Even in tight budget years, the Legislature found ways to whittle out a few million to bolster Hill. In 2003, legislators approved a $2 million expenditure to extend a runway in Tooele County. That airstrip is now being used for emergency landings for aircraft flying out of Hill and over the Utah Test and Training Range in the West Desert. "A lot of people and some of our delegation are saying, 'Now look at the money we are putting up at Hill, obviously they can't close it,' " Hansen said. "Well, they don't know much about base closings if they make that statement. That doesn't mean a thing."

No defender strong enough

Some Utah leaders think Hansen will use his clout and position as a BRAC member to save Hill Air Force Base.

During his 22 years in the House, Hansen fought to defend the base in prior BRAC rounds. He often used his position as a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee to protect Hill's interests. The former congressman went toe-to-toe with President Bill Clinton in a battle during the '95 BRAC round to save Hill from a relocation to California.

But that's not his job anymore, Hansen said.

"My responsibility is to do what's best for the United States military to keep us all free," Hansen said. "People think I'm going there as the protector of Hill — that's just not true.

"I can assure you Hill will get a fair hearing. No one is going to beat up on Hill unfairly."

Hansen said it is Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s responsibility to stand up for Hill in the upcoming BRAC round.

Next in the line of defense is Utah's congressional delegation — Sens. Orrin Hatch and Bob Bennett and Reps. Chris Cannon, Jim Matheson and Rob Bishop, who serves on the powerful House Rules Committee.

The Utah Defense Alliance is also a major player in saving Hill, Hansen said. The group works to build partnerships and promote economic development around Utah's military facilities.

"I'm an old has-been. It's somebody else's turn," Hansen said.

Utahns might think the state has a lot of political clout in the BRAC process, but that's silly, Hansen said.

"No one has that kind of clout," Hansen said.

Not even George W. Bush.

As the governor of Texas, Bush couldn't save Kelly Air Force Base from closure. Bush "about had a heart attack" when he heard Kelly's fate, Hansen said.

"If George W. didn't have that kind of clout, who in Utah will?"

Kelly Air Force Base had all the clout in the world during the '95 BRAC round. It had the powerful Bush as a key ally and even had a local resident serve on BRAC.