Even though there’s lots of speculation Sen. Orrin Hatch may not run for another term in 2018, he’s still pulling in tons of campaign cash.
Politico reports that Hatch raised about $1 million in the last quarter, which gives him $4.1 million in his campaign account. That’s a lot of money for someone who may be considering hanging it up after his current term.
Orrin Hatch turned 83 earlier this year and still has not made a final decision on whether to run for his 8th Senate term. But the Utah Republican is still raising money in case he does and still has an imposing war chest that could scare off any Republicans still eyeing his seat (Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman Jr. have been discussed as potential successors). Hatch raised $1 million in the second quarter and has $4.1 million on hand, according to numbers first provided to POLITICO. He raised about $1.5 million in the first quarter. The Senate Finance chairman seems unlikely to make a final decision until the GOP’s agenda shakes out further.
Several sources have told UtahPolicy.com Hatch is unlikely to run for another term and could announce his intention to retire this summer or early fall. If that happens, sources indicate that 2012 GOP nominee Mitt Romney is highly interested in replacing Hatch in Washington.
