Hatch touts 'life of service,' says he's stronger than ever

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Oct 31, 2006 | by Suzanne Struglinski Deseret Morning News

WASHINGTON -- When Sen. Orrin Hatch and his wife discussed whether he should run again for the U.S. Senate late last year, she said, "Orrin, don't you think it's time for you and me to have a life?"

After 49 years of marriage, 30 of which her husband has spent in the Senate, it appeared Elaine Hatch was ready for a change.

But Orrin Hatch, a Republican and the longest serving Utah politician still in office, just smiled at his wife and said, "Elaine, this is our life."

"My life is a life of service," he said.

So with that, Hatch, 72, opted to run for a sixth term and says he will keep running as long as he remains in good health and his position in the Senate will benefit the state.

"I believe I can do some things that others can't," Hatch said. "I'm right in the middle of all of it."

If re-elected, he will become the longest serving politician in Utah history. He's tied with Republican Reed Smoot, the state's first U.S. senator who also served 30 years. Hatch would be 78 years old by the time his sixth term would be up if re-elected.

Some observers have said Hatch has had his share of so-called "senior moments" in the past few years, where his staff has quickly had to handle some missteps, like confusing the Vietnam War with the Iraq war or saying that terrorists are waiting for Democrats to take control of the government before striking again.

But Hatch said he is fine and actually better than ever.

"If anything I am stronger today than I was then," Hatch said. "I may not be able to play basketball like I once did, but I keep going every day."

Hatch and his wife have six children, 22 grandchildren with another on the way and one great-grandchild.

Although this financial disclosure forms reveal his personal wealth is worth at least $1 million and as much as about $4 million, Hatch said he came from a poor family and he remembers selling eggs from his family's chickens at 6 years old.

"I knew what it was like to be hungry," Hatch said.

Long record

Hatch is running on his record in the Senate and what the future may hold for him if the Republicans hold onto the majority in this election and the 2008 election.

Only seven other senators in the current Senate have served longer than he has, and only Sen. Dick Lugar, R-Ind., remains from Hatch's freshman class of senators. Hatch sits on powerful committees, often as one of the top-ranking Republicans.

From debating who gets to be a federal judge and the finer points of Medicare policy, to international trade and intelligence matters he can't even talk about, Hatch said he has the right positions on the right committees and connections around Washington that can best serve the state.

"I don't think anyone around here doubts I work hard," Hatch said. "I am certainly not going to let up."

If all goes right for the GOP in 2006 and 2008, Hatch would take over the Senate Finance Committee in 2009, just at the same time Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, would likely take over the Senate Banking Committee -- giving Utah a powerful position over the country's financial policies.

"I want to make sure that the government doesn't tax you until you die and then tax you again," Hatch said.

The Senate Finance Committee oversees most major federal programs -- Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, trade agreements and tax laws. Because most major bills have tax consequences, Hatch said he will have a hand in almost all major legislation.

"I am in a position to really make sure that Utah, with its small population compared to California with 55 members of Congress -- two senators and 53 congressmen -- that we can stack up against them very, very well," Hatch said. "I think most people in Washington who have worked here over the years realize you're not going to push Utah around as long as I'm here."

Before this can happen, he needs to get re-elected,and Hatch hopes voters know that he wants to stay in Washington. He said he has a "proven track record of getting things done for Utah" and that it is a "tremendous advantage" for a state to have someone with his experience -- and status -- in the Senate.

"It is no secret that I have been tremendously blessed to have been able to serve my state for the last 30 years in the United States Senate, and I have given it every effort I possibly can," Hatch said. "I want to build on this record of accomplishment."

While Hatch uses his long history with the Senate as a reason to vote for him, critics -- like his Democratic opponent Pete Ashdown - - would say it is time for a new voice and a fresh start in the Senate for the state. Some would think he should have followed his wife's advice, retiring while he was ahead, while others feel he has not quite reached the ranks of the late Sen. Strom Thurmond, R- S.C., who died three years ago, just after leaving office, at the age of 100, serving a record 48 years in the Senate.

Larry J. Sabato, director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, said an elected official in Hatch's position needs to consider if they can continue to win and what else they want to do with their life.