The Hill News

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, might seem a likely contender for one of the three slots for Republican senators on the deficit-reduction committee.

But on Wednesday the senator made clear he would not want to serve on the panel even if he were asked.

“I don’t particularly want to be on the committee,” Hatch said, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. “I don’t expect to be on it because tax revenues are going to be in play, and I can’t vote for increased taxes.”

Hatch expressed concern about the results of the bicameral committee established by the plan before it became law, warning that Democrats would seek to use the committee as an opportunity to raise taxes.

Another rea! son Hatch might not want to throw his hat into the ring is because he is likely facing a tough reelection campaign next year, with a possible Tea Party challenger. The members of the "supercommittee" are likely taking on an unpopular challenge putting together a $1.5 trillion deficit-reduction package that Congress will vote on by Christmas.

Read more...