I find this interesting, considering that Hatch is facing a likely challenge from Jason Chaffetz, who is gaining in the polls.
I like Hatch, although I’ll readily admit I have followed him mostly as relates to judicial appointments, where he fought the good fight on Clarence Thomas, John Roberts and Samuel Alito, among others. Some of those accomplishments are listed in the audio below starting at 6:45.
Here is the audio of Mark Levin’s endorsement of Hatch (starting at 8:15).
Is Hatch the exception to what is the recent rule that long-serving incumbents need to be challenged?
Update: I had forgotten I previously posted about Hatch being out front in opposing the Obamacare mandate.
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Bad idea for three reasons. 1) It really pisses off a portion of his audience for neither principle or gain (dems won’t pick up the seat regardless, and anyone defeating him will be more conservative than Hatch is), 2) Hatch is a dead man walking come primary time, and 3) its counterproductive because in a TEA Party year, an endorsement from the party’s media establishment ain’t doing the endorsee any favors.
Hatch’s misguided ties to laws that support the entertainment industry over the rights of the user of digital media make him untrustworthy, IMO. Because of past Hatch led legislation I’m a criminal if I play a DVD on my OS.
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Those were good fights, and he should get a lot of credit for them. But Hatch is as RINO as it gets. He is so far inside the ‘Beltway’that he will need a seeing eye dog to get back to Utah.
I’m not sure the prospective challenger is SO much better than Hatch but I would vote out the incumbent, just on principle. It is time and past time for new blood.
As mentioned above, it is not wise for Hannity to make an endorsement in this case.
Wasn’t it Hannity who was on Mr. Newt’s band wagon? Sean has been on the inside too long.
Club for Growth Scorecard
2005 UT R Hatch, Orrin Ranked Senate 33rd
2006 UT R Hatch, Orrin Ranked Senate 35rd
2007 UT R Hatch, Orrin Ranked Senate 35rd
2008 UT R Hatch, Orrin Ranked Senate 23rd
2009 UT R Hatch, Orrin Ranked Senate 23rd
2010 UT R Hatch, Orrin Ranked Senate 3rd
Thanks, V, was about to say he hadn’t been pissing me off as much as he used to. This confirms it.
Given how conservative Utah is, and how weak the D’s are there, there’s no excuse not to have UT Senator’s that consistently score in the top 5 by CFG. Mike Lee will do far more to put this country on the right track than Orrin Hatch ever has, we need to find another Mike Lee to take Hatch out.
Keep in mind that Bob Bennett got the boot because the Tea Party in UT is Very organized and they basically threw him out. It doesn’t matter what Hannity or Levin say. The only relevant question is whether the TP in UT is behind Hatch.
Also…after Bennett got his walking papers, Hatch got smart and made contact with Dave Kirkham who is a TP leader in UT. Word on the street is that Hatch called Kirkham on a regular basis BEFORE voting on bills.
It seems Hatch now knows exactly what side of the bread the butter is on in UT. If you want to know if Hatch will be getting re-elected – call Kirkham.
Club for Growth
UT R Bennett, Robert 2009 Lifetime scorecard 74%
UT R Hatch, Orrin 2009 Lifetime scorecard 70%
UT R Bennett, Robert 2010 Lifetime scorecard 77%
UT R Hatch, Orrin 2010 Lifetime scorecard 74%
There’s an old joke in DC that gives some insight into his nature. “Don’t count your Hatches until they chicken out.”
I’m for tossing most of the old bulls out, particularly in safe-seat states. If they’ve been a consistent conservative brawler, like Jeff Sessions for example, keep ’em around. Otherwise, lets get some new blood, especially if you can trade up on the conservative scale.
Hatch is a perpetual amnesty supporter, and only behaving himself because he wants a 7th term in the Senate.
Time to shake hands, say good luck, and wave goodbye to this RINO who refused to block the appointment of Cass Sunstein as regulatory czar, a position which should not even exist.
Chaffetz for Senate. Jason got rid of Chris Cannon, for which he should be given a chest full of medals, and now he’ll help save the Republic by relieving Hatch.
Hannity and Levin: Be ashamed.
In the Senate, he puts comity ahead of conservatism. Remember his position on Lisa Murkowski and her spot on the Senate Energy committee?
Hatch has been in Washington long enough. Time for someone more in sync with Utah’s conservative values.
I’m disappointed in Hannity and Levin.
…that said. Lugar is the ultimate prize in 2012.
And in ’14 its Graham.
Try to imagine a scenario wherein republicans and conservatives aren’t better off without him in the Senate…I know, you almost have to get into sci-fi territory. I’d vote for Alvin Greene a hundred times over before I’d pull the lever for that smarmy little weasel.
Hatch suffers from “Potomac Fever.” The longer people dwell in the flood plains of the Potomac River the more big-spending and statist they become.
Hatch will some veer back onto the correct side of issues but it is becoming increasingly rare.
He needs to retire…
Hatch has been trying to kiss the Tea Party’s collective backside ever since we gave Bob Bennett a pink slip. He hasn’t even tried to hide it. He really hasn’t changed, though; as soon as the heat is off, he’ll go right back to being the man who used to be Ted Kennedy’s BFF. He’s needed to go for years, and a couple of years of blowing in the Tea Party breeze doesn’t change that.