After considering a third run, Republican leader Mitt Romney on Friday announced his decision to opt out of the race of US presidential election in 2016, saying it’s time for the next generation of the party leaders to seek ticket to the White House.
Announcing his bid against the 2016 presidential run, Romney said, “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, however, not endorsed the names of any of the several potential Republican candidates for the presidential race who have expressed interest in running in 2016. He has released his donors, asking them to feel free for supporting other candidates.
“I believe that one of our next generation of Republican leaders, one who may not be as well-known as I am today, one who has not yet taken their message across the country, one who is just getting started, may well emerge as being better able to defeat the Democratic nominee. In fact, I expect and hope that to be the case,” the Republican leader said.
His surprising decision has greatly clarified a growing Republican field divide between the potential establishment candidates, such as former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and conservative voices represented by former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and Texas Senator Ted Cruz.
The political analysts said the major move will give a significant boost to the prospects of Jeb Bush, son and brother of former Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush respectively.
Sources say Romney has privately talked with his aides within the party about Bush’s winning fortunes against Democratic leader and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who has yet not officially declared her bid for presidential elections.
Other potential Republican candidates, including Florida Senator Marco Rubio, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, are likely to be benefitted with Romney’s decision as they will now enjoy a better financial assistance as well as media attention.
