Mitt Romney Tells Supporters Says He Will Not Run for President in 2016

Mitt Romney decides against running for president again in 2016 …

Mitt Romney, the GOP presidential candidate who lost the 2012 presidential election, told supporters today that he will not run again for president in 2016. Romney stated, “I am convinced that we could win the nomination, but fully realize it would have been difficult test and a hard fight.” Not sure if I am buying that, because if one is convinced they would win, they would pursue the effort. In the end, as much as Romney wanted to be president, I think he feels that his presence will only prevent a better candidate from getting the nomination who has a better shot of winning the general election in 2016.

Mitt Romney told supporters Friday that he would not run for president in 2016, ending three weeks of public speculation and sparing the Republican Party a potentially bruising nominating battle between its past nominee and its rising stars.

“After putting considerable thought into making another run for president, I’ve decided it is best to give other leaders in the party the opportunity to become our next nominee,” Romney said in a statement he read to supporters on a conference call Friday morning.

In his remarks, first reported by radio host Hugh Hewitt, Romney said that he had enough support from potential donors to be “more than competitive” and that the positive reaction he heard from Republican activists was “surprising and heartening.” He noted that he had been leading in recent public polls.

Part of me says, of course an individual who already ran for president and lost in the general election against a weak opponent like Barack Obama should never run again. Then there is the other side of me that wishes Romney would run to split the fundraising, support and vote with GOP presidential wannbe RINO Jeb Bush.

Hugh Hewitt – Not Running. “I’ve decided it is best to give other leaders in the Party the opportunity to become our next nominee.”

Let me begin by letting you know who else is on this call, besides Ann and me. There are a large number of people who signed on to be leaders of our 2016 finance effort. In addition, state political leadership from several of the early primary states are on the line. And here in New York City, and on the phone, are people who have been helping me think through how to build a new team, as well as supporters from the past who have all been kind enough to volunteer their time during this deliberation stage. Welcome, and thank you. Your loyalty and friendship, and your desire to see the country with new, competent and conservative leadership warms my heart.

After putting considerable thought into making another run for president, I’ve decided it is best to give other leaders in the Party the opportunity to become our next nominee. (read the rest HERE)

In a copy of Mitt Romney’s expected remarks to supporters, and confirmed by an aide to the former Bay State governor:

“After putting considerable thought into making another run for president, I’ve decided it is best to give other leaders in the Party the opportunity to become our next nominee,” Romney’s statement reads. “… You can’t imagine how hard it is for (my wife) Ann and me to step aside, especially knowing of your support and the support of so many people across the country. But we believe it is for the best of the Party and the nation.”