To the editor:
I was very surprised and somewhat dismayed by the Lee Davidson article appearing in your Jan. 12 edition titled "Utah delegates batting .143 in having their bills passed." For the most part, Mr. Davidson does a thorough and objective job. Unfortunately, this article doesn't tell the whole story on Sen. Hatch's accomplishments.The article leaves the reader with the impression that a member of Congress' effectiveness should be judged by the number of bills he or she has passed. This oversimplification has caused, in large measure, the huge rift between reality and perception as to what elected officials are really doing.
Limiting the analysis to original bills ignores the realities of Congress. Much of the legislation that passes the Senate starts as an amendment to another bill. When successful amendments are also considered, Senator Hatch's "batting average" jumps from .067, as your article reported, to .236.
Not considered in your article are the many other legislative activities in which members of our Utah congressional delegation are engaged. For example, no mention is made of successful efforts to defeat bills that would be harmful to Utah or of the work of managing bills up for consideration on the floor of the Senate or House.
Mr. Davidson's article leaves a misleading impression. I see Sen. Hatch on a daily basis working for the citizens of Utah. In my opinion, there is not a more effective senator.
Evan M. Liddiard
Legislative director to Sen. Orrin Hatch