Republicans lauded Mitt Romney on Friday after the former presidential candidate canceled his prospective 2016 run.
After much speculation that the 2012 nominee would run for the GOP ticket in 2016, Romney decided against doing so.
“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 Democrat nominee,” Romney said late Friday morning. “In fact, I expect and hope that to be the case.”
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who announced in December he would be launching an exploratory committee, wished Romney well after his announcement.
“Though I’m sure today’s decision was not easy, I know that Mitt Romney will never stop advocating for renewing America’s promise […] and I join many in hoping his days of serving our nation and our party are not over,” the 61-year-old said in a Facebook post.
Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul played nice with Romney via Twitter.
“My family & I wish Mitt & Ann the best. We have gotten to know them over the last few years & deeply respect their family & Mitt’s service. I hope to work together with Mitt to grow our party and lead our country forward,” he said.
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, another potential 2016 candidate, said, “He certainly earned the right to consider running, so I deeply respect his decision to give the next generation a chance to lead. I wish him, Ann and his entire family the best and hope he will continue to serve our country and his community as he’s done throughout his life.”
Mike Huckabee, who ran against Romney for the 2008 ticket and is gearing up for another bid, thanked Romney on social media.
“I wanted to take a moment to thank Mitt Romney for his leadership these last years. I understand and respect his decision not to run for President. I wish Mitt and Ann nothing but the best and I am certain they will enjoy their time with family! God bless,” Huckabee said on Facebook.
Huckabee, who recently ended his show with Fox News to prepare for a possible 2016 run, is expected to make a decision in the coming months.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has remained mum so far on Romney’s decision not to run.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker said his camp would be putting a statement out, according to ABC journalist Ali Weinberg.
One prominent 88-year-old Democrat paid Romney a left-handed tribute. Former Rep. John Dingell of Michigan, who sat for the longest consecutive term in congressional history, tweeted, “Congratulations to Mitt Romney for finally saying something the American people want to hear.”
Congratulations to Mitt Romney for finally saying something the American people want to hear.
— John Dingell (@JohnDingell) January 30, 2015
Dingell succeeded his father in the House in 1955 and went on to represent parts of Detroit and its western suburbs for nearly 60 years, as the Motor City declined from a center of world manufacturing to a bankrupt municipality with a shrinking population. Earlier this year, he was succeeded in office by his wife, Debbie Dingell.
