Readers' forum: Time for Hatch to leave

In response to Loa Don Glade's letter ("Keep Hatch in the Senate" Readers' Forum, Jan. 27), I'm equally dismayed by those who want Hatch to serve a seventh term in Washington. Glade's argument, parroting Hatch himself, is if Republicans regain control of the Senate, as chair of the Finance Committee, Hatch will ride in on his white horse and single-handedly solve our nation's fiscal problems.

This tired argument grossly exaggerates the powers of Senate committees and their chairs. While committee's consider which bills will advance for a vote, it is still the full Senate and then House which must ultimately pass legislation. If Hatch wins and becomes chairman, the same old gridlock we've come to expect will surely continue.

I find it especially ironic that Glade considers those who might challenge Hatch as having a "desire for power." While that may be, at 36 years in the Senate, I'm certain no one understands power and entitlement more than Hatch. Term limits are the rolling waters which just might purge the ever-increasing stench from the cesspool that is Washington politics.

Eric Petersen

Salt Lake City