Orrin Hatch Announces He's In for 2012

Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT)

To be precise: Orrin Hatch was born on March 22, 1934, making him 78 years old on election day 2012.

He would be 84 years old at the end of his SEVENTH term if re-elected. He will have served 36 years at the end of his current term.

I have great respect and admiration for Senator Hatch. I've worked with him and his staff and been successful with an important issue. I thank him personally for his efforts for us.

We can argue about his record, but know this: Every senator's record has pockmarks on it after 36 years. He has represented Utah for a long time and he has done so with great distinction in the minds of the majority of Utahns, myself included.

However, he is in a Senate that is currently seeing more turnover than ever before in history. In 2012, the trend will continue. The last two elections cycles produced about one-third of the current members of the Senate: There have been 32 new senators sworn in since 2008, which represents the fastest turnover rate since the 1978 and 1980 elections, which together added 38 new members. 

One of the contributing factors leading to America's present situation is the seniority system. It must be gutted voluntarily by the parties and fresh blood infused into the process.

Jason Chaffetz (R-UT)

Our present situation happened on Hatch's watch. He's off to a good start with the balanced budget amendment, but here's a list that Congressman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) just tweeted today, signaling he'll be holding Hatch's toes to the fire if Hatch falters or weakens. Chaffetz asserts there are more than 1,000 committees spending more than $400 million with 74,000 appointees, among them some "czars." All who think we'll miss them when they're gone, please raise your hands.

It's time for change. Massive change, with severe, drastic, deep cuts in spending.

New candidates for Senator Hatch's seat, please apply. You in, Jason?  Who else?