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Utah Dietary Supplement Leaders Stand With Orrin

Fri, 18 May 2012 20:17:00 GMT

Dietary supplement leaders from across Utah are supporting Senator Hatch for re-election:

"This election year we have the opportunity to help Senator Orrin Hatch—a longtime champion of an industry critically important to the state of Utah. Dietary supplement companies in Utah provide thousands of jobs and generate billions of dollars in revenue. Orrin Hatch is a leader who truly cares about our issues and our ability to grow and prosper.

"Senator Hatch's record is clear—he has fought time and time again to protect your right and ability—and that of more than 150 million Americans who use dietary supplements—to access safe and affordable products that improve and maintain healthy lifestyles."

Read the full letter below.

Utah Dietary Supplement Leaders For Senator Orrin Hatch

We are writing to you today as individuals who have worked in Utah's dietary supplement industry for many years. We have experienced first-hand the importance of having strong leaders at the national level who understand our industry's issues, and who will work hard to find solutions to the challenges we face.

This election year we have the opportunity to help Senator Orrin Hatch—a longtime champion of an industry critically important to the state of Utah. Dietary supplement companies in Utah provide thousands of jobs and generate billions of dollars in revenue. Orrin Hatch is a leader who truly cares about our issues and our ability to grow and prosper.

Senator Hatch's record is clear—he has fought time and time again to protect your right and ability—and that of more than 150 million Americans who use dietary supplements—to access safe and affordable products that improve and maintain healthy lifestyles.

In 1994 Senator Hatch authored and passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA). This legislation established a regulatory structure for the FDA to follow that allows consumers the freedom to purchase safe and affordable dietary supplements. Without this law the FDA would have few limits on its authority to regulate the industry in a drug-like manner, resulting in unnecessary costs and fewer choices for you, the consumer. DSHEA transformed the dietary supplement industry by creating a system of accountability that struck an appropriate balance between safety and affordability.

When the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has attempted to over-regulate natural health products, Senator Hatch has stepped in to prevent these actions when possible and to ensure that the regulation of this industry is not overly burdensome.

Quite simply, too many members in Congress do not understand the importance of this industry and often dismiss the concerns raised by dietary supplement producers and consumers. Not Senator Hatch. As DSHEA's author, he is uniquely qualified to ensure that modifications to it or actions by the FDA do not thwart the law's original intent. He listens and knows that the role this industry plays in Utah's economy is critical and needs to be preserved.

Ensuring that the viability of the industry continues in an environment that promotes fair regulation and ensures product safety, Senator Hatch has continued to work diligently to ensure that this law is working in the best interests of consumers.

With Senator Hatch, Utah's dietary supplement industry has made great strides, but recent actions of the FDA show that his work is not done. We must ensure that we can continue to fight federal efforts to restrict the rights of consumers to benefit from dietary supplements.

Together let's stand with Senator Hatch so that this industry so vital to Utah's economy can continue to grow and prosper, and consumers who count so heavily on natural health products can continue to enjoy the freedoms of choice and access.

Sincerely,

Tarang P. Amin
President & CEO, Schiff International, Inc.

Kerry O. Asay
Chairman and CEO, Morinda Holdings, Inc.

Kim S. Asay
President, Tropical Resources, Inc.

DeWayne Ashmead
President, Albion Laboratories, Inc.

Mike Beardall
President, Cornerstone Research and Development, Inc.

Bryan B. Davis
Founder & Board Member, Xango

John DeWyze
Executive Vice Presidentof Operations, Nature's Sunshine

Aaron Garrity
Founder & Chairman, Xango

Derek H. Hall
CEO, Qivana

Richard Hartvigsen
Vice President Global Government Affairs, Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc.

Gary Hollister
Board Member, Xango

Truman Hunt
President & CEO, Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc.

Jim Hyde
CEO, Albion Laboratories, Inc.

Jamon Jarvis
Executive Vice President, Nature's Sunshine

Robert G. Johnson
Executive Vice President, Tahitian Noni International, Inc.

David Lisonbee
Founder and CEO, 4Life

Steven Lund
Vice Chairman, Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc.

Calvin McCausland, PhD
Chief Scientific Officer, 4Life

Gordon Morton
Founder & Board Member, Xango

Joe Morton
Founder & Board Member, Xango

Mark Petersen
Vice President of Field Development, 4Life

Bruce Remund
Co-Owner / President, VMI Nutrition

Jeff Reynolds
Co-Owner / CEO, VMI Nutrition

Richard C. Rife
Vice President & General Counsel, Morinda Holdings, Inc.

Blake Roney
Chairman, Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc.

Charles A. Smith
Vice President of Global Operations, Tahitian Noni International, Inc.

Steve Tew
President, 4Life

John J. Wadsworth
President, Tahitian Noni International, Inc.

Jeffery A. Wasden
Vice President of Global Marketing, Tahitian Noni International, Inc.

