Orrin Hatch
Orrin Hatch tells Bloomberg TV he's more conservative than fellow senator Bob Bennett
Still, Hatch said Democrats have dampened his enthusiasm for bipartisan deals. He said Democrats have created strains by expanding government during the last two years, particularly taking power from states under a health-care program he helped establish for lower-income children. Ref. Source 4
If Sen. Orrin Hatch wins re-election, his influence could skyrocket
Which explains why a senator from one of the least populous states in the union currently wields so much power. And why Sen. Orrin Hatch, if re-elected in 2012, could become the most powerful politician to ever come out of Utah Ref. Source 1
Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch announced Tuesday that he won't seek re-election this year, clearing the way for Mitt Romney to return to the national stage by running for his seat.
He said in a social media message, "After much prayer and discussion with family and friends I've decided to retire at the end of this term."
Hatch, the Senate's longest serving Republican, has wrestled with the decision for months, emboldened by the entreaties of President Donald Trump to seek an eighth term. Ref. CNN.