Stephens picks a S. Utah legislator

So southern Utah was wide open. And Stephens stepped in with Hatch, who may be able to help Stephens survive the critical May 8 state GOP convention.

But Hatch doesn't add much balance politically. Both Stephens and Hatch are legislators known for their conservative voting. Hatch sponsored SB154 in the 2003 Legislature, a sweeping bill aimed at fundamental change in how public schools operate.

"We're both conciliatory. We get along with people we disagree with. But we have strong beliefs, that's a good match for governing the state," Stephens said. "We're people of principle."

GrassRoots, a conservative group that ranks lawmakers' work each session, just gave Stephens a good 76 percent rating on 2004 votes, while Hatch gets a 67 percent rating, also a fine conservative mark.

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