Chad Wiegand
Senior Vice President, Nature's Way/Schwabe No. America

Kent Wood
Founder & Board Member, Xango

Download & Print The Letter

Utah Tech Leaders Stand With Orrin

Fri, 18 May 2012 19:41:00 GMT

Technology leaders from across Utah have endorsed Senator Hatch for re-election:

"We are writing to you today as individuals who have worked in Utah's high-tech arena for many years and have experienced first-hand the importance of having good leaders at the national level who understand our issues, and will work hard to find solutions to the challenges we face. This election year we have the opportunity to help a great champion of Utah's high-tech industry, and a leader who truly cares about our issues and our ability to grow and prosper—Senator Orrin Hatch. ...

"Senator Hatch's record is clear—he has continued to work on and offer solutions to keep high-tech companies competitive in the global economy. He has battled for copyright enforcement to protect the innovations and creativity of our nation's technology companies, promoted protection for patents, and has fought and supported many policies which promote growth in research and technology."

Read the full letter below.

Utah Technology Leaders For Senator Hatch

We are writing to you today as individuals who have worked in Utah's high-tech arena for many years and have experienced first-hand the importance of having good leaders at the national level who understand our issues, and will work hard to find solutions to the challenges we face. This election year we have the opportunity to help a great champion of Utah's high-tech industry, and a leader who truly cares about our issues and our ability to grow and prosper—Senator Orrin Hatch.

The road to re-election starts on March 15th at neighborhood caucus meetings across the state, and we cannot over-emphasize the importance for each of us to get involved at the caucus level. Caucuses and the convention promise to be tough. Unless we attend our March 15th neighborhood caucus, we will have no voice at the April 21st Republican Convention where the candidates will be chosen.

We are writing today to invite you to attend your own neighborhood caucus meeting and fight for hightech issues by either running as a state delegate for Senator Hatch, or encouraging others to support a Hatch state delegate in your precinct that evening.

Senator Hatch's record is clear—he has continued to work on and offer solutions to keep high-tech companies competitive in the global economy. He has battled for copyright enforcement to protect the innovations and creativity of our nation's technology companies, promoted protection for patents, and has fought and supported many policies which promote growth in research and technology.

In addition, Senator Hatch is poised to become the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee next year, the committee in Congress responsible for more than 60 percent of the budget and many issues that directly impact our industry and its bottom line. This gives Utah a unique opportunity to help set the economic agenda of the future by helping Senator Hatch bring Utah values, Utah ideas, and Utah solutions to this position.

Also, in 2009, the Senator started and continues to chair the Senate Republican High-Tech Task Force. As Chairman, he is in a key position to bring together the leaders of high-tech organizations and companies to discover ways to spur job growth and enhance innovation.

Some of the additional highlights of Senator Hatch's work in Congress for our industry include:

Introduced the Greater Research Opportunities with Tax Help Act of 2011 (GROWTH Act) which simplifies and makes permanent the Research and Development (R&D) tax credit which would give America's job creators the certainty they need to compete globally, to create jobs, and expand and invest in research and development right here at home.

Was the lead Republican sponsor of patent reform legislation, the America Invents Act, which was passed and signed into law last year. The America Invents Act will strengthen our patent system and help inventors large and small maintain their competitive edge both domestically and abroad.

Introduced the International Cybercime Reporting and Cooperation Act that takes aggressive action to combat cybercrime against the United States and fosters cooperation with other countries. This bill will enhance efforts by our government to influence foreign countries to build the necessary infrastructure and to establish the required protocols to prevent cybercime.

Supported the Columbia, Panama, and South Korea free trade agreements finally passed late last year. The non-partisan International Trade Commission has credited these trade agreements with the ability to increase U.S. exports by over $12 billion and grow the U.S. economy by more than $14 billion.

Advocated for more H-1B visas so that highly skilled workers are allowed to stay and complete the vital jobs they are performing in many of Utah's high-tech companies.

Authored the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act, commonly known as the Hatch-Waxman Act, which provides incentives that allow for brand name companies to continue to innovate while also allowing generic drugs to come to the market.

Was the lead negotiator and author of the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act of 2007, which eventually became law that provides a similar balance of innovation and generic competition for the biotechnology industry, providing 12 years of exclusivity.

Introduced the Medical Device Access and Innovation Protection Act, which will repeal the $28.5 billion tax on medical device companies which will stagnate economic growth, innovation, and job creation. Senator Hatch is working hard to make this repeal a reality.

Fought to bring the National Security Agency data center to our state. Officially named the Utah Data Center, the facility will bring thousands of new jobs during its construction and development phase. Once completed, it will support 100 to 200 permanent high-paid cyber-security employees.

Honored with the 2011 Semiconductor Industry Association Congressional Leadership Award for helping this industry maintain its lead in semiconductor design and manufacturing.

If you plan on attending your caucus in support of Senator Hatch, please email your HOME ADDRESS and a phone number, to Martine Smith at martine@hatchforsenate.com so that we are aware of your support and specific precinct information can be sent to you.

To find your caucus location, visit www.vote.utah.com and click on "Find my Caucus Location."

Together let's stand with Senator Hatch so that our industry can continue to grow and prosper.

