Former Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch dies at 88 – East Idaho News

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Orrin G. Hatch, who grew to become the longest-serving Republican senator in historical past as he represented Utah for greater than 4 many years, died Saturday at age 88.

His demise was introduced in an announcement from his basis, which didn’t specify a trigger. He launched the Hatch Basis as he retired in 2019 and was changed by Mitt Romney.

A conservative on most financial and social points, he nonetheless teamed with Democrats a number of instances throughout his lengthy profession on points starting from stem cell analysis to rights for individuals with disabilities to increasing kids’s medical health insurance. He additionally fashioned friendships throughout the aisle, significantly with the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.

He additionally championed GOP points like abortion limits and helped form the U.S. Supreme Court docket, together with defending Clarence Thomas towards sexual harassment allegations throughout affirmation hearings.

Towards the top of his profession, he additionally helped move a federal tax overhaul and pushed for President Donald Trump to downsize two nationwide monuments in Utah as he known as for a return to an period of political civility. He grew to become an ally of Trump.

He was additionally famous for his aspect profession as a singer and recording artist of music with themes of his spiritual religion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He’s survived by his spouse, Elaine, and their six kids.