Comments about ‘Letter: Debates should be about finding the best representative’

The post by Mr. Mann is yet just another letter printed in this forum the past few weeks trying to convince or shame Senator Hatch into a televised debate with his opponent Dan Liljenquist. All the wailing, weeping and knashing of teeth is for naught! The situation reminds me of the story of the old fox and the young fox sitting outside the henhouse! "The young fox says, lets run in there and eat a hen! The old fox says, no lets walk in there and eat them all". The old fox Hatch didn't win 6 terms by being stupid or intimidated. He has nothing to gain by a debate which would give his opponent free and valued exposure to the electorate. Last but not least, anyone who says seniorty in the senate has no value is like the young fox, he has yet a lot to learn!

In a democracy, there should be a free exchange of information and ideas. Our elections are opportunities for the people to examine, weigh, and thoughtfully consider choices for elective office. In America, we do NOT rubber stamp candidates. In former communist countries, the people were given ONE candidate, chosen by the party, and told vote the candidate or face the consequences. In our society, voters are given choices. To make an informed choice, voters need to see the candidates in action, speaking, thinking, forming positions, answering impromptu questions. Political ads are so biased and formulated nowadays, that it's necessary to see a candidate "think on his feet". I agree with Rod, how sad that one of Utah's candidates for Senate do NOT value constituents' need to know enough to make himself available for debates. Who is/are the real losers in this denial? The voters of Utah!

I believe a 6 term Senatorial candidates has an OBLIGATION to report back to his electorate as to what he's been doing for the past term and why he wants an unprecedented 7th term. A true representative listens to and advocates for his voters. He does NOT conceal himself away!

The letter shows the problem clearly. Mr. Hatch is doing what is best for Mr. Hatch. He has forgotten that he SERVES the State of Utah and that the PEOPLE of Utah will decide who is best qualified to serve.

He has told us that he is the best person for the job, even though his record clearly shows that he is not the best man for the job. In a debate, he would have to explain why he voted the way that he voted.

He has told us that only he can save us from ruin. What ruin? The ruin that HE helped cause during the 36 years that he has been in office? A debate would let him explain why he was not part of the problem.

All we have is his word that he is the best candidate. At this point, it looks like his word is not believable.

We do not need a Senator who retained office because he was "crafty". We need an honest man who puts service ahead of self. Mr. Hatch actions have shown that he is not that man.

What's a debate going to tell us that we don't already know? Nothing. Just provide the usual "gotcha" moment for either candidate. Hatch has done a good job over the years, notwithstanding what Mike Richards says.

Re: Ralph West Jordan: I don't think anyone is saying seniority has no value. Certainly it can be an asset. But it doesn't trump everything else. For example, Harry Reid and Joe Biden have a lot of seniority, but that doesn't mean we should support them. Seniority alone is not enough - it's also the principles, skills, and track record that matter.

Sen. Hatch has done many good things. But he has also cast some monumental wrong votes where he felt that he was smarter than the wisdom of the Constitution's limits. Those votes have dramatically increased the size, cost, and intrusiveness of the federal government. Such votes have led to our current crisis in Washington. But Sen. Hatch is not apologizing for those votes.

Now Hatch is refusing to debate his Republican opponent, Dan Liljenquist. As the letter writer has said, Hatch no longer cares about Utah getting the best representative (senator) - he just wants to win at all costs. That's not public service - that's lust for power.

In a state where so many people vote straight R ticket. Debates have nothing to do with finding the best person. If debates were valuable in that way, then people would vote based upon the debates, and would be willing to vote for a canidate, regardless of which political party they belong to.
Really what it comes down to is; Hatch does not need to debates anyone, including Scott Howell. His re-election was decided a few weeks ago at the caucus.
Why does everyone want him to show up and perform circus tricks, when they already know they will end up voting for him?

Hatch should debate Liljenquist.

On prime time TV.

Hatch's refusal only makes him appear arrogant and out of touch with the voters of Utah.

Debates are boring and don't show us much.

The media will try and smear them. the candidates will try and one up each other with one liner zingers. And no detailed plans or suggestions or ideas will be given.

I think we should know already if Hatch is the man for the job or not. If not, then we should be talking about who the challengers should be and what their ideas are.

Please oh please, no more tea party disasters!!! We've had enough of Mike Lee. Buyers remorse anyone?