Sincerely,

Kelvyn Cullimore
CEO, Dynatronics

Richard R. Nelson,
Founder and CEO, Utah Technology Council

Dee Anderson
Entrepreneur & Trustee, Utah Technology Council

Judy Young
Executive Director, Utah Technology Council

Kirk Ririe
CEO, Idaho Technology, Inc.

Peter Meldrum
President & CEO, Myriad Genetics

Jeremy Hanks,
Cofounder & CEO, Dropship.com

Rich Linder
CEO, Coberex Medical, Inc.

Pat Nola
CEO, Sorenson Communications

Keyvan Esfarjani
Executive Director, IM Flash Technologies

Brad Rencher
Senior VP and General Manager, Adobe Systems Incorporated

Amy Rees Anderson
CEO, MediConnect Global

David Bradford
CEO, HireVue

Alan Hall
Founder & Chairman, Market Star

Josh James
Founder & CEO, DOMO

Dinesh Patel, PhD
Managing Direct, vSpring Capital

Mark Sunday
Senior Vice President & CIO, Oracle USA

Download & Print The Letter

Letter Of Support From Retired Air Force General Gregory Martin

Fri, 18 May 2012 20:29:00 GMT

Retired Air Force General Gregory S. Martin describes Senator Hatch's support of our men and women in military, and leadership on behalf of Hill Air Force Base and military readiness:

"Over the many years we worked together, including my tenure as the Commander of Air Force Materiel Command, which is the parent organization of Hill AFB, it was your experience, seniority, patriotism and leadership which helped pave the way for the many facility improvements and initiatives we used to improve the processes used by the Hill AFB workforce to make them even more productive over the last two decades. Further, you continuously met with the senior officials of the Department of Defense and the Air Force to remind us of the Hill's value and importance to the warfighter. In my view, your consistent and effective advocacy for Hill AFB, and its predominant civilian workforce, was the foundation for the success Hill AFB enjoyed during the many rounds of the BRAC process.

"One of the more notable efforts you championed for several years was the inclusion of Hill's Software Center expansion project in the Air Force's budget. As the critical edge our forces enjoy increasingly relies upon the complex software of the equipment they use, Hill's award-winning software center is crucial to our airmen. I also understand during these difficult economic times, the Software Center's expansion has been a harbinger of growth due to the hiring of over 300 higher pay grade professionals."

Read the full letter below.

May 11, 2012

The Honorable Orrin G. Hatch
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Hatch:

Congratulations on your recent strong showing at the Utah Republican Convention! No doubt, the Delegates' understand the critical role you have played in supporting our National Defense in many ways, not the least of which, is the work you have done for many, many years to support the Air Force's critical sustainment mission at Hill Air Force Base. Indeed, not only have we made great progress in improving our aircraft and missile maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities, but we also were able to improve the facilities and work environment for the many associate units at Hill AFB, including the very impressive 388th Fighter Wing.

Over the many years we worked together, including my tenure as the Commander of Air Force Materiel Command, which is the parent organization of Hill AFB, it was your experience, seniority, patriotism and leadership which helped pave the way for the many facility improvements and initiatives we used to improve the processes used by the Hill AFB workforce to make them even more productive over the last two decades. Further, you continuously met with the senior officials of the Department of Defense and the Air Force to remind us of the Hill's value and importance to the warfighter. In my view, your consistent and effective advocacy for Hill AFB, and its predominant civilian workforce, was the foundation for the success Hill AFB enjoyed during the many rounds of the BRAC process.

One of the more notable efforts you championed for several years was the inclusion of Hill's Software Center expansion project in the Air Force's budget. As the critical edge our forces enjoy increasingly relies upon the complex software of the equipment they use, Hill's award-winning software center is crucial to our airmen. I also understand during these difficult economic times, the Software Center's expansion has been a harbinger of growth due to the hiring of over 300 higher pay grade professionals.

Recently, I followed with particular interest your important role in working with the Air Force to ensure Hill's integrated management structure was largely preserved. I believe your work in this area was crucial to maintaining the efficiencies and cost savings created by the Air Force's Depot Modernization Strategy.

As the nation moves further into this critical year of decisions, I thank you again for all you do every day to support our nation, our Air Force, and the men and women of Hill Air Force Base. It is a distinct pleasure to have worked with an individual whose motivations are true and who has the experience necessary to provide unparalleled support for the warfighter.

Sincerely,

Gregory S. Martin
General, USAF (ret.)

Download & Print The Letter

Senator Jon Kyl Stands With Orrin

Fri, 11 May 2012 18:21:00 GMT

Senator Jon Kyl endorse Orrin Hatch for his strong leadership on behalf of limited government, the Constitution, and pro-growth economic policies.

"You have been a tireless advocate on behalf of our Constitution and the limitations it places on the size and scope of our federal government. And you have done more than any other Senator to raise funds critical to electing Republicans to gain a majority in the Senate."

Read the full endorsement below.

Dear Senator Hatch:

It was a pleasure to travel with you across Utah in February to endorse your reelection to the United States Senate. You have been a tireless advocate on behalf of our Constitution and the limitations it places on the size and scope of our federal government. And you have done more than any other Senator to raise funds critical to electing Republicans to gain a majority in the Senate.

