Guest Opinion: Fare thee well, OGH
by Jared Whitley
Some staffers work for a member of Congress just to get ahead: some staffers may like them, some may even hate them. But Orrin Hatchâs staffers loved him. The spirit of comraderie and teamwork was unique, and as he told everyone when they left his office, âOnce a Hatch staffer, always a Hatch staffer.â
My favorite part of working for Sen. Orrin Hatch was when I got to spend, pardon the expression, âone-on-one time with dad.â (Of course, we referred to him by his initials OGH.) When I worked as his press assistant many years ago, I got that luxury whenever he had a particularly busy press schedule â like when there was a Supreme Court nominee or the week of the State of the Union.
The best times were when he had TV interviews in the rotunda of the Senate Russell Building. Whether he felt like a long walk, or a shorter trip in the Senate railcar, having the chance to spend that extra time with him was golden. Listening to his stories, his insights on the news of the day, or his advice on life was invaluable for a young man whoâd been blessed with an opportunity to work in his office after just a few years a cub newspaper reporter back in Utah.
Easily the most memorable of these episodes came in early 2008, the day after LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley had died. I had written up a brief, glowing floor speech for Hatch, printed it out on the really good paper, and hurried with him to the Senate to watch him on the Senate floor. This was the only time I got to staff him in the actual historic chamber you seen on C-SPAN.
But when we got there, all ready to go, he turned to me and said, âJared, youâve written a wonderful speech here, but I think Iâm just going to speak from the heart.â
Which of course, was his prerogative. The staffers work for the member, not the other way around.
The news that Hatch had himself passed over the weekend reminded me of this episode, and all the staffers who would accompany Senators and Representatives to the floor to eulogize him this week. I imagine the praise will be overwhelming, and the current rancor of the city will take a respite with fond tales of his many years of service, friendship, and patriotism.
Hatch never said anything bad about other members of Congress. He never talked down to any of his staff; indeed, the lower down you were on the totem pole in the office, the kinder he was to you. When I saw an opening for a committee press job that would have been a step up, I asked a colleague if I should apply for it. She responded, âYou work for the nicest man on Capitol Hill â why would you leave that?â
So I stayed. Of course, eventually I had to move on â because I canât have spent my whole career as a lowly press assistant, even in such a great environment: I had to move on for myself while clearing the way for others. And some day when someone is giving a eulogy about me, they will doubtless mention what a turning point it was to for my life to work for Utahâs longest-serving leader.
Because once a Hatch staffer, always a Hatch staffer.
News Releases
Senator Orrin G. Hatch passes away at age 88
The Hatch Foundation sadly announces the passing of Senator Orrin G. Hatch.
Upon the Senatorâs passing, the Hatch Foundation issued the following statements:
âSenator Orrin G. Hatch personified the American Dream,â said Matt Sandgren, Executive Director of the Hatch Foundation. âBorn the son of a carpenter and plaster lather, he overcame the poverty of his youth to become a United States Senator. With the hardships of his upbringing always fresh in his mind, he made it his lifeâs mission to expand freedom and opportunity for othersâand the results speak for themselves. From tax and trade to religious liberty and healthcare, few legislators have had a greater impact on American life than Orrin Hatch. He was a profoundly positive influence in the lives of those he served, whether they were the constituents he helped over four decades of casework, the hundreds of interns he sponsored in both Utah and DC, or the robust network of Hatch staffers who carry on his legacy to this day. Senator Hatch touched the hearts of countless individuals, and I know I speak for all of them when I say he will be dearly missed.â (Read More)
President Stuart Adamsâ statement on the passing of former Sen. Hatch
Sen. Orrin Hatch was a titan for Utah and our country. I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. He valued building consensus over political combat, devoting time and energy to work together to provide answers that would better our state. Sen. Hatch played an indispensable role in passing some of the most significant bipartisan achievements in recent history and was a passionate defender of religious liberty. He has done immeasurable good for our state and lived an amazing life. Today Utah lost an exemplary leader. My prayers are with his family during this time of grieving.
Scott Howell on the passing of Senator Orrin Hatch
Having run against Orrin Hatch twice for the U.S. Senate, I always appreciated the candor and respect we had for each other. Orrin was a tough competitor and a very talented politician. My deepest condolences to his wonderful wife Elaine and family at this very tender time.
Rest In Peace Senator.
United Utah Party on the passing of Senator Orrin Hatch
Former Senator Orrin Hatch has passed away at the age of 88. The United Utah Party appreciates his long career of civic service. âSenator Hatch was a wonderful example of dedicated service to his state and nation,â says Hillary Stirling, United Utah Party Chair.
âSenator Hatchâs career was marked by dedication and commitment to his values,â Stirling said. Senator Hatch was the longest-serving Republican in Senate history until his retirement in 2019. He was staunchly committed to his principles but was willing to reach across the aisle to pass key legislation." (Read More)
SL Chamber statement on the passing of Senator Orrin Hatch
Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber, issued the following statement regarding the passing of Senator Orrin G. Hatch: âUtah has lost a dedicated leader and champion. Senator Hatchâs legacy and leadership will have a lasting impact for decades to come. He was a true partner to Utahâs business community, championing legislation that supported businesses large and small, favored international trade efforts, and advocated for pro-growth policies, ultimately strengthening our economyâs long-term prosperity. Senator Hatch led by example, using âThe Utah Wayâ and finding ways to collaborate with all people. For over four decades, he was a devoted steward of the state, and we are grateful for his service. Senator Hatch will not only be remembered as a Giant in our City, but as a Giant in our state and nation.â
In 2018, Senator Orrin G. Hatch was awarded the Salt Lake Chamber âGiant in Our Cityâ award, for his exceptional and distinguished public service and extraordinary professional achievement.
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