[neverdem]

I wouldn't call him a RINO. Apparently, he wants to maintain the fiction that the senate can work in a bi-partisan, honorable fashion. I don't know why he wants to play goodie two shoes, when the rats are playing hardball.

Most senators do try to maintain a more centrist image because statewide races are tough to win for hardcore ideologues. Look at Schumer trying to pass himself off as "mainstream".

Hatch went to the Senate in 1976. He turns 70 in March, and he's up for re-election in 2006, if he doesn't retire.

[Utah Girl]

Apparently, he wants to maintain the fiction that the senate can work in a bi-partisan, honorable fashion. I don't know why he wants to play goodie two shoes, when the rats are playing hardball.

Well said. I keep hoping that Chris Cannon will run for the Senate in 2006. I've said as much to his office, but I think Hatch will have to retire. Orrin Hatch is very fair, and thinks that if he treats others fairly, they will return the favor. Sigh. Unfortunately, it isn't true in the Senate most of the time.