Having served together on the Senate Judiciary Committee, I can attest to the key role you have played in helping to put conservatives on the United States Supreme Court, including Justice Samuel Alito and Chief Justice John Roberts, and throughout the federal judiciary. You've been one of the strongest supporters of First Amendment rights protecting religious liberty, as well as the Second Amendment's individual right to bear arms.

We have also served together on the Senate Finance Committee, and if Republicans retake the Senate next year, you will be poised to claim the Chairmanship. This assignment could not come at a more critical time. The Finance Committee will have to act almost immediately to prevent job-destroying tax increases on income, capital gains and dividends, and to prevent the reemergence of high death taxes. It will have to move immediately to repeal ObamaCare and being to reform entitlements to keep them from bankrupting our country. These are challenges that will, from day one, require a Senator with the experience and know-how to get the job done. I hope Utahns understand how much we are relying on you to guide the Committee next year.

As the Senate Republican Whip, it's my job to round up the votes to advance our constitutional conservative agenda, so I know firsthand how important it is to reelect reliable conservatives like you with proven experience. Thank you for everything you have done to put us in position to overturn the disastrous agenda Barack Obama and Harry Reid have imposed on the nation over the last three-and-a-half years.

Sincerely,

Jon Kyl
United States Senator

Download & Print The Letter

National Association Of Manufacturers Praises Senator Hatch's Pro-Jobs Record

Fri, 11 May 2012 17:30:00 GMT

The National Association of Manufacturer (NAM) recently thanked Senator Orrin Hatch for his leadership in advancing pro-jobs policies.

"Since the National Association of Manufacturers began scoring key manufacturing votes in the 105th Congress, you have achieved an outstanding 97 percent favorable voting record. Thank you for your leadership and work on behalf of manufacturers and their employees."

Read the full letter below.

Dear Senator Hatch:

On behalf of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), thank you for your support of the manufacturing economy. Your leadership on tax, trade and healthcare policy has made U.S. manufacturers more competitive, protected manufacturing jobs and encouraged job growth.

As you know, U.S. manufacturers face significant challenges including a 20 percent cost disadvantage compared to their competitors in our major trading partners. With that in mind, your support for pro-growth and pro-jobs tax policies has been critical for the competitiveness of the manufacturing community.

Manufacturers support job-creating free trade policies to allow access to 95 percent of the world's consumers who live outside of our borders. Your consistent support for free trade and leadership on Trade Promotion Authority has been repeatedly recognized by manufacturers and is sincerely appreciated.

Additionally, over 95 percent of NAM members provide health insurance to their employees and the rising cost of coverage has been devastating. Your efforts to rein in health care costs and support commonsense reforms have been appreciated throughout our membership.

Since the National Association of Manufacturers began scoring key manufacturing votes in the 105th Congress, you have achieved an outstanding 97 percent favorable voting record. Thank you for your leadership and work on behalf of manufacturers and their employees.

Sincerely,

Aric Newhouse
Senior Vice President
Policy and Government Relations

Download & Print The Letter

Hatch To Serve As 'Special Advisor On Policy' To Mitt Romney's Presidential Campaign

Wed, 02 May 2012 16:31:00 GMT

SALT LAKE CITY – Sen. Orrin Hatch has been asked to serve as a key strategic policy advisor for Governor Mitt Romney's presidential campaign. Romney has endorsed Hatch, the Ranking Member on the Senate Finance Committee, for reelection this fall. In the role of "Special Advisor on Policy," Hatch will serve as a surrogate for the Romney campaign and provide strategic policy advice on key economic issues.

"Mitt has the background, experience, and the skills needed to turn our economy around, and I look forward to working with him to reverse President Obama's failed economic policies and get Americans back to work," Hatch said. "I know that with Mitt in the White House and me leading the Finance Committee, we can accomplish some pretty special things. We'll be able to lay the groundwork in the months ahead and hit the ground running from the day Mitt's sworn in to turn our economy around."

"Orrin has been a leader in the Senate on reforming our tax code, balancing our budget, and repealing Obamacare, and I'm going to need his leadership in the Senate when we take back the White House," Romney said. "Orrin is a man who I deeply respect and who knows what it takes to get America back on track. I look forward to working with him to get those who've become so frustrated with Washington to believe in America again."

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Senator Hatch Wins Overwhelming Convention Delegate Vote For United States Senate Nomination

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 21:28:00 GMT

Ready for Victory in June Primary

Salt Lake City, Utah – The Hatch Election Committee announced today that Sen. Orrin Hatch will face a primary election for the Republican nomination for the United States Senate in Utah. After 2 rounds of balloting, Senator Hatch garnered 59.19 percent to Dan Liljenquist's 40.8 percent.

"Today was a good win for me, and for my campaign. We have come a long way in a short period of time," stated Senator Orrin Hatch. "I am prepared and energized for the battle ahead. I have had the wonderful opportunity to travel our state from corner to corner, talking to voters, and discussing the issues of great importance to Utahns—and I will continue to work hard to ensure that my message is heard loud and clear.

