Bill Orton

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William (Bill) Orton (born September 22, 1948) is a U.S. Democratic Party politician. He was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Utah from 1991 to 1997.

Born in Ogden, Utah, Orton is a devout Mormon. He attended Brigham Young University, from which he earned his undergraduate degree and his Juris Doctor. In 1966, he was hired by the Internal Revenue Service, and in 1979, he returned to Utah to set up a private law practice.

In 1990, Orton successfully won election to Congress in his first try for political office, defeating Republican Karl Snow. While in the House, Orton served at various times on the Banking, Budget, Small Business, and Foreign Affairs Commitees. In 1996, Orton was very narrowly defeated by Republican Chris Cannon during his bid for a fourth term. He left Congress as his third term expired in January 1997.

Following his departure from Congress, Orton resumed the practice of law and was a member of the legal counsel of the plantiff in Idaho Potato Growers v. Ruben, the case that declared the line-item veto unconstitutional. He also joined Advantage Associates, a consulting firm made up of former politicians. In 2000, Orton unsuccessfully challenged incumbent Michael Leavitt for the governorship.

Preceded by Howard C. Nielson

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Utah's 3rd congressional district 1991—1997

Succeeded by Chris Cannon