SQUARE PEG: Confessions of a Citizen Senator

Most Americans only know Senator Hatch, Republican of Utah, from his role in the infamous Clarence Thomas hearings or from his brief, quixotic run for president in 2000. But Hatch has long been one of the most powerful and least understood characters in Congress. He's a prolife politician who supports stem cell research; he's a good friend of Ted Kennedy but an ardent opponent of Bill Clinton. Hatch explores these apparent inconsistencies and raises a few more in this earnest and enjoyable memoir of his years in public life. Hatch was first elected to the Senate in 1976, on the strength of an endorsement from Republican juggernaut Ronald Reagan; just two years later, he outfoxed the legendary Robert Byrd to defeat a critical labor bill; throughout the 1980s, he worked as floor manager during the balanced-budget fights. Unfortunately, Hatch fails to turn maneuverings on the Senate floor into high drama. More compelling is his account of the Clarence Thomas–Anita Hill fiasco, when he worked mightily to confirm Thomas to the Supreme Court, and he devotes a hefty portion of the book to explaining why. This account may not change any minds about Thomas, but it may change some minds about Hatch, who argues that he didn't deserve the reputation he earned as a woman-hating inquisitor; despite popular belief, Hatch never directly asked Hill any questions. In the end, Hatch comes off as warmhearted, committed and self-effacing. Graced with observant quips ("Some politicians are like water—they always take the path of least resistance"), this book is a fine, though small, addition to legislative autobiography, one that should be popular in D.C. and with Hatch's Utah constituents. (Nov.)