"With Mitt Romney as our President, and Republicans back in control of the Senate—Utah will have a leader in place to fight for Utah's conservative values to help set our nation's economic agenda.

"America is at a critical crossroads and the path we take will determine the financial future of our country. I have the experience, strength, and knowledge to get the job done from day one—to fight for Hill Air Force Base, to lead the charge to ensure Utah is able to manage and develop our lands and resources the way we want them developed, to finally pass a Balanced Budget Amendment to bring fiscal responsibility to our nation's checkbook, and to repeal the $2.6 trillion big government takeover—ObamaCare.

"I am prepared for the primary election ahead and will continue to fight for limited government, lower taxes, entitlement reform, and fiscal responsibility so that our nation will enjoy greater growth and prosperity."

The Utah Primary Election will be held on June 26, 2012.

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I Will Use 'Utah Values'

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:04:00 GMT

In the spirit and tradition of our pioneers, Utah is a state anchored in our faith and community made great by our people, strong values, and a commitment to family and hard work. That tradition lives on in every Utahn—a tradition that has made our state a shining light of what America can be.

It is those Utah values that I strive to live up to each and every hour of every day that I humbly serve the people of our great state in the United States Senate. It is those Utah values—our values—that will help right America's damaged fiscal ship and put us back onto a path to prosperity.

And it is those values that I pledge to bring to bear as the next chairman of the Senate Finance Committee to bring down our crippling $16 trillion debt, to get America back to work, to fix our broken entitlements that are nothing more than empty promises to our children and grandchildren, and to overhaul our tax code that puts our nation at a competitive disadvantage around the world.

That is my pledge to my fellow Utahns if you grant me the privilege of another term in office. It is a pledge I will never forget because I am your voice to bring common-sense solutions to our country.

Last fall, I talked to Utah mayors, business leaders, students, legislators and people from every corner of our state to help put together recommendations about how to solve our debt crisis. The message was clear: stop the spending, reform Washington, and put America back on a path to prosperity. And despite President Obama and his liberal Democrat allies in the Senate trying to block us every step of the way, we took some strong steps forward by stopping more tax hikes and more wasteful Washington spending.

In the Senate, Republicans were able to force Democrats to vote on a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution that I introduced along with Sen. Mike Lee. This is a common-sense way of putting a straitjacket on federal spending and cutting our record high debt and deficits.

That's why I've fought for a balanced budget amendment throughout my service in the Senate—earning me the nickname of "Mr. Balanced Budget" from my friend, President Ronald Reagan.

The Finance Committee is responsible for over 50 percent of the federal budget, including Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, and handles all of our nation's tax policy. And when I become chairman when Republicans take back the Senate, it will be where we work to reform government, slash our debt and confront our burdensome, ineffective tax code.

Using the Utah values we share, and following President Reagan's criteria of fairness, growth and simplicity, we will fundamentally reform our tax code to allow you to keep more of your hard-earned money and Utah's small businesses to have more money to invest to grow the economy and create jobs.

The Finance Committee will also be where we will repeal Obamacare, the president's $2.6 trillion partisan health spending law. I voted against the law and was the first senator to say it is unconstitutional. And it is where we will reform Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security—the principle drivers of our debt—in a manner that fulfills our promises to our seniors, our children and grandchildren.

With President Mitt Romney in the White House, we can achieve much for America. We can and will restore our nation as that Shining City on a Hill. That is my promise, that is my pledge to every citizen of our great state. With your support, I look forward to continuing to bring Utah's values with me to Washington to cut spending, grow the economy, and strengthen our country for current and future generations of Utahns.

This originally appeared as an op-ed in the Salt Lake Tribune. -Team Hatch

[NEW VIDEO] Orrin Discusses Federal Lands Issues

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:52:00 GMT

Senator Hatch discusses federal lands issues with on the County Seat with Chad Booth.

Hatch Election Committee Releases Latest Poll Numbers

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:22:00 GMT

Campaign Manager says Hatch has a great deal of support among the new delegates

Salt Lake City, UT– The Hatch Election Committee released the results today of a poll taken by Dan Jones Associates on March 27th-29th, 2012. The poll involved 335 interviews of newly elected delegates to the 2012 Republican State Nominating Convention which will be held on April 21.

"The results of the poll show that Senator Hatch has a great deal of support among the new delegates to the state convention," said Dave Hansen, Hatch campaign manager. "Neither the senator nor the campaign is taking anything for granted. He will continue to work hard meeting with as many state delegates as possible before the state convention."

Below are the results of the poll taken by Dan Jones Associates.

