Orrin Hatch Backed By Mitt Romney In Radio Ad

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is appearing in a radio ad supporting Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) that launched Friday.

"We need strong leadership in Congress to help fix the economy," says Romney. "Sen. Orrin Hatch will lead the powerful Finance Committee, which will be critical to lowering taxes, balancing the budget and repealing the federal government takeover of health care." Hatch is next in line to be Senate Finance Committee chairman should Republicans retake the Senate.

The ad is part of an effort by Hatch to secure delegates at the state party's caucuses on March 15th. To be on the primary ballot, Hatch must finish first or second in a vote of convention delegates and hold the first-place finisher to less than 60 percent of the vote.

Former Sen. Bob Bennett (R-Utah) finished third in the 2010 caucuses, ending his political career. Hatch's campaign has been working to avoid the same fate.

"This is Mitt Romney. On March 15th, please attend your caucuses to keep Orrin fighting for Utah" closes the former Massachusetts governor, who endorsed Hatch in September.