On Tuesday, February 6, 2007, U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch spoke at The Lincoln Institute Breakfast Forum at the University Club in Washington, D.C.

Since his election in 1976, Orrin Hatch has been a champion for conservative values in the U.S. Senate.  Senator Hatch has served as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee (and serves as the Ranking Republican today), where he has played a key role in the fight for conservative judges – especially Lincoln Institute friend Clarence Thomas – and other crucial issues.

What you may not know is, Senator Hatch also played a key role in the birth of the Lincoln Institute.  Lincoln Institute President Jay Parker reminisces about this role:

In 1977, Walter Williams was a young economist teaching at Temple University in my hometown of Philadelphia, and I offered to introduce him to leading conservatives in Washington, D.C. After a few appointments, I realized it’d be much easier and faster to host a dinner party for Walter in my home and invite conservative leaders, rather than meeting with them one at a time. Senator Hatch and his wife, Elaine, attended that reception, along with the late Senator S. I. Hayakawa.

Senator Hatch was so impressed with Walter that, as he was leaving, he suggested I start an organization to spread the conservative message in the black community and serve as a resource and gathering place for black conservatives. Shortly thereafter (in 1978), The Lincoln Institute for Research and Education was born. 

Pictures of the February 2007 Lincoln Institute
Breakfast Forum Featuring U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch