Poll Shows Romney Taking 64% of Vote
Republican Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah, the longest serving GOP senator in history, reportedly will retire at the end of his term and not seek re-election next year. Former two-time Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts governor, Republican Mitt Romney, intends to run for the seat, according to a just-published report in The Atlantic.
The report states “Hatch has privately told allies in Utah” of his plans to retire, and that Romney intends to run. The Atlantic cites five sources for its reporting.
Sources close to both men said plans have already been set in motion for Hatch to retire and for Romney to run, but they cautioned that the timing of the announcements have not yet been finalized, and that either man could still change his mind. They spoke on condition of anonymity, because the plans are not yet public, and the subject is sensitive to Hatch. Already, though, the expected developments are reshaping the state’s political landscape.
The news has been rumored for some time, with stories stating Hatch did not want to retire unless Romney would try to take the seat. NCRM ran a similar story last month, based on a report from Utah Policy, which showed Romney taking 64% of the vote.
Hatch’s spokesperson denies the report.
If Hatch decides to retire he might feel more comfortable in joining GOP Senators Corker, McCain, and Flake who have publicly voiced concern over Donald Trump.
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