I recently had the great honor of serving as Sen. Orrin Hatch's New York State chairman in his presidential campaign. Now that the senator has withdrawn his candidacy and focuses once again on serving the people of Utah, I hope that the citizens of that great state will stand up for the man who was stood up for them so many times.
While I knew Sen. Hatch's campaign was a long shot, I knew that he had the right experience to do what's best for all Americans. He has stood up for religious freedom and for better insurance for our downtrodden and disabled.He has fought for the sanctity of life and has taken on a judiciary that grows increasingly removed from all of us with each passing day. He has been a great senator, working with people from all walks of life and all political persuasions in maintaining a true government of the people.
The words of praise that Sen. Eugene McCarthy leveled on Adlai Stevenson at the 1960 Democratic National Convention can be applied here: "Do not turn your back on this great man. Do not leave this prophet without honor in his own country."
We need more leaders like Sen. Orrin Hatch and I hope that Utah grants this great American six more years in the Senate. He is a wonderful man and a devout public servant who serves Utah, and all of us Americans, with the utmost honor.
Kevin M. Derby
New York, N.Y.