This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2007, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
WASHINGTON - While the speculation continues that Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, will be named to replace outgoing Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, sources close to Hatch say the senator is staying put.
David Hansen, Hatch's campaign manager, said Hatch has not received a call from the White House to fill the Cabinet spot.
"It is not going to happen," Hansen said.
Staffers in Hatch's Senate office said they knew nothing of a potential job switch. Hatch declined any media interviews Monday because of dental work.
Hatch, a chief defender of Gonzales, would have an easier time being confirmed in the U.S. Senate, observers say, because sitting senators often get a pass on many tough questions out of courtesy.
One Utah GOP insider said the rumor floating for months now has been that Hatch's office started spreading his name - though Hatch's office has been batting down the rumor as well.
"Most of us assume Hatch will be wheeled out of the Senate chamber on a gurney like Strom Thurmond," the insider said.