Mitt Romney is one step closer to replacing Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, after prospective rival Boyd Matheson announced Monday that he will not run for Senate.
"I have decided that I will not seek a seat in the United States Senate," Matheson, former chief of staff to Utah Sen. Mike Lee and current president of the Sutherland Institute, said in a video released Monday.
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"Instead, I will focus my effort and attention on the desperate need in the nation for strengthening and building leaders while advancing real dialogue about the principles and policies that will create a better tomorrow for America."
Although Hatch has yet to announce plans to retire, multiple reports have emerged that he plans to do so. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is one of the most prominent names floated to replace him, along with Reps. Chris Stewart and Mia Love and Republican National Committee member Thomas Wright.
The former GOP presidential nominee moved to Utah in 2013, and has recently stepped up his fundraising activity for Republicans in the state.
"I don't think anybody would beat Mitt Romney if he decided to do it," former Utah GOP Rep. Jason Chaffetz told Politico.
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