GOP Sen. Hatch: Health law a 'dumb-ass program,' 'an awful piece of crap'

WASHINGTON – Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) unleashed a string of obscenities when discussing the sweeping health care law in a recent speech.

"Every state has different demographics, every state has different problems," Hatch said, according to The Utah Statesman. "It's good to allow them to work out their own problems rather than a one-size-fits-all federal government dumb-ass program. It really is an awful piece of crap."

The paper reported that "Hatch apologized for swearing and said he does not swear often," adding that he "said he is passionate about the health care debate and would repent for using the words that he did."

The Utah Republican has served in the Senate since 1977, and is currently his state's senior senator. He's the top Republican on the judiciary committee, and formerly chaired the labor and human resources committee.

Hatch is up for re-election in 2012, and may face a tea party primary challenge. The state's newly-elected GOP Sen. Mike Lee, a tea party favorite, said he won't support Hatch in 2012.

"Anybody who wants to can run against me, that's their right, but all I can say is I intend to win," Hatch said.