Hatch endorses bid by Bennett for re-election

PROVO (AP) — Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, who's facing challenges from both inside and outside his party in his 2010 re-election bid, has drawn an endorsement from fellow Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah.

Speaking Friday to the Provo-Orem Chamber of Commerce, Hatch said Utah cannot afford to lose his Republican colleague's experience and influence in Washington.

Hatch says he likes all of the people vying for Bennett's seat, including Democrat Sam Granato, but Bennett is the best candidate for the job.

Bennett is "considered a real conservative" in Washington, Hatch said, and could become chairman of the Senate Banking Committee if Republicans regain control of the Senate.

Bennett finished behind Attorney General Mark Shurtleff and Cherilyn Eagar in a recent Utah County Republican Party straw poll.