West Jordan Ralph's story of the old and young fox sure brings back good memories of the version of the foxes my mother used to tell me. The young fox asks the old fox why the old fox is still hanging around the chicken coop when the old fox (as a young fox) used to mock the old foxes that did the exact same thing. The old fox replies, "Because I single handedly saved Hill Air Force base, because I'm the only Republican in Utah that Romney can work with and likes, because I'm going to be the next finance chairman and without me, the entire committee will collapse into chaos and oblivion... blah blah blah". You know... I didn't understand the old fox's reply then and I still don't.

When someone says that Hatch has done a good job, I have to assume that that person has studied Hatch's voting record. I have to assume that that person agrees with Hatch that we can be locked up without telling us why, without allowing us council, and without allowing us a trial. That concept is the antithesis of being an American, but some people think that Hatch is right.

I have to assume that that person doesn't mind having the government listen to their private cell phone conversations because Hatch voted for that in the Patriot Act.

I have to assume that that person believes that the government should bail out banks even as millions of homeowners face foreclosure because Hatch voted for TARP.

The record is 36 years long. Hatch is no conservative.

A public debate would let Utah see who Hatch really is, not who Hatch tells us he is.

Hatch is mocking the people of Utah. He thinks that he can tell us anything that he pleases and not be held accountable for his actions. It has become a contest between Hatch and the "system". He stopped acting like a Senator and is acting like a tyrant who insists that we do exactly as he tells us to do.

Is that what a Senator should do? Should he tell us what to believe and how to act?

Those who moan and groan about having to sit through a debate should have their citizenship revoked. The price of freedom in America is eternal vigilance. We have to know who we are electing, not because the candidate told us who he is, but because we have done our work and vetted that candidate.

It is easy to disqualify Hatch. His record disqualifies him from further service. If people are too lazy to search out his record and to compare his votes to his Constitutional duties, Hatch will win.

If he wins, he will be forever known as the politician who lied - and got away with it.

Is there ANY reason to vote for Hatch besides the fact that "He's been there a long time"?

Elected service to the State of Utah and the nation is a PRIVILAGE, not an ENTITLEMENT for life as Sen. Hatch seems to believe.

Government has grown and grown and grown.... over the last 40 years. Hatch isn't the only representative responsible, but he's at least as much of the problem in D.C. as anyone.

Re: Bifftacular

I liked your version of the fox story but like you I doubt the old fox saved Hill AFB single handedly, but the fact remains that during his 6 terms Hill has survived countless base closures, but then again I'm sure it is just coincidental! And it is rediculous to think the old fox is the only one in Utah that can work with Romney, but then again that issue is moot considering the fact that Romney will be watching the next innaugural on TV. But again, great Fox Story!

Hatch and Lil debate? About what? They are totally in agreement with each other. The only alternative voice is Scott Howell. Everyone needs to listen closely to Scott--you'll like what you hear.

Senator Hatch is doing everything in his power to avoid public appearances and a debate with his more vibrant and energetic younger opponent Dan Liljenquist. Shame on Senator Hatch for trying to cover his 36 year voting record with bought and paid for sound bites without a public discussion and debate. Beyond weak.

No one cares about debates. This is a non-issue. Liljenquist should be selling voters on why anyone should vote for him not whining about debates. Move on!

Here in Utah, we often hear the words, "God is no respecter of persons."

I think that that concept relates to this Senatorial race.

Mr. Hatch is trying to tell us to look at him because he has been a Senator for 36 years. He wants us to respect him because of the office that he holds. He wants us to respect him because he is a "good guy". He wants to be popular. He wants our vote because he is popular.

None of those "traits" qualify him for the office of Senator. Does he know the duties of a Senator? Has he always performed those duties with exactness, not doing more and not doing less?

His record shows that he has often tilted at windmills. He has often abandoned the restrictions that the Constitution places on him and has voted his own will instead of limiting himself to the authority of a Senator.

If we take away his "look at me" rhetoric and look only at the office, we can see that to respect the office, we cannot vote for Mr. Hatch.

A debate would slice through his "personal appeal".

Great Article! If Hatch isn't willing to listen to the people of Utah and be open and transparent then he shouldn't represent the people of Utah!

Scott Howell.

Nothing more needs to be said.

Liljenquist is getting desperate. While he continues to fuss about a debate, Hatch continues to work hard and pick up endorsements.