As the president explained to the Veterans of Foreign Wars conventioneers: "I got on Air Force One down there in Waco, and they told me that we had a special guest on our plane. I said 'Well, who is it?' They said 'Well, it's Orrin Hatch.' I said 'Fantastic. Glad to give the fellow a ride.' "

Hatch joined the president and first lady Laura Bush as they walked onto the tarmac in a scene sure to find its way into television spots, especially in a state where more than 70 percent of voters supported Bush's 2004 re-election.

Hatch, along with Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., joined the presidential motorcade to the Salt Palace, and the senator introduced Bush to the crowd by hailing the president's fight against terrorism.

Bush returned the favor.

"I appreciate a strong ally in Orrin Hatch," the president said. "He does a great job for Utah and he does a great job for the United States of America."

Not bad for two men who faced off in the 2000 Republican primaries. Hatch had some hard feelings when Bush raked in cash during a 1999 fundraising visit to Utah. But obviously the two have become close during the five years since, joining forces to defend the war in Iraq and to press Democrats to confirm conservative judicial nominees.

During his speech, Hatch promoted his proposed constitutional amendment that aims to protect the American flag from desecration, a position strongly favored by the VFW. "All we want to do is give the Congress the right, if it wants, to protect our flag," he said.

Bush also lent his support, demanding the Senate pass the amendment. Hatch says he is just needs one or two votes to send it on to the states for ratifying votes. One of those opposed is Utah Sen. Bob Bennett, who says there are better, less drastic ways to protect the flag.

Some Republican insiders say Hatch is vulnerable as he seeks his sixth term in office. He faces opposition from state Rep. Steve Urquhart, R-St. George, who claims Hatch has lost touch with Utahns and is not responsive to his constituents. The two will battle it out until the Republican convention next March. The eventual Republican nominee will face Democratic challenger Pete Ashdown, the CEO of local Internet service provider X-Mission.

"The president knows what is going on politically in the country," said Hatch campaign manager Dave Hansen. "He knows Senator Hatch is up for re-election and wants to do what he could to support him."

Urquhart downplayed Bush's visit.

"I don't think this makes any difference in the election," Urquhart said Monday. "I would hope that a 30-year senator would have access to the president."

Utahns will see what kind of presidential sway Hatch has. Hansen said he is "quite sure" Bush will return to support Hatch before election day 2006 - which, if it happens, would be the president's third visit since he took office.

mcanham@sltrib.com