Overall, do you think that things in the nation are generally going in the right direction or do you feel things have gotten off on the wrong track?
     Right Direction                 2%
     Wrong Track                     96%
And, do you think that things in the state of Utah are generally going in the right direction or do you feel things have gotten off on the wrong track?
     State Right Direction           81%
     Wrong Track                     14%
Now, I'll read you a list of names and have you tell me, for each one, first if you have heard of the person and, if so, whether you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of that person:
     Favorable/Unfavorable
     Orrin Hatch                     78%/18%
     Dan Liljenquist                 60%/25%
     Chris Herrod                    26%/13%
     Mitt Romney                     97%/3%
     Freedom Works                   16%/57%
Do you think Orrin Hatch has performed well enough as U.S. Senator to deserve reelection, or is it time to give another person the chance to do better?
     Deserves Reelection             57%
     New Person                      24%
     Don't Know                      17%
And for whom would you vote for United States Senate if the candidates were...
     Hatch                           62%
     Liljenquist                     16%
     Herrod                          5%
     Other                           0%
     Don't Know                      17%
Thinking about just two of the candidates for United States Senate...whom would you vote for United States Senate if the candidates were..
     Hatch                           67%
     Liljenquist                     24%
As you know Senator Bennett was denied by state delegates the Republican Party's nomination for reelection in 2010. Do you feel the same thing should happen to Senator Hatch in 2012?
     Yes                             22%
     No                              70%
     Not Sure                        8%
Counting now, how many times have you been a Republican State Delegate?
     1 Time                          62%
     2 Times                         17%
     3 Times                         8%
     4 Times                         4%
     5 Times or More                 8%
Were you a delegate to the Republican State Convention in 2010?
     Yes                             19%
     No                              81%
In politics today, do you usually think of yourself as a strong Republican, a not-so-strong Republican, or an independent?
     Strong Republican               76%
     Not so strong Republican        13%
     Independent, lean Republican    9%
And, do you consider yourself politically as liberal or conservative?
     Conservative                    77%
     Moderate                        21%
     Liberal                         0%
     Don't Know                      2%

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ObamaCare Carries Too High A Price In Liberty

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:11:00 GMT

Forcing purchase of health insurance not grounded in Constitution

In October 2009, a reporter asked then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, "Where specifically does the Constitution grant Congress the authority to enact an individual health insurance mandate?" She responded, "Are you serious?" Few questions could be more serious, and this week, the Supreme Court is spending three days exploring this and several other questions about the legitimacy of Obamacare, the president's signature achievement and the largest expansion of government in generations.

This case is not about health care policy but about whether we still have a real Constitution. Two principles are at stake. First, as George Washington put it in his farewell address, the basis of our system of government is that "the Constitution … till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all." Second, as the Supreme Court put it in Marbury v. Madison seven years later: "The powers of the legislature are defined and limited; and that those limits may not be mistaken or forgotten, the Constitution is written." This case is about whether our written Constitution still defines and limits federal power until the people say otherwise.

Measured by that standard, Obamacare's insurance mandate is unconstitutional. This is the first time in American history that Congress is forcing Americans to purchase a particular good or service. More important than identifying a precedent for the mandate, however, is identifying a power for Congress to enact it. The only candidate is the power to regulate interstate commerce. The insurance mandate does not regulate commercial or commerce-related activities but decisions whether to engage in those activities.

Decisions whether to purchase goods or services obviously have economic consequences, and Congress uses incentives to influence purchasing decisions. Remember the "cash for clunkers" program? But if Congress has the power to dictate purchasing decisions, it simply could have required Americans to purchase new cars to help the auto industry. The difference between activities and decisions, between incentives and mandates, is far more than a difference of political degree; it is a difference of a constitutional kind.

When Obamacare became law two years ago, its backers said its policy and constitutional merits would become plain for all to see. Once people heard the arguments and got the facts, they said, resistance would soon fade away. Well, what do the Obama administration, congressional Democrats and their liberal grass-roots allies have to show for two years of relentless campaigning? The latest Gallup polls tell us that after all the effort, more Americans say Obamacare is a bad idea and fewer say it is a good idea than two years ago.

Perhaps more important, nearly three-quarters of Americans now think the Obamacare insurance mandate is unconstitutional, the highest level ever. A majority of Democrats and even a majority of those who think Obamacare is a good idea say the insurance mandate is unconstitutional.

In a brief filed with the Supreme Court, 42 of my Senate colleagues and I point out that "it is hard to imagine any private decision not to purchase a particular good or service that does not have some economic impact when aggregated among millions of people. Under that rationale, the government could mandate any commercial activity." It should take more than an imagination and a political agenda to properly interpret and apply the Constitution.

Our country will always face challenges. Partisan majorities and ideological agendas will come and go. But we must always protect the liberty that our system of government and our written Constitution make possible. President Andrew Jackson said eternal vigilance is the price of that liberty. This case is about whether we will pay that price, whether we will insist that government submit to the Constitution rather than try to remake it in government's image. That is indeed a very serious matter.

This originally appeared as an op-ed in the Washington Times. -Team Hatch

Obama's Health Law Must Be Repealed

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:19:00 GMT

"We have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it." – Then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, March 9, 2010

Two weeks after then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) made those now-infamous comments about the health bill that was being pushed through Congress, President Obama signed into law his signature piece of legislation. I voted against the sweeping 2,300 page, $2.6 trillion unconstitutional law because I saw how disastrous it could become. And what a disaster it has been.

