US Sen. Hatch, GOP challengers hold first debate

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Increasing federal debt and growing entitlement programs were the main topics debated Wednesday night in Draper as U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch faced off against two key opponents.

The three candidates also traded barbs over the importance of the seniority and experience that Hatch has made a cornerstone of his campaign, which he has also said would be his last.

With less than three weeks until Utah Republicans choose their candidate, the debate is the best opportunity for the two challengers - former state Sen. Dan Liljenquist (lihl-IHN'-kwihst) and state Rep. Chris Herrod - to sway delegates in their favor.

Liljenquist took the first direct shot Wednesday asking Hatch how his seniority on the powerful Senate Finance Committee would make a difference since Hatch has already been on the committee for 18 years.

Hatch said the difference would come down to two things: Republicans controlling the Senate and Mitt Romney winning the White House.

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