Salt Lake Tribune editorial board calls on Orrin Hatch to retire

Source: Salt Lake Tribune

Orrin Hatch appeared unequivocal during his 2012 campaign: It would be his last. Now, he seems less certain, and his chief of staff won't comment when asked directly about his 2018 plans. He's raising money like a man running for an eighth term. In the last three months he brought in almost $700,000, putting his political war chest at $1.5 million.

... At 81, Utah's senior senator seems up to the task of another term. He's an example of how 80 just might be the new 60.

But in fighting for his political life in recent years, Hatch, too, has become part of the noise, regurgitating such tea party rhetoric as the endless and pointless calls to end the Affordable Care Act without suggesting practical alternatives. He no longer is the reach-across-the-aisle senator from the Ted Kennedy days, a fond but distant memory in this time of congressional incompetence that has eroded Americans' confidence in their government.

... If Washington is to emerge from its stalemate state, it needs statesmen and stateswomen who rise above ideology and truly represent their diverse constituents. If you can't offer leadership to help shepherd Congress out of the mess it — and you —have created, please come home, Sen. Hatch.

Read more: http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/2786036-155/editorial-hatchs-time-should-come-to