The question on everybody’s mind is when Mitt Romney will announce his candidacy for U.S. Senate.
Following a speech in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Romney refused to acknowledge multiple reports that he’s preparing to run for the U.S. Senate seat that will be open following Sen. Orrin Hatch’s retirement.
But, a source close to Romney says any potential official acknowledgment that he’s running will not come in a traditional way.
“I wouldn’t focus on a possible announcement necessarily being a ‘speech’ in the traditional sense,” UtahPolicy.com is told.
So, what does that mean?
While we haven’t been given any specifics, it’s not a stretch to think that Romney’s team might post a video on social media, or it could come during an interview (the most likely venue would be a Sunday news show). Or, Romney could just call up a local Utah reporter and tell them (hint, hint).
As for the timing of the announcement? Well, that’s still up for speculation. Many thought he might do it today during his address in Salt Lake City. Others suspect he might end the speculation later this week when he appears at a tech summit in Salt Lake City. Given the clue to not focus on a “traditional” speech, that seems unlikely.
The political rumor mill is running wild with speculation that it might come next week, but I’ve been told that seems less than likely, although the timing could change.
Romney’s interest and plan to run for Hatch’s seat is the worst-kept secret in Utah politics. Heck, we’ve been reporting about it since May. While it doesn’t make much sense for him to wait for strategic reasons, I’m sure Romney has his reasons for waiting.
Soon enough, we’ll know either way, then that news will be swallowed by the ever-churning news cycle.
In the meantime, Mitt, I know you have my number. Let’s chat.
