Hatch Doesn’t Want To Be Held Accountable

Utah’s U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch has told Utah’s lawmakers that there is no need to hold him accountable to them.

“I don’t think we need legislation, to be frank with you. I think we can work this out together,” Hatch told the state Senate. “We respect you. We know you have a tough job.”

The intent of the bill revolves around states’ rights, requiring more accountability. SB156, sponsored by Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, is intended to have a more formal process between Utah’s legislature and U.S. Senators, including allowing Utah lawmakers to give direction to them and request reports. The bill has been amended since its introdution to include an interim study on the issue of whether lawmakers should have a role in choosing their political parties’ nominees.

Elected officials do need to be formally held accountable. Requiring U.S. Senators to take direction from the states they represent and to submit reports as requested is not an outrageous idea. It makes sense and is a good example of how all elected officials must be held accountable – from the people up.