This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Washington • Mitt Romney has asked Sen. Orrin Hatch to serve as a special policy adviser, providing input on economic issues and acting as a campaign surrogate as he tries to unseat President Barack Obama.

Hatch announced the new role Wednesday through his own re-election campaign. The six-term Republican from Utah has repeatedly touted Romney's endorsement in his race against former state Sen. Dan Liljenquist, who has tried to position himself as the more conservative challenger.

Romney has appeared in political mailers, radio spots and TV ads saying that he needs Hatch in the Senate and in charge of the Finance Committee, which oversees the tax code and major programs such as Medicare.

"I'm going to need his leadership in the Senate when we take back the White House," Romney said in the campaign statement.

Hatch, who like Romney is Mormon, touted the expected Republican nominee's business acumen.

"Mitt has the background, experience and the skills needed to turn our economy around," he said, "and I look forward to working with him to reverse President Obama's failed economic policies and get Americans back to work."