Hatch.

And Chaffetz decided to forgo a primary challenge, leaving conservatives without a top-tier candidate.

While Hatch is still likely to face a Republican foe in state Sen. Dan Liljenquist, the six-term senator has positioned himself well, campaigning hard across the state, sitting on $4 million in the bank and facing no full-fledged opponents.

“It’ll be more difficult for Sen. Liljenquist to challenge Sen. Hatch than if a congressman had challenged him; he doesn’t have the same name recognition as Rep. Chaffetz,â€