Several Republican senators are urging former Gov. Mitt Romney (R) to run for Utah's open Senate seat this year.
"Run Mitt, run," Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) told The Hill when asked about a Romney bid to fill the seat being vacated by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), the chamber's longest serving member.
Sen. Richard Shelby
Richard Craig ShelbyGOP moves to cut debate time for Trump nominees Overnight Finance: Trump floats entering Pacific trade pact he once called 'a disaster' | Senators worry over Mulvaney's power at consumer bureau | Battle for CFPB control heads to appeals court | House fails to pass balanced budget amendment Senators gripe over Mulvaney's power at consumer bureau MORE (R-Ala.) said Romney "would bring another strong dimension to the Senate and a lot of leadership qualities, so I hope he will run, I would encourage him to run."
Richard Craig ShelbyGOP moves to cut debate time for Trump nominees Overnight Finance: Trump floats entering Pacific trade pact he once called 'a disaster' | Senators worry over Mulvaney's power at consumer bureau | Battle for CFPB control heads to appeals court | House fails to pass balanced budget amendment Senators gripe over Mulvaney's power at consumer bureau MORE (R-Ala.) said Romney "would bring another strong dimension to the Senate and a lot of leadership qualities, so I hope he will run, I would encourage him to run."Asked if the former 2012 GOP presidential nominee would face hurdles in Utah's primary contest, including a possible challenge by Rep. Mia Love (R-Utah), Flake shook his head no.
"Mitt will run, I think, without real opposition," Flake said, adding that he met with Romney over the weekend and "I hope he runs."
Romney praised Hatch following his announcement that he would retire at the end of his current term. Hatch later said that Romney would have his support should he seek his seat.
