Members from surrounding clubs also were invited to hear Hatch speak about energy challenges facing America, his devotion to the Republican party and the tight race Democrats are running.
Hatch began the afternoon with his own history and dedication to Utah. He talked about his ancestors founding various areas of the state, then turned the time over to Rotarians for questions.
He and other senators have been working to not lose the Republican seats that are at risk during this fallís general election. ìIf we lose five or six of them, weíre going to see a totally different country than we have now,î said Hatch.
He told Rotarians that the United States is currently spending billions of dollars to buy fuel, paying people he says donít really even like us at all. ìWe have the ability to fix a lot of these problems ourselves.î
During President Clintonís time in office, Hatch approached him with the idea of developing oil shale in Utah, Colorado and Wyoming. He was told then that it would take 10-20 years to develop. Hatch said if Clinton had approved that development, we could be seeing the results today.
ìThere are three trillion barrels of oil out here, with between 800 billion and two trillion that are recoverable,î said Hatch. He said he keeps being told development will take 10-20 years.
He talked about various people and organizations in the country who are currently developing solar, wind and nuclear power. But he said that those resources are currently too expensive for the average American family to get their hands on.
ìWe could solve a lot of these problems if we didnít have the far left in control, and they are in control,î he said.
For the upcoming election, he said he personally liked Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), but sees him as one of the most liberal in Congress. Hatch knows John McCain and said he can lead the country. However, he also said, ìIn my 32 years in the Senate, there has not been one day when the fiscal empire hasnít been in control,î meaning that Democrats and less conservative members of Congress have prevented needed reforms.
Hatch addressed questions from Rotarians about President Bush and what they called his lack of communication with the American people. Hatch agreed that in large crowds, Bush has a hard time communicating. ìBut, as the longest-serving on the committee of intelligence, if you knew what I know, youíd come to the knowledge that Bush is a much better president than the media will ever report.î
He then said that McCain is an excellent communicator and knows what he is talking about, but admitted anyone over the age of 70 can ìhave an occasional senior moment.î He also said, ìI think most people will say Iím fair to my Democratic friends.î
He ended with the promise to Rotarians that, ìAs long as Iím there, Iíll give it everything Iíve got.î
sroberts@davisclipper.com
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