Hatch cruises to Senate victory

The Utah public found no good reason to fire its senior U.S. senator and voted overwhelmingly to send Orrin Hatch to Washington for an unprecedented fifth term in office.

Political pundits had called Scott Howell one of the strongest Democratic challengers to Hatch in recent memory, but Hatch's public support wavered little throughout the campaign.

With 1,790 out of 1,792 precincts reporting, Hatch had 501,919 votes, or 66 percent, and Howell had 241,127 votes, or 32 percent.

"People looked at my record and realized that I've worked very hard for them," Hatch said Tuesday night from Republican Party headquarters at a downtown Salt Lake hotel. "I really believe we've made such friends over the years. We've worked for everybody — it doesn't matter if they're Democrat or Republican — we've served everybody in Utah, and I think over the long run people appreciate that."

In conceding the race Tuesday night, Howell, an IBM executive, was unapologetic. He fought a good fight, he said. He got some people involved who weren't before. He raised a respectable amount of money against an opponent richer in campaign cash and name recognition.

"The one thing I was disappointed about was that he canceled out of so many debates with me," Howell said. "That would have made a difference, because people would have been able to compare us. They would have seen what I stood for . . . so it was probably a wise political move for him."

Hatch said throughout the election campaign he was not dodging his opponent. Congress normally adjourns in early October so candidates can campaign on home turf, but it worked up to the election this year. With a sterling voting record in Washington, Hatch frequently cut short Salt Lake visits to head east.

Howell said his party still earned an Election Day win. He praised his fellow Democratic candidates. "These are great men and women to set a benchmark," he said. "Republicans have done a great job of painting Democrats as evil people, but it is clear to the public now that is simply not true."

A few blocks away, Hatch was one of many waiting to see how the drama playing out in the presidential race would affect his own political possibilities. He watched with interest other national races and was asked how he'll work with new Sen. Hillary Clinton, who beat Rick Lazio for the New York seat. "I look forward to it," Hatch said. "I know her well. I don't begrudge her but was amazed at the size of her victory."

And asked about his top priority for his 24th through 30th years in office, Hatch said he wants to "be the best I can be."

"I'll certainly work hard for that."

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