For starters, we've learned that it's going to cost a lot more than taxpayers were told. Despite Obama's claims that his law wouldn't add to our record-high deficits, the House Budget Committee found that Obamacare will add $701 billion to the deficit in the first 10 years of the law. Our national debt has already skyrocketed up to nearly $16 trillion. This is money we don't have to spend.

The White House also said that Obamacare would be good for our economy, but unfortunately the facts tell a different story. Obamacare will lead to the loss of 800,000 jobs, according to the head of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Considering our economy continues to struggle amidst the Obama Administration's failed economic policies, we cannot afford the health law's increased burdens on small businesses looking to create jobs and lead our economic recovery.

Obama repeatedly said that his health law would "bring down premiums by $2,500 for the typical family," but again, the facts tell a different story. The Congressional Budget Office projects an average increase of $2,100 per family in the individual market as a result of the law.

Sadly, the list of broken promises goes on and on. Report after report by independent organizations—and even in some cases from the Obama Administration itself—show that Obamacare has proven to be the disaster we knew it would be.

Utahns deserve a health system that empowers them, not the government. They deserve a system that lowers costs, not one that forces costs to go up because of incessant mandates. They deserve a law that allows them to make health care decisions between them and their doctor, not some bureaucrat sitting on an advisory board in Washington. Utahns deserve a health care system that allows them freedom of choice—free to choose what health care they want, or free to choose no health care insurance at all.

Under Obama's law, all individuals are mandated to purchase health insurance. This week, the Supreme Court is closely examining whether this requirement is allowed under the U.S. Constitution. But to me, this decision is crystal clear.

In the fall of 2009, as the health care law was being pushed through Congress, I stood up and said that it would be unconstitutional for Congress to require that Americans purchase health insurance or face a financial penalty. I was the first member of the Senate to say Obamacare is unconstitutional.

Some of my colleagues from the other side of the aisle said I was crazy, but I knew that if our Constitution allowed for the government to require Americans to purchase health insurance if they did not want it, then the government could force you to buy anything.

Later, I introduced the American Liberty Restoration Act in 2010 and again in 2011, which would repeal the unconstitutional individual mandate being challenged.

And as the Supreme Court considers this case next week, it's important to consider one key point: This case is not about health-care policy, but about whether we still have a real Constitution. This case is about whether our written Constitution still defines and limits federal power until the people say otherwise. The political makeup of our country will always change, but we must always protect the liberty that our system of government and our written Constitution make possible.

Regardless of your view of the president's health law, the facts do not lie. The law will cost taxpayers more than promised, will add billions of dollars to the deficit and will increase health-care premiums on hard-working Utah families. Additionally, the law infringes on our constitutional freedoms.

Obamacare is not what Utahns want, not what Utahns deserve and must not stand.

This originally appeared as an op-ed in the Deseret News. -Team Hatch

Even White House Is Not Celebrating 2nd Anniversary Of ObamaCare

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 19:27:00 GMT

The "Terrible Twos" isn't just for toddlers anymore. It also applies to Obamacare, the President's unconstitutional $2.6 trillion health law which just turned two years old.

So how terrible is Obamacare? It is so bad that, unlike the health law's one-year anniversary, even the White House isn't celebrating.

Even so, the President's decision to run away from his "signature achievement" in the run-up to the November election is hardly surprising—not when the U.S. Supreme Court is examining the legality of the legislation and a new Gallup poll shows 72 percent of Americans, including 56 percent of Democrats, believe the law's mandate to force them to buy health insurance is unconstitutional.

Alas, as Scottish poet Robert Burns wrote, "the best laid plans ... of men go often awry." That is certainly the case with Obamacare, the misnamed Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. When the President signed the bill into law, he and his liberal allies were sure that the American people, once they understood the law, would love it and thank them for it.

Well, the verdict is in. According to a Rasmussen poll released last week, more than half of Americans want Obamacare repealed. Just as they rejected Obamacare before it became law, they are refusing to embrace it afterward. They do, however, share one thing in common with the President: They don't feel like celebrating.

How could they?

Obamacare's $2.6 trillion in new federal spending is nothing to cheer about when our country is more than $15 trillion in debt. It doesn't help that, at a time of more than 8 percent national unemployment, the health law will result in 800,000 fewer jobs and 48 percent of U.S. businesses are so worried about the cost of the new healthcare regulations that they are not hiring.

If those numbers aren't alarming enough, there's more. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) found the law will raise premiums on American families forced to buy their own health insurance by $2,100. It will also impose a $60 billion tax hike on health insurance plans, which will result in up to a $400 yearly increase in premiums for hardworking families and entrepreneurs.

In lobbying for Obamacare, the President promised Americans that those who liked their health plans could keep them. The reality is that, according to the CBO, as many as 20 million Americans could lose their employer-based coverage. By the Administration's own estimates, the law will force up to 80 percent of small businesses to give up their current coverage by 2013.

As a result, more Utahns and other Americans will be pushed into government-run programs like Medicaid, which is already facing major challenges. And senior citizens won't be able to rest easy when $529 billion is being raided from Medicare, which is already nearly bankrupt, to fund new entitlements. And let's not forget the health law's Independent Payment Advisory Board—made up of bureaucrats who are unelected and accountable to no one—that will come between patients and their doctors by rationing their care and service.

