In fact, the C&B committee voted down six separate constitutional changes filed by delegates several weeks ago — including one that would have clarified delegates' rights in that area. And that amendment wasn't heard Saturday. It is still unclear how party leaders will reconcile the resolution passed Saturday, that says delegates can hear constitutional amendments unfiltered, with the leaders' decision that the current constitution says the C&B committee must pass such amendments on to delegates.

Delegates reaffirmed a current party position in favor of school choice — recently reflected in tuition tax credit battles in the Legislature.

Delegates even refused to amend the resolution to say that home-schooled or privately-schooled students must meet the same education standards as public school children.

And delegates passed two immigration resolutions — even though backers of both said each represented a different approach to the sensitive issue.

One resolution, sponsored by delegate Robert Wren, had two paragraphs removed, however, that some delegates said had "an offensive tone."

"The Democratic Party will be very happy if (Wren's resolution) passed," complained one delegate. "We used to be the party of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, but black Americans perceive a mean-spiritedness in the Republican Party" today.

A separate resolution passed that said all immigrants are welcomed in the GOP. But there were loud shouts of "no" when Wren's resolution was gutted to exclude language about asking the Utah Legislature to pass laws that punished people who knowingly hire illegal aliens.

"I could hire a starving man to mow my lawn and go to jail," complained one delegate of Wren's resolution.

A hint of what Hatch may be up against next year — when he seeks a record-setting sixth, six-year term in the U.S. Senate from Utah — came in Sen. Bob Bennett's lengthy introduction of Hatch, 71.

Bennett said in a state where the most important man is 95 years old (referring to LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley), "it is appropriate we re-elect Orrin at 71."

Utah Rep. Steve Urquhart, R-St. George, has said he's challenging Hatch for the Republican nomination next year. Urquhart says Hatch lacks the energy to do the job well and new blood is needed.

Hatch spoke about all he's done for Utah. He said don't blame him that an amendment to a massive federal transportation bill that would have ensured quick construction on the Legacy Highway failed — "I did everything I could" to get it included in the final bill.

The delegates seemed a bit stunned, however, when Hatch went on to praise not only fellow Republican Reps. Rob Bishop and Chris Cannon, but also Democratic Rep. Jim Matheson — who GOP leaders have worked hard to defeat the last two elections.

"The whole delegation works very well together, we're unified," said Hatch, adding that he loved and respected each of them. "Our three congressmen have worked steadily with Bob (Bennett) and me every step of the way. Congressmen Cannon, Bishop and Matheson, good people. We work together in the best interest of our state."

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E-mail: bbjr@desnews.com