June 22, 1999
WASHINGTON (AP) _ Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch has told supporters he intends to run for the White House despite Texas Gov. George Bush's standing as a prohibitive front-runner for the GOP nomination, a Republican official said Tuesday.
This official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Hatch declared his intentions at a meeting of supporters Friday night in Salt Lake City.
"He said he's running," said the official, who added that Hatch conceded Bush's status in the race and said his hope was to be an alternative should the Texas governor stumble.
Hatch press secretary Paul Smith said the senator will formally make an announcement in the next week. Hatch has acknowledged he's "the longest of the long shots" but could rise in the crowded GOP field if Bush stumbles.
The developments came as Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott lamented the prospect of having three Republican senators seeking their party's presidential nomination.
"I'd like for them to, frankly, to stay here and work on the Senate legislation rather than be out running around the country campaigning," Lott, R-Miss., told reporters Tuesday.
Two other Republican senators _ John McCain of Arizona and Bob Smith of New Hampshire _ already are among the crowded field seeking their party's presidential nomination.
Lott said he wished Hatch well.
Noting that Hatch "is a key player here on a number of bills," Lott predicted that the Utah senator will have a tough job keeping up with his legislative responsibilities while campaigning.
"But that's his call and that's their call and they've got to make that decision and I'm not being critical of any of them," Lott said.
Hatch received more supportive words from his fellow Republican Utah senator, Bob Bennett. "I find him to be tremendously attractive," he said.
Bennett was blocked from reaching his Capitol hideaway office by the mob of journalists and tourists waiting to see Bush enter the nearby Foreign Relations room, where he was to meet with senators.
"I guess everyone wants to see the man they think's going to be the next president of the United States," Bennett said.
"I'm not saying there's not going to be a coronation, I'm just not lined up for it yet," Bennett said.
To that end, Bennett will be "assisting" Elizabeth Dole in her exploratory committee. And as for Bush, "I would have no problem at all with him as the nominee and the next president," Bennett said.