Simply put, Obamacare is an unprecedented and unconstitutional expansion of the federal power. Any way you look at it or crunch the numbers, it adds up to a disaster. That is why I introduced the American Liberty Restoration Act, which would repeal the individual mandate. It is why I, along with 42 colleagues, filed a friend-of-the-court brief with the Supreme Court explaining why it is unconstitutional.

Even though our nation's highest court is hearing arguments on the health law, it is important for Congress to act now to repeal it. Like legislators and justices, Utahns and other Americans take the Constitution seriously. They know this law is unconstitutional and has to go. I look forward to working with them and likeminded colleagues to show Obamacare the door.

This originally appeared as an op-ed on STGnews.com. -Team Hatch

Repeal Disastrous Health Care Law

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:21:00 GMT

President Barack Obama's unconstitutional $2.6 trillion health spending law turns two years old Friday. But the American people aren't up for celebrating.

Seventy-two percent of Americans, including 56 percent of Democrats, believe the law's mandate requiring Americans to buy insurance even if they don't want it is unconstitutional, according to a recent Gallup Poll.

Half of all Americans support repealing the law, according to a Rasmussen poll this week. Contrary to the Obama administration's wishful thinking, the more the American people learn about this law, the less they like it.

The public's disdain should come as no surprise. Efforts by the White House and its Capitol Hill allies to pass this law were an affront to our nation's system of government. Laws that affect one-sixth of the nation's economy should not be made behind closed doors, and certainly not on a purely partisan basis. Yet the president's health law passed with only Democratic support.

However, it is the substance of the law that is the most problematic. As the implementation of this monstrosity proceeds, we see that the president's promises to lower costs and allow Americans to keep the coverage they have were just talking points, designed to secure this unrealistic expansion of the federal government. The reality is that the president's signature domestic achievement massively expands entitlement spending, contributes to an already unsustainable debt, raises taxes on millions of families and businesses and puts Washington between patients and their doctors.

"If you like your health care plan," Obama promised, "you can keep your health plan." He further declared his plan would "slow the growth of health care costs for our families, our businesses and our government." But the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found that 20 million Americans could be pushed out of the insurance they now have if employers opt to drop their current health coverage and pay a penalty rather than pay increased health costs under the new law.

This erosion of America's private health insurance system, which now provides quality coverage of choice to more than 160 million Americans, will most likely push more people into government-run programs like Medicaid. This isn't the American way.

Medicaid was designed more than 45 years ago as a program for low-income Americans. It already faces major challenges, including crippling state budgets and often inadequate treatments.

Forcing more Americans onto Medicaid will most likely undermine the independence and health of the public while crowding out important state priorities like education and law enforcement.

The president also promised that the law would "bend the cost curve," and some Democrats asserted that it would decrease the nation's debt. If that sounds laughable, that's because it is. Health care costs are skyrocketing.

In fact, the president and congressional Democrats were only able to claim that the new law would not cost taxpayers extra money through dishonest accounting gimmicks. The reality is that it may well tack on an additional $701 billion to the deficit within the next decade alone. That's on top of the more than $15 trillion in debt that threatens our long-term fiscal stability.

The U.S. economy, its middle-class families and job creators are still trying to recover from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. The president actually admitted that raising taxes in this economic climate wouldn't be prudent. But the health law includes more than $500 billion in tax increases. Among the most egregious is a $60 billion tax hike on health insurance plans. This tax will be passed on to hardworking families and entrepreneurs who will likely pay $350 to $400 a year in higher premiums after being saddled with lower wages.

For the millions of Americans struggling to find work, the law's impact on job creation is bleak. There will be 800,000 fewer jobs in the private sector, according to the CBO, thanks to hidden tax hikes in the law.

Job creators are now being forced to navigate a web of bureaucratic red tape generated by the law. Federal mandates will impede their ability to hire new workers and also jeopardize their employees' choice of health insurance coverage. Compliance costs for employers' health plans are estimated to jump by as much as 5 percent, and only 30 percent of employers now exempt from the law's new mandates will be able to maintain those plans, according to a new study by the Willis Human Capital Practice. The only people likely to benefit from this regulatory explosion are the lawyers and lobbyists that businesses will be forced to pay to guide them through this mess.

As for senior citizens, the law takes $529 billion from the nearly bankrupt Medicare program and uses it to fund new entitlements. Its Independent Payment Advisory Board—an unelected, unaccountable board of bureaucrats—will be charged with rationing care and services—the only way to generate the savings the new health care entitlements require.

Promises made, promises broken—that's the disturbing story of the president's health law. The more we learn about it, the worse it gets. While the Supreme Court will soon examine the legislation's constitutionality, Congress must act to repeal this disastrous law and work toward real reform of our nation's health care system.

This originally appeared as an op-ed with Senator Mike Enzi in the Politico. -Team Hatch

The Real Facts About Senator Orrin Hatch's Conservative Record

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 04:58:00 GMT

Learn where Orrin Hatch really stands on the issues.

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