This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Even before the Iowa caucus of the presidential campaign, I had the opportunity to join Donald Trump Jr. to rally crowds of thousands in support of his father, now our president-elect. I was amazed — but not at all surprised — at the enthusiasm we saw as so many of our fellow citizens sought to restore America's security and prosperity. This is the same energy our president-elect has generated for months as he crisscrossed the country, forging a connection with the American people on the issues that mattered most to them.
At events in Utah, Arizona and Nevada, the president-elect's son made a crucial point for our state: For us to succeed in putting this country back on the right track, we need to keep Orrin Hatch as a leader in the United States Senate.
In simple terms, Hatch can yield more influence for Utah and the West, for issues that directly affect each of our lives, than almost the entire western delegation combined. His leadership role in the Senate and on the Finance and Judiciary Committees are key to getting most of Donald Trump's agenda through Congress into law. Major legislation includes repealing Obamacare, reducing regulatory burdens on business, tax reform, improving international trade deals, comprehensive immigration reform and others. Perhaps even more importantly, because of his chairmanship, he can wield great influence on issues of religious liberty, religious freedom, Endangered Species Act reform and a host of Western land issues.
And perhaps most important to the people of Utah, Hatch has more experience at getting the right Supreme Court justices seated on the bench than anyone in Congress, having personally fought hard to shepherd Justices Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito through to confirmation.
By every objective measure, Hatch gets things done! Statistically he's one of the most successful legislators in the history of the United States, and by far the most productive serving today.
As one who wants to drain the swamp in Washington — there is a host of those who use their D.C. offices for personal gain above good of the country — Hatch is a giant amongst men, who has always put our countries interest, and Utah citizens' interest at the forefront of his agenda.
Additionally, Hatch showed extreme leadership in coming out early and staying steadfast with Trump. In this election, Democrats and their media allies did their best to pressure Republicans into denouncing Trump over any number of lurid, often ridiculously exaggerated accusations. Thanks to his loyalty, as well as his experience and skill as a legislator, Hatch has the president-elect's ear, and the two speak frequently. The Trump family has great affinity for this American patriot.
Simply put, Utahns need Hatch at the table in the years ahead. Many of us expected this term to be his last, and I am sure that the famously workaholic senator was looking forward to some well-deserved relaxation with his family once his current term ends. But with the seismic shift in this recent election, as a business community, sportsmen and rural Utah community leader I am encouraging Hatch to seek re-election. And I encourage all those who love Utah, the west and the nation to help in this effort.
I have known Hatch for a long time. We have worked together on a wide range of issues, and I have never seen him waiver in his support of our shared conservative values, even as he has become one of the most powerful figures in Washington. Right now, our state needs our senior statesman more than ever.
Don Peay is chairman of Utah Citizens for Trump.