Posted on 01/02/2018 2:09:34 PM PST by Kaslin
Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) is not running for re-election, an announcement which immediately renewed rumors that former presidential candidate and Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney will run for the open seat. His path would be pretty crystal clear, it seems.
Mr. Hatch’s decision clears the way for the political resurrection of Mr. Romney, the former Massachusetts governor and 2012 Republican presidential nominee who is now a Utah resident and is popular in the Mormon-heavy state. Mr. Romney has told associates he would likely run if Mr. Hatch retires.“It would be difficult to defeat Mitt Romney if he were running here,” said David Hansen, a longtime Utah Republican strategist and chairman of Mr. Hatch’s political organization. (The New York Times)
Hatch, 83, is the longest serving Senate Republican, having served seven terms. He reportedly decided to retire after speaking with his family and praying during the holiday break.
"Every good fighter knows when to hang up the gloves," Hatch said in a video message released on Tuesday.
Hatch reflected on his proudest achievements, particularly his part in the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which protects the religious liberty of all Americans, he explained.
President Trump, who last month traveled with Hatch to Utah to shrink two of the state's national monuments, said at the time he hoped the senator would “continue to serve" his state and country in the Senate "for a very long time to come.”
Hatch said he was "grateful" to have served, but is looking forward to spending more time with his family.
Again?
He’s been “not running” all damned day.
I do hope that there is someone who can primary him but I doubt it.
Senator Milt Romley. Meh.
DEFEAT SCUM WILLARD !
Either Jason Chaffetz or Mia Love could walk into that seat in Utah, who needs or wants Romney?
I sure hope Gov. Romney does not get into office.
He not only ‘threw’ the election by not raising his opponent’s most serious issues,
but
his behavior since losing the primary this last time... has been, imho, disgusting.
I predict that the R’s will lose that seat if Romney gets the nomination, and that even if he were to win he would continue to be a loser for the R party and the conservative cause (think....if you can without throwing up....another McShame?)
CERTAINLY the good people of Utah can come up with someone, anyone...better than Romney! (~~~!!!)
Let us not forget the good people of Utah elected Senator Mike Lee. There are only two in Congress who receive 100% conservative scores from Heritage Action and Mike Lee is one of the two.
http://www.heritageactionscorecard.com/members
This garbage about Romney being the next Utah Senator is just garbage.
Remember back to 2015 when the media and the Elite Republicans kept telling us JEB Bush was going to be the Republican candidate.
Well it’s purely speculation right now. Nevertheless should he decide to run it’s entirely up to the voters of Utah if the want him or not.
Sorry, you have no say in this. (Neither do I)
Sorry, you have no say in this. (Neither do I)
Sorry, you have no say in this. (Neither do I)
It’s up to them if the want him or not.
Another g-d rino uniparty sits the hell down.
Good. For 50 years he effed up the country.
Trouble is Mitt will be tough to beat in Utah.
Isn’t Romney carpetbagging from Michigan?
Isn’t Romney carpetbagging from Michigan? Or is it Massechusets?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.