Reader comments
Bob Bernick Jr.: Hatch unlikely to be Gonzales' replacement

Lisa | 8:39 a.m. Aug. 31, 2007

More than ever, we need our senior Senator Orrin Hatch in the Senate to fight the war we sent him there to fight.

Just remember, "More than EVER". He is trustworthy, sharp as can be, unable to be intimidated, intelligent, knows the issues inside and out and is a force to be reckoned with. He has the upmost respect from his colleagues and has been an incredible leader in the Senate. He is taken seriously and his replacement would not have the clout for Utah that Orrin Hatch has.

He is a steady, respected voice for Utah.

Anonymous | 9:55 a.m. Aug. 31, 2007

Hatch has already announced he would accept the positioned if offerred.

Johnny Ringo | 10:26 a.m. Aug. 31, 2007

I'd have no problem whatsoever with a Senator Herbert. And I think that as a GOP 'incumbent' with the respect and connections that Herbert has, he'd have not one iota of a problem raising the money to get elected and then re-elected to that post.

Comments continue below

John | 11:27 a.m. Aug. 31, 2007

One would think back when the good Senator was elected, What do you call a Senator who's been in Washintgton too long. Just maybe... Honorable Attorney General. All conjecture at this point in time....don'tcha think?
Try this line up...
Orrin Hatch U.S. Attorney General
Jon Huntsman JR...U.S.Senator
Mark Shurtliff...Governor
Everything else remains the same until the next election. Mark it down, you heard it here first.
Then you will see a Shurtliff/Mylar ticket for the next term for Governor.

evensteven | 12:30 p.m. Aug. 31, 2007

There are many reasons why a move by Sen. Hatch to AG would be a blessing, not the least of which is that is would clear the decks for a major reshuffling within the Republican Party as any number of politicos seek to 'move up'.

Gary Herbert would make an outstanding Senator. IMHO much better than the Guv (who is probably on the Guv because he put Gary on the ticket with him in a very shrewd move to blend philosophy with practical experience).

This is one rumor we should work to see become reality. If Frank Moss had been there too lon in '76, Orrin certainly has overstayed his welcome in '07. His continued 'service' is actually harming us more than helping.

That's a Formula for Democrats | 4:13 p.m. Aug. 31, 2007

Hatch to AG, Herbert to Senator...then, in Nov. 2008, Hatch goes home when Hillary wins, Herbert loses to the Democratic nominee for Senate because Utah County politicians die in the sunlight, and Huntsman loses to the Democratic nominee because he was changed by Utah rather than changing Utah. Utah teachers pay your union dues. The Democrats are gonna use 'em.

Jack | 4:50 p.m. Aug. 31, 2007

Hatch lack the time? What is he taking morality lessons from a alley cat and there's a steep leaning curve?

i LOVE this game... | 4:40 p.m. Sept. 1, 2007

...of political conjecture and prognostication.

Regardless of what happens with Hatch and Gonzales, Gary Herbert will be the next U.S. Senator from Utah. Plain, and, simple. Jon Huntsman, Jr., will be the NEXT U.S. Senator after THAT, making Huntsman the junior senator to Herbert, his former lieutenant governor.

How ironic, yet - possible.

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