FreedomWorks is Wrong to Target Orrin Hatch

According to an exclusive from The Daily Caller FreedomWorks first target in 2012 is Utah Senator Orrin Hatch.  FreedomWorks, is chaired by former House Majority Leader Dick Armey, and the PAC associated with the Tea Party group will unveil the "Retire Orrin Hatch" Campaign at the Utah Republican Convention on Saturday. 

FreedomWorks is misguided in its attempt to "Primary" the 34 year veteran of the United States Senate.

Does Hatch have blemishes on his three-and-a-half decade old political career?  Yes and who wouldn't in that length of time?  The list of grievances in Hatch's career as cited by the article include voting to raise the debt ceiling 16 times, his vote in favor of the Toxic Asset Relief Program (TARP), and his vote against a ban on earmarks.

These should be seen as strikes against his record from the point of view of the Tea Party/Conservative organization.  However, FreedomWorks is trying to remove a long-standing ally of a Balanced Budget Amendment to the United States Constitution and a long-standing conservative.

I sat in the audience of the 2011 Conservative Political Action Conference while Hatch defended his record in a manner I deemed as acceptable.  He defended his record with such vigor that it should have swayed the audience in his favor.  However, it appeared the audience did not attend the panel with the open mind I would have expected.

During his time in the United States Senate Hatch has sponsored or co-sponsored a Balanced Budget Amendment 17 times, he voted against the health-care legislation of 2009, he is a constant defender of the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, has stood up for religious freedom, and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has credited Hatch with his appointment.

Hatch has worked on a conservative record that should earn him high enough marks to avoid this kind of challenge on his political career. 

I understand the Tea Party movement has a great success in Utah in 2010 with the election of Senator Mike Lee.  Lee had tremendous ground support and a popular conservative upswing behind him.  2012 will be a close general election.  President Obama despite slower than expected economic growth, still polls well against Republican foes.  A general election, with more voters coming out, and control of the US Senate on the line we have to go with the proven element. 

I for one support Orrin Hatch and his overall record.  A few blemishes will not ruin a record for me.