Orrin Hatch, the Longest Serving Republican in Senate History, Will Retire in 2018
Photo by George Frey/Getty Politics News Orrin Hatch
Orrin Hatch won his first election to Congress in 1976, defeating three term incumbent Frank Moss. He famously said “What do you call a Senator who’s served in office for 18 years? You call him home.”
Forty two years later, Hatch decided it was his time to go home.
An announcement from Senator Orrin G. Hatch. #utpolpic.twitter.com/UeItaLjR3j
— Senator Hatch Office (@senorrinhatch) January 2, 2018
Hatch will still serve in the Senate this year, and will retire when his term is up at the end of this year. As far as who will replace him, well, the internet has some jokes regarding another famous politician from Utah.
We ride at dawn, Rafalca pic.twitter.com/GmvDTie0Dz
— Lachlan Markay (@lachlan) January 2, 2018
sen. romney to ronna mcdaniel pic.twitter.com/0vkmwC0JCx
— Ruthless T. Firefly (@BecketAdams) January 2, 2018
— Free Beacon (@FreeBeacon) January 2, 2018
— Simon Maloy (@SimonMaloy) January 2, 2018
— Scott Lincicome (@scottlincicome) January 2, 2018
As far as whether Senator Mitt Romney has any basis in reality, a lifelong reporter and current MSNBC correspondent is reporting that it is a real possibility.
Romney has sky-high popularity in Utah, held over from his 2012 run and from rescuing SLC Olympics in 2002. He’ll be extremely well-funded. Would be VERY tough/suicidal for a Bannonite to challenge in primary.
— Garrett Haake (@GarrettHaake) January 2, 2018
Jacob Weindling is a staff writer for Paste politics. Follow him on Twitter at @Jakeweindling.