Sen. Orrin Hatch, who is retiring at the end of the year, was reportedly under consideration by President Donald Trump to be the next U.S. Ambassador to Australia. But, that change in latitude is not in the cards for Hatch.
The Australian Financial Review reported on Monday that Hatch, along with Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker, were under consideration by Trump to be the next Ambassador. In an email statement, Matt Whitlock, Hatch’s deputy chief of staff, tells UtahPolicy.com that a move down under is not going to happen.
“Senator Hatch has not had any conversations about an ambassadorship. After sprinting through the finish line this year he looks forward to a well-deserved retirement filled with early bird specials at all you can eat buffets and long walks through Costco.”
Hatch, 84, announced he would not be running for another term in the Senate this year in January. Former GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney and State Rep. Mike Kennedy will face off in a June primary election for the GOP nomination to replace Hatch. Jenny Wilson is the Democratic nominee in the U.S. Senate race.
Roll Call reports Sen. Corker had been approached by Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to become the Ambassador to Australia, but he felt it was not the right opportunity at this time.
