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.

tburr@sltrib.com